BCR information

BCR is a forex broker that was established in 2008 under the company name BACERA CO PTY LTD. The broker is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and offshore regulated by FSC (Financial Services Commission).

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Regulation: BCR is regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), which provides a level of security and trustworthiness for traders.

• Demo Account: BCR provides a demo account, allowing traders to practice and test their trading strategies in a risk-free environment.

• Commission-free: BCR offers commission-free trading for all account types.

• Advanced Trading Platforms: BCR provides access to advanced MT4 trading platform, offering comprehensive charting tools, indicators, and automated trading capabilities.

• Market Research Tools: BCR offers various market research tools, including economic calendars and market live.

Cons:

• Offshore Regulation: BCR claims to be regulated by FSC, but it is offshore.

• Limited Account Types: BCR only offers two account types, which could restrict options for traders with specific needs or preferences.

• Wide Spreads: BCR offers spreads from 3.0 pips, while the industry average spread is just 1.5 pips.

• No 24/7 Support: The availability of customer support might be limited outside of regular business hours, which could be inconvenient for traders in different time zones or those requiring immediate assistance.

Is BCR Legit？

BCR operates within a well-regulated framework, authorized and regulated by respected financial authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC, No. 328794) and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC, No. SIBA/L/19/1122) in the Virgin Islands.

This regulatory oversight ensures that BCR complies with stringent financial regulations, industry standards, and best practices. The ASIC and FSC play a crucial role in monitoring and supervising Doo Prime's operations, ensuring that the broker maintains transparency, ethical practices.

Additionally, BCR's practice of keeping segregated client funds means that client money is kept separate from the company's own funds. This can offer an additional layer of security for traders, since in the event of a company bankruptcy, these funds would not be treated as recoverable assets by general creditors of the company. This practice is common among regulated brokers as it provides more protection for traders' investments.

Market Instruments

Forex, CFDs on metals, commodities, indices... BCR allows clients to access 300+ trading markets. Therefore, both beginners and experienced traders can find what they want to trade on BCR.

This includes prominent global forex currency pairs, allowing for trading in the foreign exchange market.

They also offer CFDs on metals, which may include precious metals like gold and silver, as well as industrial metals.

In addition, traders can access CFDs on commodities, from energy sources like oil and gas to agricultural products.

This is extended to indices, tracking performance of groups of shares in a particular market or sector.

However, cryptocurrencies are currently unavailable.

Account Types

Apart from demo accopunts, BCR offers four live account types: Standard, Advantage, Alpha, and Affiliate. All account types provide leverage up to 400:1, a 50% stop-out level, micro-lot trading (0.01), and access to single stock CFDs, except for the Alpha account. The minimum deposit requirements range from $300 for the Standard and Advantage accounts to $3,000 for the Affiliate account. Spreads start from 1.2 pips for the Advantage account, with the Alpha account offering zero spreads. Additionally, the Advantage account charges a $3 commission per lot per side. The lot size per transaction is capped at 20 for all account types.

How to Open an Account？

Here are four specific steps to open an account with BCR:

Step 1: Visit the BCR official website: Go to the BCR website using a web browser on your computer or mobile device. Navigate to the account opening section: Look for the “Join Now” button on the website on the homepage.

Step 2: Fill out the account application form: Click on the account opening button/link, and you will be directed to an online form. Provide the requested information, including your full name, contact details (such as phone number and email address), and password.

Step 3: Submit identification documents: As part of the account verification process, BCR may require you to provide identification documents. These documents may include a copy of your passport or national ID card, proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and any other documents requested by the broker.

Step 4: Review and agree to the terms and conditions: Before finalizing your account creation, carefully read through the terms and conditions provided by BCR. Make sure you understand and agree to all the terms before proceeding. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact their customer support for clarification.

Leverage

BCR provides traders with maximum levearge up to 400:1.

Leverage, in simple terms, is a tool that enables traders to control a larger position in the market with a smaller amount of capital. It can be a valuable tool for experienced traders who understand its risks and benefits. By using leverage, traders can potentially generate higher returns on their investments.

However, leverage is a double-edged sword. While it can enhance profits, it can also magnify losses. Traders should exercise caution and implement effective risk management strategies when utilizing leverage. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the market and the associated risks before engaging in leveraged trading.

