What is GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is an online forex and CFD broker that was established in 2012. The broker is based in the United Kingdom. GKFX Prime provides traders with a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They offer various account types and trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms. GKFX Prime also provides educational resources and customer support in multiple languages.

What Type of Broker is GKFX Prime？

GKFX Prime is a Straight Through Processing (STP) broker that offers clients direct access to interbank markets without the need for a dealing desk or human intervention. This means that trades are executed instantly and efficiently without any conflict of interest between the broker and the client.

Pros & Cons

GKFX Prime's main advantages are their competitive trading conditions, including tight spreads and low commissions, as well as their extensive range of trading instruments and educational resources.

However, their lack of regulatory oversight in major jurisdictions and too many complaints from users may be a concern for some traders.

Ultimately, it's important for traders to weigh these factors against their own priorities and preferences when choosing a broker.

GKFX Prime Alternative Brokers

Some alternative brokers to GKFX Prime include:

• IC Markets: An Australian-based broker that offers ECN trading with tight spreads and low commissions. They also have a wide range of trading instruments and multiple trading platforms.

• Admiral Markets: A European-based broker with a strong focus on education and research. They offer a variety of account types and trading platforms, as well as a wide range of trading instruments.

• FxPro: A UK-based broker with over 15 years of experience in the industry. They offer a range of trading platforms and account types, including ECN trading with tight spreads.

• Pepperstone: An Australian-based broker that offers low spreads, fast execution, and a variety of trading platforms. They also offer a range of educational resources for traders.

• XM: A global broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments and multiple account types. They also offer a demo account for traders to practice trading strategies without risking real money.

It is important to thoroughly research and compare different brokers before choosing one that suits your trading needs and preferences.

Is GKFX Prime Safe or Scam？

As GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker, its reliability may be a concern for some traders. While the company has been operating for several years, the lack of regulatory oversight may make it less attractive to traders who prioritize safety and security. The worse is that there are too many complaints from their users.

Also, it's important to note that being unregulated doesn't necessarily mean that a broker is unreliable. However, it does mean that there is no external oversight of the broker's activities and no protection for clients in the event of financial difficulty or fraud. Clients should exercise caution when dealing with unregulated brokers and conduct thorough research before opening an account.

Market Instruments

GKFX Prime offers 400+ financial instruments to trade, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

Forex: over 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

Commodities: including gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.

Indices: over 20 global indices, including popular indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 30.

Stocks: over 300 stocks from companies listed on exchanges in the US, UK, Germany, and France.

Cryptocurrency: including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Accounts

Apart from free demo accounts, there is a large variety of live trading accounts available at GKFX Prime, and each one is tailored to the specific requirements of the clients.

A trader's risk appetite, the quantity of their initial investment, and the amount of free time they have daily to devote to trading the Forex market are all important considerations when deciding which account type will best suit their needs.

The account types include the following: Standard Fixed, Standard Variable, VIP Variable and ECN Zero. Additionally, Islamic accounts are available for clients who follow Sharia laws. There is no minimum deposit requirement for Standard Fixed, Standard Variable and ECN Zero accounts, while $5,000 for VIP Variable accounts.

How to open an account with GKFX Prime？

To open a new forex trading account with GKFX Prime, you must first pass a simple “know your customer” test. Because of this, GKFX Prime can verify your identity, your account information, and the security of your cash.

Login information for the trading platform that is best suited to the type of account you opened will typically be emailed to you after the initial registration.

Step 1 – Register an account

Open your Live Trading Account.

Step 2 – Fill out the 5-page form

Supply personal detail, financial information, trade knowledge and experience, etc.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered by GKFX Prime is 1:400. However, the leverage available to you may vary depending on your location and the regulatory restrictions in place.

Spreads & Commissions

Different account types have different trading conditions. Specifically, Standard Fixed accounts have spread from 1.8 pips and no commissions; Standard Variable accounts have spread from 1.2 pips and no commissions; VIP Variable accounts have spread from 0.6 pips and no commissions; ECN Zero accounts have spread as low as 0.0 pips but have to pay a commission of 10/lot.

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

Note: The above information is subject to change and may vary based on account types and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

GKFX Prime offers the MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms, which are popular and widely used platforms among traders. They provide access to a range of tools and features, including advanced charting, technical analysis tools, automated trading capabilities, and the ability to customize and use third-party indicators and trading algorithms.

They are both available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it convenient for traders to access their accounts and trade from anywhere at any time. Additionally, GKFX Prime offers a VPS (Virtual Private Server) service to clients who require faster and more reliable connection to the MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Overall, GKFX Prime's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

While there is no minimum deposit requirement with GKFX Prime, we advise putting up at least five dollars so that you have more flexibility and a higher chance of building positions large enough to make a difference in the markets. The company offers quick deposit and withdrawal alternatives to GKFX Prime traders so that regular traders can have more faith in the platform and gain more market access.

Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Maestro), bank transfers and e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill are all acceptable methods of payment, so long as the buyer has provided the necessary “know your customer” papers to comply with AML regulations. The most common of them is a photocopy of your passport and some form of the recent bill showing your current address.

Credit cards and bank transfers are both acceptable withdrawal methods. Transfers made with a credit card take three to five business days to process, while wire transfers can take anywhere from one to five days. Withdrawal is free of charge.

Please note that some deposit and withdrawal methods may not be available in certain regions/countries, and fees and processing times may vary depending on the chosen method.

GKFX Prime minimum deposit vs other brokers

GKFX Prime Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds, clients need to log in to their account, go to the “Withdrawal” section, select the preferred withdrawal method, and follow the instructions provided. It's worth noting that GKFX Prime may require additional documentation for verification purposes before processing the withdrawal request.

Bonus & Fees

GKFX Prime claims to offer a 100% welcome bonus and a 50% re-deposit bonus. In any case, you should be very cautious if you receive a bonus. First of all, bonuses aren't client funds, they're company funds, and fulfilling the heavy requirements that are usually attached to them can prove a very daunting and difficult task.

Apart from commission fees on the ECN Zero account, there are no other fees charged.

See the fee comparison table below:

Please note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the country of residence and the payment method used.

Customer Service

GKFX Prime offers customer support in multiple languages through various channels including live chat, phone, and email. Their customer support is available 24/5, which means that traders can get assistance during the trading week. Additionally, GKFX Prime provides support through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

The broker also provides an FAQ section and educational resources on its website to assist traders. Overall, GKFX Prime has a good reputation for customer support.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with GKFX Prime's customer service.

Education

Those interested in opening an account with GKFX Prime should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the ins and outs of forex and commodity trading before placing any trades. If a trader needs more information than is available on the GKFX Prime website, they should look elsewhere.

GKFX Prime offers a range of educational resources for traders of all levels, including video tutorials, articles, ebooks, webinars, seminars.

Webinars: GKFX Prime provides free webinars to its clients, covering various trading topics, such as market analysis, risk management, and trading strategies.

Video tutorials: The broker offers a collection of video tutorials covering a range of trading topics, including technical analysis, trading psychology, and risk management.

Conclusion

Based on the information provided, GKFX Prime is an unregulated broker with a wide range of trading instruments and account types. While their trading conditions are relatively competitive, the lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety of client funds. Their customer support and educational resources are adequate but not exceptional. Overall, traders should approach GKFX Prime with caution and consider alternative brokers that are regulated and offer more comprehensive services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.