General Information

S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker based in Australia that offers a range of tradable assets including Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies. They provide different account types such as Standard, VIP, ECN, and Islamic accounts, with minimum deposits starting at $10. The broker offers leverage of up to 1:1000 and varying spreads depending on the account type and instrument. Traders have access to the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and a copy trading platform called CopySam™. S.A.M. Trade also provides educational resources, membership programs, and accessible customer support channels.

However, it's important to note that S.A.M. Trade operates as an unlicensed broker. This raises concerns about regulatory oversight and accountability, as well as potential issues with fund safety and unfair trading practices. Traders should exercise caution when considering trading with an unlicensed broker, as there may be limited avenues for dispute resolution and challenges in recovering funds in case of disputes or financial issues.

While S.A.M. Trade offers a wide range of tradable assets, account types with varying leverage options, and access to popular trading platforms, the lack of regulatory oversight and accountability is a significant drawback. Traders should carefully evaluate the risks and consider regulated alternatives before engaging with S.A.M. Trade or any unlicensed broker.

Is S.A.M. Trade Legit？

S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker, and it is risky trading with it. Caution is advised when considering trading with S.A.M. Trade, as this broker operates without a license. Trading with an unlicensed broker carries inherent risks and raises concerns regarding the safety and security of funds. Regulatory authorities play a crucial role in overseeing and regulating the operations of brokers, ensuring compliance with industry standards and protecting the interests of traders.

Choosing to trade with an unlicensed broker such as S.A.M. Trade means there is a lack of regulatory oversight and accountability. This absence of oversight can result in potential issues such as inadequate client fund protection, unfair trading practices, and limited avenues for dispute resolution. In the event of any disputes or financial issues, traders may face challenges in seeking recourse or recovering their funds.

Pros and Cons

S.A.M. Trade offers a wide range of tradable assets and provides different account types with varying leverage options and spreads. Traders have access to the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform and a copy trading platform called CopySam™. The broker also provides educational resources and a membership program. Additionally, they offer accessible customer support channels. However, it's important to note that S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker, which raises concerns about regulatory oversight and accountability. There may be potential issues with fund safety and unfair trading practices. Furthermore, the limited avenues for dispute resolution can be a disadvantage for traders.

Market Instruments

S.A.M. Trade offers a variety of trading instruments to its clients, including Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies. Here's a breakdown of each category:

1. Forex:

S.A.M. Trade provides trading services for over 30+ currency pairs. Each currency pair is offered with a standard contract size of 100,000 units of the first-named currency. The company operates 24/5 trading, allowing traders to participate in the forex market throughout the week. It's important to note that there may be fluctuations in spreads during opening, closing, and between market sessions. These fluctuations can be attributed to routine settlements conducted by major financial institutions, which can affect prices. S.A.M. Trade offers a range of major and minor currency pairs, each with its own value per pip, contract size, minimum lot size, and typical spread.

2. Indices:

S.A.M. Trade provides investors with the opportunity to trade on derivatives of various indices. Trading indices offers a way to diversify risk compared to single stock trading. The company offers a selection of popular indices such as ASX 200, FTSE CHINA A50, Germany DAX 30, Euro Stoxx 50, Hang Seng, KOSPI 200, and more. Each index contract has its own value per tick, quote digits, contract size per lot, minimum lot size, and average spread.

3. Commodities:

S.A.M. Trade allows investors to expand their investment portfolios by trading derivatives on spot metals and energies. The company offers contracts for gold, silver, WTI crude oil, Brent crude oil, and natural gas. Each commodity contract has a specific value per contract, quote digits, contract size per lot, minimum lot size, and average spread.

4. Futures:

Trading futures enables investors to diversify their portfolios and explore various trading opportunities. S.A.M. Trade offers futures contracts for the volatility index, Hang Seng China Enterprises, India Nifty 50, KOSPI 200, Russell 2000 Mini, Dollar Index, 10-year US Bond, DAX 30, Mini-sized DJIA, and US Oil. Each futures contract has its own value per tick, quote digits, contract size per lot, minimum lot size, and average spread.

5. Cryptocurrencies:

S.A.M. Trade allows clients to trade CFDs on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more. The company offers a range of cryptocurrency pairs, each with its own value per contract, quote digits, contract size per lot, and minimum lot size. It's important to note that leverage on cryptocurrency CFDs is capped at 1:5, and trading hours are available 24/7.

