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.

Overview of GMO CLICK

GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan that offers various financial services. It holds a retail forex license and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency. The company provides a range of market instruments, including stock trading, investment trusts, futures options, FX trading, forex options, currency exchange trading, CFDs, stock index binary options, and bond trading.

To open an account with GMO CLICK, individuals can visit their website and choose the type of account they want to open. The company offers different account options based on the desired trading activities. Users need to fill out an application form, provide personal information, agree to terms and conditions, and submit the completed application.

GMO CLICK offers trading platforms for various devices, including computers, smartphones, and smartwatches. They provide different payment methods for depositing funds, including internet banking, ATMs, and financial institution counters. The company has customer support available through phone, inquiry forms, direct mail, and social media channels.

While GMO CLICK is regulated and offers a range of financial services, it's important to verify the information provided and contact the company directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding their services, regulations, and account opening procedures.

Pros and Cons

GMO CLICK offers a range of financial services, including stock trading, investment trusts, futures options, FX trading, forex options, currency exchange trading, CFDs, stock index binary options, and bond trading. The company is regulated and provides a variety of trading platforms for different devices. They have multiple payment methods available for depositing funds, and customer support is offered through various channels. However, it's important to note that GMO CLICK has certain limitations, such as the absence of trading software according to the provided information. Additionally, specific trading activities may have designated acceptance times, and withdrawals are supported only for GMO CLICK Securities accounts and financial institution accounts with the same name. It's advisable to verify the current details and contact GMO CLICK directly for more accurate and updated information.

Is GMO CLICK Legit？

Based on the information provided, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan. It holds a retail forex license and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency. The license number is “関東財務局長（金商）第77号” and the effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

However, it's important to note that the information you provided also states that GMO CLICK does not have a trading software according to the current data. This could imply that there may be some limitations or restrictions on their services. It's advisable to verify this information with updated and reliable sources or contact GMO CLICK directly for more accurate and detailed information regarding their regulatory status and available services.

Market Instruments

GMO CLICK Securities offers a range of market instruments:

STOCK: GMO CLICK Securities offers stock trading services at low prices, providing investors with access to the stock market.

INVESTMENT TRUST: The company offers a selection of investment trusts, making it easy for investors to choose funds that have been carefully curated by GMO CLICK Securities.

FUTURES OPTIONS: GMO CLICK Securities provides futures options trading with industry-leading low fees, allowing investors to participate in this market.

FX NEO (OVER-THE-COUNTER TRADING): GMO CLICK Securities offers enhanced trading tools and a low-cost, comfortable FX trading experience for investors.

FOREX OPTIONS: Investors can engage in forex binary options trading through GMO CLICK Securities, which offers a user-friendly interface for easy operation.

CLICK 365 (EXCHANGE TRADING): GMO CLICK Securities provides a wide range of currency pairs for FX exchange trading through the Click 365 platform.

CFDs: Japanese investors can choose from a variety of CFDs (Contracts for Difference) offered by GMO CLICK Securities.

STOCK INDEX BINARY OPTIONS: GMO CLICK Securities offers stock index binary options, allowing investors to engage in this type of trading with ease.

BOND: GMO CLICK Securities facilitates the trading of overseas high-interest bonds, providing investors with access to this asset class.

Account Types

1. FXneo: This account type is for Forex trading. It allows customers to trade in the Forex market.

2. AnyForex OP: This account type is for Forex options trading. It enables customers to trade options in the Forex market.

3. AnyCFDs: This account type is for CFD (Contract for Difference) trading. It allows customers to trade CFDs.

4. AnyIXOP: This account type is for stock index binary options trading. It enables customers to trade binary options based on stock indexes.

5. Brokerage account: This account type provides tradeable services for various types of transactions, including stock, investment trust, futures OP, FX neo, Forex OP, 365FX, CFDs, BO (Binary Options), and bonds.

6. Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage): This account type allows customers to open a securities trading account by filling in a single page without requiring an application form. Transactions can start after a minimum of 2 business days. Initial settings registration is required upon the first login.

7. Forex Trading Account: This account type is specifically for FX trading and Foreign exchange OP. It offers tradeable services for FX neo, Forex OP, and 365FX. Opening an FX trading account is faster than a brokerage account and does not require an application form. Customers can switch to a securities trading account from the member page without any difference in trading terms.

8. Corporate Customers: GMO CLICK also provides corporate account opening services for corporate customers.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with GMO CLICK, follow these steps:

1. Visit the GMO CLICK website and click on the “Account Opening” option.

1. Choose the type of account you want to open from the available options, such as stock, investment trust, futures OP, FX neo, Forex OP, 365FX, CFDs, BO, bond, or Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage).

