Overview:

FinMarket is an unregulated Forex and CFD broker based in Cyprus, established in 2015. Despite claiming to be regulated by CySEC, the lack of proper regulation raises concerns about the safety of traders' funds and the transparency of their operations. Unfortunately, the website is currently down, which adds further doubts about the broker's legitimacy. The high spreads and commissions, along with the relatively high minimum initial deposit of $1000, make it an unattractive option for traders, especially beginners. Moreover, the limited account manager availability and the absence of an FAQ section demonstrate a lack of commitment to customer support. Overall, due to the unregulated status and the website's unavailability, FinMarket should be approached with extreme caution.

Regulation:

Suspicious Clone.

A “Suspicious Clone” in the context of financial services refers to an entity that mimics or imitates the appearance and branding of a legitimate and regulated company, often with the intent to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals. These clones use similar names, websites, and other identifying features to create the illusion of being a reputable and regulated entity, while in reality, they are operating without proper authorization and oversight.

In the case of FinMarket being labeled as a “Suspicious Clone,” it suggests that the broker claims to be regulated by CySEC but lacks the necessary authorization and compliance. Such suspicious clones can pose significant risks to investors and traders, as they may engage in fraudulent activities, mismanage funds, and potentially disappear without a trace. Traders should exercise extreme caution when dealing with suspicious clones and always conduct thorough research and due diligence before entrusting their funds to any financial service provider.

Market Instruments Offered by FinMarket:

FinMarket offers a diverse array of market instruments, catering to traders' interests and allowing them to diversify their portfolios across different asset classes. The following table summarizes the market instruments along with some examples:

Forex Currency Pairs:

FinMarket provides access to more than 30 forex currency pairs, including major pairs like EUR/USD, EUR/GBP, and AUD/JPY. These major pairs offer high liquidity and are widely traded in the global forex market.

Major Indices:

Traders can participate in the performance of major stock market indices, such as FTSE, S&P 500, and NASDAQ. These indices represent the overall performance of specific stock markets and sectors.

Commodities:

FinMarket offers various commodities for trading, including precious metals like Silver and Gold, energy resources like Crude Oil, and agricultural products like Coffee. Commodity trading allows traders to diversify their investment strategies.

Individual Stocks:

With over 160 individual stocks available as CFDs, traders can speculate on the price movements of well-known market holders like Amazon, Netflix, and Apple. This allows investors to gain exposure to individual companies without owning the underlying shares.

Cryptocurrencies:

For those interested in the cryptocurrency market, FinMarket offers access to various digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. Cryptocurrency trading allows traders to capitalize on the price movements of these digital currencies.

Despite offering a diverse array of market instruments, FinMarket's lack of proper regulation raises concerns about the safety and legitimacy of its offerings. Traders should exercise extreme caution when considering this broker due to the absence of regulatory oversight, which may expose investors to potential risks and fraudulent activities. Additionally, the website being down further adds to the suspicion surrounding the broker. While the range of assets offered, including forex currency pairs, major indices, commodities, individual stocks, and cryptocurrencies, might seem attractive, the overall lack of regulation casts doubt on the broker's credibility and reliability. It is essential for traders to conduct thorough research and choose regulated brokers to safeguard their investments and trading experience.

Account Types：

FinMarket offers a range of trading accounts, but be warned, their account types may not be as attractive as they seem. Let's take a closer look at each account with a critical eye:

1. Mini Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $250

2. Features: This account type may seem affordable, but don't be fooled. The demo account for practicing strategies is nothing special, and the 40% margin is quite restrictive. With only 24 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices for trading, you won't have a wide range of options. The leverage up to 1:500 might sound impressive, but it could lead to significant losses for inexperienced traders.

2. Standard Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $1,000

2. Features: The demo account is available, but the 26 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices offered for trading are nothing extraordinary. The daily market news and SMS alerts may sound appealing, but they hardly compensate for the lack of variety in trading options. The dedicated account manager might not be as dedicated as you expect, and the Islamic account option is just a small gesture to attract a specific group of traders.

3. VIP Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $10,000

2. Features: The high minimum deposit might make you think you're getting premium treatment, but don't be fooled. The additional features offered, such as 28 Forex currency pairs and a full range of commodities and indices, may not justify the steep price. Direct access to a trading manager might not be as beneficial as they claim, and the 30% margin is quite restrictive for experienced traders.

4. Premium Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $100,000

2. Features: The hefty minimum deposit requirement might make you believe you're entering an exclusive club, but the reality might disappoint you. The in-depth analyst tips they promise are just a way to add some fluff to the account. The 25% margin is not as competitive as you'd expect, and the so-called deep liquidity might not be as deep as you hope.

