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.

General Information

Established in 2004, Hirose Tusyo Inc. is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, and was listed on the JASDAQ market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange on March 18, 2016.The Company is mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, which provides investors with foreign exchange margin trading and binary options trading through the Internet; provision of trading systems for group companies; provision of white label services for financial instruments traders, as well as covering transaction business as a counterparty of financial instruments traders, among others. Hirose Tusyo Inc. is authorized and regulated by Financial Services Agency, with regulatory license number 9120001106932.

The broker provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs, although these spreads may vary based on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, reducing the overall cost of trading. They offer deposit and withdrawal options and provide customer support through various channels, including phone, fax, and an online inquiry form.

Overall, Hirose-fx is a regulated broker with a range of trading instruments, account types, and trading platforms. Traders can benefit from their fixed spreads, commission-free trading, and accessible customer support.

Pros and Cons

Hirose-fx is a regulated Forex broker that offers a range of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. The company holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Hirose-fx provides two types of accounts, FX accounts, and LION CFD accounts. They offer various order types to meet different trading needs and have both fixed and variable spreads, depending on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, which can be advantageous for traders. They offer multiple deposit and withdrawal options, as well as a variety of trading platforms to cater to different preferences and devices. The broker also provides trading tools, educational resources, and customer support through various channels. Overall, Hirose-fx has its strengths and weaknesses, and traders should carefully consider their options before choosing this broker.

Is Hirose-fx Legit？

Based on the information provided, Hirose-fx, also known as Hirose Financial UK Ltd, is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated under the supervision of the Kinki Local Finance Bureau (近畿財務局長（金商）第41号). The licensing institution is Hirose Tsusho Kaisya Limited (ヒロセ通商株式会社).

The effective date of the license is September 30, 2007. The company's address is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan. The phone number provided for the licensed institution is 06-6534-0708.

Market Instruments

Hirose-fx offers a variety of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. These currency pairs encompass major currencies from around the world and provide opportunities for traders to engage in foreign exchange (Forex) trading. Some of the currency pairs offered include AUD/CAD, AUD/CHF, AUD/JPY, AUD/NZD, AUD/USD, CAD/CHF, CAD/JPY, CHF/JPY, CNH/JPY, EUR/AUD, EUR/CAD, and others.

Additionally, Hirose-fx offers a selection of large currency pairs, which are often traded frequently and have high liquidity. These large currency pairs include Large USD/JPY, Large EUR/USD, Large EUR/JPY, Large GBP/USD, Large GBP/JPY, and Large AUD/JPY.

Account Types

Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Customers residing overseas are unable to open a LION CFD account. If a customer already has a LION FX account and wishes to open a LION CFD account, they can do so from the trading screen after the next business day following the completion of the FX account opening procedure. For more information on how to apply for a LION CFD account, customers can refer to the provided guidelines.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Hirose-fx, follow these steps:

1. Access the main website of Hirose-fx and click on “新規口座開設” (Open a new account) or a similar option.

1. The account opening process may vary depending on the required identity verification documents and delivery method. Choose the appropriate option and proceed.

1. Fill in the necessary information and review the required documents. Note that using Internet Explorer (IE) is. not recommended; it's advisable to use another browser.

1. Submit your identity verification documents and My Number verification documents. You can choose from various sending methods, including simple identity verification with a smartphone, easy identity verification with Internet banking, upload, email, fax, or mail.

5. Once all the necessary documents are received, Hirose-fx will begin the screening and account opening process. Normally, it takes 1-2 business days after the arrival of the verification documents.

6. You will receive your user ID and password via email. The method of sending the user ID and password depends on the method used to send the identification documents.

7. Deposit funds into your trading account. Once the funds are deposited, you can log in and start trading.

FX Spreads & Commissions

FIXED SPREADS: Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs. For example, USD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips, AUD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.6 pips, GBP/JPY has a fixed spread of 1.0 pip, AUD/USD has a fixed spread of 0.4 pips, EUR/USD has a fixed spread of 0.3 pips, NZD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.8 pips, and MXN/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips. These fixed spreads indicate that the difference between the buying and selling prices of these currency pairs remains constant under normal market conditions.

