Dukascopy Bank stands as an innovative Swiss online banking institution, with its headquarters situated in Geneva, Switzerland. The bank specializes in providing cutting-edge internet-based and mobile trading services, with a strong focus on foreign exchange, CFDs, and binary options. Additionally, the bank offers a wide range of banking and financial services, all supported by their in-house technological solutions.

Dukascopy Bank was established on November 2, 2004, in Geneva by Andre and Veronika Duka, both Swiss nationals residing in Geneva who continue to maintain a 99% ownership stake in the company. Dukascopy Bank is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA both as a bank and a securities firm.

Dukascopy Bank fully owns Dukascopy Europe IBS AS, a European licensed brokerage company based in Riga and Dukascopy Japan, a Type-1 licensed broker located in Tokyo. In addition to its Geneva Headquarters, Dukascopy Bank has offices in Riga, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Currently, Dukascopy Group employs over 300 staff.

The Dukascopy Group primarily offers online and mobile trading services through the SWFX - Swiss FX Marketplace, which is Dukascopy's proprietary ECN (Electronic Communication Network) technological solution and a registered trademark.

What you will get

Dukascopy offers an exceptional trading experience that is worth every trader's attention. With a client-first approach, Dukascopy provides numerous advantages, making them a standout choice for anyone looking to enter the financial markets. Dukascopy's commitment to cost-efficiency is evident through their low spreads, allowing for savings on trading costs. Swift execution ensures obtaining the best possible prices, providing a competitive advantage in trades. Additionally, with deposit protection of up to CHF 100,000, you can trade with peace of mind.

The unique trading platform, JForex4, Dukascopy's proprietary solution, is user-friendly, making trading accessible even for beginners. JForex4 presents over 200 technical indicators and trading widgets to help in staying informed about potential opportunities. With support for minute timeframes like ticks and seconds, it is perfect for scalping. Dukascopy's 19 years of experience and Swiss banking license instill trust and security. With over 1200 instruments, leverage up to 1:200, and 24/7 live trading support, Dukascopy stands as a trusted partner to guide traders through their trading journey. 

Moreover, Dukascopy offers a great feature – detailed historical price feed data makes it easier to develop and test trading strategies. This data covers various financial instruments, helping traders make informed decisions and reducing the risk of price manipulation. Dukascopy's extensive data archive is a useful resource for creating trading strategies, especially for high-frequency trading, and provides practical insights.

With such a comprehensive offering, Dukascopy is the go-to choice for transparent and professional trading services. Make a smart move and open an account today!

Dukascopy regulations 

Dukascopy is strictly supervised and regulated by esteemed regulatory bodies. The regulatory authorities play a pivotal role in ensuring Dukascopy’s compliance with the highest standards of financial and securities industry practices.

Dukascopy's international presence is underlined by its licenses and oversight by regulatory authorities in different parts of the world:

• Dukascopy Bank SA is licensed and regulated as a bank and as a securities firm by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), which is classified as a Tier-1 regulator.

• Dukascopy Europe IBS AS is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Latvia, also recognized as a Tier-1 regulator. 

• Dukascopy Japan K.K. is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA), known as a Tier-1 regulator.

These regulatory bodies set specific requirements for Dukascopy, and the company has diligently complied with them since 2004. It is important to note that failure to comply with these requirements could result in the withdrawal of the bank's license. Regular audits are conducted to ensure adherence to Swiss laws. Dukascopy also ensures client security by providing deposit protection for amounts up to CHF 100,000, in line with Swiss financial service provider requirements.

Dukascopy is widely regarded as one of the safest brokerage firms. They maintain strict safety standards and hold official licenses from respected financial regulators. Routine audits by PKF for internal affairs and KPMG for financial records further solidify their commitment to safety and financial integrity.

In summary, Dukascopy's reputation as a trusted and stable entity is due to its adherence to three top-tier regulations, regular audits, stringent safety standards, and a strong commitment to transparency. These qualities make Dukascopy a reputable choice for investors around the world.

Trading terms for Dukascopy clients

Traders opt for Dukascopy due to its well-established reputation for providing a secure trading environment. Dukascopy Bank SA, headquartered in Switzerland, operates under the regulation of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). This regulatory oversight ensures strict adherence to financial standards and secures client accounts up to CHF 100,000.

Dukascopy takes pride in delivering favorable trading terms to its clients. By offering narrow spreads, cost-effective commissions, and access to abundant liquidity from numerous providers, Dukascopy enables traders to execute trades at competitive rates, ultimately increasing their profitability.

