Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

General Information

What is PBFX？

PBFX is a provider of online trading services focused on Forex currency pairs, stocks, commodities, oil & gas, and cryptocurrencies through MT4 platform. Pribizco currently registered with the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC).

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

Pros & Cons

PBFX has several notable pros and cons. On the positive side, PBFX offers a wide range of market instruments and flexible leverage options up to 1:1000, providing traders with various trading opportunities. Additionally, they have multiple account types to suit different trading needs through the leading MT4 platform.

However, there are also some drawbacks. There is limited information on spreads and commissions, which may be a concern for some traders. Additionally, the customer service contact options are limited, and the educational resources and tools provided by PBFX are also limited.

Is PBFX Safe or Scam？

PBFX's registration with the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR, License N0. 551686) and the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC, License No. 269820) indicates that it holds licenses in those jurisdictions. However, it is important to note that these licenses are considered general registered licenses, which may have different regulatory requirements compared to full regulatory licenses.

While registration with these authorities demonstrates some level of compliance, it does not provide the same level of investor protection as full regulatory licenses. Traders should exercise caution and conduct further research to assess PBFX's reputation, track record, and the overall safety of their services before engaging with the platform.

Market Instruments

Pribizco offers investors a wide variety of financial trading assets, mainly Forex currency pairs, stocks, commodities, oil & gas, and cryptocurrencies. The Forex market offers traders the opportunity to participate in the global currency exchange market, allowing them to trade major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. With stocks, traders can access various company shares and participate in the equity markets. Commodities such as gold, silver, oil, and gas provide avenues for diversification and hedging strategies.

Additionally, PBFX enables traders to engage in the growing market of cryptocurrencies, which includes popular digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. This diverse selection of market instruments gives traders the flexibility to explore various trading opportunities and diversify their investment portfolios.

Accounts

PBFX offers traders a choice of three live account types: Cent, Standard, and ECN. The Cent account requires a minimum deposit of $10, making it accessible to traders with smaller capital. The Standard account also has a minimum deposit of $10 and caters to the needs of traders who prefer traditional trading conditions.

On the other hand, the ECN account requires a higher minimum deposit of $1,000 and provides traders with direct access to the market through Electronic Communication Network (ECN) technology, offering enhanced liquidity and potentially lower spreads.

Additionally, PBFX provides free demo accounts with $10,000 in virtual funds, allowing traders to practice their strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform before trading with real money.

Furthermore, PBFX offers swap-free accounts for traders who adhere to Islamic principles. These account options provide flexibility and cater to the diverse needs and preferences of traders.

Leverage

PBFX offers flexible leverage of up to 1:1000 to its traders. This high leverage option allows traders to potentially amplify their trading positions and potential profits. However, it's important to note that trading with high leverage also carries increased risk, as it can amplify potential losses. Traders should exercise caution and carefully manage their risk when utilizing high leverage ratios. PBFX's flexible leverage option provides traders with the ability to choose a leverage level that aligns with their trading strategy and risk tolerance, allowing them to optimize their trading approach.

Spreads & Commissions

PBFX offers competitive spreads on its different account types. For Cent and Standard accounts, the spread is fixed at 1.7 pips, providing traders with a transparent and consistent cost for executing trades. On the other hand, ,ECN accounts have a spread of 0 pips which means traders can access raw interbank spreads and potentially benefit from tighter pricing.

However, PBFX does not provide specific information regarding commissions. Traders are advised to review the broker's terms and conditions or contact customer support to obtain more detailed information about commissions and any additional costs associated with trading on the platform.

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

Please note that the information provided is based on general data and may vary depending on the specific account type and trading conditions offered by each broker. It's always recommended to refer to the official website or contact the broker directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Trading Platforms

PBFX provides a range of trading platforms, primarily focusing on the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) platform. MT4 is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting capabilities, and extensive range of technical indicators and analysis tools. Traders can access the MT4 platform on various devices, including Windows and Mac computers, as well as mobile devices running on iOS and Android operating systems. This allows for seamless trading and monitoring of positions on-the-go.

The availability of MT4 across multiple platforms ensures that traders have flexibility and convenience in executing their trades. With its robust features and widespread usage in the industry, MT4 offered by PBFX enables traders to make informed trading decisions and execute their strategies effectively.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

PBFX offers a variety of convenient and secure payment options for both deposits and withdrawals. Traders can fund their accounts using popular methods such as Tether, PayTrust, MTPAY, China UnionPay, and SWIFT. The broker has a low minimum deposit requirement of only $10, making it accessible for traders of different budgets.

PBFX minimum deposit vs other brokers

Moreover, PBFX does not impose any limitations on withdrawal amounts, allowing clients to withdraw their funds as needed. Both deposits and withdrawals are free of charge, eliminating any additional costs for traders.

PBFX also provides a benefit to its clients by offering 3 times free deposit and withdrawal per month, providing flexibility and cost savings. The processing time for deposits and withdrawals is relatively fast, typically taking 1-5 working days, ensuring timely access to funds for traders.

Bonuses

PBFX provides a bonus program that rewards clients based on their initial deposit amounts. Traders can receive bonus amounts depending on the deposited funds, offering an opportunity to enhance their trading capital. For example, depositing $10 will grant a $10 bonus, while depositing $20 will result in a $20 bonus. The bonus amounts increase with larger deposits, with $30 bonus for $30 deposit, $60 bonus for $50 deposit, and $90 bonus for $200 deposit.

It's important to note that the maximum deposit amount eligible for a bonus is $500, and the maximum bonus amount that can be received is $150. This bonus program allows traders to potentially boost their trading funds and take advantage of additional opportunities in the market.

Customer Service

PBFX offers a range of customer support options to assist traders in their journey. Clients can reach out to the broker through 24/5 live chat, phone, and email channels, ensuring prompt and efficient communication. The availability of multiple contact methods allows traders to choose the most convenient option for their needs.

Additionally, PBFX maintains an active presence on popular social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where traders can follow their updates and engage with the broker's community.

The combination of various customer support channels and social media presence demonstrates PBFX's commitment to providing reliable and accessible support to its clients, enhancing the overall trading experience.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with PBFX's customer service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PBFX is a forex broker registered with the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC). They offer a range of market instruments and flexible leverage options, providing trading opportunities for different types of traders.

However, the limited information available on their website, especially regarding spreads and commissions, raises some concerns. The customer service options are also limited, and the educational resources and tools provided by PBFX are not extensive. It is recommended to conduct further research and consider your specific trading needs before choosing PBFX as your forex broker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.