Account Type	Minimum Deposit	Features
Mini Account	$250	- Demo account for practicing strategies<br> - 40% margin<br> - Trading options include 24 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices<br> - Leverage up to 1:500
Standard Account	$1,000	- Demo account available<br> - Trading options include 26 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices<br> - Daily market news and SMS alerts<br> - Dedicated account manager<br> - Islamic account option
VIP Account	$10,000	- 28 Forex currency pairs and a full range of commodities and indices for trading<br> - Direct access to a trading manager<br> - 30% margin
Premium Account	$100,000	- In-depth analyst tips<br> - 25% margin<br> - Claims of deep liquidity

In summary, FinMarket's account types might appear enticing at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they fail to deliver on their promises. The high minimum deposits, limited trading options, and questionable additional features make these accounts less appealing than they initially seem.

Leverage:

FinMarket boasts about offering “up to 1:500” leverage on their trading accounts. However, before you get too excited, let's take a closer look at the reality behind this high leverage claim.

While a leverage of 1:500 might seem like an attractive prospect, it comes with significant risks and drawbacks. High leverage can amplify both your potential profits and your potential losses. This means that even a small adverse price movement could wipe out a significant portion of your trading capital.

Inexperienced traders often get lured in by the promise of high leverage, thinking they can make huge profits with a small initial deposit. However, they fail to realize that it also exposes them to substantial risks.

Moreover, it's worth noting that regulatory authorities, like CySEC, which oversees FinMarket, have been tightening their rules regarding leverage. High leverage has been associated with increased client losses and is considered risky for retail traders. Many regulatory bodies now impose leverage caps to protect traders from excessive risk-taking.

So, while FinMarket might advertise high leverage as a way to attract traders, it's crucial to approach it with caution. Trading with such high leverage can be a recipe for disaster, especially for inexperienced traders who might not fully comprehend the risks involved.

In conclusion, the maximum trading leverage offered by FinMarket might sound appealing, but it's essential to remember that high leverage comes with substantial risks. It's crucial for traders to exercise caution and employ proper risk management strategies to protect their capital when trading with such high leverage.

Spreads & Commissions:

Spreads and commissions at FinMarket vary depending on the type of trading account. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that the broker's offerings are less competitive than they claim to be.

1. Spreads:

   FinMarket advertises “tight spreads” on their website, but in reality, the spreads they offer are quite high, especially on their Mini accounts. For the benchmark EUR/USD currency pair, the average spread exceeds 3.7 pips on Mini accounts. Such high spreads can significantly impact a trader's potential profits, making it challenging to trade cost-effectively.

2. Commissions:

   In addition to spreads, FinMarket charges commissions on trades, further increasing the overall cost of trading. The commission rates vary depending on the type of account. For Mini accounts, the commission fee is $15.00 per trade.

3. Comparison to Competitors:

   Compared to other reputable brokers in the market, FinMarket's trading costs are less favorable. Many competitors offer much lower spreads, often within the range of 1.0 to 1.5 pips for the EUR/USD pair, without charging additional commission fees.

4. Impact on Traders:

   The high spreads and commission fees at FinMarket can hinder a trader's ability to profit consistently, particularly for those with smaller trading accounts. These unfavorable trading conditions may lead to significant losses and can discourage traders from achieving their financial goals.

In conclusion, despite claiming to provide tight spreads and varying commissions, FinMarket's trading conditions fall short compared to many other brokers in the industry. Traders seeking cost-effective and competitive trading experiences may find better options with brokers offering lower spreads and commission fees.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deposit and withdrawal processes at FinMarket seem to be relatively straightforward, offering various methods for funding accounts and accessing funds. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

1. Deposit Options:

   FinMarket provides several options for depositing funds into trading accounts. Traders can choose to deposit through credit transfer, wire transfer, or the electronic payment method Ecommpay. These options offer flexibility, allowing clients to select the most suitable method based on their preferences and location.

2. Minimum Deposit Requirements:

   The broker does not impose any specific minimum deposit requirements. However, it's important to note that individual payment channels may have their own minimum deposit limits. Traders should verify the minimum deposit amount with their chosen payment method before initiating the transaction.

3. Withdrawal Process:

   FinMarket generally processes withdrawals through the same method used for depositing funds. This is a standard practice among many brokers and helps ensure the security of transactions. Traders should be aware that withdrawal requests may take some time to process, depending on the payment method and the broker's internal procedures.

4. Fund Security:

   FinMarket emphasizes the security of customer funds. The broker operates under the regulation of the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission (CySEC), which requires adherence to strict guidelines for the protection of client funds. Furthermore, the use of SSL encryption ensures the safe transmission of personal and financial information during transactions.

