What is ActivTrades？

Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a brokerage firm, headquartered in London, with offices in Milan, Nassau, and Sofia. It initially focused on the forex business and then gradually expanded its product ranges, providing trading conditions and service support for clients in more than 140 countries. The company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies.

ActivTrades also provides its clients with a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, as well as its proprietary platform, ActivTrader. The broker aims to provide its clients with a safe and transparent trading environment, offering segregated accounts, negative balance protection, and a range of educational resources.

Pros & Cons

ActivTrades offers a good range of trading instruments, is regulated by a reputable financial authority, and offers various account types with negative balance protection and segregated accounts.

However, some clients have reported issues with trading platform stability.

ActivTrades Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to ActivTrades depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Darwinex - a regulated broker that offers unique social trading features, with a focus on transparency and competitive pricing.

• Dukascopy - a Swiss-based broker that provides excellent trading technology, including a proprietary trading platform, but it has high account minimums and limited product offerings.

• Hantec Markets - a UK-based broker that offers a user-friendly trading platform and competitive pricing, but its educational resources are limited compared to some other brokers.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is ActivTrades Safe or a Scam？

ActivTrades is regulated by both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB).

The FCA regulation ensures strict adherence to financial standards and integrity within the UK as a Market Maker. Additionally, SCB regulation allows ActivTrades to hold a Retail Forex License in the Bahamas, providing broader international service under reliable oversight.

These dual regulations underscore ActivTrades' commitment to maintaining high regulatory standards and ensuring client security across multiple jurisdictions.

Market Instruments

At ActivTrades, you can trade over 1,000 different CFD instruments across 7 asset classes, including forex, shares, indices, ETFs, commodities, bonds, and spread betting. This provides clients with a diversified portfolio and the opportunity to trade a range of different assets.

Accounts

Traders can open either an Individual Account (which allows them to trade small and micro lots) or a Professional Account (minimum financial portfolio size of $500,000, Dedicated Account Manager) with ActivTrades. Beginner traders can test out the trading interface and get a feel for how the broker works with a free demo account. People who adhere to Sharia law can choose from two more account options: an Islamic (Swap-Free) Account.

Leverage

Leverage is capped at 1:30 in line with the EMSA regulations, the maximum leverage is 1:30 for currency pairs, 1:20 for indices and shares, 1:10 for commodities and 1:5 for cryptocurrencies. While only the Pro account holders can enjoy the maximum leverage of 1:400.

It is important to keep in mind that the greater the leverage, the greater the risk of losing your deposited capital. The use of leverage can both work in your favour and against you.

Spreads & Commissions

ActivTrades' currency spreads begin at 0.5 pips, and its spreads on indices and financial CFDs are also 0.5 pips, both of which are competitively cheap.

It's also important to note that this is not a situation that can be fixed overnight (the underlying Futures price already accounts for the adjustment). Commissions for trading shares as CFDs begin at €1 per side, whereas spread betting on shares incurs no fees beyond 0.10% of the transaction value.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Trading Platforms

ActivTrades also stands out due to its platform selection, which features not only the company's proprietary platform - ActivTrader but also the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as a set of unique Add-Ons.

• Web Trading

The ActiveTrades trading platform is web-based, allowing trades to be made directly in the browser; it also has a dedicated app for the iPhone and iPad. The platform has an easy-to-use design but advanced functionality, such as access to more than 90 technical analysis indicators, for seasoned traders of all trading types.

• ActivTrader

The upgraded ActivTrader platform incorporates cutting-edge tools and features to provide a revolutionary trading environment. You can gain exposure to the Forex, Commodities, Financial & Indices, Shares, and Exchange-Traded Funds markets and trade over a thousand CFDs.

• MetaTrader4

ActivTrades' desktop trading platform MT4 is available to those who prefer a more traditional trading experience. In addition, the technology has been upgraded in accordance with the firm's security standards, and the use of sophisticated charts has made it possible to automate the tactics using EAs.

• MetaTrader5

New and improved features take online trading to a whole new level in MetaTrader5. More than 450 CFDs on equities with diverse characteristics and the option to auto-trade are available on the platform, and trading statements are seamlessly integrated.

Overall, ActivTrades' trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

In addition to the robust platform itself, a plethora of utility extensions is available to further develop trading functionalities and automation features, as well as to provide decision-making and signaling instruments. The term “indicators” can refer to a wide variety of tools, from those used for making decisions to those used for trading.

Deposits & Withdrawals

ActivTrades accepts deposits via Bank Transfers, Credit/Debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Sofort, and PayPal, while only Sofort is excluded from withdrawal methods.

Base Currencies:

EUR, USD, GBP or CHF

The minimum deposit is as high as $500.

ActivTrades minimum deposit vs other brokers

Deposits via credit/debit card UK&EEA are charged 0.5% fees, while credit/debit card non-EEA are charged 1.5% fees. Other deposits and all withdrawals are free of charge.

Most deposits are said to take 30 minutes (except for Bank Transfer deposits are processed on the same working day), while all withdrawals can be processed on the same working day.