By offering these diverse trading instruments, S.A.M. Trade aims to provide its clients with a wide range of options to suit their investment preferences and strategies.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:

Account Types

S.A.M. Trade offers a range of account types tailored to meet the specific needs and expertise levels of traders. The account types differ based on factors such as minimum funding requirements, spreads, leverage options, commissions, and additional features.

For the Australia region, S.A.M. Trade provides the following account types:

1. Standard Account: This account offers standard spreads, leverage of up to 1:30, no commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, and 24/5 technical and account support. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 10.

2. VIP Account: The VIP account features tight spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:30, no commissions, floating spreads, negative balance protection, and 24/5 technical and account support. The minimum funding requirement for this account is also USD 10.

3. ECN Account: The ECN account offers the best available spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:30, USD 5 commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, and 24/5 technical and account support. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 100.

For the St Vincent and the Grenadines region, S.A.M. Trade provides the following account types:

1. Standard Account: This account type offers standard spreads, leverage of up to 1:1000, no commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 10.

2. VIP Account: The VIP account features tight spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:1000, no commissions, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is also USD 10.

3. ECN Account: The ECN account provides the best available spreads, priority customer support, leverage of up to 1:200, USD 5 commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 100.

4. Islamic Account: S.A.M. Trade also offers an Islamic account with standard spreads, swap-free trading, leverage of up to 1:500, no commission charges, floating spreads, negative balance protection, 24/5 technical and account support, and daily trade call. The minimum funding requirement for this account is USD 10.

Traders should note that the maximum leverage differs between the two regions, with the Australia region offering a maximum leverage of 1:30, while the St Vincent and the Grenadines region offers higher maximum leverage options, ranging from 1:1000 to 1:200 depending on the account type. It is crucial for traders to consider their risk tolerance and trading strategies when selecting the appropriate account type.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account on S.A.M. Trade, follow these steps:

1. Visit the S.A.M. Trade website: Go to the official website of S.A.M. Trade and locate the “Open Live Account” button on the homepage. Click on it to initiate the account opening process.

2. Choose your account type: On the registration page, you will be presented with different account types to choose from, including Individual, Joint and Corporate.

3. Complete the registration process: Fill in the required information, including your personal details, contact information, and any additional information requested. Ensure that all the provided information is accurate and up to date.

4. Receive your account login details: After submitting the registration form, you will receive an automated email containing your personal account login information. Keep this information secure as it will be used to access your trading account.

5. Log in to your account: Using the provided login details, access your S.A.M. Trade account by logging in through the website's login portal. Make sure to use the correct username and password to gain access successfully.

6. Deposit funds: Once logged in, proceed to deposit funds into your trading account. S.A.M. Trade typically provides multiple payment methods, including Bank Transfers, Visa / Master and Tether (USDT). Choose the most convenient option for you and follow the instructions to deposit the desired amount.

7. Download the trading platform: To start trading, you will need to download the trading platform provided by S.A.M. Trade. Follow the instructions on the website to download and install the trading platform.

Once the trading platform is installed, you can log in using your account credentials and begin trading in the financial markets offered by S.A.M. Trade. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the platform's features and tools before placing any trades.

Leverage

S.A.M. Trade provides different leverage options based on the account types and the regions in which they operate. In the Australia region, the maximum leverage offered is 1:30 for all the account types available, including the Standard, VIP, and ECN accounts. This means that traders can access a leverage ratio of up to 1:30 for their trades.

On the other hand, in the St Vincent and the Grenadines region, S.A.M. Trade offers higher maximum leverage options. The Standard and VIP accounts in this region allow traders to utilize leverage of up to 1:1000, providing greater potential for amplifying trading positions. The ECN account, however, offers a maximum leverage of 1:200.

It's important for traders to understand that leverage magnifies both potential profits and losses. Higher leverage can increase potential gains but also increases the risk of significant losses. Therefore, it is crucial for traders to carefully assess their risk tolerance, trading strategies, and market conditions when deciding on the appropriate leverage level.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

Spreads & Commissions

S.A.M. Trade offers a variety of account types with different spreads and commissions to suit the needs of different traders. For most account types, including the standard ones, there are no commissions charged for investing. This means that traders can execute trades without incurring additional fees beyond the spreads.

