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.

Let's start here

Axi's the real deal, all regulated, with a bunch of over 220 trading options, forex, CFDs for stocks, indices, commodities, and even cryptocurrencies – they're all on the menu. They start at a $0 deposit, offer competitive spreads from 0.0 pips on major currencies, and here is the cool part: using ECN execution for direct market orders. As for the platform, it's none other than the legendary MetaTrader 4. With a touch of pride, they claim to have served more than 600,000 traders across 100 countries. Want to see if Axi's trading environment lives up to its claims？ Time for some exploration!

Pros & Cons

Taking a look at Axi, we spot its share of upsides and downsides. Let's start with the bright side, it's got the backing of multiple solid financial authorities, a bunch of instruments you can trade, and they let you practice with demo accounts. Plus, they've got this MT4 platform thing going and some handy tools to help you trade smarter. They even speak different languages for customer support, and moving money in and out is easy, with no extra charges from them.

Now, here's the catch: Axi only works with investors from Australia and New Zealand. And, well, there've been a few stories about people having trouble with their money or some shady stuff.

Axi Overview

What is Axi ？

Axi (formerly AxiTrader) was founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, and has since expanded its presence to include offices in other regions, including Europe and the Middle East. AxiTrader welcomes all kinds of traders. If you're new and want to start without spending much, the $0 minimum deposit and easy platform are great. If you're more experienced, you'll like the many options to trade, good spreads, and quick execution. And for those inclined towards advanced features, Axi's ECN system and MetaTrader 4 platform are a notable combination.

Is Axi legit？

Considering the pivotal aspect for brokers, that is regulation, it's indeed comforting to note that AxiTrader is under the oversight of regulatory bodies from four distinct nations. Among them, the UK's FCA and Australia's ASIC stand out as internationally acknowledged tier-1 regulatory authorities.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	Axi FINANCIAL SERVICES PTY LTD	Market Making (MM)	318232
	FCA	Axi Financial Services (UK) Limited	Market Making (MM)	466201
	FMA	Axi FINANCIAL SERVICES PTY LTD	Straight Through processing (STP)	518226
	DFSA	Axi Financial Services Pty Ltd	Retail Forex	F003742

Advancing further, let's undertake a more detailed exploration of the regulatory licenses secured by Axi.

Axi's Australian entity, Axi FINANCIAL SERVICES PTY LTD, is regulated by ASIC under regulatory license number 318232, holding a license for Market Making (MM）.

Notably, this license's credibility gains support from WikiFX's investigators. They physically traveled to the institution's registered address for thorough verification. At Level 10, 90 Arthur Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060, Australia, they found a functioning office, confirming the broker's operational status and significant scale. Behold, an image capturing the tangible office space of this company.

In addition to being regulated by ASIC, this entity is also regulated by the FMA in New Zealand, with regulatory number 518226, holding a license for Straight Through processing (STP).

Now, let's examine the third license. Axi's UK branch, known as Axi Financial Services (UK) Limited, is overseen by the FCA and has been granted regulatory license number 466201. This license permits them to engage in Market Making (MM) activities as well.

Lastly, Axi also follows regulations from the DFSA in the United Arab Emirates under regulatory number F003742, authorized for Retail Forex activities.

Market Instruments

Trading Assets	Available
Forex
Shares
Indices
Commodities
Cryptocurrencies
ETFS
Stocks
Options

Axi (formerly AxiTrader) gives you access to about 220 trading choices across 5 categories: forex, shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Yet, there are also other popular picks for trading, like ETFs, stocks, and options.

Account Types

AxiTrader offers three account types tailored to different trading needs, namely Standard, Pro, and Elite. The Standard Account has no setup cost and starts with spreads from 0.9 pips. The Pro Account tightens those spreads to 0.0 pips with a $7 round trip commission, while the Elite Account, designed for advanced traders, features 0.0 pips spreads and a reduced $3.50 round trip commission. All accounts support trading from 0.01 lots, mobile trading, and include MT4 NexGen. Leverage reaches up to 500:1, and you can choose base currencies among AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, and USD. For the Elite Account, a minimum deposit of USD 25,000 is required.