2. If you select the Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage), you can start demo trading by tapping “Start demo trading” on the login screen without registering an account.

1. Fill in the required information on the application form. This typically includes personal details such as name, contact information, address, date of birth, sex, post code, telephone number, and email address.

1. Provide nationality information, indicating whether you have Japanese nationality or nationality other than Japan. Note that accounts cannot be opened by individuals holding U.S. citizenship.

2. Specify if you have any U.S. tax liability, whether you are an important foreign public figure or a relative of one, and your country of residence.

1. Choose your preferences regarding the delivery of email news and direct mail from GMO CLICK.

2. If you wish to open a specific account, select the appropriate options for FX trading, forex options trading, CFD trading, or stock index binary options trading.

1. Read and agree to the terms and conditions and other regulations pertaining to account opening and trading activities.

2. Review the documents to be delivered before concluding a contract for securities and CFD transactions, and agree to their terms.

3. Confirm that the information entered in the application is accurate and certify that it is provided by the account holder or an authorized representative.

4. Submit the completed application.

Spreads & Commissions

GMO Click offers spreads on various currency pairs. The spreads for USD/JPY are 0.2 pips, for EUR/JPY they are 0.5 pips, for GBP/JPY they are 1.0 pips, for AUD/JPY they are 0.7 pips, for EUR/USD they are 0.4 pips, and for GBP/USD they are 1.0 pips. These spreads indicate the difference between the buying and selling prices of these currency pairs.

When trading Nikkei 225 options, GMO Click charges a minimum commission of 0.152% of the contract price. Additionally, there is a minimum commission fee of 214 yen applicable for these trades. The commission is calculated based on the percentage of the contract price and ensures that the broker earns revenue from facilitating these options trades.

GMO Click provides free trading services for certain types of trading instruments. Forex options trading, stock index binary options trading, and CFD (Contract for Difference) trading do not incur any charges. This means that traders can engage in these types of trading activities without paying commissions or fees to GMO Click.

Deposit & Withdrawal

GMO CLICK offers an instant deposit service that allows customers to transfer funds immediately. The service supports transfer deposits via ATMs and bank counters, and withdrawals are also free of charge. The minimum withdrawal amount is 10,000 yen, and the maximum withdrawal amount is 100 million yen. However, if the balance is below 10,000 yen, the entire balance will be withdrawn at once.

It's important to note that withdrawals are only supported for GMO CLICK Securities accounts and financial institution accounts with the same name. The amount that can be withdrawn in one operation ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000,000.

GMO CLICK provides bank accounts for each customer, including GMO Aozora Net Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank. When making a transfer from a bank counter or ATM, customers are required to make a payment to their bank account. Please be aware that the transfer source is limited to domestic branches of financial institutions.

GMO CLICK provides various options for customers to deposit funds. Those using internet banking can take advantage of the immediate deposit service, which allows for instant fund transfers without any commission fees. Deposits made through ATMs or financial institution counters are also free of commission, and customers can perform these transactions using their computers or smartphones. Additionally, GMO CLICK offers the option to deposit funds from the Securities Connect account of GMO Aozora Net Bank, and this service is commission-free and can be accessed through a computer. For customers investing in mutual funds, the investment trust reserve fee is automatically deducted monthly from the designated financial institution account.

In terms of withdrawals, GMO CLICK does not charge any commission, and customers can initiate the withdrawal process through the GMO CLICK Securities member page. This can also be done through their smartphone app.

Trading Platforms

GMO Click offers a variety of trading platforms, including FX neo for high-performance FX trading on computers, Hatchu-kun FX Plus for rate delivery and execution speed, and FXWatch! for checking rates and charts on smartwatches. They also provide CFD trading apps, such as GMO Click CFDs and Hatchu-kun CFD, along with stock trading apps like GMO Click stock and GMO Click Stock for iPad. Super Hatchu-kun is a comprehensive tool for stock/futures OP trading. Traders can also access smartphone browser-based platforms for Forex OP, stock trading, and binary options. Additionally, there are iPhone and Android apps available for Click 365 trading. Transactions can be conducted on a PC browser using the WEB transaction screen.

Payment Methods

GMO CLICK offers a range of payment methods for customers to deposit funds. These include options such as Rakuten Bank, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, ANN Seven Bank, JP Yucho Bank, Resona Bank, Aeon Bank, Jibun Bank, and Saitama Resona Bank, among others. Customers can utilize internet banking services to make immediate fund transfers without incurring any commission fees. Deposits can be made through ATMs or financial institution counters, and these transactions are also commission-free. The method of depositing funds through computers or smartphones is provided. GMO CLICK also facilitates deposits from the Securities Connect account of GMO Aozora Net Bank, with no commissions and accessibility via computer. For customers investing in mutual funds, the investment trust reserve fee is automatically deducted monthly from the designated financial institution account.

Trading Hours

GMO CLICK offers customer support through various channels and during specific time frames. The call center is available from 8:00 until close and provides assistance for trading inquiries. Trading platforms like Super Hatchu allow login access from 0:00 to 24:00, excluding maintenance time. Specific acceptance hours are set for immediate deposits, transfers, and order placements based on different types of trading accounts. Support for mutual fund trading is available from 6:30 to 15:00 and 17:00 to 3:30. For futures, options, forex, Click 365, and CFD trading, there are designated acceptance times. Forex Neo and forex options trading have 24-hour availability, while CFD trading is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 am the next day. Bond trading hours vary for domestic and foreign bonds. It's important to be aware of these time frames when seeking customer support or engaging in trading activities with GMO CLICK.

Customer Support

1. FAQ: GMO CLICK provides a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on their website. Traders can enter keywords related to their inquiries and search for relevant information. The FAQ covers various topics, including account login, password recovery, deposit/withdrawal methods, tax information, and more.

2. Inquiries by Phone: Traders can reach out to GMO CLICK's customer support team via phone. The contact number for Japanese customers is +81 0120727930.

3. Inquiries Using the Inquiry Form: GMO CLICK offers an inquiry form for customers to submit their questions or concerns. This form allows traders to seek assistance or clarification on various aspects of their trading experience.

4. Direct Mail (DM): GMO CLICK provides the option of contacting customer support through direct mail. Customers can use this method to address specific issues, such as suspension procedures, inheritance procedures, or other account-related matters.

5. Responding to Opinions and Requests: GMO CLICK acknowledges and values customer feedback. They have a system in place to respond to opinions and requests, allowing traders to provide input on their services and suggest improvements.

6. Business Operation System for Complaints and Disputes: GMO CLICK has a business operation system designed to handle complaints and resolve disputes. They outline the procedures and mechanisms through which customer concerns can be addressed.

7. Social Media Presence: GMO CLICK maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Twitter (https://twitter.com/GMO_ClickSec_PR) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gmoclicksec). Traders can connect with them through these channels to stay updated and potentially reach out for support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan that offers various market instruments such as stocks, investment trusts, futures options, forex options, CFDs, and more. It provides multiple account types and trading platforms to cater to different preferences. GMO CLICK's deposit and withdrawal options are diverse, allowing customers to choose from a range of payment methods. However, it's important to note that GMO CLICK does not have a trading software according to the available information, and there may be limitations or restrictions on their services. Traders should verify the current status of their offerings and contact GMO CLICK directly for detailed information. Additionally, the spreads and commissions may vary depending on the trading instruments, and customers should consider these factors when engaging in trading activities.

FAQs

Q: Is GMO CLICK a regulated institution？

A: Yes, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan and holds a retail forex license. It is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) with the license number “関東財務局長（金商）第77号” and the effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

Q: What market instruments does GMO CLICK offer？

A: GMO CLICK Securities offers a range of market instruments including stocks, investment trusts, futures options, FX NEO (over-the-counter trading), forex options, CLICK 365 (exchange trading), CFDs (Contracts for Difference), stock index binary options, and bonds.

Q: How can I open an account with GMO CLICK？

A: To open an account with GMO CLICK, you can visit their website and click on the “Account Opening” option. Choose the type of account you want to open, fill in the required information on the application form, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit the completed application.

Q: What are the spreads and commissions charged by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers spreads on various currency pairs, and the commissions vary depending on the trading instrument. For example, the spreads for USD/JPY are 0.2 pips, and when trading Nikkei 225 options, there is a minimum commission of 0.152% of the contract price.

Q: What are the available payment methods for depositing funds with GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers various payment methods including Rakuten Bank, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, ANN Seven Bank, JP Yucho Bank, Resona Bank, Aeon Bank, Jibun Bank, and Saitama Resona Bank, among others. Internet banking services and deposits through ATMs or financial institution counters are also available.

Q: What are the trading platforms offered by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK provides a variety of trading platforms including FX neo, Hatchu-kun FX Plus, FXWatch!, GMO Click CFDs, Hatchu-kun CFD, GMO Click stock, GMO Click Stock for iPad, Super Hatchu-kun, and smartphone browser-based platforms for Forex OP, stock trading, and binary options.

Q: What are the trading hours and customer support options provided by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers customer support through various channels during specific time frames. The call center is available from 8:00 until close, and support hours vary for different types of trading activities. Customer support options include FAQs, inquiries by phone, an inquiry form, direct mail, responding to opinions and requests, and a business operation system for complaints and disputes. GMO CLICK also has a social media presence on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.