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 Money Partners

Money Partners, headquartered in Japan, operates as a regulated forex and CFD broker under the Financial Services Agency (FSA). The company offers a selection of account types, including Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic, each with specific minimum deposits and leverages. Traders can access a range of tradable assets encompassing forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Money Partners provides access to multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary platform. They offer various deposit and withdrawal methods and extend customer support through various channels, including inquiries, chat, email, and phone. However, the company appears to exclusively conduct business in Japanese as per their website.

Regulation

The authorized status employed by Money Partners involves regulation by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Their license number 2028 signifies compliance with Japanese financial regulations pertaining to forex and CFD brokerage services. This regulatory authority oversees the financial activities of the company within Japan and enforces adherence to established financial laws and guidelines.

The FSA-regulated license status signifies that Money Partners operates under the supervision of the Japanese government's financial regulatory body. This type of regulation aims to maintain the financial stability and transparency of financial service providers, ensuring their compliance with legal and operational standards. Advantages associated with this regulation include increased oversight, which can contribute to investor confidence and the prevention of financial misconduct. It also aligns the brokerage with national financial regulations, providing a level of assurance to traders operating within the Japanese market.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Regulated Brokerage: Money Partners operates as a regulated forex and CFD broker under the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations and enhancing trader confidence.

Multiple Account Types: The company offers various account types, including Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic, accommodating different trading preferences and minimum deposit requirements.

Range of Tradable Assets: Money Partners provides access to a range of tradable assets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios.

Accessible Trading Platforms: Traders can choose from multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and Money Partners' proprietary platform, offering flexibility and choice.

Customer Support Options: The brokerage offers various customer support channels, such as inquiries, chat, email, and phone, ensuring accessibility for clients seeking assistance.

Cons:

Japanese-Language Only: Money Partners appears to exclusively conduct business in Japanese, potentially limiting accessibility for non-Japanese-speaking traders.

Limited Leverage for Cryptocurrencies: While the broker offers leverage for other assets, the maximum leverage for cryptocurrencies is relatively low at 1:2, potentially restricting trading opportunities for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

Withdrawal Fees: Certain withdrawal methods incur fees, such as the ¥550 fee for withdrawing funds to a Japanese bank account via bank transfer, which could affect the cost-effectiveness of transactions.

Inactivity Fee: Money Partners imposes a ¥1,000 inactivity fee per month for accounts with no trading activity for six months or more, which may discourage occasional or inactive traders.

Monolinguistic Website/Services

Money Partners' website operates exclusively in the Japanese language, limiting access and usability for individuals who do not comprehend Japanese. The absence of multilingual support or translation options could pose a considerable barrier to international users seeking to navigate the platform effectively. This language restriction may hinder the accessibility of vital information and services, potentially deterring non-Japanese-speaking traders from utilizing Money Partners' offerings.

Market Instruments

Money Partners offers forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies for trading. Details are as follows:

Forex: Money Partners provides access to the forex market, allowing traders to engage in currency trading. This involves buying one currency while simultaneously selling another. Examples of forex products offered include major and minor currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD.

Stocks: The brokerage offers trading in stocks, which are ownership shares of publicly-traded companies. Traders can invest in individual stocks, potentially benefiting from price fluctuations.

Indices: Money Partners enables trading on indices, which are a collection of stocks representing a particular market or sector. Traders can speculate on the performance of these indices, such as the Nikkei 225, S&P 500, or the DAX 30.

Commodities: Commodities trading allows users to speculate on the prices of raw materials like oil, gold, and agricultural products. Money Partners may offer access to various commodities.

Cryptocurrencies: Money Partners caters to cryptocurrency enthusiasts by facilitating trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin. However, the maximum leverage for cryptocurrencies is limited to 1:2, potentially affecting trading opportunities.

Here is a table comparing Money Partners to other brokers in this regard:

Account Types

Money Partners offers four account types: Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic. Specifics are as follows:

Standard Account: The Standard Account offered by Money Partners is tailored to beginner traders with a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000. This account type features spreads of 1.5 pips or higher, offering favorable conditions for trading various assets.

Raw ECN Account: Money Partners' Raw ECN Account is designed for experienced traders seeking tight spreads. It necessitates a higher minimum deposit of ¥100,000 and offers spreads starting from 0 pips.

MT4 ECN Account: The MT4 ECN Account is aimed at traders who prefer the MetaTrader 4 platform and tight spreads. It requires a minimum deposit of ¥10,000 and offers spreads starting from 0 pips.