Dukascopy also permits traders to select from a range of trading accounts, including Standard, ECN, and Islamic accounts, to suit various trading styles and preferences.

Furthermore, in addition to the widely-used MT4 platform, Dukascopy presents its proprietary JForex4 trading platform, available for both desktop and mobile devices. This platform grants traders the flexibility to monitor and participate in the markets from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a trading opportunity. Dukascopy's JForex4 mobile platform offers real-time quotes, comprehensive order management features, and full account accessibility.

With Dukascopy, you can transfer funds directly from the JForex platform to a multi-currency banking account (MCA), without any associated fees. The MCA account supports various payment methods, including card and cryptocurrency transactions.

Overview of Swissquote

Swissquote is a leading online forex and financial trading broker headquartered in Switzerland. It was established in 1996 and has since grown to become a popular choice among traders worldwide. The broker offers a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. Swissquote provides its clients with access to several trading platforms, including Mobile App, MT4, MT5, and Money Managers.

Pros & Cons

Swissquote is areputable and regulated broker, offering an array of financial instruments and account types for traders to choose from. As with any broker, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. In the following table, we present a summary of the key pros and cons of trading with Swissquote.

Swissquote undoubtedly offers a comprehensive range of trading instruments and state-of-the-art trading platforms. However, despite its many strengths, it falls short in terms of customer support, as it does not provide round-the-clock assistance, which can be a major drawback for traders who require immediate assistance during off-hours or in emergency situations.

Is Swissquote Legit?

Yes, Swissquote is a legitimate broker with four entities under respective jurisdictions:

Swissquote Bank Ltd, which is based in Switzerland, is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

Swissquote Ltd, which is based in the United Kingdom, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Swissquote MEA Ltd, which is based in Dubai, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

SWISSQUOTE FINANCIAL SERVICES (MALTA) LTD, is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

These regulatory authorities ensure that Swissquote adheres to strict standards in terms of financial stability, transparency, and investor protection.

Market Instruments

Swissquote offers a wide range of market instruments for trading, including 400+ forex and CFD instruments, commodities, stock indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. As a well-established Swiss broker, Swissquote is able to offer trading on several Swiss-specific instruments, such as the Swiss Market Index (SMI) and the Swissquote Group Holding Ltd. (SQN) stock, as well as access to other global exchanges such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE.

Account Type

Swissquote offers a range of account types to cater to the varying needs and preferences of its clients. The primary account types available are the Premium Account, Prime Account, Elite Account and Professional Account. Each account type comes with distinct features and benefits, such as different minimum deposit requirements, leverage ratios, and spreads. The Premium Account requires a minimum deposit of 1,000 CHF or equivalent, while the Prime Accounts require a higher minimum deposit of 5,000 CHF or equivalent. The Elite and Professional accounts ask for the highest minimum deposit of 10,0000 CHF or equivalent.

The Standard Account provides clients with access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, CFDs, stocks, options, futures, and bonds. The Premium Account, on the other hand, is designed for high-volume traders and offers lower spreads and commissions, as well as personalized service. The Prime Account is designed for institutional clients and provides them with a dedicated account manager, as well as access to exclusive liquidity and pricing.

Moreover, Swissquote also offers an Islamic Account, which is compliant with Sharia law and is available to clients who follow the Islamic faith.

Demo Trading

Swissquote offers a free demo account for clients to practice trading strategies and test out the broker's trading platforms without risking any real funds. The demo account provides users with virtual funds to trade on the same live markets as the actual trading accounts. The account comes with real-time pricing and charting tools, allowing traders to simulate trading conditions as closely as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for traders to get familiar with the broker's platforms and trading environment before committing any real money. Moreover, the demo account is ideal for both novice and experienced traders who want to try new trading strategies or test their current trading strategies without incurring any financial risk.

How to Open an Account with Swissquote?

Step 1: Visit the Swissquote website and click on the “Open your account” button.

Step 2: Provide personal information, such as name, email, and phone number, along with a valid identification document, such as a passport or driver's license.

Step 3: After the account is created and verified, the next step is to select the desired account type and deposit funds, such as Premium, Prime or Elite accounts.

Step 4: Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application.

Step 5: Swissquote offers several convenient deposit methods, including debit card (Visa, MasterCard) and bank wire transfer.

Step 6: Once the account is funded, traders can access the trading platforms, begin analyzing the markets, and placing trades on a variety of financial instruments.

