Overview of Monex Group

Monex Group, Inc. is a financial services company based in Japan. It was founded in 1999 and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. The company offers various trading platforms, including Monex Trader for stocks and futures, Monex Trader FX for forex trading, Multiboard 500, Full Board Information Tool, Market Board, and Monex Vision.

Monex Group provides a wide range of tradable assets to its clients. These include domestic stocks, US stocks, Chinese stocks, investment trusts, bonds, initial public offerings (IPOs), stock lending services, ETFs, foreign exchange currency pairs, cryptocurrency CFDs, and more.

The specific account types and minimum deposit requirements are not specified in the available information. However, Monex Group offers customer support through email and phone. It provides various payment methods, such as instant deposit services, regular automatic deposit services, ATM deposits through Monex Saison cards, and bank transfers.

For educational purposes, Monex Group offers financial investment information and monthly disclosure of company information, news releases, and other resources to assist traders and investors in making informed decisions.

Is Monex Group legit or a scam？

Monex Group, represented by its licensed institution Monex Securities Inc. (マネックス証券株式会社), is a legitimate and regulated online securities company operating under the supervision of the Financial Services Agency in Japan. Since September 30, 2007, Monex Securities Inc. has held a retail forex license (License No.: 関東財務局長(金商)第165号), ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The company's headquarters are located at 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, and they can be contacted at 03-4323-3800. This regulatory oversight and transparency contribute to the trustworthiness and credibility of Monex Group.

Pros and Cons

Monex Group, a reputable online securities company based in Tokyo, Japan, offers several advantages and drawbacks to consider. One of its significant strengths is being FSA-regulated, ensuring a level of security and adherence to regulatory standards. Additionally, Monex Group provides a diversified range of products and services, catering to the needs of various investors. Another advantage is the availability of multiple trading platform options, allowing traders to choose the one that suits their preferences. Moreover, Monex Group supports various payment methods, enhancing convenience for clients.

However, there are a couple of downsides to be aware of. Firstly, there is no clear information regarding the minimum deposit requirement, which may pose a challenge for potential investors. Secondly, the customer support provided by Monex Group is considered average, and some clients may have higher expectations in terms of responsiveness and assistance. Overall, Monex Group offers a regulated and diverse investment environment but could improve certain aspects like providing more transparent deposit information and enhancing customer support.

Market Instruments

Monex Group offers a comprehensive range of products and services to investors. These include domestic stocks, US stocks, Chinese stocks, investment trusts, bonds, IPOs, stock lending services, ETFs, foreign exchange currency pairs, cryptocurrency CFDs, and bonds. With such a diverse selection, investors have the opportunity to diversify their portfolios and access a wide range of investment options. Whether they are interested in stocks, bonds, or alternative investments like cryptocurrency, Monex Group aims to meet the diverse needs and preferences of its clients.

Commissions

The diverse lineup of products offered by MONEX is from 110 yen for physical trading to 99 yen for margin trading (tax included), both beginners and experienced traders can make a small investment at a reasonable price. The monthly Fixed Commission Process calculates the commission for the total daily contract amount, which traders can choose according to their needs. For example, the brokerage fee for China stocks (tax included) is 0.275% of the contract price (minimum fee HK$49.5, maximum fee HK$495). The fee for Nikkei 225 Mini Index is 38 yen per order, and the fee for Nikkei 225 Futures is 275 yen per order.

Trading Platforms

Monex Group provides a wide range of flexible trading platforms to cater to the needs of traders. These platforms include Monex Trader, which supports trading in stocks and futures, Monex Trader FX, specifically designed for forex trading, Multiboard 500, Full Board Information Tool, Market Board, and Monex Vision. These platforms offer different features and functionalities to enhance the trading experience and allow traders to access a variety of financial instruments. Whether traders are interested in stocks, futures, forex, or market information, Monex Group offers diverse options to suit their preferences and trading strategies.

TradeStation offers state-of-the-art trading technology and online electronic brokerage services to active individual and institutional traders. TradeStation has been able to leverage its award-winning technology solutions in global markets extending from Europe to Japan, China, and South Korea. TradeStations powerful yet convenient mobile and web trading apps let clients capitalize on trading opportunities virtually anytime anywhere, while its desktop platform provides all the tools needed to design, test, optimize, automate, and monitor custom equities, options and futures trading strategies. TradeStation also provides personalized support from fully licensed brokerage professionals, a vast array of educational offerings to help clients improve their trading skills, different accounts to meet every trading and investment objective, and simplified low-cost commission pricing.