While S.A.M. Trade does not provide specific spreads for each account or instrument, they do offer average prices for certain popular trading pairs and assets. For example, the EUR/USD currency pair typically has a spread ranging from 1.7 to 2 pips, indicating the difference between the buying and selling prices. The GBP/USD pair, on the other hand, has an average spread of 2.4 to 2.6 pips. Commodity trades like Crude Oil and Natural Gas have an average spread of 5.0 cents.

For traders looking for the tightest spreads, S.A.M. Trade offers an ECN account type. With this account, traders can access the market through an STP/ECN model, which provides direct access to liquidity providers. However, there is a $5 commission per round lot turn for trades executed through the ECN account. This commission covers the cost of accessing the competitive spreads and liquidity offered by the ECN model.

In summary, S.A.M. Trade offers commission-free investing for most account types, allowing traders to trade without additional fees beyond the spreads. While specific spreads are not provided for all instruments, average prices are available for popular trading pairs and commodities. Traders seeking the tightest spreads can opt for the ECN account, but should be aware of the $5 commission per round lot turn.

Non-Trading Fees

S.A.M. Trade imposes swap charges for positions held overnight. They offer a profit-sharing plan called CopySam™, where users may share a portion of the profits generated from copied trades. Opening a live trading account with S.A.M. Trade is free, and there are no account management fees.

Trading Platform

S.A.M. Trade offers different trading platforms for traders in Australia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In Australia, S.A.M. Trade provides the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform. MT4 is widely recognized as a leading trading platform in the world. Traders can download MT4 for free and enjoy its user-friendly interface, extensive tools, and indicators. It supports various financial instruments such as forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, providing a seamless trading experience.

For traders in St Vincent and the Grenadines, S.A.M. Trade introduces CopySam™, an innovative trade copying technology. CopySam™ allows traders to follow and trade like expert traders by automatically copying their trades with precision. It offers beginners the opportunity to replicate winning traders' trades and experienced traders the convenience of minimal time involvement while diversifying their portfolios. CopySam™ has received the Collective Investment Platform Certification, ensuring transparency and fair trading practices.

By offering both MT4 and CopySam™, S.A.M Trade caters to the needs of different types of traders. MT4 provides a robust and versatile trading platform for those who prefer to analyze the markets and execute their own trades, while CopySam™ offers a convenient way to follow and copy the trades of successful traders, making it suitable for traders who prefer a more hands-off approach to trading.

Customer Service

S.A.M. Trade offers customer service support through different channels, including a contact form on their website and dedicated email addresses for media/partnership inquiries and general support. Traders can fill out the contact form with their details to receive a prompt response. Media and partnership inquiries can be sent to marketing@samtradefx.com, while general support inquiries can be directed to support@samtradefx.com. Additionally, customers can follow S.A.M. Trade on Facebook and YouTube for updates. While phone support may not be mentioned, the broker is committed to providing accessible customer service through these available channels.

Educational Resources and Community Support

S.A.M. Trade recognizes the importance of education and provides a range of resources to help clients gain knowledge and skills in forex and commodity trading. They offer educational guides and articles that cover various topics such as forex trading basics, CFDs and commodities, leverage and margin, and important concepts like Overnight Funding and Margin Call Policy. These resources aim to equip traders with the necessary understanding to navigate the trading world effectively.

In addition to educational materials, S.A.M. Trade offers an exclusive membership program that provides valuable guidance and market analysis. Led by expert trainers, registered clients gain access to the latest market news, fundamental research, and a results-driven approach to trading. The membership program includes eight sessions held every Friday evening for eight weeks, as well as a Bootcamp consisting of 10 sessions spread over three weekends. While there is a one-time membership fee of $10,000 associated with this program, clients can benefit from the expertise and insights shared during these sessions to enhance their trading strategies.

Trading Tools

S.A.M. Trade offers trading tools to enhance the trading experience and ensure the security of funds. One of these tools is SamTracks™, a Portfolio Monitoring System that helps traders track their account and trading performance. It provides an overview of the account, allows performance tracking, monitors asset allocation, and displays traded volume.

S.A.M. Trade also prioritizes fund security through their Six Pillars of Secured Fund Coverage, known as SamAide™. These pillars include measures such as segregating clients' funds, professional indemnity insurance, third-party insurance protection, membership in the Financial Commission, and Negative Balance Protection. They also provide real-time deposit and withdrawal notifications to keep clients informed about their account activity.

