Note: This company has been voluntarily dissolved.

Overview of AGEA

AGEA, a financial services company, has been operating in the trading industry for 5-10 years. Based in Montenegro, the company provides trading opportunities primarily through Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Despite its years in the industry, AGEA operates in an unregulated environment, meaning it may not be subject to oversight by financial regulatory authorities.

Traders can choose between two types of trading accounts: Standard and Cent. With a minimum deposit requirement of USD 100. The company offers a maximum leverage of 1:100.

AGEA provides traders with two trading platforms: Streamster and MetaTrader 4. Additionally, traders can access live support for real-time assistance with any inquiries or issues they may encounter.

In terms of funding options, AGEA supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and local payment methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

For educational resources, AGEA provides the latest news to keep traders informed about market developments and trends.

Regulatory Status

AGEA operates as an unregulated trading platform. Unregulated financial institutions are not bound by the rules and regulations designed to protect consumers' interests. This leaves customers vulnerable to various risks such as fraud, mismanagement of funds, and unfair treatment.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Experienced Institution: With 5-10 years of industry experience, AGEA brings a solid foundation and understanding of the trading landscape.

2. Account Variety: AGEA offers a variety of account types, including Standard and Cent accounts.

3. Low Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit requirement of USD 100 makes trading accessible to individuals with varying capital sizes.

4. Multiple Trading Platforms: AGEA provides traders with a choice of trading platforms, including Streamster and MetaTrader 4.

5. Different Deposit/Withdrawal Options: AGEA supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, E-wallets, and Local Payment Methods, providing flexibility and convenience to traders.

Cons:

1. Unregulated: One significant drawback of AGEA is its unregulated status, consumer protection and the security of funds may be concerning.

2. Limited Educational Resources: AGEA may lack comprehensive educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge, potentially hindering traders' ability to make informed decisions.

3. Higher Risk: The unregulated nature of AGEA introduces a higher level of risk for traders, as there may be fewer safeguards in place to ensure the stability and security of the financial institution.

4. Potential for Longer Dispute Resolution: Resolving disputes with AGEA may be more challenging and time-consuming due to the lack of regulatory oversight, leading to delays and frustrations for traders seeking resolution.

5. Limited Market Instruments: While AGEA offers CFD trading across various asset classes, it may have fewer market instruments compared to some other brokers, limiting trading opportunities for certain traders.

Market Instruments

AGEA offers Contract for Difference (CFD) instruments as part of its market offerings. CFDs are derivative financial products that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of various underlying assets, without actually owning the assets themselves.

With CFDs, traders can take positions on a wide range of financial instruments, including currencies, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This flexibility enables traders to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on market opportunities across different asset classes.

Account Types

AGEA offers two distinct account types: Standard and Cent.

For the Standard account, the minimum balance requirement is set at USD 100, ensuring accessibility for traders with varying capital levels. On the other hand, the Cent account presents a lower entry point with balances ranging from USD 6 to 5,000, ideal for those starting with smaller amounts.

Both account types share identical leverage options, ranging from 1:1 to 1:100, initially set at 1:100. This flexibility allows traders to adjust their positions relative to their capital, amplifying their potential gains or losses accordingly.

Neither account type imposes commissions, providing traders with a cost-effective trading environment. Additionally, trade sizes are consistent across both accounts, ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 units, enabling traders to execute trades according to their strategies and risk preferences.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with AGEA is a straightforward process that can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Visit the AGEA website and click “Open Account.”

2. Fill out the online application form: The form will request your personal information Be sure to have your identification documents (passport or ID card) and proof of address handy for uploading.

3. Fund your account: AGEA offers various deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Choose your preferred method and follow the instructions to complete the deposit.

4. Verify your account: Once your account is funded, you'll need to verify your identity and address. This typically involves submitting scanned copies of your ID documents and proof of address.

5. Start trading: Once your account is verified, you're ready to explore the AGEA trading platform and start making trades.