Leverage

Swissquote offers variable leverage levels depending on the financial instrument and the account type. For forex trading, the maximum leverage available is typically 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:100 for professional clients who meet certain criteria. For CFD trading on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, the maximum leverage ranges from 1:10 to 1:5, depending on the underlying asset.

Always keep in mind that high leverage can significantly increase the potential gains, but it can also magnify the losses, so it's important to use it with caution and always keep in mind the risks involved.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Swissquote offers competitive spreads and commissions to its clients. The exact costs depend on the type of account and the trading instrument being traded. The Premium Account has variable spreads, with the EUR/USD spread starting from 1.3 pips, while the Prime Account offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips. The Elite Account offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips, but it requires a higher minimum deposit and trading volume. The professional accounts provide spreads from 0.0 pips too.

In terms of commissions, the Premium Account and Prime Account charge zero commission. The Elite Account and the Professional Account charge a commission of EUR2.5 per side per lot traded. Overall, Swissquote is often seen as competitive in terms of spreads and commissions when compared to other major brokers.

Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees are fees that Swissquote charges its clients for services that are not directly related to trading activities. Swissquote has a relatively low level of non-trading fees compared to other brokers. Swissquote does not charge deposit and withdrawal fees, which depend on the method used. Swissquote also charges an inactivity fee of CHF 50 per quarter if no trades have been made during the last 6 months. This fee is lower than the industry average, which is around $15 per month.

Besides, Swissquote also charges overnight swap fees, also known as rollover fees or financing fees, on positions that are held overnight. The amount of the fee depends on the currency pair, the size of the position, and the prevailing interest rates in the respective countries.

Trading Platform

Swissquote offers Mobile App, MT4, MT5, and Money Managers.

MT4: Swissquote offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform to its clients, which is widely recognized in the industry for its reliability, speed, and advanced charting tools. MT4 is available for download on desktop, web, and mobile devices, allowing traders to access their accounts and manage their trades from anywhere at any time. Swissquote also offers a range of customized tools and indicators, allowing traders to personalize their trading experience on the platform. Additionally, Swissquote provides free access to Autochartist, a popular technical analysis tool that helps traders identify potential trading opportunities.

MT5: Swissquote also offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform to its clients, which is the successor to the popular MT4 platform. MT5 has several advanced features such as improved charting capabilities, additional order types, and an economic calendar. Clients can also use MT5's algorithmic trading capabilities through the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their trading strategies. Swissquote's MT5 platform is available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it easily accessible for traders on the go.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Swissquote offers two primary deposit methods: debit card (Visa, MasterCard), bank wire transfer. With wire transfer, clients can make deposits in various currencies, but the process may take longer, typically taking 1 to 2 business days to reflect on their account. On the other hand, debit card deposits are processed faster, typically within a few minutes, and they are available in CHF, EUR, GBP, EUR, AUD, JPY, PLN, CZK, HUF and USD.

For withdrawals, Swissquote typically processes requests within 1 to 2 business days. Clients can withdraw funds using the same methods they used to deposit funds. However, it's important to note that some withdrawal methods may incur fees, so it's essential to check with the broker first before initiating a withdrawal request.

Educational Resources

Swissquote offers a plethora of educational resources to help traders of all levels enhance their knowledge and skills. The broker provides various learning materials, including webinars, seminars, online courses, and e-books. Additionally, Swissquote offers market analysis and news to keep clients informed about the latest developments in the financial markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Swissquote is a well-established and highly regulated forex broker offering a wide range of trading instruments, advanced trading platforms, and competitive trading conditions. The broker has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to security, transparency, and innovation, which has made it a preferred choice for traders looking for a reliable and trustworthy trading partner. While the broker's high minimum deposit requirement may be a challenge for some traders, its educational resources and excellent customer support help to offset this disadvantage.

FAQs

Is Swissquote a regulated broker?

Yes, Swissquote is regulated by several financial authorities, including FCA, MFSA, FINMA, and DFSA.

What trading platforms are offered by Swissquote?

Swissquote offers several trading platforms, including the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, Mobile App, and Money Managers.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote?

The minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote is 1,000 EUR/USD/GBP/CHF.

Does Swissquote offer demo accounts?

Yes, Swissquote offers a free demo account with virtual funds for traders to practice trading strategies.

How can I deposit and withdraw funds from my Swissquote account?

You can deposit and withdraw funds from your Swissquote account using bank wire transfer or debit card (Visa, MasterCard),.