General Information

Santander UK is a large retail and commercial bank based in the UK and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander. It is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. It manages its affairs autonomously, with its own local management team, responsible solely for its performance. It has its origins in three constituent companies—Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley—all former mutual building societies. It is one of the leading personal financial services companies in the United Kingdom, and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the United Kingdom.

Regulation

Santander UK Plc is a regulated institution under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. It holds a Market Making (MM) license type and has been regulated since December 1, 2001. The institution operates with the license type of “No Sharing.” You can contact them via email at customerservices@santander.co.uk and find more information on their website: https://www.santander.co.uk/. The regulatory status does not specify an expiry date, and Santander UK Plc is located at 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM, with a phone number of 448003897000. Certified documents related to their regulatory status are not provided in the information provided.

Pros and Cons

Santander offers a wide range of financial products and services to cater to diverse customer needs. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when evaluating their offerings.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Product Range: Santander provides a diverse selection of banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing options, allowing customers to find suitable solutions for their financial goals.

2. Accessible Customer Support: Customers can easily reach Santander's support through telephone, live chat, or the ATM/Branch Locator. The extended hours of operation and accessibility options accommodate various needs.

3. Regulated Institution: Santander is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing customers with confidence in their financial stability and adherence to industry standards.

Cons:

1. Monthly Fees: Some of Santander's current accounts come with monthly fees, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking fee-free options.

2. Complexity: With numerous products and services, navigating Santander's offerings can be overwhelming for some customers who may prefer simpler banking solutions.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility criteria apply to certain products, such as personal loans, which may limit access to individuals who do not meet specific income or credit requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Santander:

Market Instruments

The Santander UKs segments include Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services to individuals and small businesses, through a network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as through telephony, digital, mobile and intermediary channels. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services include loans, bank accounts, deposits, treasury services, trade and asset finance for small medium enterprises (SME) and corporate customers. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves corporate clients and financial institutions.

Here's a summary of their products:

1. Current Accounts:

• Santander Edge Up Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills, supermarket, and travel costs.

• Earn interest on credit balances up to £25,000.

• Requires funding the account with £1,500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £5 monthly fee.

• Santander Edge Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills at supermarkets and travel spend.

• Access to an optional savings account with exclusive rates.

• Requires funding the account with £500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £3 monthly fee.

• Everyday Current Account:

• Simple and straightforward account with no monthly fee.

• 1|2|3 Student Current Account:

• Free 16-25 railcard for four years.

• Interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of studies.

• Requires regular deposits of at least £500 every 4 months.

• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account:

• Designed to help children and young people learn money management.

• Offers interest on balances at certain thresholds.

• Choice of contactless debit card or cash card.

• Basic Current Account:

• Suitable for those with poor credit history or newcomers to the UK.

1. Mortgages:

• Services for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.

• Options for changing lenders, borrowing more money, and managing existing mortgages.

• Later life mortgages for individuals aged 55 or over.

• Partnership with ufurnish.com for home furnishing experiences.

1. Credit Cards:

• Range of credit cards for various needs, including:

• All in One Credit Card

• Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card

• Santander World Elite™ Mastercard®

1. Savings and ISAs:

• Savings and ISAs for different goals, including:

• Easy Access Saver

• Regular Saver

• Santander Edge Saver

• Easy Access ISA

• Fixed Rate ISAs

• Fixed Term Bonds

• Junior ISA

• Inheritance ISA

1. Investments:

• Investment options with cashback incentives.

• Investment Hub for online advice and fund selection.

• Investment advice and resources available.

1. Insurance:

• Home insurance, including contents insurance for renters.

• Life insurance, including critical illness cover.

• Health insurance.

• Mortgage life insurance.

• Family and lifestyle insurance.

• Over 50s Life Insurance.

• Car insurance, including electric vehicle insurance.

• Travel insurance.

• Business insurance and landlord insurance.

1. Personal Loan:

• Personal loans with fixed interest rates.