More details can be found in the table below:

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Note: Fees and charges are subject to change. This table is only for informational purposes and may not reflect the latest fee structure of the brokers mentioned. It is recommended to always check with the brokers directly for the latest fees and charges.

Customer Service

ActivTrades offers 24/5 multilingual customer service via live chat, telephone: +44 (0) 207 6500 567, +44 (0) 207 6500 500, email: englishdesk@activtrades.com, institutional_en@activtrades.com, request a callback, or messaging online. Help Center is also available. You can also follow this broker on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Company address: The Loom 2.5, 14 Gower's Walk, London, E1 8PY.

Overall, ActivTrades' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with ActivTrades' customer service.

Education

ActivTrades provides comprehensive educational resources organized by subject, including webinars, seminars, manuals, news & analysis. In addition, you get access to a demo account, robust analytical and technical analysis tools within the platforms and exclusive add-ons that will help you study and trade more effectively.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

As a whole, ActivTrades is a regulated broker that provides a wide range of trading instruments and platforms. The company offers several account types and has competitive trading fees with low spreads. The broker also provides negative balance protection and segregated client accounts.

However, ActivTrades has some negative reviews from clients regarding trading platform. Additionally, the broker charges deposit fees for some payment methods. Overall, ActivTrades may be a good option for experienced traders who prioritize low trading fees and a variety of trading instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

ZFX Information

Zeal Group of Companies, often referred to collectively as the Zeal Group, is a conglomerate of fintech corporations and regulated financial institutions that trade under the name ZFX. The group specializes in providing liquidity solutions for various types of assets in regulated markets and is backed by exclusive technology. Furthermore, the Zeal Group operates globally, combining with their multi-asset specializations and regulatory frameworks, solidifies their position as a competitive player in the financial industry.

Pros & Cons

ZFX is a broker that offers several advantages and disadvantages to traders.

On the positive side, ZFX is a regulated broker, providing traders with demo accounts option, which is beneficial for beginner traders who want to practice their trading strategies before trading with real money. In addition, ZFX offers competitive trading conditions and low minimum deposit requirement through the popular MetaTrader4 trading platform.

On the negative side, no MT5 platform and no Islamic account option for Muslim traders. And ZFX doesn't reveal any info on deposits and withdrawals. Additionally, the broker does not provide services for residents of certain countries such as the United States of America, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Iran, North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), and EU countries.

Is ZFX Legit？

ZFX is a regulated broker. Its company name is Zeal Capital Market (UK) Limited, and it is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom under the registration No. 768451. The FCA is one of the most reputable regulatory bodies in the world, and its strict regulations ensure that ZFX adheres to high standards of transparency and fairness.

ZFX's other entity, Zeal Capital Market (Seychelles) Limited, is authorized and offshore regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) under regulatory license number: SD027.

Additionally, ZFX ensures the safety of its clients' funds by keeping them fully segregated in a designated client bank account. This means that the clients' funds are kept separate from ZFX's operating funds. In the event that the company faces financial difficulties or becomes insolvent, the funds in these client accounts cannot be used to meet the liabilities of the company. This measure provides an added layer of security for ZFX clients, ensuring their capital cannot be used for any other purposes aside from their trading activities.

Market Instruments

ZFX provides a comprehensive range of market instruments, catering to diverse trading preferences and strategies. This includes major asset classes such as forex, where traders can engage in currency trading across major, minor, and exotic pairs. For those interested in the stock market, ZFX offers the ability to trade stocks from leading global companies, allowing traders to tap into corporate performance and stock market trends.

Additionally, ZFX includes indices trading, which aggregates the performance of a number of stocks representing a segment of the stock market, providing a broader market exposure. Commodities are also available, offering opportunities to trade in essential goods such as oil and gold, which are often used as hedge investments against inflation or currency devaluation.

Furthermore, ZFX has embraced the growing interest in digital currencies by including cryptocurrencies in their offerings, thus allowing traders to speculate on the highly volatile crypto markets. Overall, ZFX's diverse selection of trading instruments ensures that traders have ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios and explore various market dynamics.

Account Types

Apart from demo accounts, ZFX offers three types of trading accounts, namely Mini Trading, Standard Trading, and ECN Trading accounts. Each account has its own unique features and advantages, catering to different levels of traders with varying trading styles and preferences.

• Mini Trading Account: The Mini Trading account is designed for beginner traders who are new to the forex market. It requires a minimum deposit of $50 and offers the minimum FX spreads starting from 1.5 pips. The leverage is up to 1:2000, and the minimum trading size is 0.1 lots.
• Standard Trading Account: The Standard Trading account is designed for experienced traders who require a more comprehensive trading environment. It requires a minimum deposit of $200 and offers floating spreads starting from 1.3 pips. The leverage is up to 1:500, and the minimum trading size is 0.01 lots.
• ECN Trading Account: The ECN Trading account is designed for professional traders who require direct access to liquidity providers. It requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 and offers spreads starting from 0.2 pips (commission may apply). The leverage is up to 1:500, and the minimum trading size is 0.01 lots.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with ZFX is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.