Deposit & Withdrawal

MONEX provides investors with a diverse selection of deposit and withdrawal options, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Investors can choose from instant deposit services, regular automatic deposit services, ATM deposits through Monex Saison cards, and bank transfers. These options allow investors to easily fund their investment accounts and access their funds when needed. With a variety of choices available, MONEX aims to accommodate the preferences and requirements of its clients, making the deposit and withdrawal process efficient and user-friendly.

Customer Support

Clients with any inquiries or trading-related issues can easily contact MONEX through various accessible channels. They can reach out to MONEX via telephone at +81 0120-430-283 or send an email to feedback@monex.co.jp. Additionally, MONEX maintains an active presence on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, allowing clients to stay updated and engage with the company. These multiple contact channels provide clients with convenient options to seek assistance, receive support, and stay connected with MONEX, ensuring a responsive and interactive customer experience.

Education Resources

Monex Group claims to provide comprehensive educational resources for investors. Here are some key points about the educational resources offered by Monex Group:

1. For New Investors:

Monex Group provides tailored educational materials and resources specifically designed for new investors. These materials cover a wide range of topics, including investment basics, risk management, and investment strategies.

2. Financial Result Related Materials:

Monex Group regularly publishes financial result-related materials to keep investors informed about the company's performance. These materials include financial statements, earnings reports, and management commentary, providing a transparent view of the company's financial health.

3. IR Library:

Monex Group maintains an extensive IR (Investor Relations) library, which serves as a repository for various important documents. This library includes consolidated financial summaries, presentation materials, and the annual report, offering comprehensive information about the company's operations and performance.

4. Stock & Rating Information:

Monex Group provides detailed stock and rating information to help investors make informed decisions. This information includes stock profiles, stock prices, credit ratings, and analyst coverage, enabling investors to stay updated on the company's stock performance and market analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Monex Group is a legitimate online securities company based in Tokyo, Japan, regulated by the Financial Services Agency. They offer a wide range of market instruments, including domestic and international stocks, investment trusts, bonds, IPOs, and various trading services. Monex provides different trading platforms to cater to the needs of traders, and they offer flexible deposit and withdrawal options. While Monex Group has several advantages such as a diverse product lineup and regulated operations, some potential disadvantages may include transaction fees and spreads associated with certain products. Overall, Monex Group presents itself as a reputable option for individuals interested in online securities trading, backed by a strong regulatory framework and customer support channels.

FAQs

Q: What is the Global Vision business strategy of Monex Group？

A: The Global Vision is a comprehensive initiative that brings together all companies within Monex Group worldwide, aiming to establish a truly global online financial institution that generates beneficial synergies for all stakeholders.

Q: How does Monex Group aspire to be a Global Technology-based Retail Financial Service Provider？

A: Monex Group, formed through the merger of Monex, Inc. and Nikko Beans, Inc., leverages its expertise and strengths in the capital markets to become a leading Global Technology-based Retail Financial Service Provider.

Q: How does Monex Group disclose information？

A: Monex, Inc., a subsidiary of Monex Group, provides monthly disclosures. While the Monex, Inc. website is available only in Japanese, information about Monex Group, Inc., the parent company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, can be found in both Japanese and English on their website at https://www.monexgroup.jp/en/. This includes company information and news releases.

Q: What affiliations does Monex, Inc. have？

A: Monex, Inc. is a registered financial instruments firm under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (registered number 165). It is a member of several associations, including the Japan Securities Dealers Association, Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association, The Financial Futures Association of Japan, Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association, and Japan Investment Advisers Association.

Overview:

FinMarket is an unregulated Forex and CFD broker based in Cyprus, established in 2015. Despite claiming to be regulated by CySEC, the lack of proper regulation raises concerns about the safety of traders' funds and the transparency of their operations. Unfortunately, the website is currently down, which adds further doubts about the broker's legitimacy. The high spreads and commissions, along with the relatively high minimum initial deposit of $1000, make it an unattractive option for traders, especially beginners. Moreover, the limited account manager availability and the absence of an FAQ section demonstrate a lack of commitment to customer support. Overall, due to the unregulated status and the website's unavailability, FinMarket should be approached with extreme caution.

Regulation:

Suspicious Clone.

A “Suspicious Clone” in the context of financial services refers to an entity that mimics or imitates the appearance and branding of a legitimate and regulated company, often with the intent to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals. These clones use similar names, websites, and other identifying features to create the illusion of being a reputable and regulated entity, while in reality, they are operating without proper authorization and oversight.