• Loan amounts from £1,000 to £25,000.

• Flexible repayment terms.

• Loan eligibility criteria apply.

Santander provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to cater to their customers' banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing needs.

Accounts

Six digit account sort codes are used in the range between 09-00-xx to 09-19-xx. Sort codes for accounts formerly held by Alliance & Leicester use the range 09-01-31 to 09-01-36.

Credit Rating

In October 2011, Moody's downgraded the credit rating of twelve financial firms in the United Kingdom, including Santander UK, blaming financial weakness. In June 2012, Moody rated Santander UK as being in a more financially healthy position than its parent company, Banco Santander.

Deposit & Withdrawal

In November 2009, Santander launched the first current account in the United Kingdom without fees (including unauthorised overdrafts) for its current and future mortgage customers. In January 2010, the bank began waiving fees for customers using Santander's automated teller machines in Spain, which traditionally would incur fees for transactions in a foreign currency.

Accepted Countries

Santander's Corporate and Commercial Banking division operates from a number of regional business banking centres across the United Kingdom. Less than 1% of Santander UK's business is held abroad.

Customer Service

Santander has frequently been rated the worst bank for customer service in the United Kingdom, although by July 2011 had sought to improve, notably by returning call centre operations to the United Kingdom from India. Its '123' product range was ranked third best in the United Kingdom in 2013, and in a moneysavingexpert.com poll in February 2014, customers ranked their satisfaction higher than with any of other main high street banks.

Santander's customer support offers several ways to contact them and obtain assistance:

1. Telephone Support:

• Customers can reach a Customer Service Center Advisor at 1-877-768-2265.

• Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday.

• For customers with hearing/speech impairments, there is a dedicated relay service at 7-1-1.

1. International Calls:

• For customers calling from outside the United States, there is a local number: 1-401-824-3400.

1. Live Chat:

• Customers can use the live chat feature on the Santander website to get real-time assistance with their inquiries or problems.

1. ATM/Branch Locator:

• For information on ATM and branch locations as well as their hours of operation, customers can use the ATM/Branch Locator on the Santander website.

Santander's customer support is accessible through various channels, including phone, chat, and online resources, ensuring that customers have multiple options to address their banking needs and inquiries. The telephone support hours are accommodating, and they provide accessibility options for customers with hearing or speech impairments.

Summary

Santander UK Plc is a regulated financial institution under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. They offer a diverse range of financial products and services, including current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, savings and ISAs, investments, insurance, and personal loans. Santander provides accessible customer support through telephone, live chat, and an ATM/Branch Locator, ensuring customers have various ways to seek assistance with their financial needs. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday. Santander's comprehensive product offerings aim to meet a wide array of customer banking and financial requirements.

FAQs

Q: What types of current accounts does Santander offer？

A: Santander offers various current account options, including the Santander Edge Up, Santander Edge, Everyday Current Account, and specialized accounts for students and children.

Q: How can I contact Santander's customer support？

A: You can reach Santander's customer support by calling 1-877-768-2265 for general inquiries. For international calls, dial 1-401-824-3400. Alternatively, you can use the live chat feature on their website.

Q: Are there fees associated with Santander's current accounts？

A: Some current accounts may have monthly fees, such as £5 for the Santander Edge Up Current Account and £3 for the Santander Edge Current Account. The Everyday Current Account, however, has no monthly fee.

Q: What types of insurance does Santander offer？

A: Santander provides a range of insurance options, including home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and travel insurance, catering to various coverage needs.

Q: Can I apply for a personal loan from Santander？

A: Yes, Santander offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. You can apply for loan amounts ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, with flexible repayment terms. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can typically get a decision within 5 minutes.

General Information

ADS Securities LLC (“ADSS”) is a limited liability company incorporated under United Arab Emirates law. The company is registered with the Department of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi (No. 1190047) and has its principal place of business at 8th Floor, CI Tower, Corniche Road, P.O. Box 93894, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ADSS is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. ADSS began operations from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2011. Today, the broker has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and London, UK. It boasts of over 150,000 individual clients and about 400 institutional clients from all over the world.