Islamic Account: Money Partners offers an Islamic Account designed for Muslim traders, providing a swap-free option. This account type shares a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000 and features spreads of 1.5 pips or higher.

How to open an account？

1. The first step would be to navigate to the red “Open Checking Account” button, which is located at the top right side of the screen.

2. After inputting personal information and contact information, there will be a verification of the phone number or email.

3. Last, in order to complete the accout creation process, the user is required to possess a Japanese ID, meaning that the services of Money Partners are not available to international customers.

4. Once Money Partners verifies the information, the account creation is completed.

Minimum Deposit

Money Partners offers varying minimum deposit rates across its account types to cater to different trading preferences. The Standard and MT4 ECN accounts have a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000, while the Raw ECN account demands a higher deposit of ¥100,000. The Islamic account also requires a ¥10,000 minimum deposit. These distinct deposit rates allow traders to choose an account type that aligns with their trading goals and financial capacity, promoting flexibility within the brokerage's offerings.

Leverage

Money Partners provides varying leverage options for different market instruments. The company offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading, 1:20 for stocks, 1:100 for indices and commodities, and 1:2 for cryptocurrencies. This range of leverage ratios caters to traders with varying risk appetites and preferences, allowing for different levels of leverage depending on the asset class being traded.

The following table compares Money Partners to competing brokerages in terms of maximum leverage:

Spread

Money Partners provides spreads for its trading services that are determined by factors such as the currency pair and prevailing market conditions. In the case of the Raw ECN and MT4 ECN accounts, spreads commence at 0 pips, which can be appealing to traders looking for narrower spreads. Conversely, the Standard account offers spreads starting at 1.5 pips or higher, providing an option with wider spreads.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Money Partners offers a selection of deposit and withdrawal methods to facilitate transactions for its clients. These methods include bank transfers, credit/debit card payments, PayPal, Bitcoin, and various other e-wallet options. While the brokerage does not charge deposit fees, it is important to note that withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods, such as a ¥550 fee for withdrawing funds to a Japanese bank account via bank transfer. The availability of multiple payment options provides flexibility for clients to choose the most convenient method for their financial transactions, depending on their preferences and location.

Trading Platforms

Money Partners provides traders with access to multiple trading platforms, offering flexibility and choice. These platforms include MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and Money Partners' proprietary platform. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are widely recognized in the industry and favored for their comprehensive trading features and technical analysis tools. Money Partners' proprietary platform likely offers a unique trading experience.

The following table compares the trading platforms offered by Money Partners to those of other competing brokerages:

Customer Support

Money Partners offers multiple customer support options, including phone support, an inquiry form, and a chat feature, allowing clients to choose the most suitable channel for their inquiries and assistance needs.

Phone Support: Money Partners offers phone support through the number 0120-860-894, available during limited hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. This channel allows clients to make direct inquiries and receive assistance over the phone.

Inquiry Form: Clients can utilize an inquiry form on Money Partners' website to submit their queries or requests. This method provides a written channel for communication and is accessible for clients seeking assistance.

Chat Feature: Money Partners provides a chat service for clients to engage in real-time conversations with support representatives. This live chat feature is available during specified hours and offers a convenient way to receive immediate assistance.

Conclusion

Money Partners emerges as a regulated forex and CFD brokerage with a clear focus on providing financial services to a Japanese clientele. Founded over a decade ago, the company boasts a track record of compliance with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, underscoring its commitment to adhering to stringent regulatory standards. Offering a range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as their proprietary platform, Money Partners caters to traders seeking various tools for their financial endeavors. Additionally, the broker extends multiple customer support options, enabling clients to access assistance through phone inquiries, inquiry forms, and live chat services during specified hours.

While their trading account options cater to a variety of trading preferences, the lack of website accessibility in languages other than Japanese and the requirement for a Japanese address during registration suggest a primary focus on serving domestic traders. This geographical limitation, coupled with potential language barriers, may deter international traders seeking their services.

FAQs

Q: What is Money Partners' main regulatory status？

A: Money Partners is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan.

Q: Can clients outside of Japan access Money Partners' services？

A: Money Partners appears to primarily serve a Japanese clientele, limiting accessibility for international traders.

Q: What are the available trading platforms at Money Partners？

A: Money Partners offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary trading platform.

Q: How can clients contact Money Partners' customer support？

A: Clients can reach out through phone support, an inquiry form, or a live chat feature during specified hours.

Q: Are there deposit fees at Money Partners？

A: Money Partners does not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods.

Q: What are the minimum deposit rates for Money Partners' accounts？

A: Money Partners provides varying minimum deposit rates, starting at ¥10,000 for some account types and ¥100,000 for others.