In the case of FinMarket being labeled as a “Suspicious Clone,” it suggests that the broker claims to be regulated by CySEC but lacks the necessary authorization and compliance. Such suspicious clones can pose significant risks to investors and traders, as they may engage in fraudulent activities, mismanage funds, and potentially disappear without a trace. Traders should exercise extreme caution when dealing with suspicious clones and always conduct thorough research and due diligence before entrusting their funds to any financial service provider.

Market Instruments Offered by FinMarket:

FinMarket offers a diverse array of market instruments, catering to traders' interests and allowing them to diversify their portfolios across different asset classes. The following table summarizes the market instruments along with some examples:

Forex Currency Pairs:

FinMarket provides access to more than 30 forex currency pairs, including major pairs like EUR/USD, EUR/GBP, and AUD/JPY. These major pairs offer high liquidity and are widely traded in the global forex market.

Major Indices:

Traders can participate in the performance of major stock market indices, such as FTSE, S&P 500, and NASDAQ. These indices represent the overall performance of specific stock markets and sectors.

Commodities:

FinMarket offers various commodities for trading, including precious metals like Silver and Gold, energy resources like Crude Oil, and agricultural products like Coffee. Commodity trading allows traders to diversify their investment strategies.

Individual Stocks:

With over 160 individual stocks available as CFDs, traders can speculate on the price movements of well-known market holders like Amazon, Netflix, and Apple. This allows investors to gain exposure to individual companies without owning the underlying shares.

Cryptocurrencies:

For those interested in the cryptocurrency market, FinMarket offers access to various digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more. Cryptocurrency trading allows traders to capitalize on the price movements of these digital currencies.

Despite offering a diverse array of market instruments, FinMarket's lack of proper regulation raises concerns about the safety and legitimacy of its offerings. Traders should exercise extreme caution when considering this broker due to the absence of regulatory oversight, which may expose investors to potential risks and fraudulent activities. Additionally, the website being down further adds to the suspicion surrounding the broker. While the range of assets offered, including forex currency pairs, major indices, commodities, individual stocks, and cryptocurrencies, might seem attractive, the overall lack of regulation casts doubt on the broker's credibility and reliability. It is essential for traders to conduct thorough research and choose regulated brokers to safeguard their investments and trading experience.

Account Types：

FinMarket offers a range of trading accounts, but be warned, their account types may not be as attractive as they seem. Let's take a closer look at each account with a critical eye:

1. Mini Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $250

2. Features: This account type may seem affordable, but don't be fooled. The demo account for practicing strategies is nothing special, and the 40% margin is quite restrictive. With only 24 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices for trading, you won't have a wide range of options. The leverage up to 1:500 might sound impressive, but it could lead to significant losses for inexperienced traders.

2. Standard Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $1,000

2. Features: The demo account is available, but the 26 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices offered for trading are nothing extraordinary. The daily market news and SMS alerts may sound appealing, but they hardly compensate for the lack of variety in trading options. The dedicated account manager might not be as dedicated as you expect, and the Islamic account option is just a small gesture to attract a specific group of traders.

3. VIP Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $10,000

2. Features: The high minimum deposit might make you think you're getting premium treatment, but don't be fooled. The additional features offered, such as 28 Forex currency pairs and a full range of commodities and indices, may not justify the steep price. Direct access to a trading manager might not be as beneficial as they claim, and the 30% margin is quite restrictive for experienced traders.

4. Premium Account:

1. Minimum Deposit: $100,000

2. Features: The hefty minimum deposit requirement might make you believe you're entering an exclusive club, but the reality might disappoint you. The in-depth analyst tips they promise are just a way to add some fluff to the account. The 25% margin is not as competitive as you'd expect, and the so-called deep liquidity might not be as deep as you hope.

Account Type	Minimum Deposit	Features
Mini Account	$250	- Demo account for practicing strategies<br> - 40% margin<br> - Trading options include 24 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices<br> - Leverage up to 1:500
Standard Account	$1,000	- Demo account available<br> - Trading options include 26 Forex currency pairs and 10 commodities and indices<br> - Daily market news and SMS alerts<br> - Dedicated account manager<br> - Islamic account option
VIP Account	$10,000	- 28 Forex currency pairs and a full range of commodities and indices for trading<br> - Direct access to a trading manager<br> - 30% margin
Premium Account	$100,000	- In-depth analyst tips<br> - 25% margin<br> - Claims of deep liquidity

In summary, FinMarket's account types might appear enticing at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they fail to deliver on their promises. The high minimum deposits, limited trading options, and questionable additional features make these accounts less appealing than they initially seem.

Leverage:

FinMarket boasts about offering “up to 1:500” leverage on their trading accounts. However, before you get too excited, let's take a closer look at the reality behind this high leverage claim.