With tradable assets such as indices, forex, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities, traders can diversify their portfolios and take advantage of market opportunities. The company provides multiple account types, including Classic, Elite, and Elite+, to cater to traders with different preferences and capital sizes. Traders can choose between the ADSS Platform and the MT4 platform for their trading activities.

ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing traders with a level of trust and security. However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) is listed as “Revoked,” which may raise concerns for some traders.

Pros and Cons

ADSS has its strengths and weaknesses. It offers a range of features and services that may appeal to traders, while also having certain limitations that need to be taken into account. It's important for traders to assess the overall picture and consider these factors before deciding to trade with ADSS.

Is ADSS Legit？

ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Regulation No. 577453) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (Regulation No. AXC847). However, the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (license number: AXC847) is abnormal, the official regulatory status is Revoked. Please be aware of the risk!

Market Instruments

ADSS offers a wide range of trading instruments to cater to different market preferences. Traders can access global markets and choose from various options to diversify their portfolios.

Indices: Traders can trade indices CFDs on ADSS's platform, providing exposure to major indices like Nasdaq, S&P, FTSE, and Dax. With competitive spreads and leverage of up to 333:1, traders can take advantage of market moves and trade on both long and short positions.

Forex: ADSS allows traders to trade forex pairs with their user-friendly trading platform. With no hidden fees and competitive spreads, traders can access major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, such as EUR/USD and NZD/CHF. The market-leading leverage of 500:1 on FX majors offers increased trading power.

Equities: Traders can take positions on equities listed on global stock exchanges, including major players from the GCC region. By trading CFDs on equities like Netflix, Tesla, and Apple, traders can capitalize on volatility and benefit from favorable spreads.

Cryptos: ADSS enables traders to participate in the cryptocurrency market by offering CFDs on leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Traders can take advantage of 24/5 trading, competitive spreads, and the opportunity to go long or short on the price movements of cryptocurrencies.

Commodities: Traders can benefit from market volatility by trading CFDs on spot commodities, futures, and commodity-linked ETFs. With 0% commission on trades, traders can access popular commodities such as gold, oil, and coffee. Trading commodities on ADSS provides a simplified approach compared to commodity futures.

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

Account Types

ADSS provides a range of account types to suit the diverse needs of traders, including Classic Account, Elite Account, and Elite+ Account.

Classic Account:

The Classic account is designed for traders who want to start with a minimum deposit of $100. This account offers market spreads, allowing traders to participate in the financial markets at favorable rates. With a maximum leverage of 500:1, traders can potentially amplify their trading positions. The Classic account also includes 24/5 support and access to training courses, providing traders with the necessary resources to enhance their trading skills.

Elite Account:

For traders with larger capital and seeking additional benefits, the Elite account requires a deposit of $100,000. With this account, traders enjoy spreads that are 25% lower compared to the Classic account, resulting in potentially reduced trading costs. Similar to the Classic account, the Elite account offers a maximum leverage of 500:1, enabling traders to take advantage of larger trading positions. Elite account holders receive dedicated support from a Senior Manager, ensuring personalized assistance and guidance. They also gain access to exclusive Elite events and have the flexibility of multi-base currency options.

Elite+ Account:

For elite traders with significant capital, the Elite+ account requires a deposit of $250,000. Elite+ account holders benefit from ultra-low spreads, which can further minimize their trading costs. With a maximum leverage of 500:1, traders have the potential to engage in larger trading positions. In addition to personalized support from a Manager and Sales Trader, Elite+ account holders enjoy exclusive Elite events and the convenience of multi-base currency options.

ADSS offers these different account types to accommodate traders with varying capital sizes and provide them with tailored features and benefits that suit their trading objectives and preferences.

