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.

Risk Warning

Online trading is dangerous, and you could potentially lose all of your investment funds. Not all investors and traders are suitable for it. Please understand that the information on this website is designed to serve as general guidance, and that you should be aware of the risks.

General Information

What is Anzo Capital？

Anzo Capital is an online broker founded in 2015 that offers margin trading in financial derivatives such as foreign exchange (FX), precious metals, and contracts for differences (CFDs) through the MT4 platform. Anzo Capital is currently authorized and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (UK FCA).

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Anzo Capital Alternative Brokers

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

• IG (IG Group) - IG is a well-established broker that offers a wide range of trading products, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They provide access to various trading platforms, including their proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). IG is regulated by multiple financial authorities, including the UK FCA.

• Pepperstone - Pepperstone is a popular broker known for its competitive pricing and fast execution. They offer a diverse range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Pepperstone supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms and provides various account types to cater to different trading needs. They are regulated by reputable authorities such as CYSEC (Cyprus) and FCA (UK).

• eToro - eToro is a social trading platform that combines trading with social networking features. They offer a unique copy trading feature, allowing users to automatically replicate the trades of successful traders. eToro provides access to various financial markets, including stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and ETFs. They are regulated by authorities such as CySEC (Cyprus) and the FCA (UK).

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is Anzo Capital Safe or a Scam？

Anzo Capital's regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and offshore regulation by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) suggests that the broker operates under certain regulatory oversight. The FCA and FSC are reputable financial regulatory authorities known for their rigorous standards and guidelines.

The separation of customers' funds and the company's funds into different bank accounts is a standard practice in the industry that enhances the safety of client funds. It helps to protect customers' funds in the event of any financial difficulties faced by the broker.

The claim of adhering to guidelines, including anti-money laundering policies, is also a positive sign. Compliance with these policies demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a secure and trustworthy trading environment.

Market Instruments

Anzo Capital provides a diverse range of market instruments to cater to the trading preferences of its clients. Traders have the opportunity to participate in the Forex market, where they can trade various currency pairs, taking advantage of currency fluctuations. Additionally, Anzo Capital offers precious metals such as gold and silver, allowing traders to speculate on their value in the market. Furthermore, the availability of Contract for Difference (CFD) trading allows clients to trade a wide range of financial instruments, including stock CFDs. This enables traders to engage in the price movements of popular stocks without owning the underlying assets.

Accounts

Anzo Capital offers a variety of account types to accommodate different trading needs. Traders have the option to choose from three account types: Personal Account, Joint Account, and Business Account. Each account type caters to individual traders, joint account holders, or businesses respectively. Furthermore, Anzo Capital provides two execution options for each account type: STP (Straight Through Processing) and ECN (Electronic Communication Network), allowing traders to choose the execution method that suits their trading style and preferences.

In terms of account funding, Anzo Capital maintains a minimum deposit requirement of $100 across all account types. This provides accessibility to traders with varying levels of capital, enabling them to get started with their trading activities.

Additionally, demo accounts are available for 30 days. Anzo Capital's demo account provides users with $100,000 in virtual funds, enabling them to experience the platform and test their trading strategies in a risk-free environment. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who want to gain hands-on experience and build confidence before transitioning to live trading.

Leverage

Anzo Capital provides leverage of up to 1:500 to its traders. Leverage is a tool that enables traders to amplify their trading positions by borrowing funds from the broker. With a leverage ratio of 1:500, traders have the potential to control larger positions in the market with a smaller amount of capital. This can be advantageous for experienced traders looking to maximize their potential returns.

However, it's important to note that while leverage can enhance profits, it also magnifies potential losses. Traders should exercise caution and have a thorough understanding of the risks involved in trading with high leverage. It is recommended to carefully manage risk, use appropriate risk management strategies, and consider one's trading experience and financial situation before utilizing high leverage ratios offered by brokers like Anzo Capital.

Spreads & Commissions

Floating spreads, the main spreads for STP accounts are: EUR/USD 1.8 pips, USD/JPY 2.0 pips, the GBP/USD 2.0 pips, AUD/USD 1.9 pips, gold 3.5 pips, and crude oil 3.5 pips. The main spreads for ECN accounts are EUR/USD from 0.0 pips, and gold 0.9 pips. The swap is automatically calculated by the MT4 platform at the end of each trading day, and the server starts calculating at 23:59. The swap on Wednesday is three times the usual. The latest swap quotes need to refer to the MT4 market quote window. However, the broker doesn't specify any info on commissions.

It's important for traders to consider spreads and commissions as part of their overall trading costs, along with factors like liquidity, execution speed, and additional fees. Evaluating the cost structure is crucial when choosing a trading account, as it can impact profitability and trading strategies. Traders should carefully review the details provided by Anzo Capital and assess how the spreads and commissions align with their trading preferences and goals.

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

Please note that the spread values provided are indicative and may vary based on market conditions and account types. Additionally, commissions for some brokers may vary depending on factors such as trading volume and account type. It's always recommended to refer to the brokers' official websites or contact their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding spreads and commissions.

Trading Platform

Anzo Capital offers a diverse range of trading platforms designed to cater to the varying needs and preferences of traders. With the MT4 Desktop platform, traders can enjoy a powerful and feature-rich trading experience right on their desktop computers. This platform provides access to an extensive range of financial instruments, advanced charting tools, customizable indicators, and one-click trading execution, allowing users to analyze the markets and execute trades efficiently.

For those who prefer the flexibility of web-based trading, Anzo Capital offers the MT4 Web platform. This platform enables traders to access their trading accounts from any web browser without the need for any software installation. Traders can benefit from the familiar interface of MetaTrader 4 (MT4), along with its comprehensive charting capabilities, a wide selection of technical indicators, and the ability to trade directly from the charts.

Furthermore, Anzo Capital recognizes the importance of mobile trading and provides the MT4 Mobile platform. This mobile application enables traders to access their accounts and trade on-the-go using their smartphones or tablets. With the MT4 Mobile platform, traders can monitor market movements in real-time, execute trades, manage positions, and access their trading history, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.

In summary, Anzo Capital's trading platforms, including the MT4 Desktop, MT4 Web, and MT4 Mobile, offer traders a comprehensive suite of tools and features to enhance their trading experience. Whether traders prefer the power of a desktop platform, the convenience of web-based trading, or the flexibility of mobile trading, Anzo Capital provides a solution to meet their needs.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Anzo Capital only accepts deposits and withdrawals via online bank transfer. The accepted currency for these transactions is CNY (Chinese Yuan). To get started, traders are required to make a minimum deposit of 3,000 CNY, allowing them to fund their trading accounts and start participating in the markets. On the withdrawal side, the minimum amount that can be withdrawn is 150 USD. However, there is no maximum limit for withdrawals, giving traders the freedom to withdraw their profits or funds as desired. Anzo Capital does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals, allowing traders to manage their finances without additional costs.

Deposits can be processed at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in line with the GMT+8 time zone. Withdrawals, on the other hand, are processed on weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 9 am and 6:30 pm (GMT+8), ensuring timely and efficient processing of withdrawal requests.

Customer Service

Anzo Capital provides live chat and phone: +852 2592 5424 during business hours, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 02:00 am (GMT+8).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anzo Capital stands out as a regulated broker with extensive experience in the industry. Anzo Capital offers a wide range of trading instruments, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios and explore various markets. The competitive trading conditions, coupled with the renowned MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, provide traders with a powerful and reliable trading experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)