Overview of eXcentral

eXcentral, founded in 2018 and based in South Africa, is a financial services company that has had its regulation revoked. The firm requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 and offers trading in Forex, commodities, and indices.

eXcentral provides various account types including Classic, VIP, and Gold, catering to different levels of traders. The company offers leverage of up to 1:30 and boasts competitive trading conditions with spreads ranging from 0.06 to 0.1 pip, without charging commissions.

Traders have access to both MT4 and MT5 platforms, popular choices for their robust features and user-friendliness. A demo account is also available for practice trading. Customer support can be reached via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com or by phone at +278 71 951005.

For deposits and withdrawals, eXcentral accepts bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and third-party payments. However, the revocation of its regulation takes about its credibility and the safety of client funds.

Is eXcentral Limited Legit or a Scam？

eXcentral, operating under the licensed institution OM BRIDGE (PTY) LTD, had its regulatory status revoked by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa.

The company, which held the license number 48296 since June 6, 2017, was categorized as a Financial Service Corporate. The revocation of its license raises significant concerns regarding its compliance with financial regulatory standards and the overall safety and legitimacy of its operations.

The licensed institution is located at UNIT 6C3, 159 Rivonia Road Sinosteel Plaza, Morningside Ext 39 Sandton, and can be contacted at the phone number 27072 216 2542. However, given the revocation of its regulatory status, caution is advised when considering any engagement with eXcentral.

The reason for the revocation and the current operational status of the company would require further investigation for anyone considering their services.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Diverse Market Instruments: Offers trading in Forex, commodities, and indices, providing a range of options for traders.

2. Multiple Account Types: Availability of Classic, VIP, and Gold accounts caters to different levels of traders, offering flexibility and tailored trading experiences.

3. Competitive Spreads: Claims to offer low spreads ranging from 0.06 to 0.1 pip, which can be beneficial for cost-effective trading.

4. Access to MT4 and MT5 Platforms: Both platforms are well-regarded in the trading community for their advanced features and user-friendly interfaces.

5. Demo Account Availability: Provides a demo account, allowing new traders to practice and get acquainted with the platforms without financial risk.

Cons:

1. Regulation Revoked: The revocation of its regulatory status by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa is a major red flag, indicating potential issues with compliance and reliability.

2. High Minimum Deposit: A minimum deposit of $1,000 might be relatively high for beginner traders or those looking to test the waters with smaller investments.

3. Uncertain Operational Status: The revocation of its license raises questions about the current operational status and the safety of client funds.

4. Limited Information on Licensed Institution: Lack of detailed information about the licensed institution OM BRIDGE (PTY) LTD, including its website and email address, hinders transparency.

5. Potential Risk to Investors: Given regulatory concerns, there is a heightened risk for anyone considering investing or trading with eXcentral.

Market Instruments

eXcentral offers trading in a range of market instruments, which include:

1. Forex: This includes a variety of currency pairs, allowing traders to speculate on the changing values of currencies against each other.

2. Commodities: These typically involve trading in natural resources such as gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. Commodities trading can be a way to diversify a trading portfolio beyond forex and indices.

3. Indices: Trading in indices involves speculating on the price movements of index funds, which represent the aggregated performance of a selection of stocks. Indices usually reflect the performance of a particular sector or the broader market.

Account Types

Classic Trading Account:

The Classic Trading Account at eXcentral is designed for entry-level traders, offering leverage up to 1:30. It features a 2.5 spread on EUR/USD and a $0.10 spread on Crude Oil, catering to those who prefer trading in major forex pairs and commodities.

This account includes negative balance protection, which can be a safety net for traders against going into debt. Additionally, it comes with free trading education, providing resources for beginners to learn and develop their trading skills.

VIP Account:

eXcentral's VIP Account is tailored for more advanced traders, maintaining the same leverage of up to 1:30. It offers narrower spreads, with 0.9 on EUR/USD and $0.06 on Crude Oil, which can be appealing for more frequent or experienced traders.

This account enhances the trading experience with added features like educational webinars, SMS MTE trading signals for timely market insights, and weekly account overviews for a regular summary of trading performance.

The VIP Account is a step up for those seeking more in-depth market analysis and educational support.

Gold Account:

The Gold Account at eXcentral is geared towards serious, committed traders, providing leverage up to 1:30. It offers competitive spreads of 1.8 on EUR/USD and $0.08 on Crude Oil.

Alongside the benefits found in the VIP Account, the Gold Account introduces a monthly account overview for comprehensive performance tracking and the services of a dedicated senior account manager for personalized trading support.

Exclusive one-on-one sessions are a standout feature, offering bespoke guidance and strategy discussion, making this account suitable for those seeking a highly tailored trading experience.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with eXcentral typically involves the following four steps:

1. Account Selection:

   Begin by choosing the type of trading account that best suits your trading needs and experience level. eXcentral offers Classic, VIP, and Gold accounts, each with different features and spreads.

2. Registration Process:

   Complete the registration form on eXcentrals website. This process usually requires providing personal information such as your name, address, contact details, and possibly some financial information to assess your trading experience and risk tolerance.