How to Open an Account？

1. Visit the ADSS website. Look for the “Open Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

2. Open your account by providing the required information. For UAE residents, ADSS offers the option to register with UAE Pass, making the account setup process convenient and efficient.

3. After filling out the application and uploading documents, the system will open a personal account for the client.

4. Deposit funds into your account using options such as UAEPGS, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay. These payment methods offer flexibility and security, allowing you to easily and securely fund your trading account.

5. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

ADSS offers leverage for trading in different instruments:

Indices: Trade major indices such as FTSE, S&P500, Dow Jones, German Dax, Nasdaq, and CAC 40 with leverage of up to 333:1.

Forex: Access major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic pairs with leverage of up to 500:1.

Equities: Take positions on UK shares, US shares, German shares, Saudi shares, and other euro shares with leverage ratios varying from 4:1 to 20:1.

Cryptos: Trade popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin with leverage ratios ranging from 2:1 to 4:1.

Commodities: Engage in trading commodities such as US Crude, Gold, Silver, Coffee, Natural Gas, and Copper with leverage ratios ranging from 20:1 to 200:1.

Note: Leveraged trading involves risks and should be carefully considered.

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

Spread & Commissions

ADSS, like most brokers, makes a profit from spreads instead of charging commissions. Prices are competitive and traders can view current prices at any time. For CFDs and forex pairs, you can view the value, the change, the percent change, the open, the high, the low, and the previous. You can also view the required margin in percentage.

The broker does offer variable or fixed spreads. The target spreads for EUR/USD range from 1.6 to 2.4 pips depending on account type.

The Classic Account with a minimum deposit of $100 makes it more affordable for the most conservative traders, yet it carries higher spreads than the Elite account type. In the Classic account, target spreads drop to 1.6 pips on the EUR/USD. In contrast, ADSSs most competitive offering is the Elite account which requires a $200 000 deposit or a trading volume of more than $500 million per month. It comes with perks beyond discounted spreads.

Other spreads that traders can expect when trading with ADS Securities are:

GBP/USD Average: 1.1 pips

USD/JPY Average: 1.1 pips

AUD/USD Average: 0.8 pips

USD/CHF Average: 2.3 pips

Non-Trading Fees

There is a $15 processing fee per withdrawal, plus additional fees may be applied on the bank's side. The broker does not charge commissions for depositing funds, and there are no fees for inactivity on the account.

Trading Platforms

ADSS provides two trading platforms for its clients: ADSS Platform and MT4 (MetaTrader 4)

1. ADSS Platform: The ADSS platform offers essential functionalities such as a product page, order ticket, charting tools, blotters, account summary, and funding options. It provides traders with an overview of relevant information, including price evolution charts, daily statistics, instrument overviews, and product access details. By expanding the view, traders can access additional trading information such as order sizes, margin requirements, commissions (if applicable), and overnight holding costs. The platform also displays any active working orders for efficient position management.

2. MT4 (MetaTrader 4): ADSS offers access to the widely recognized MT4 platform, known for its advanced charting capabilities, fast trade execution, and extensive range of technical analysis tools. Traders can benefit from the features and flexibility of MT4, including its user-friendly interface and robust functionalities. ADSS has customized the MT4 platform to ensure a secure and efficient trading experience for its clients.

Both platforms provide traders with the necessary tools and features to meet their trading needs. They offer charting options, order placement capabilities, and execution efficiency to enhance the overall trading experience.

Deposit & Withdrawal

ADSS offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients. Deposits can be made using methods such as bank wire transfer, credit card, online bank transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and Cash U. Notably, ADSS stands out as the only broker in the UAE that provides funding through UAEPGS, a local payment gateway. Clients can also withdraw funds using the same options available for deposits.

While ADSS offers a diverse selection of deposit and withdrawal methods, it's important to consider that the broker applies a withdrawal fee of $15 for all withdrawal transactions. This withdrawal fee has had a negative impact on the broker's overall rating. On the other hand, ADSS does not impose any charges on deposits, although clients should be aware that their payment providers may apply fees.