Spreads & Commissions

Specifically, the commissions and spreads need to pay will differ for the various trading accounts traders have.

The Standard account offers a zero-commission trading environment, allowing traders to execute trades without incurring any additional charges. Spreads for the Standard account start from 8.0 pips.

For those seeking even tighter spreads, the Advantage account is available. With spreads starting from 3.0 pips and no commissions, this account offers enhanced trading conditions for traders looking to optimize their trading strategies and minimize their trading costs.

Spreads and commissions vary on the trading symbol, more details can be found in the screenshot below.

Trading Platforms

BCR provides traders with popular MT4 (MetaTrader4) and MT5 (MetaTrader5) platforms as well as a user-friendly Webtrader and MAM platform. Some other popular and user-friendly trading platforms like cTrader and TradingView are not supported.

Deposit & Withdrawal

BCR provides its customers with over 10 payment options. The options available for depositing and withdrawing funds include Bank transfer, MasterCard, Direct Debit, Visa, UnionPay, Fasapay, helpay2, NPAY, Skrill, Neteller, POLi, and USDT.

In terms of withdrawal request processing, BCR operates a specific schedule. The cut-off time for processing on the same day is 10:00 AM. Requests submitted before this time will be processed on the same day, whereas requests submitted afterwards will not be processed until the following business day.

Additionally, BCR does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, transactions between international banks might incur fees such as intermediary fees.

Trading Tools & Education

BCR also provides some trading tools and educational resources to help traders to gain a superb trading environment.

Their economic calendar is a must-have tool for traders, allowing them to stay informed about important economic events that have the potential to impact the markets. Identifying these events can help with planning trading strategies.

Their glossary is an excellent educational resource, especially for beginner traders. It provides definitions for numerous terms used in trading, helping traders become familiar with industry jargon.

Additionally, BCR offers a 'Market Live' feature, which provides real-time updates about market conditions and trends.

These tools, combined with their educational resources, assist traders in making informed decisions and understanding the complexity of the markets, which ultimately contributes towards a more efficient trading experience.

Customer Support

Language(s): English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc.

Service Time: 24/5

Live chat, contact form

Email: info@thebcr.com

Phone: +44 3300010590

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn

Address: BCR Co Pty Ltd, Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

FAQs

Is BCR Legit？

Yes. BCR operates legally and it is regulated by ASIC and offshore regulated by FSC.

What assets can I trade with BCR？

Forex and CFDs on metals, commodities, and indices.

Does BCR offer demo accounts？

Yes.

Does BCR offer industry leading MT4 & MT5？

Yes. It supports both MT4 and MT5.

Is BCR a good broker for beginners ？

Yes, given its stringent Australian regulation and its provision of demo accounts for novices to engage in risk-free trading, BCR could be an excellent option for beginners.

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.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.

Overview of Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers, founded in the United States, offers a wide array of trading assets including stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, options, and futures, providing traders with various opportunities across global markets.

However, risks have been raised about its legitimacy, with reports of the platform being identified as a suspicious clone. Traders are directly impacted by the platform's regulatory status, influencing oversight, transparency, and legal protections. Adherence to regulatory standards instills confidence among traders regarding the platform's reliability and security, while any suspicion or regulatory ambiguity may undermine trust and deter participation, emphasizing the importance of due diligence.

Is Interactive Brokers legit or a scam？

Interactive Brokers is identified as Suspicious Clone under various regulatory bodies such as the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

However, the presence of “Suspicious Clone” designations in some regions suggests potential regulatory risks. Traders on the platform are directly impacted by the regulatory status, as it influences the level of oversight, transparency, and legal protections afforded to their investments.

Adherence to regulatory standards instills confidence among traders regarding the platform's reliability and security, while any suspicion or regulatory ambiguity may undermine trust and deter participation. Thus, traders are likely to favor jurisdictions where Interactive Brokers maintains clear and reputable regulatory standing, ensuring a safer trading environment.

What are Clone Brokers？

The prevalence of clone brokers is increasingly alarming, as deceptive entities exploit the names of reputable firms to lure unsuspecting clients into believing they are trading with regulated forex firms.

These fraudulent companies go to great lengths, even utilizing the license numbers of legitimate brokers, to deceive traders into opening accounts with them. Remaining vigilant is paramount to avoid falling prey to such scams. Additionally, these unscrupulous entities resort to aggressive tactics, akin to boiler room operations, pressuring clients into opening accounts or increasing their deposits.