5. Additional Considerations:

   While the deposit and withdrawal processes themselves appear to be straightforward, traders should also consider the overall cost associated with funding their accounts and accessing their funds. This includes any fees charged by payment providers and potential currency conversion charges, especially for international clients.

In conclusion, FinMarket offers various deposit options and follows standard practices for processing withdrawals. However, traders should be aware of any minimum deposit requirements imposed by payment channels and carefully consider any associated costs to make informed decisions about funding their trading accounts and accessing their funds.

Trading Platforms:

FinMarket provides its clients with multiple trading platforms, ensuring a diverse range of options to suit individual preferences and trading styles. The broker offers the following trading platforms:

1. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) Platform:

   MetaTrader 4 is one of the most popular and widely used trading platforms in the industry. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of tools and features, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. Traders can access advanced charting capabilities, a wide array of technical indicators, and various timeframes for market analysis. MT4 also supports automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), allowing traders to execute trades automatically based on predefined strategies. The platform is available for desktop (Windows, Linux, and MacOS), as well as mobile devices (iOS and Android), providing convenience and flexibility for traders who prefer to trade on the go.

1. In-House Web Trading Platform (WebTrader):

   FinMarket has developed its own web-based trading platform known as WebTrader. This platform is accessible through any web browser without the need for downloading or installing additional software. WebTrader offers a user-friendly interface with one-click trading functionality, real-time market charts to monitor market trends, and social trading features. The platform caters to traders who prefer a hassle-free trading experience and wish to access their accounts from any internet-connected device.

2. In-House Mobile Trading Platform:

   For traders who are constantly on the move, FinMarket offers a mobile trading platform compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This mobile app provides full access to trading accounts, enabling traders to execute trades, monitor positions, and access real-time market data from the palm of their hands. The mobile trading platform ensures that traders can stay updated and respond to market movements promptly, regardless of their location.

In summary, FinMarket provides a diverse selection of trading platforms to cater to the needs of different traders. The MetaTrader 4 platform offers advanced tools and analysis for experienced traders, while the in-house WebTrader platform appeals to those seeking simplicity and convenience. Additionally, the mobile trading platform ensures traders can stay connected to the markets at all times, making it a comprehensive offering for a range of trading preferences.

Customer Support:

FinMarket's customer support has been a source of frustration for many traders, as it often fails to meet their expectations. The broker claims to provide reliable assistance, but in reality, reaching their customer support team can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

1. Phone Support: While FinMarket offers a phone support option, getting through to a support representative can be a daunting task. Traders often find themselves waiting on hold for extended periods, only to be met with unhelpful responses or transferred to different departments without any resolution.

2. Email Support: Traders who opt for email support are often left disappointed with the slow response times. It can take several days to receive a reply, and even then, the answers provided are often generic and fail to address the specific concerns raised by traders.

3. Live Chat: The live chat feature on FinMarket's website is advertised as a quick way to get assistance, but in reality, it is far from efficient. Traders report experiencing long wait times before connecting with a support agent, and when they do, the responses are often vague and unhelpful.

4. Web Contact Form: Submitting inquiries through the web contact form is no better, as traders rarely receive timely or satisfactory responses. It seems like the broker pays little attention to these contact forms, leaving traders feeling ignored and frustrated.

Overall, FinMarket's customer support is lackluster and inadequate. Traders have expressed their dissatisfaction with the slow response times, unhelpful answers, and overall lack of professionalism displayed by the support team. As a result, many traders feel let down by the broker's supposed commitment to providing reliable assistance.

Summary:

FinMarket is an unregulated Forex and CFD broker based in Cyprus, established in 2015. While it offers a diverse range of market instruments, including forex currency pairs, major indices, commodities, individual stocks, and cryptocurrencies, the lack of proper regulation raises concerns about the safety of traders' funds and the legitimacy of its operations. The high spreads, varying commissions, and relatively high minimum initial deposit of $1000 make it unattractive, especially for beginners. The website's unavailability adds further doubts about the broker's credibility. The customer support is inadequate, with slow response times and unhelpful assistance.

Pros:

• Offers a diverse array of market instruments.

• Provides multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4).

• Supports mobile trading for on-the-go access.

Cons:

• Unregulated status raises concerns about fund safety and transparency.

• High spreads and commissions impact profitability.

• High minimum deposit requirements.

• Inadequate customer support with slow response times and unhelpful answers.

• Website unavailability adds to doubts about legitimacy.

Overall, due to the lack of regulation, high costs, and unsatisfactory customer support, FinMarket is not recommended for traders. It is essential to consider alternative, regulated brokers with better trading conditions and customer service for a more secure and reliable trading experience.

FAQs:

Q1: Is FinMarket a regulated broker？

A1: No, FinMarket is an unregulated broker, which raises concerns about the safety of traders' funds and the transparency of their operations.

Q2: What is the minimum initial deposit required to open an account with FinMarket？

A2: The minimum initial deposit for a Mini account is $250, while the VIP account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000.

Q3: Does FinMarket offer a demo account for practice？

A3: Yes, FinMarket provides a demo account for traders to practice their strategies before trading with real money.

Q4: What trading platforms does FinMarket offer？

A4: FinMarket offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a web-based platform (WebTrader), and a mobile trading platform for Android and iOS devices.

Q5: Is customer support readily available at FinMarket？

A5: FinMarket's customer support has been reported as inadequate, with slow response times and unhelpful assistance, making it a source of frustration for traders.

What is LMAX Group？

LMAX Group is a UK-based multilateral trading facility (MTF) that offers forex and cryptocurrency trading to retail and institutional clients. It was founded in 2010 and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC). LMAX is known for its transparent and fair execution model, as well as its low latency and high-speed trading technology. The company's headquarters are located in London, and it has additional offices in New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

What Type of Broker is LMAX Group？

LMAX is an electronic communication network (ECN) broker that operates a multilateral trading facility (MTF) for forex and cryptocurrency trading. It is a pure agency broker, which means it does not take positions against its clients and earns revenue solely from commissions and fees. LMAX provides institutional and retail traders with deep liquidity, fast execution, and transparent pricing through its proprietary trading platform, LMAX Global.

Pros & Cons

LMAX has several advantages, such as being a regulated broker, offering transparent and direct market access, providing a range of trading instruments, and offering a professional trading platform.

On the other hand, LMAX has some drawbacks, including limited account types and high minimum deposit requirements.

Note: This table is not an exhaustive list of all the pros and cons of LMAX and is only meant to provide a general overview.

Overall, LMAX is a suitable choice for experienced traders who value direct market access and professional trading tools.

LMAX Group Alternative Brokers

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

• IG

• Saxo Bank

• CMC Markets

• Admiral Markets

• Pepperstone

IG, Saxo Bank, and CMC Markets are all well-established and reputable brokers, with strong regulatory oversight and a range of trading instruments and platforms available to their clients. Admiral Markets and Pepperstone are both popular among traders for their low spreads, fast execution speeds, and user-friendly platforms.

Some traders may prefer brokers with a wider range of trading instruments than what LMAX offers, and these alternative brokers may fit the bill. Additionally, some traders may prefer brokers with more robust educational and research resources, and may find these alternative brokers more suitable in that regard. Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is LMAX Group Safe or Scam？

As a regulated broker by reputable financial authorities such as FCA and CySEC, LMAX is considered a reliable broker. The company also prioritizes the security of its clients' funds by keeping them in segregated accounts and offering negative balance protection.

How are you protected？

Note that this table is for informational purposes only and is not exhaustive. It is important to conduct your own research and due diligence when choosing a broker.

Our Conclusion on LMAX Group Reliability:

LMAX is a highly regulated and reputable broker that takes the security of its clients' funds seriously. It is regulated by the FCA and CYSEC, and it implements various measures to ensure the safety of its clients' funds, such as holding them in segregated accounts and offering negative balance protection. Overall, LMAX appears to be a reliable and trustworthy broker.

Market Instruments

LMAX provides access to a range of financial instruments across various asset classes, including:

• Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs

• Indices: CFDs on major global indices, including UK100, GER30, US30, and more

• Commodities: Precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as energy products like crude oil and natural gas

• Cryptocurrencies: CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple

• It is important to note that the range of trading instruments may vary depending on the specific entity of LMAX and the jurisdiction in which it operates.

Accounts

LMAX offers different account types, each with different features and benefits:

• LMAX Global Account: This account is designed for institutions, hedge funds, asset managers, and professional traders. It offers access to the LMAX Global trading platform, deep liquidity, and low latency execution.

• LMAX Professional Account: This account is designed for experienced traders and offers access to the LMAX Exchange central limit order book, low latency execution, and competitive pricing.

• LMAX Prime Account: This account is designed for brokers, banks, and other financial institutions that want to access LMAX Exchange liquidity and offer it to their clients. It offers deep liquidity, low latency execution, and access to a range of trading tools and services.

• LMAX Interbank Account: This account is designed for banks and other financial institutions that want to access LMAX Exchange liquidity and offer it to their clients. It offers deep liquidity, low latency execution, and access to a range of trading tools and services.

All of these accounts have different minimum deposit requirements and fee structures.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered by LMAX varies based on the account type and the asset being traded. For example, the maximum leverage for forex trading is up to 1:100, while for metals and commodities, it is up to 1:50.

It's important to note that leverage can increase both potential profits and losses, so it should be used with caution.

Spreads & Commissions

LMAX offers a variable spread on EUR/USD, which can start from as low as 0.2 pips during peak trading hours. However, the average spread is usually around 0.5-1 pip. It's worth noting that the spread can widen during periods of low liquidity or high market volatility.

The commission fee varies depending on the account type and the trading volume of the client. Here is a breakdown of the commission fees for LMAX:

LMAX Global: The commission for forex pairs ranges from $2.5 to $4.5 per $100,000 traded, depending on the trading volume. For indices, the commission ranges from $1.25 to $5 per lot traded, depending on the instrument and the trading volume.

LMAX Professional: The commission for forex pairs ranges from $2 to $3 per $100,000 traded, depending on the trading volume. For indices, the commission ranges from $1 to $3 per lot traded, depending on the instrument and the trading volume.

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

Note that the above information may vary depending on the account type, trading platform, and other factors. It's always a good idea to check with the broker directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Trading Platforms

LMAX offers its proprietary trading platform called LMAX Global, which is a web-based platform accessible from any device with an internet connection. It also offers connectivity through industry-standard APIs, allowing clients to connect directly to LMAX Global's liquidity pool through third-party platforms.

Additionally, LMAX offers the MetaTrader 4 platform for traders who prefer using a familiar interface.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Overall, LMAX Group's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders.

Deposits & Withdrawals

LMAX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including:

Payment Options:

• Bank Wire Transfer

• Debit/Credit Cards (Visa and Mastercard)

• Skrill

• Neteller

LMAX does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, fees may be charged by the payment provider or bank involved in the transaction.

Minimum deposit requirement

The minimum deposit requirement for LMAX varies depending on the type of account. The LMAX Global account has a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000, while the LMAX Professional account has a minimum deposit requirement of $10,000.

LMAX Group minimum deposit vs other brokers

LMAX Group Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from LMAX, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your LMAX account and go to the “My Account” section.

Step 2: Click on the “Withdraw Funds” button.

Step 3: Select the account you want to withdraw from and enter the amount you wish to withdraw.

Step 4: Choose your preferred withdrawal method and fill out the necessary information.

Step 5: Submit your withdrawal request.

LMAX processes withdrawal requests within one business day, and the time it takes for the funds to reach your account will depend on the withdrawal method you choose.

Fees

LMAX charges various fees for trading and account maintenance. Here is an overview of some of the fees charged by LMAX:

• Swap Fees: LMAX charges a swap fee for positions held overnight. The swap fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies of the trading pair.

• Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: LMAX does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, fees may be charged by the payment provider or bank involved in the transaction.

• Inactivity Fee: LMAX does not charge any inactivity fee.

It's important to note that the fees charged by LMAX may vary depending on the type of account and trading instrument. Traders are advised to check the latest fee schedule on the LMAX website before trading.

See the fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

LMAX provides 24/7 customer service through phone, email, and live chat. You can also follow LMAX on some social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Overall, LMAX's customer service is considered to be of good quality with responsive and helpful agents.

It's worth noting that the quality of customer service can be subjective and may vary from client to client. However, this table provides a general overview of the strengths and weaknesses of LMAX's customer service.

Education

LMAX provides a range of educational resources for its clients, including:

• Video tutorials: LMAX offers video tutorials on various topics related to trading, such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and risk management.

• Webinars: LMAX hosts regular webinars that cover a wide range of topics, including market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management.

• eBooks: LMAX provides a range of eBooks on various topics related to trading, such as forex trading strategies and technical analysis.

• Trading guides: LMAX offers a range of trading guides that cover a variety of topics, including forex trading, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies.

• Glossary: LMAX has a comprehensive glossary of trading terms that clients can refer to when needed.

• Overall, LMAX's educational resources are comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics, making it a good choice for traders who are looking to improve their knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LMAX is a highly-regulated broker that offers institutional-level trading services to retail clients. The broker offers a wide range of trading instruments and a powerful trading platform. LMAX's low-latency trading environment, deep liquidity pool, and transparent pricing model make it an ideal choice for traders who demand high-quality execution and a fair trading environment.

However, LMAX's high minimum deposit requirement and limited account types may not be suitable for beginner traders. Additionally, the broker's relatively high trading costs may not be attractive to cost-sensitive traders. Overall, LMAX is a reliable and competitive broker for experienced traders looking for top-tier trading services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)