Service / Product Fees

1. Withdrawal by Wire Fee - $10.00: This fee is applicable when you make a withdrawal transaction through bank wire transfer. We charge $10.00 for each withdrawal processed via wire transfer.

2. Withdrawal by Electronic Money Fee - $7.00: For withdrawals processed through non-wire processors, such as electronic money services, we charge a fee of $7.00 per transaction.

3. Inactivity Fee (SUSPENDED) - $30.00 per Month: Please note that the Inactivity Fee of $30.00 per month, which applies for each 1-month period without account activity, is currently suspended. We'll notify you in advance if there are any changes to this policy.

Trading Platform

1. Streamster: Streamster is a user-friendly trading platform suitable for traders of all levels. Streamster stands out with its unique international multi-channel chat, allowing traders to discuss market trends and receive real-time customer support. It also seamlessly integrates live and virtual trading desks within a single account, ensuring consistency between demo and live trading experiences. With no balance limits or commissions, Streamster covers Crypto, Currency, Index, and Commodity CFDs, operating from Sunday 22:15 to Friday 21:00 GMT, and offers leverage ranging from 1:10 to 1:100.

2. MetaTrader 4 (MT4): MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a customizable trading platform designed for proficient traders. It provides tools for price analysis, trade execution, and automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs). MT4 offers various chart timeframes and built-in indicators for technical analysis. With its proprietary programming language, MQL4, traders can develop custom EAs tailored to their strategies. Supporting currency, index, and commodity CFDs, MT4 operates within the same trading hours as Streamster. Margin interest, execution types, and position limits vary between standard and cent accounts on MT4, providing flexibility for traders with different risk levels. Additionally, MT4 supports multiple account currencies, enhancing accessibility for global traders.

Deposit & Withdrawal

AGEA offers a range of deposit and withdrawal options including Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, E-wallets, and Local Payment Methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

1. Bank Wire Transfer: Traders can securely transfer funds to and from their AGEA accounts using bank wire transfers, providing a traditional and reliable method for depositing and withdrawing funds.

2. Credit/Debit Cards: AGEA accepts major credit and debit cards, offering a convenient and widely used method for instant deposits and withdrawals, facilitating seamless transactions for traders.

3. E-wallets: Traders can utilize various e-wallet services to deposit and withdraw funds from their AGEA accounts, providing a fast, secure, and convenient payment solution for managing their trading accounts.

4. Local Payment Methods (Sofort Banking and iDEAL): AGEA supports local payment methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

Customer Support

Customer support at AGEA is comprehensive and easily accessible, ensuring traders receive assistance whenever needed.

Live Support: Traders can engage with AGEA's support team in real-time through the Live Support feature, allowing for immediate assistance with any inquiries or issues.

Phone Support: AGEA provides phone support through two contact numbers: +382 (20)664-320 and +382(20)664-320. Traders can directly reach out to speak with a representative for personalized assistance.

Email Support: For non-urgent inquiries or detailed requests, traders can contact AGEA's support team via email at support@agea.com. This allows for thorough communication and resolution of queries.

Educational Resources

AGEA offers valuable educational resources through its Latest News section, keeping traders informed about important developments and events. This section provides updates on various company announcements and actions, including notices to shareholders, invitations to general meetings, updates on voluntary dissolution procedures, and more.

By staying updated with the Latest News, traders can gain insights into the company's operations, corporate decisions, and regulatory compliance. This information can help traders make informed decisions and stay ahead of market trends.

Here are some examples of educational resources provided by AGEA through its Latest News section:

1. Notice to Shareholders on the Payment of Dividends: Traders can learn about dividend payments and their impact on the company's financial performance.

2. Invitation to General Meetings: Traders can stay informed about upcoming general meetings and participate in discussions regarding company matters.

3. Update on Voluntary Dissolution: Traders can understand the implications of voluntary dissolution procedures and how they may affect the company's future operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AGEA has its ups and downs:

On the positive side, AGEA has solid experience in trading, offering various account types and a low minimum deposit of USD 100, making it accessible to traders.

But there are drawbacks to consider. AGEA operates without regulation, which might worry some traders about the safety of their funds. Plus, their educational resources are limited, which could affect traders' success. The lack of regulation also means there's more risk involved, and resolving disputes may take longer.

FAQs

Question: What documents do I need to provide to verify my account？

Answer: To verify your account, you'll need to provide a copy of your identification document (such as a passport or driver's license) and proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement).

Question: What trading platforms does AGEA offer？

Answer: AGEA offers two main trading platforms: Streamster and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Streamster is user-friendly and suitable for traders of all levels, while MT4 is more advanced and customizable, ideal for experienced traders.

Question: How can I deposit funds into my AGEA account？

Answer: You can deposit funds into your AGEA account using various methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and local payment methods such as Sofort Banking and iDEAL.

Question: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account？

Answer: The minimum deposit required to open an account with AGEA is USD 100. This ensures accessibility for traders with varying capital levels.

Question: Does AGEA offer educational resources for traders？

Answer: Yes, AGEA provides educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. These resources include articles, tutorials, webinars, and market analysis tools.

Question: How can I contact AGEA's customer support？

Answer: You can contact AGEA's customer support team through live chat, phone (+382 (20)664-320), or email (support@agea.com). Our support team is available to assist you with any inquiries or issues you may have.

General Information

Hantec Markets, one of the subsidiaries of the Hantac group, was established in 2008 in Australia as a new brand. Its business scope focuses on CFDs trading on forex, commodities, indices and bullion.

Demo account is available for practicing and trades can be executed on the world renowned MetaTrader4 and 5 platforms.

One exciting news is that the broker is decently regulated by ASIC (Australia Securities & Investment Commission) and FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), proving a certain level of liability and legality. What's more, the broker implements fund segregation and negative balance to protect customer funds.

However, the company charges several fees such as commissions, overnight fees, conversion fees, etc., adding trading costs.

Pros and Cons

Is Hantec Markets Legit?

Yes, Hantec Markets is a legitimate and regulated forex broker that operates under the oversight of reputable financial regulatory bodies. It is officially regulated by ASIC (Australia Securities & Investment Commission) and FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), with licenses numbering at 326907 and 502635 respectively.

Though its CGSE and VFSC licenses are suspected to be fake clones, but after investigation, the regulated entities are subsidiaries of the Hantec Group who has 19 offices around the globe, which means Hantec Markets does not necessarily duplicate these licenses.

Nonetheless, during the research, we found that the company holds a suspected clone license with number “関東財務局長（金商）第102号” from FSA (Financial Services Agency) as well. But the company name is “Gaitame Finest Company Limited”, not relating to Hantect Group at all. You should be vigilant about this alarming red flag since the company might deceiving clients in another company's name in some business areas.

Regulated Country	Regulator	Regulatory Status	Regulated Entity	License Type	License No.
	ASIC	Regulated	Hantec Markets (Australia) Pty Limited	Market Making (MM)	326907
	FCA	Regulated	Hantec Markets Limited	Market Making (MM)	502635
	CGSE	Suspicious Clone	亨達金銀投資有限公司	Type AA License	163
	VFSC	Suspicious Clone	Hantec Markets (V) Company Limited	Retail Forex License	40318
	FSA	Suspicious Clone	Gaitame Finest Company Limited	Retail Forex License	関東財務局長（金商）第102号

Market Instruments

Currency pairs, indices, commodities, metals, energies, stocks... Hantec Markets gives its clients access to a massive trading market. So, both beginners and sophisticated traders could find what they want to trade on Hantec Markets.

Account Type

Demo account: Hantec Markets offers a demo account for you to test a little on the financial market without the risk of losing money.

Real account: there are 2 types of real accounts in total: Cent account and Standard account.

The Cent account is said to target beginners who want to trade with less risks. The initial deposit requirement is affordable at $10, with spread starting from 1.2 pips. However, additional functions such as copy trading and demo account are not available with this account. You cannot practice before you start real trading or imitate trading strategies from successful traders.

While Standard account, with access to a full suite of Hantec features, also requires the same initial deposit of $10. Spread is tighter from 0.1 pips and copy trading/demo account is available.

In addition, there is a Swap Free Accounts that allows trading the following products without swap charges: EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY, USDCHF, EURCAD, GBPCAD, EURGBP, CHFJPY, EURCHF, EURJPY, NZDUSD, AUDUSD, AUDNZD, USDCAD, GBPJPY, CADJPY, CADCHF, GBPCHF, XAGUSD, XAUUSD. However, if you hold a position for longer than one week in this account, a holding fee of 10 USD (or equivalent) per lot on FX and 30 USD (or equivalent) per lot on XAUUSD and XAGUSD per day will be charged.

Leverage

Hantec Markets offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:1000, which is a generous offer and ideal for professional traders and scalpers. However, since leverage can magnify your profits, it can also result in a loss of capital, especially for inexperienced traders. Therefore, traders must choose the right amount according to their risk tolerance.

Spreads and Commissions

Hantec Markets offers Forex trading with spreads starting from specified values for various currency pairs. There are no commissions charged for Forex trades. The spread type is floating, and the minimum order size is 0.01 lot. The trading conditions also include a stop-out level set at 40% of the used margin. Overall, Hantec Markets provides competitive spreads and transparent commission-free trading for Forex.

Trade major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY:

EUR/USD spread: 0.00014898 pips

GBP/USD spread: 0.000213589 pips

USD/JPY spread: 0.022286942 pips

Hantec Markets offers precious metals trading with competitive spreads and floating spread types. Traders can trade gold (XAU) with a minimum margin requirement of 5% and silver (XAG) with a minimum margin requirement of 10%. The minimum order size for gold is 0.1 lot (10 ounces) and for silver is 0.1 lot (500 ounces). There are no commissions charged for trading these metals, and the trading hours are available according to the server time.

Hantec Markets offers CFD trading on a variety of symbols, including stocks. The spreads for stock CFDs start from specified values for each symbol. Additionally, there are no specific details provided regarding commissions for stock CFD trading.

Hantec Markets offers indices trading on various major indices in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US. The spreads for indices trading start from specified values for each symbol. Additionally, there are no specific details provided regarding commissions for indices trading.

In terms of Commodity Trading conditions at Hantec Markets, both US Oil and UK Oil have a spread of 0.05. There are no specific details provided regarding commissions for commodity trading.

Hantec Markets offers cryptocurrency trading with competitive spreads on a range of popular cryptocurrencies.

Non-Trading Fees

Currency Conversion Fee:

A conversion fee may be applicable to trades based on the currency settings of your trading account, funding currency, and the settlement currency of the market being traded.

The conversion fee is set at 0.6% and is added to the settlement exchange rate, which is determined by the market rate at the time of settlement. To account for the conversion fee, the underlying exchange rate is multiplied by 1.006 during the conversion process.

For instance, if the GBP/USD exchange rate is 1.1, the applicable FX conversion rate would be 1.1 x 1.006 = 1.1066.

By default, CFD accounts are set to 'instant' conversion. This means that any realized profit, loss, funding, dividend adjustments, or commission will be automatically converted to your account's base currency.

Let's consider an example:

Suppose you have purchased £20 per point worth of FTSE (UK100), and the base currency of your trading account is USD. Since you are trading in GBP, which is different from your account's base currency, the related transactions need to be converted to USD.

Assuming the exchange rate is 0.7576 ($1 equals £0.7576), after incorporating the conversion fee of 0.6%, the conversion rate becomes 0.7576 x 1.006 = 0.7621.