• First, navigate to the ZFX website and click on the “Open an Account”or 'Start Trading Now' button.

• You will then be prompted to fill out a registration form with your personal information, including your country of residence, name, surname, phone number, email address, password, and referral code (optional). Confirm that you have read 'Terms & Conditions' and then click the 'Register' button.

• Next, you will need to choose the account type that best suits your needs, whether it be a Mini Trading, Standard Trading, or ECN Trading account. Each account type has its own minimum deposit requirement, so be sure to check the details carefully before making your selection.
• Once you have completed the registration form and selected your account type, you will need to provide some additional documentation to verify your identity and address. This typically includes a copy of your passport or national ID card, as well as a recent utility bill or bank statement. Once your account has been approved, you will be able to fund it and start trading in the financial markets.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered by ZFX is up to 1:2000 and the leverage amount may vary depending on the account type and trading instrument. Additionally, ZFX operates on a tiered margin system, where the leverage is determined based on account equity. For accounts with equity between $0 and $3,000, the maximum leverage is 1:2000. For equity between $3,001 and $10,000, the maximum leverage is 1:1000. More detailed info on leverage can be found in the screenshot below:

Please note that high leverage carries a high level of risk, as it amplifies both potential profits and losses. Traders should carefully consider their risk tolerance and financial situation before utilizing high leverage ratios. ZFX also provides negative balance protection to help mitigate the risk of account balances falling below zero.

Spreads & Commissions

ZFX says it offers competitive spreads and commissions on its trading instruments.

For the Mini Trading account, the minimum spread for forex pairs is 1.5 pips. The Standard Trading account has a minimum spread of 1.3 pips for forex pairs. The ECN Trading account has a minimum spread of 0.2 pips for forex pairs. However, no specific info on commissions is revealed openly.

Trading Platforms

ZFX offers the popular trading platform MetaTrader 4 (MT4), which is widely recognized in the forex industry for its user-friendly interface and advanced trading tools. MT4 provides access to various order types, technical analysis tools, and customization options, making it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. In addition, ZFX offers mobile versions of the MT4 platform for both iOS and Android devices, enabling traders to access the markets from anywhere, at any time.

ZFX also provides a mobile application for its clients, ensuring they can trade on the go. This ZFX Mobile App offers access to all the major features of the trading platform and enables clients to manage their portfolio, place trades, and monitor the markets from their mobile device.

The mobile app can be a valuable tool for traders who need the flexibility to trade anywhere and anytime, while still having access to key functionalities of the platform. Before using the app, make sure it is downloaded from an official source like the App Store or Google Play to ensure security and authenticity.

Copy Trading

ZFX offers a Copy Trade feature, which is great news for both beginner and busy traders. Copy trading, also known as social trading, allows traders to automatically copy the trades of experienced and successful traders. This can help beginners to learn trading strategies from experienced traders, and help busy traders to automate their trading. By using the Copy Trade feature, you can potentially increase your chances of making profitable trades.

Education

ZFX is committed to providing an extensive educational framework to support both novice and experienced traders through their A-to-Z Academy, which offers comprehensive learning resources designed to master trading from the basics to advanced strategies. This initiative underscores ZFX's dedication to empowering its clients with the knowledge needed to navigate the financial markets confidently.

Additionally, ZFX enhances trader support with a 24/7 Help Center, serving as a constant trading support hub where traders can obtain assistance at any time.

The platform also features a detailed Glossary, which acts as a valuable dictionary for demystifying complex trading terminology, making the trading language more accessible to everyone.

Moreover, their FAQ section addresses common queries related to trading mechanics, account management, funding procedures, withdrawals, and specific product details.

Collectively, these educational resources equip ZFX traders with a solid foundation of knowledge and continuous support, facilitating a well-rounded and informed trading experience.

Customer Support

ZFX provides robust customer support with extensive availability and multiple communication channels to ensure that traders can receive assistance whenever needed. Operating hours extend throughout the week, with round-the-clock support from Monday to Friday and extended hours over the weekend from 07:30 AM to 02:00 AM the next day, accommodating traders across different time zones.

Traders can reach out via online chat for immediate responses, use the contact form for less urgent inquiries, or call directly through the phone number 400-8424-611 for personalized assistance. Additionally, ZFX can be contacted through email at cs@zfx.com for comprehensive support.

The broker also maintains a strong presence on several social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, allowing traders to stay connected and informed about the latest updates and offerings. This multi-faceted approach ensures that ZFX's clients receive timely and effective support, enhancing their trading experience.

Conclusion

Overall, ZFX is a reputable option for traders looking to access the financial markets. The broker's maximum trading leverage of 1:2000, based on account equity, is one of the highest in the industry and can provide traders with significant opportunities for profit. Additionally, competitive spreads and a choice of popular MT4 trading platforms further strengthen ZFX's position as a reliable broker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.