There are many ways to deposit funds into ADSS accounts, so clients will have enough options to choose from. As a MENA-focused broker, ADSS provides the opportunity to use the local UAEPGS (UAE Payment Gateway Services) solution. Traders should note that there is no deposit fee at ADSS.

The same options that are available for deposits can be used for withdrawals. Traders should note that ADSS charges a $15 withdrawal fee for all withdrawal methods.

Customer Support

The ADSS customer support team is multilingual and can be reached 24/5. The quickest way to get support is to use the instant web chat facility on the website. There is also an 'Enquiry form' on the 'Contact us' page of the website. A support representative will respond by email or by calling the enquirer. There are several phone lines provided by the support team. They can also be reached through email and fax. On social media, ADSS is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Client Enquiries:

Email: ts@adss.com

Phone: +971 2 657 2414

Address:

8th floor, CI Tower

Corniche Road, PO Box 93894

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Educational Resources and Community Support

ADSS provides a range of educational resources and community support to help traders enhance their skills and knowledge:

1. Learning Materials: ADSS offers a variety of learning materials, including trading guides, video tutorials, and a comprehensive financial glossary. These resources empower traders by providing them with the necessary information and understanding of trading terms and concepts.

2. Seminars and Webinars: ADSS organizes seminars and webinars conducted by industry experts. These events serve as valuable learning opportunities for both beginner and experienced traders. Participants can gain insights, learn new strategies, and stay updated on market trends.

3. FAQ Section: ADSS has a dedicated page that addresses common questions and provides answers related to ADSS, trading account information, and trading basics. This section aims to assist prospective clients and beginner traders by addressing their queries and providing helpful information.

4. MT4 Platform Tutorials: ADSS offers tutorials specifically designed for traders who are new to the MT4 platform. These tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on using the platform effectively, helping traders navigate its features and functions.

5. Educational Webinars: ADSS conducts educational webinars that cover various topics, including the risks and rewards of trading. These webinars provide valuable insights and guidance to traders, enabling them to make informed trading decisions.

6. Training Workshops: ADSS organizes training workshops in the UAE and UK, offering traders the opportunity to enhance their trading skills through practical training sessions.

These expert educational resources, seminars, webinars, tutorials, and workshops collectively support the ADSS trading community, fostering continuous learning and improvement among traders.

User Experience and Additional Features

ADSS offers a range of user experience enhancements and additional features to support traders in their trading activities. Traders can access exclusive market analysis provided by the research team, which includes daily and weekly market emails. These emails provide insights into market trends, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment on widely traded instruments. This information can assist traders in staying informed about the market conditions.

Furthermore, ADSS offers daily analysis and trading ideas delivered directly to traders' inboxes. This feature keeps traders updated on the latest market developments and provides potential trading opportunities. Additionally, ADSS provides technical data, including forex analysis via Autochartist trade set-ups, which can help traders analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions.

These user-friendly features and additional resources aim to enhance the trading experience for ADSS clients. By providing market analysis, trading ideas, and technical insights, ADSS supports traders in their decision-making process and helps them stay informed about market conditions.

Conclusion

ADSS is a regulated brokerage company that provides traders with access to various financial markets and a range of account types to suit their needs. While it offers advantages such as competitive spreads, leverage, and multilingual support, there are also disadvantages to consider, including the abnormal regulatory status of the SFC and the withdrawal fee. Traders should carefully evaluate these factors before deciding to trade with ADSS.

FAQs

Q: Is ADSS regulated？

A: ADSS is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC). However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) is listed as “Revoked.”

Q: What are the tradable assets offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS offers indices, forex, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities as tradable assets.

Q: What are the different account types offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS provides Classic, Elite, and Elite+ account types to cater to traders with different capital sizes.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with ADSS？

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with ADSS is $100.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by ADSS？

A: ADSS offers leverage of up to 500:1.