While a leverage of 1:500 might seem like an attractive prospect, it comes with significant risks and drawbacks. High leverage can amplify both your potential profits and your potential losses. This means that even a small adverse price movement could wipe out a significant portion of your trading capital.

Inexperienced traders often get lured in by the promise of high leverage, thinking they can make huge profits with a small initial deposit. However, they fail to realize that it also exposes them to substantial risks.

Moreover, it's worth noting that regulatory authorities, like CySEC, which oversees FinMarket, have been tightening their rules regarding leverage. High leverage has been associated with increased client losses and is considered risky for retail traders. Many regulatory bodies now impose leverage caps to protect traders from excessive risk-taking.

So, while FinMarket might advertise high leverage as a way to attract traders, it's crucial to approach it with caution. Trading with such high leverage can be a recipe for disaster, especially for inexperienced traders who might not fully comprehend the risks involved.

In conclusion, the maximum trading leverage offered by FinMarket might sound appealing, but it's essential to remember that high leverage comes with substantial risks. It's crucial for traders to exercise caution and employ proper risk management strategies to protect their capital when trading with such high leverage.

Spreads & Commissions:

Spreads and commissions at FinMarket vary depending on the type of trading account. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that the broker's offerings are less competitive than they claim to be.

1. Spreads:

   FinMarket advertises “tight spreads” on their website, but in reality, the spreads they offer are quite high, especially on their Mini accounts. For the benchmark EUR/USD currency pair, the average spread exceeds 3.7 pips on Mini accounts. Such high spreads can significantly impact a trader's potential profits, making it challenging to trade cost-effectively.

2. Commissions:

   In addition to spreads, FinMarket charges commissions on trades, further increasing the overall cost of trading. The commission rates vary depending on the type of account. For Mini accounts, the commission fee is $15.00 per trade.

3. Comparison to Competitors:

   Compared to other reputable brokers in the market, FinMarket's trading costs are less favorable. Many competitors offer much lower spreads, often within the range of 1.0 to 1.5 pips for the EUR/USD pair, without charging additional commission fees.

4. Impact on Traders:

   The high spreads and commission fees at FinMarket can hinder a trader's ability to profit consistently, particularly for those with smaller trading accounts. These unfavorable trading conditions may lead to significant losses and can discourage traders from achieving their financial goals.

In conclusion, despite claiming to provide tight spreads and varying commissions, FinMarket's trading conditions fall short compared to many other brokers in the industry. Traders seeking cost-effective and competitive trading experiences may find better options with brokers offering lower spreads and commission fees.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deposit and withdrawal processes at FinMarket seem to be relatively straightforward, offering various methods for funding accounts and accessing funds. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

1. Deposit Options:

   FinMarket provides several options for depositing funds into trading accounts. Traders can choose to deposit through credit transfer, wire transfer, or the electronic payment method Ecommpay. These options offer flexibility, allowing clients to select the most suitable method based on their preferences and location.

2. Minimum Deposit Requirements:

   The broker does not impose any specific minimum deposit requirements. However, it's important to note that individual payment channels may have their own minimum deposit limits. Traders should verify the minimum deposit amount with their chosen payment method before initiating the transaction.

3. Withdrawal Process:

   FinMarket generally processes withdrawals through the same method used for depositing funds. This is a standard practice among many brokers and helps ensure the security of transactions. Traders should be aware that withdrawal requests may take some time to process, depending on the payment method and the broker's internal procedures.

4. Fund Security:

   FinMarket emphasizes the security of customer funds. The broker operates under the regulation of the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission (CySEC), which requires adherence to strict guidelines for the protection of client funds. Furthermore, the use of SSL encryption ensures the safe transmission of personal and financial information during transactions.

5. Additional Considerations:

   While the deposit and withdrawal processes themselves appear to be straightforward, traders should also consider the overall cost associated with funding their accounts and accessing their funds. This includes any fees charged by payment providers and potential currency conversion charges, especially for international clients.

In conclusion, FinMarket offers various deposit options and follows standard practices for processing withdrawals. However, traders should be aware of any minimum deposit requirements imposed by payment channels and carefully consider any associated costs to make informed decisions about funding their trading accounts and accessing their funds.

Trading Platforms:

FinMarket provides its clients with multiple trading platforms, ensuring a diverse range of options to suit individual preferences and trading styles. The broker offers the following trading platforms:

1. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) Platform:

   MetaTrader 4 is one of the most popular and widely used trading platforms in the industry. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of tools and features, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. Traders can access advanced charting capabilities, a wide array of technical indicators, and various timeframes for market analysis. MT4 also supports automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), allowing traders to execute trades automatically based on predefined strategies. The platform is available for desktop (Windows, Linux, and MacOS), as well as mobile devices (iOS and Android), providing convenience and flexibility for traders who prefer to trade on the go.