VARIABLE SPREADS: It should be noted that while Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads, these spreads are not completely fixed. The spreads may widen or contract based on market conditions and exceptional events such as low liquidity times. This means that during times of increased volatility or reduced market liquidity, the spreads may change from their fixed values. As a result, the actual spreads experienced by traders may differ from the ones mentioned above.

COMMISSIONS: Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on its trades. This means that traders can execute their trades without incurring any additional fees in the form of commissions. The absence of commissions can be advantageous for traders.

Order Types

There are 27 order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, IF-DONE order, IF-OCO order, Trail Order, Streaming order, Timed Market order, Timed Limit ( stop) order, one-click order, Quick Order, One-click payment order, Bulk Settlement Order, Bulk Purchase Settlement order, Bulk Sale Settlement order, All Settlement Order by currency, All settlements Orders, Pip difference Settlement order, Doten Order, Bulk Order, Amount specified all settlement, trigger order, Timed All Settlement order, BID Judgment Buy (ASK Judgment Sell) Stop Order, Trigger orders in other currencies, Repeat time specified market order.

Trading Time

When US standard time is applied, Japan time Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time. When summertime is applied, Japan time Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am. Rollover time (6:59 am Japan time) Minutes, 5:59 am when US summer time is applied), communication will be disconnected, and day closing work and maintenance will be performed. (It takes about 15 minutes for the day closing work and maintenance, but it may take up to 30 minutes.)

Trading Platforms

Hirose-fx offers a range of trading platforms designed to cater to the diverse needs of traders. These platforms provide access to the financial markets and offer various tools and features to facilitate trading activities.

NET4 (installed version): This trading platform is available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It offers customizability, easy-to-see screens, and the ability to view charts and execute orders. It supports various order types and provides access to account information and news.

LION FX C2 (installed version): This platform is recommended for beginners and offers versatile functionality. It allows for simultaneous ordering and payment, displays order and position execution history, and supports collective payment. It provides a simple and comfortable user experience.

LION FX Mobile App (iPad, iPhone, Android): Hirose-fx offers mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. These apps provide access to essential functions and information. Traders can check rates, view charts, place orders, monitor positions, and manage their accounts using these mobile apps.

HTML5 version, Flash version: Hirose-fx also offers web-based trading platforms compatible with various web browsers. The HTML5 version provides access to charting tools, order placement, and account information. The Flash version may have similar functionality but requires Flash support.

Mobile app/portable version: Hirose-fx provides a mobile version of its trading platform that is compatible with mobile phones from different carriers such as docomo, au, and SoftBank. This version allows traders to conduct transactions and access various features on their mobile devices.

The trading platforms offered by Hirose-fx provide traders with the ability to view real-time rates, analyze charts, place different types of orders, manage positions, and access account information. Each platform has its own set of features and compatibility options to cater to traders' preferences and device capabilities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

There are three types of deposit options available with Hirose-fx: quick deposit, quick deposit at ATM, and transfer deposit. Payments can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Quick deposits support approximately 380 lines and are free of charge, except for PayPay, Mizuho, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, which may charge a fee. Quick deposit at ATMs allows fee-free deposits and supports various banks, including Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, Mitsubishi UFJ, Mitsui Sumitomo, Resona, Saitama Resona, Aomori, Shonai, Gunma, Chiba, Yokohama, Kansai Mirai, Nanto, Hyakujushi, Fukuoka, Juhachi Shinwa, Towa, Keiyo, and Kumamoto. Some agricultural cooperatives and Shinren also support this option. There is also a general transfer deposit available for users.

Hirose-fx offers two types of withdrawals: real-time withdrawals and regular withdrawals. Real-time withdrawals allow for immediate reflection of funds and can be requested within specific timeframes. There are no commissions for real-time withdrawals, except for overseas remittances. Normal withdrawals have specific request and reflection times and are also commission-free, excluding overseas remittances. Withdrawals can be requested once a day, either for real-time withdrawals or regular withdrawals. However, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, withdrawals can only be made once every three days. It's important to note that real-time withdrawals cannot be canceled once the procedure is completed. Withdrawal requests require authentication with a PIN code set by the customer in advance.

Trading Tools

Hirose-fx offers several trading tools to assist users in their investment activities. These tools include:

1. Economic News: The platform provides real-time updates on economic bulletins. Users can stay informed about the latest economic developments that may impact their trading decisions.