It's crucial to heed the adage: if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Traders must exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with any brokerage firm to safeguard their investments and financial security.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of tradable assets: Interactive Brokers offers an extensive selection of tradable assets, including stocks, ETFs, forex, bonds, options, and futures. This diversity provides traders with ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios and explore various investment strategies, catering to different risk appetites and objectives.

• Access to global markets: The platform grants users access to a broad range of global markets, enabling them to trade securities and currencies from around the world. This global reach allows traders to capitalize on international market trends, economic developments, and geopolitical events, enhancing their trading flexibility and potential for profit.

Cons:

• Identified as Suspicious Clone: Some users have reported instances where Interactive Brokers was identified as a suspicious clone, potentially raising risks about the platform's legitimacy and trustworthiness. Such allegations can undermine user confidence and deter participation in trading activities.

• Limited customer support options: Interactive Brokers may offer limited options for customer support, which can lead to delays in addressing user inquiries, resolving issues, or providing assistance when needed. This lack of robust support channels may frustrate users and hinder their overall trading experience.

• Potential for technical glitches: Like any online platform, Interactive Brokers is susceptible to technical glitches or system failures, which can disrupt trading activities, cause delays in order execution, or lead to inaccuracies in account information. These technical issues may impede users' ability to trade effectively and impact their overall experience on the platform.

• Risk of exposure to scams: Users may face the risk of exposure to scams or fraudulent activities associated with Interactive Brokers, such as clone brokers attempting to deceive traders. Falling victim to such schemes can result in financial losses and damage to one's reputation, highlighting the importance of vigilance and due diligence when engaging with the platform.

Market Instruments

Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of tradable financial instruments on its platform.

Traders can access a variety of assets including Stocks, ETFs, Forex, Funds, Bonds, Options, Futures, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies, Warrants, and Structured Products.

This extensive selection provides traders with opportunities to diversify their investment portfolios and pursue different trading strategies across global markets.

With access to such a broad array of instruments, traders have the flexibility to capitalize on market opportunities and manage risk effectively.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Interactive Brokers offers a variety of payment methods to fund your account:

• Bank wire transfer: This is the most common and preferred method. It's free for most currencies.

• ACH transfer: This is another electronic transfer option available for US accounts. It's also free.

• Check: You can mail a check to Interactive Brokers. However, there may be processing fees and delays associated with this method.

• Wire transfer from another brokerage: You can transfer funds from another brokerage account to your Interactive Brokers account. This may be subject to fees from both brokers.

• Bill pay: This option is available for US accounts only. It allows you to pay your Interactive Brokers account from your bank's online bill pay service.

• Third-party deposits: Interactive Brokers generally discourages and rejects third-party deposits due to potential fraud and money laundering risks.

There is no minimum deposit required to open an Interactive Brokers account. This makes it a good option for beginners who want to start with a small amount of money.

Customer Support

Interactive Brokers provides the following contact information for customer support:

1. Twitter: @IBKR

2. Facebook: Interactive Brokers

3. Instagram: Interactive Brokers

4. YouTube: Interactive Brokers

5. LinkedIn: Interactive Brokers

These social media platforms serve as channels for reaching out to Interactive Brokers for support and assistance. However, Interactive Brokers' customer support lacks efficiency and responsiveness. Traders often encounter significant delays in receiving assistance, with support tickets remaining unresolved for extended periods. Communication channels such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn are available, but their effectiveness in addressing customer risks is questionable.

Exposure

Users have reported a single instance of exposure related to a pyramid scheme complaint, which unveiled a potential scam on the Interactive Brokers platform.

The complaint alleges that the platform induced clients to participate in activities, promising withdrawal options upon event completion. However, upon attempting to withdraw profits, users encountered obstacles, including unexpected tax requirements not deducted from the platform. The inability to access funds and unresponsive customer service exacerbates the situation for affected users. Such exposure to fraudulent activities undermines trust and confidence in the platform, potentially dissuading traders from engaging in further transactions.

Conclusion

This instance of Interactive Brokers is suspected to be a clone operated by a company known as Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. Notably, this particular iteration of Interactive Brokers lacks regulation, posing potential risks for traders. Therefore, it is advisable for traders to refrain from engaging with this broker.