Demo Trading

Also, Axitrader gives users free demo accounts that last for 30 days and include $50,000 in virtual funds. Demo accounts offered by Axitrader shine in these areas:

• Practice Trading: You get $50,000 in virtual money to practice trading however you like.

• Personal Support: You'll have a dedicated Account Manager and support available 24/5 to help you.

• Real-Time Info: You can see live spreads on the popular trading platform, MT4.

• Live-Like Demo: The MetaTrader 4 Demo account mimics the real market, so you can practice effectively.

• Switch to Real: When you're ready, you can turn your demo account into a real one by funding it.

• Currency Options: You can choose your account's base currency from options like AUD, EUR, GBP, USD, CHF, and PLNX.

However, base currency cannot be changed once created.

Lastly, they even offer special Islamic trading accounts for Muslim traders that follow Shariah law.

Leverage

The leverage offered by AxiTrader is capped at 500:1. This means that traders can open positions with a much larger amount than their initial investment. However, high leverage can also lead to significant losses if the trade does not go as expected. Traders should exercise caution and use proper risk management strategies when trading with high leverage. Axi provides educational resources and tools to help traders understand the risks associated with leverage and how to manage them effectively.

Spreads & Commissions

Spreads and commissions with Axi are scaled with the accounts offered. Specifically, the spread starts from 0.4 pips on the Standard account, and 0.0 pips on the Pro and Elite account.

As for the commission, there is no commission on the Standard account, a commission of $7 round trip on the Pro account, and $3.5 round trip on the Elite account.

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

Note: Spread and commission information is subject to change, and the above table reflects the data available at the time of writing. Please always check with the broker for the most up-to-date information.

Trading Platforms

Axi offers traders the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for desktop, mobile, and web. MT4 is a widely used platform that offers a wide range of charting and technical analysis tools, customizable indicators, and the ability to use automated trading strategies through Expert Advisors (EAs). The MT4 platform is available for download on PC and Mac computers, as well as on mobile devices for both iOS and Android.

Additionally, Axi offers the MT4 WebTrader, which allows traders to access the platform directly from their web browser without the need for any downloads or installations.

Overall, the availability of MT4 on multiple devices and the option to use EAs makes it a popular choice among traders.

Available Devices	PC, Mac, Mobile ( OS and Android)
Language	English
Scalping
Hedging
Automated Trading
One-click Execution
Web-based Trading
Mobile Trading
MT5
cTrader
Proprietary Platform

Trading Tools

There are a range of trading tools designed to enhance the trading experience for its clients. These include Myfxbook Autotrade, which allows traders to follow and copy the trades of successful traders, MT4 signals which provide real-time trade ideas and analysis, MT4 VPS hosting which offers a dedicated virtual private server to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.

Additionally, the broker offers a suite of calculators to help traders with their risk management and trade analysis, such as Profit/Loss Calculator, Pip calculator, and Currency converter. These trading tools can be very helpful for traders to better understand their trades and manage their risk effectively.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Axi minimum deposit vs other broker.

AxiTrader stands out from other brokers as they don't require any money to start trading. Here's why it matters:

• Easy Access: With no minimum deposit, anyone can join and trade. You don't need a lot of money upfront.

• Less Risk: Starting with $0 means you're not risking much. It's great for beginners or anyone cautious about investing.

• You Decide: You're in control. You can put in as much as you're comfortable with.

• No Pressure: You don't feel pushed to deposit a certain amount. It's more relaxed and beginner-friendly.

• Learn and Experiment: You can try different strategies and learn without needing a big investment upfront.

Axi welcomes traders to fund their accounts through the following payment methods: credit/debit cards, POLi and Bank Transfers, Skrill, Neteller, Fasapay, POLi, Cryptos, with no fees charged by Axi for any payment method. However, traders should be aware that some international banking institutions may charge fees for transfers, for which Axi accepts no responsibility.