Promotion

S.A.M. Trade provides promotional offers to its clients, including the SamRewards™ program. This program rewards retail investors based on their trading volumes. By meeting certain criteria such as making a first deposit of $500, trading 1 standard FX lot, or referring new clients, investors can earn 'points'. These points can then be exchanged for luxury prizes, including electronics.

In addition, S.A.M. Trade occasionally organizes a 'Traders' Challenge'. This challenge allows clients to compete based on their performance during a specific month. Participants have the opportunity to win up to $2000 and earn 1,000 SamPoints, providing an added incentive for traders to excel in their trading activities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

At S.A.M. Trade, there are several deposit methods available for clients. These include Tether (USDT), which typically takes up to one working day to process, Bank Wire Transfer, which takes one to four working days, and Visa & Mastercard Credit & Debit Cards, which are processed within one hour during weekdays. While most S.A.M. Trade live accounts have a minimum deposit of $10, the accepted payment methods require a minimum deposit of $20 or its equivalent currency (or USDT 50). The broker itself does not charge any fees for deposits, but investors may be responsible for any third-party charges.

When it comes to withdrawals, S.A.M. Trade accepts withdrawals through the same deposit methods. A minimum withdrawal amount of $20 or USDT 50 applies. Withdrawal processing times typically range from one to four working days for bank transfers and credit/debit cards. However, all withdrawals are processed by the broker within 72 hours. Tether payments, on the other hand, can be processed in one working day. Just like with deposits, S.A.M. Trade does not charge any withdrawal fees, but investors may need to bear any applicable third-party charges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, S.A.M. Trade is an unlicensed broker based in Australia that offers a variety of tradable assets and account types with attractive features such as low minimum deposits, high leverage, and access to popular trading platforms. However, the lack of regulatory oversight and accountability is a significant disadvantage. Trading with an unlicensed broker raises concerns about fund safety, unfair trading practices, and limited avenues for dispute resolution. Traders should carefully evaluate the risks involved and consider regulated alternatives before engaging with S.A.M. Trade or any unlicensed broker.

FAQs

Q: Is S.A.M. Trade a regulated broker？

A: No, S.A.M. Trade currently operates without valid regulation.

Q: What trading instruments are available on S.A.M. Trade？

A: S.A.M. Trade offers Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Cryptocurrencies as trading instruments. Each category has a variety of assets available for trading.

Q: What leverage options does S.A.M. Trade offer？

A: S.A.M. Trade offers leverage options of up to 1:1000 for Standard and VIP accounts, up to 1:200 for ECN accounts, and up to 1:500 for Islamic accounts.

Q: What trading platforms are available at S.A.M. Trade？

A: S.A.M. Trade offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and their proprietary copy trading platform, CopySam™.

Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal methods offered by S.A.M. Trade？

A: S.A.M. Trade accepts deposits through Tether (USDT), Bank Wire Transfer, and Visa/Mastercard Credit & Debit Cards. Withdrawals can be made using the same methods.

Hirose-fx was registered in 2004 in Japan. It mainly focuses on the forex and CFD markets, like stocks and commodities. It uses its own trading platforms, called LION FX and LION CFD, and it does not require minimum deposits and withdrawal. More importantly, it is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan.

Pros and Cons

Is Hirose-fx Legit?

Yes, Hirose-fx is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan. However, the FSA once sanctioned Hirose-fx for violation of laws. Despite the fact that it is regulated, potential risks may still exist, and please be aware of the risks.

WikiFX Field Survey

WifiFX field survey team visited Hirose-fx's regulatory address: 1-3-19 Shinmachi in Nishi-ku of Osaka, Japan. It is found that Hirose-fx has a physical business office.

What Can I Trade on Hirose-fx?

On Hirose-fx, customers can trade forex, stock index, ETFs, and commodities.

Leverage

For some of the stock index and ETF CFDs, the leverage is about 10 times, while for some commodity CFDs, it is about 20 times. When the leverage is high, the risks are also likely to be high. Therefore, careful considerations are recommended.

Spread and Commission

For different currency pairs, the spreads are not the same. As to the EUR/USD pair, the spread is 0.3 pips.

As for commissions, all charging no commissions.

Trading Platform

Hirose-fx uses its own trading platforms, which are LION FX and LION CFD.

Deposit and Withdrawal

Hirose-fx supports 3 types of deposit: quick deposit, quick deposit at ATM, and bank transfer. As for withdrawal, it supports real-time withdrawals and regular withdrawals. More importantly, no commission fees are charged.