1. In-House Web Trading Platform (WebTrader):

   FinMarket has developed its own web-based trading platform known as WebTrader. This platform is accessible through any web browser without the need for downloading or installing additional software. WebTrader offers a user-friendly interface with one-click trading functionality, real-time market charts to monitor market trends, and social trading features. The platform caters to traders who prefer a hassle-free trading experience and wish to access their accounts from any internet-connected device.

2. In-House Mobile Trading Platform:

   For traders who are constantly on the move, FinMarket offers a mobile trading platform compatible with both Android and iOS devices. This mobile app provides full access to trading accounts, enabling traders to execute trades, monitor positions, and access real-time market data from the palm of their hands. The mobile trading platform ensures that traders can stay updated and respond to market movements promptly, regardless of their location.

In summary, FinMarket provides a diverse selection of trading platforms to cater to the needs of different traders. The MetaTrader 4 platform offers advanced tools and analysis for experienced traders, while the in-house WebTrader platform appeals to those seeking simplicity and convenience. Additionally, the mobile trading platform ensures traders can stay connected to the markets at all times, making it a comprehensive offering for a range of trading preferences.

Customer Support:

FinMarket's customer support has been a source of frustration for many traders, as it often fails to meet their expectations. The broker claims to provide reliable assistance, but in reality, reaching their customer support team can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

1. Phone Support: While FinMarket offers a phone support option, getting through to a support representative can be a daunting task. Traders often find themselves waiting on hold for extended periods, only to be met with unhelpful responses or transferred to different departments without any resolution.

2. Email Support: Traders who opt for email support are often left disappointed with the slow response times. It can take several days to receive a reply, and even then, the answers provided are often generic and fail to address the specific concerns raised by traders.

3. Live Chat: The live chat feature on FinMarket's website is advertised as a quick way to get assistance, but in reality, it is far from efficient. Traders report experiencing long wait times before connecting with a support agent, and when they do, the responses are often vague and unhelpful.

4. Web Contact Form: Submitting inquiries through the web contact form is no better, as traders rarely receive timely or satisfactory responses. It seems like the broker pays little attention to these contact forms, leaving traders feeling ignored and frustrated.

Overall, FinMarket's customer support is lackluster and inadequate. Traders have expressed their dissatisfaction with the slow response times, unhelpful answers, and overall lack of professionalism displayed by the support team. As a result, many traders feel let down by the broker's supposed commitment to providing reliable assistance.

Summary:

FinMarket is an unregulated Forex and CFD broker based in Cyprus, established in 2015. While it offers a diverse range of market instruments, including forex currency pairs, major indices, commodities, individual stocks, and cryptocurrencies, the lack of proper regulation raises concerns about the safety of traders' funds and the legitimacy of its operations. The high spreads, varying commissions, and relatively high minimum initial deposit of $1000 make it unattractive, especially for beginners. The website's unavailability adds further doubts about the broker's credibility. The customer support is inadequate, with slow response times and unhelpful assistance.

Pros:

• Offers a diverse array of market instruments.

• Provides multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 (MT4).

• Supports mobile trading for on-the-go access.

Cons:

• Unregulated status raises concerns about fund safety and transparency.

• High spreads and commissions impact profitability.

• High minimum deposit requirements.

• Inadequate customer support with slow response times and unhelpful answers.

• Website unavailability adds to doubts about legitimacy.

Overall, due to the lack of regulation, high costs, and unsatisfactory customer support, FinMarket is not recommended for traders. It is essential to consider alternative, regulated brokers with better trading conditions and customer service for a more secure and reliable trading experience.

FAQs:

Q1: Is FinMarket a regulated broker？

A1: No, FinMarket is an unregulated broker, which raises concerns about the safety of traders' funds and the transparency of their operations.

Q2: What is the minimum initial deposit required to open an account with FinMarket？

A2: The minimum initial deposit for a Mini account is $250, while the VIP account requires a minimum deposit of $10,000.

Q3: Does FinMarket offer a demo account for practice？

A3: Yes, FinMarket provides a demo account for traders to practice their strategies before trading with real money.

Q4: What trading platforms does FinMarket offer？

A4: FinMarket offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a web-based platform (WebTrader), and a mobile trading platform for Android and iOS devices.

Q5: Is customer support readily available at FinMarket？

A5: FinMarket's customer support has been reported as inadequate, with slow response times and unhelpful assistance, making it a source of frustration for traders.