Please also note that payments to Axi via credit/debit cards may be viewed as a cash advance by some banks, potentially incurring additional fees. Deposits made via credit/debit cards and POLi are processed instantly, while bank transfer deposits and withdrawals can take 1-3 business days to be processed.

Payment Methods	Currencies	Minimum Deposit	Minimum Withdrawal	Fee	Time
	AED, CAD, EUR, GBP, JPY,NZD, PLN, SGD, USD	5 USD	N/A	Free*	Instant
	AED, CAD, EUR, GBP, JPY,NZD, PLN, SGD, USD	5 USD	N/A	Free*	Instant
	CAD, EUR, GBP,PLN, USD	5 USD	5 USD	Free*	Instant
	AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP,HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, USD	N/A	50 USD	Free	1-3 days
	AED, CAD, EUR, GBP,INR, USD	5 EUR	5 USD	Free	1-3 days
	Vary depending on countries			Free	1-3 days
	IDR, USD	5 EUR	5 USD	Free	1-3 days
	N/A	30 USD	50 USD	Free	1-3 days
	N/A	30 USD	50 USD	Free	1-3 days
	BRL	50 BRL	N/A	Free	Up to 12hrs
	AUD	5 AUD	N/A	Free	Instant

Remember, these fees can change and might be different based on how you're making the payment. To stay updated, it's a smart move to reach out to the broker and get the most recent fee details before you decide to deposit or withdraw any funds.

Customer Support

Axi's customer service is comprehensive and available 24/5 in multiple languages, with live chat, phone, email, WhatsApp, and a help center. This means that clients can easily get in touch with the Axi support team whenever they need assistance or have any questions. The availability of multiple communication channels ensures that clients can choose the most convenient way to contact support.

Additionally, the Help Center offers a range of resources and frequently asked questions that can help clients find answers to their questions quickly and efficiently.

Overall, Axi's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Education

Axi makes learning easy with a variety of educational resources. If you're using the MT4 platform, their step-by-step video tutorials are there to guide you. They also offer Free eBooks, covering everything from basics to advanced topics. Stay updated on market trends through the Axi Blog, which features expert insights and daily analysis. For structured learning, the Axi Academy provides courses on forex, technical analysis, and risk management. If you're diving into cryptocurrencies, the Crypto Glossary will help you grasp the terms.

Educational Contents	Offered
MT4 Video Tutorials
eBooks
Blog
Axi Academy
Crypto Glossary
Trading Glossary
Webinars

Conclusion

All things considered, Axi is a well-regulated and reputable broker that offers a wide range of markets and instruments for trading, including forex, shares, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They also offer multiple account options, free demo accounts, and leverage up to 500:1. In addition, their MT4 trading platform is robust and feature-rich, with various tools and resources to support traders.

However, there have been reports of issues with withdrawals and scams. Overall, Axi is a good choice for experienced traders (Australian and New Zealand residents only) who are looking for a diverse range of trading opportunities and who prioritize a broker's reputation and regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is AxiCorp regulated？

A1: Yes. It is regulated by Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC).

Q2: Does Axi accept US investors？

A2: No, Axi does not accept US investors.

Q3: Does AxiCorp offer demo accounts？

A3: Yes, demo accounts are available.

Q4: Does Axi offer the industry-standard MT4 & MT5？

A4: Yes. Axi only supports MT4.

Q5: What is the minimum deposit for AxiCorp？

A5: There is no minimum initial deposit requirement.

Q6: Is AxiCorp a good broker for beginners？

A6: Yes. AxiCorp is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various trading instruments with no minimum deposit requirement and competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 platform. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.

Risk Warning

Online trading carries substantial risk, potentially leading to the total loss of invested funds. It may not be appropriate for all traders or investors. It's crucial to fully comprehend the associated risks before engaging in trading activities. Additionally, the content of this review is subject to change, reflecting updates in the company's services and policies. The review's creation date is also relevant, as information could have become outdated. Readers should confirm the latest information with the company prior to making any investment decisions. The responsibility for utilizing the information provided herein lies exclusively with the reader.