3. Verification (KYC Process):

   As part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, submit the necessary documents for identity verification. This typically includes a government-issued ID (like a passport or drivers license), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and possibly additional financial documents.

4. Fund Your Account:

   Once your account is verified, deposit funds to meet the minimum deposit requirement, which is $1,000 for eXcentral. Choose a suitable deposit method from the options available, such as bank transfer, debit/credit card, or third-party payment methods.

After completing these steps, youll be able to access the trading platform (MT4 or MT5) provided by eXcentral and start trading with the chosen account type.

Leverage

eXcentral offers leverage of up to 1:30 across its trading accounts, which includes the Classic, VIP, and Gold account types. This level of leverage allows traders to control a larger position with a relatively smaller amount of capital.

For example, with a leverage of 1:30, a trader can hold a position worth up to 30 times their account balance. While this can amplify potential profits, it also significantly increases the risk of losses, especially in volatile market conditions.

Therefore, it's important for traders to use leverage cautiously and understand its implications fully. Leverage is a powerful tool in trading, but it requires a good understanding of risk management to use effectively, particularly for less experienced traders.

Spreads & Commissions

eXcentral offers trading conditions with competitive spreads and no commission fees. The specifics of their spreads and commissions are as follows:

• Spreads

eXcentral advertises spreads as low as 0.06 to 2.5 pip, which is quite tight and can be beneficial for traders looking to minimize their trading costs.

For example, the spread for EUR/USD ranges from 0.06 pip in the VIP account to 2.5 pips in the Classic account. Similarly, the spread for Crude Oil varies from $0.06 in the VIP account to $0.10 in the Classic account.

Such low spreads are particularly advantageous for high-frequency traders or those who trade large volumes.

• Commissions:

The company states that it charges no commissions on trades. This means that traders don't have to pay a separate fee for each trade they execute, which is a cost-effective feature for active traders.

While these trading conditions appear attractive, especially for those looking to keep their trading costs low, it is crucial for traders to consider the overall context of the brokerage, including its regulatory status and reliability.

Trading Platform

eXcentral offers its clients two well-regarded trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

1. MT4 Platform: MT4 is one of the most popular trading platforms in the forex and CFD trading community. It is known for its user-friendly interface, robust technical analysis tools, a wide array of charting options, and support for automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs).

2. MT5 Platform: As the successor to MT4, the MT5 platform offers extended features and capabilities. It supports more types of trading orders and has additional timeframes for analysis. MT5 also provides access to more indicators and analytical tools, along with enhanced charting capabilities.

Both platforms offer mobile versions, allowing traders to manage their accounts and trade from anywhere. The choice between MT4 and MT5 typically depends on the trader's preference, trading style, and the specific instruments they wish to trade.

Deposit & Withdrawal

eXcentral offers various options for deposit and withdrawal, including a specific minimum deposit requirement:

1. Minimum Deposit: The minimum amount required to open an account with eXcentral is $1,000. This sets a relatively high entry barrier, especially for novice traders or those who prefer to start with a smaller capital investment.

2. Payment Methods:

1. Bank Transfer: Allows for direct transfer of funds from a trader's bank account to their trading account. This method is typically secure but may take several days to process.

2. Debit/Credit Card: Offers a quick and convenient way to deposit funds using widely accepted cards like Visa and MasterCard.

3. Third-Party Payment: Accepts deposits via various third-party payment systems, which could include digital wallets or online payment services. These methods often provide quick and easy transactions.

Customer Support

eXcentral provides customer support through multiple channels, aiming to assist clients with their queries and issues. Customers can reach out via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com, offering a direct line of communication for support, queries, or feedback.

Additionally, they provide phone support at +278 71 951005, which can be beneficial for immediate assistance or for discussing more complex issues. The availability of these support options suggests a commitment to maintaining accessible customer service.

Conclusion

In summary, eXcentral, based in South Africa and founded in 2018, offers Forex, commodities, and indices trading on both the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with account options including Classic, VIP, and Gold. They provide leverage up to 1:30 and competitive spreads with no commission fees.

However, a significant concern is their revoked regulatory status, which poses serious questions about the firm's credibility and the safety of client investments.

While they offer a minimum deposit of $1,000 and multiple channels for customer support, potential clients should approach with caution and thoroughly evaluate the risks due to the regulatory concerns.

FAQs

Q:What trading platforms does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral provides the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms for trading.

Q:What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with eXcentral？

A:The minimum deposit required to open an account with eXcentral is $1,000.

Q:What types of trading accounts does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral offers three types of accounts: Classic, VIP, and Gold, each with different features and spreads.

Q:What leverage does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral offers leverage up to 1:30 across all its trading accounts.

Q:How can I deposit or withdraw funds from eXcentral？

A:Deposits and withdrawals can be made via bank transfer, debit/credit card, or third-party payment methods.

Q:How can I contact eXcentral's customer support？

A:Customer support can be reached via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com or by phone at +278 71 951005.

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),.