If FTSE increases by 30 points, your profit would amount to £600. This profit will be reflected as £600/0.7621 = $787.30 in your account. To calculate the admin fee charged, multiply your profit by 0.6%:

$787.30 profit x 0.6% = £4.72 currency conversion fee (already included – not charged separately)

Overnight Funding (Swap charges):

Also known as the 'Swap' charge, this is the cost of holding a position overnight. The amount will be dependent on the size of your trade, whether you have a long or short position and the instrument you are trading. Swap rates are determined by the underlying interest rates of the products or currency pairs you have open positions in.

Trading Platforms

Hantec Markets offers two trading platforms for trades execution: the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5.

Both platforms are widely recognized globally for its robust functions, built-in charting tools and techinical indicatiors and customized interface. Traders can configure settings of the platform according to their own preferences.

You can acess these two platforms via web on any devices, or download apps from Windows, iOS, Mac and Android devices.

Deposit and Withdrawal

Hantec Markets provides multiple payment methods:

Credit/Debit Card: Accepts USD, EUR, GBP, and NGN with a minimum deposit of $25 by Visa, Maestro, UK Debit Cards; no processing fees apply, and payment details must match the account name.

Skrill: Allows deposits in USD, EUR, GBP, and NGN with a minimum of $100; no processing fees, and account details must match.

NETELLER: Supports USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, NGN, and AUD with a minimum deposit of $100; no processing fees, and account details must match.

China UnionPay: Supports all Mainland Chinese cards; no minimum deposit specified and no processing fees.

Withdrawals are made via the original funding method, processed within 2-5 working days, and must match the account holders name.

Customer Support

Hantec Markets prides itself on providing excellent customer service to its clients. Each client is assigned a dedicated relationship manager who serves as their primary point of contact for any queries or issues. The relationship manager can be reached conveniently through the live chat tool available on the website.

The customer support team is also available 24/5 and can be contacted by leaving a message in the “contact us” section of the website.

Alternatively, you can reach out to them through the live chat feature, which is located at the lower right corner of the broker's website. Additionally, you have the option to contact customer support via telephone using the following numbers:

China – 4000280332

Nigeria – 7080601265

Jordan – 18442000155

Thailand – 1800019263

Taiwan – 886801491458

Pakistan – 080090044349

Main Office (UK) – +41225510215

Please note that international numbers may incur toll fees.

Office Locations:

Hantec Markets' main headquarters is situated at 5-6 Newbury St, Barbican, London EC1A 7HU in the United Kingdom. For the addresses of their Dubai, India, or other offices, please refer to the Hantec Markets website.

Education

Hantec Markets offers a wide range of educational resources on its website to support traders in their learning journey. These resources include market reports, analysis videos, YouTube webinars featuring Nigerian and African traders, as well as podcasts. Moreover, there is a dedicated learning hub that provides valuable content across four experience tiers, along with lessons on strategy creation and risk management.

Conclusion

Overall, Hantec Markets is a well-established forex broker with competitive spreads, transparent commission-free trading, and access to popular trading platforms like MT4 and MT5. Traders can benefit from various trading platforms and a diverse selection of tradable assets. However, some aspects, such as limited information about certain commissions and the availability of Hantec Social platform, could be improved. Traders should carefully assess their trading requirements and preferences, as well as consider the associated risks and costs, before choosing Garnet Trade as their trading platform.

FAQs

Is Hantec Markets a legitimate broker?

Yes, Hantec Markets is a legitimate and regulated forex broker. They are authorized and supervised by ASIC and FCA.

What account types do Hantec Markets offer?

Hantec Markets offers demo accounts, Cent accounts, and Standard accounts. The minimum deposit to open an account is just $10.

What trading platforms are available on Hantec Markets?

MT4 and MT5.

What is the maximum leverage offered by Hantec Markets?

Hantec Markets offers maximum leverage of 1:1000 for international clients using the Cent Account and 1:500 for international clients using the Standard Account. However, for European clients, leverage is limited by ESMA regulations to 1:30 for major FX pairs, 1:20 for minors and exotics, gold, and stock indices, and 1:10 for oil and silver.

What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Hantec Markets?

Hantec Markets supports Bank Wire, VISA, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, and UnionPay.