2. FX Wave: This feature delivers 24-hour real-time investment information focused on foreign exchange. Users can access over 150 articles per day, providing insights and analysis to help them make informed trading choices.

3. Klug NEWS: Klug NEWS offers a continuous feed of Forex news, available 24 hours a day. Users can access more than 180 news deliveries daily, ensuring they stay updated on the latest developments in the Forex market.

4. Dow Jones: Hirose-fx translates and delivers news on various asset classes, providing users with information necessary for making investment decisions. Users can expect around 150 news articles per day, covering a range of relevant topics.

These trading tools aim to keep users informed about market trends, economic news, and relevant investment information, enabling them to make well-informed trading decisions.

Educational Resources

Hirose-fx offers a variety of educational resources to assist users in improving their trading knowledge and skills. One of their resources is the LION FX easy operation video seminar, which provides step-by-step guidance on using their trading platform. The seminar covers topics such as installing the app, navigating the transaction screen, understanding different order types, making payments, and managing orders.

Additionally, they offer the FX MARKET INFORMATION SEMINAR, which provides valuable insights into the market and strategies to enhance trading performance. The seminar includes various equations and formulas aimed at helping traders achieve success in their trades. They also offer a special equation designed specifically for winning trades.

Moreover, Hirose-fx provides resources on topics like quick deposit methods, changing currency pairs and order display, order preferences setup, chart analysis techniques, saving chart settings, using technical indicators and trend lines, and accessing execution history. They also cover features such as signal functions, measurement tools, and customizing the transaction screen.

Furthermore, Hirose-fx offers seminars on campaign product cooking, which may provide additional information or strategies related to specific trading promotions or offerings.

Trading Hours

- When US standard time applies, Hirose-fx operates from Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time.

- When daylight saving time applies in Japan, the trading hours shift to Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am Japan time.

During Rollover time, which is at 6:59 am Japan time (or 5:59 am when US daylight saving time is applied), certain activities occur. Communication will be temporarily cut off, and date closing work as well as maintenance will be performed. This process usually takes around 15 minutes, but it could extend up to 30 minutes. Additionally, a maintenance pop-up may appear, potentially affecting the ability to trade during this period.

Customer Support

Hirose-fx provides various channels for customer support. You can reach their customer support team via telephone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the representative number 06-6534-0708. Additionally, you can contact them through fax using the toll-free number 0120-34-0709 or the number 06-6534-0709. Visiting their head office or branches is also an option.

They offer an inquiry form on their website where you can submit your opinions, questions, or requests directly. They also provide a FAQ section where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.

For specific information on deposits, withdrawals, and changing registration information, they provide detailed information on their website. They have a complaint consultation desk for addressing any complaints, and you can contact them for information about the final tax return.

There is an opinion box where you can share your feedback and impressions about their website, trading system, and various services. They offer an operation manual for LION FX, and you can access information to better understand Forex, including country information and technical analysis.

You can contact their customer support team via phone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the direct dial number 06-6534-0708. They also provide an email address, info@hirose-fx.co.jp, for inquiries if you are unable to use the inquiry form on their website.

Conclusion

Hirose-FX is a forex trading platform that offers several advantages to traders. It provides a user-friendly interface with various tools and features to facilitate trading activities. Hirose-FX also offers a range of trading instruments, allowing users to diversify their portfolios. However, there are some disadvantages worth considering. The platform may lack in-depth educational resources and research materials, which could limit the learning opportunities for traders. Additionally, customer support may not always be readily available or responsive, potentially leading to delays in issue resolution. Traders should carefully assess these factors before deciding to engage with Hirose-FX.

FAQs

Q: Is Hirose-fx a regulated broker？

A: Yes, Hirose-fx is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan and holds a Retail Forex License.

Q: What is the address of Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Q: What trading instruments does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers 51 currency pairs for trading, including major currency pairs like AUD/USD, EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, and more.

Q: What types of accounts does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Overseas customers can only open FX accounts.

Q: How can I open an account with Hirose-fx？

A: To open an account with Hirose-fx, you need to visit their website and follow the account opening process, which involves providing necessary information and submitting verification documents.

Q: What order types are available on Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx offers various order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, Trail Order, and more, to meet different trading needs.

Q: Does Hirose-fx charge commissions on trades？

A: No, Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades.