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 & Regulation

FXGiants is an international online broker that offers retail and institutional traders across the globe access to trade over 200+ instruments from multiple asset-classes including Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, Stocks, Shares, Indices, Metals, Energies & CFDs.

FXGiants, registered in Bermuda, operates as an unregulated broker. While it offers a diverse range of market instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Shares, investors should approach the platform with caution due to the lack of regulatory oversight. The maximum leverage ranges from 200:1 to 1000:1, providing traders with flexibility but also exposing them to higher risks. Spreads and commissions vary across different account types, with options such as fixed spreads, zero spreads, and variable spreads. The absence of regulation raises concerns about investor protection and transparency. Additionally, limited deposit options, the absence of a demo account, and unclear minimum deposit requirements can be considered disadvantages. However, FXGiants offers robust trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and PMAM, along with VPS hosting services for enhanced performance. The customer support team is responsive and available via phone, email, and live chat. Traders can access educational resources through the company's blog, although the offerings may be limited. In summary, FXGiants provides a wide range of trading options but requires careful consideration of the associated risks and limitations.

Is FXGiants legit or a scam？

No, FXGiants, registered in Bermuda, operates without holding any licenses and is not subject to regulatory oversight from any governing bodies. As a result, investors should approach the platform with caution and carefully assess the risks involved. The absence of regulatory supervision means that there are no guarantees regarding the platform's compliance with industry standards and customer protection measures. It is advisable for investors to conduct thorough due diligence, seek professional advice, and consider alternative regulated options to ensure the security of their investments.

Pros and Cons

FXGiants offers a range of advantages and disadvantages for traders. One of the key advantages is the availability of diverse market instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Shares, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios. FXGiants also offers multiple account types, providing flexibility for traders to choose the one that aligns with their preferences. Additionally, FXGiants provides high leverage up to 1000:1. However, a significant drawback is the lack of regulation, which raises concerns about investor protection. The limited deposit options and the absence of a demo account for practice trading are also notable disadvantages. Moreover, the unclear minimum deposit requirement and limited educational resources may hinder comprehensive learning. Traders should carefully consider these factors before engaging with FXGiants.

Markets Instruments

1. Forex: FXGiants offers a wide range of currency pairs for trading in the Forex market. Forex, also known as foreign exchange, involves the buying and selling of currencies. Traders can speculate on the price movements of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, taking advantage of the volatility and liquidity of the Forex market.

2. Metals: FXGiants allows trading in precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These metals are considered as safe-haven assets and are often used as a hedge against inflation or economic uncertainty. Traders can take positions on the price movements of these metals, benefiting from both rising and falling markets.

3. Indices: FXGiants provides access to a variety of global stock indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30, and Nikkei 225. Stock indices represent a basket of stocks from a specific exchange or sector and are used to gauge the overall performance of a market. Traders can speculate on the direction of these indices, capitalizing on market trends and economic indicators.

4. Commodities: FXGiants offers trading opportunities in popular commodities like oil, natural gas, and agricultural products. Commodity markets involve the buying and selling of physical goods, including energy products, metals, and agricultural produce. Traders can take advantage of price fluctuations in these markets, driven by factors such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and weather conditions.

5. Futures: FXGiants allows trading in futures contracts, which are agreements to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date in the future. Futures cover a wide range of assets, including commodities, stock indices, and currencies. Traders can speculate on the future price movements of these assets, taking advantage of leverage and the ability to profit in both rising and falling markets.

6. Shares: FXGiants provides access to trading shares of major companies listed on global stock exchanges. Share trading allows investors to take ownership in a company and participate in its growth and profitability. Traders can speculate on the price movements of individual stocks, leveraging fundamental and technical analysis to make informed trading decisions.

These market instruments offered by FXGiants provide traders with a diverse range of opportunities to capitalize on price movements across various financial markets, catering to different trading strategies and risk preferences.

Account Types

FXGiants offers a range of account types to cater to different trading preferences and strategies. Here are the details of the six account types:

1. Live Floating Spread Account: This account features variable spreads starting from 1.0 pips, with no commissions charged per trade. Traders can benefit from a maximum leverage of 1000:1, allowing for greater trading flexibility and potential.

2. Live Fixed Spread Account: With this account, traders enjoy fixed spreads starting from 1.3 pips, and there are no commissions per trade. Similar to the Live Floating Spread Account, the maximum leverage is set at 1000:1.

3. Live Zero Fixed Spread Account: This account type offers zero fixed spreads. Instead, traders are charged a commission of $9 per lot traded. The maximum leverage for this account is set at 500:1.

1. STP/ECN No Commission Account: Designed for traders who prefer straight-through processing (STP) and electronic communication network (ECN) execution, this account provides variable spreads starting from 1.7 pips without any commissions. The maximum leverage is set at 200:1.

2. STP/ECN Zero Spread Account: Traders opting for this account enjoy zero spreads, meaning there is no markup on the raw interbank spreads. However, a commission of $3.75 per lot is charged. The maximum leverage for this account type is 200:1.

3. STP/ECN Absolute Zero Account: This account features extremely low spreads starting from 0.2 pips, with no commissions charged per trade. Traders can leverage up to 200:1 in this account type.

These various account types offered by FXGiants allow traders to choose the one that aligns with their trading style, risk tolerance, and specific requirements, ensuring a customized trading experience.

How to open an account？

Here are the steps involved in the account opening process with FXGiants:

1. Registration: Visit the FXGiants website and click on the “Open Account” or “Register” button. Fill in the required personal information such as name, email address, phone number, and country of residence.

   

2. Verification: After submitting your registration details, you will need to complete the verification process. This typically involves providing identification documents such as a valid passport or driver's license and proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. FXGiants may require additional documents based on regulatory requirements.

3. Account Type Selection: Choose the type of trading account that suits your trading preferences and needs. FXGiants typically offers different account types, such as Standard, Premium, or VIP, each with varying features and trading conditions. Select the account type that aligns with your trading goals.

4. Deposit Funds: Once your account is verified, you can proceed to deposit funds into your trading account. FXGiants offers various deposit methods such as credit/debit card, wire transfer, or online payment systems. Choose the preferred method and follow the instructions to deposit the desired amount.

5. Start Trading: After successfully depositing funds, you can log in to your FXGiants trading account using the provided credentials. Download the trading platform (such as MetaTrader 4) or access the web-based platform. You are now ready to start trading by selecting financial instruments and executing trades.

It's worth noting that the specific steps and requirements may vary slightly based on your location and regulatory guidelines. FXGiants typically provides clear instructions and guidance throughout the account opening process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for their clients.

Leverage

When it comes to trading leverage, the maximum leverage offered by FXGiant is super high, reaching up to 1:1000. Generous leverage is not necessarily a good thing,e especially offered by unregulated brokers, so traders should take extra care to use it.

Spreads & Commissions

FXGiants offers varying spreads and commissions across different account types, providing traders with flexibility and choice. Here are the details:

1. Live Floating Spread Account: This account features spreads starting from 1.0 pip with no commissions charged per trade. Traders can benefit from floating spreads while enjoying commission-free trading.

2. Live Fixed Spread Account: With this account, traders can take advantage of fixed spreads starting from 1.3 pips without any commissions. The absence of commissions ensures transparent trading costs.

3. Live Zero Fixed Spread Account: This account type offers traders the benefit of zero fixed spreads, meaning there is no markup on the raw interbank spreads. However, a commission of $9 per lot is charged for each trade.

4. STP/ECN No Commission Account: Traders who opt for this account type enjoy variable spreads starting from 1.7 pips without any commissions. This account offers direct market access with no additional commission charges.

5. STP/ECN Zero Spread Account: With this account, traders benefit from zero spreads, while a commission of $3.75 per lot is charged. This ensures traders have access to raw interbank spreads with low-cost trading.

6. STP/ECN Absolute Zero Account: This account features incredibly low spreads starting from 0.2 pips with no additional commission charges.

FXGiants' diverse account types allow traders to choose the spreads and commissions structure that aligns with their trading style and preferences, providing flexibility and transparency in trading costs.

Trading Platform

FXGiants offers a robust trading platform that caters to the needs of traders. The platform primarily supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a widely acclaimed and popular trading platform in the industry. MT4 provides a comprehensive set of tools and features for traders to execute trades, perform technical analysis, and access real-time market data. It offers a user-friendly interface, customizable charts, and a wide range of technical indicators for advanced analysis.

In addition to MT4, FXGiants also provides the PMAM (Percentage Allocation Management Module) platform. This platform allows traders to easily manage multiple forex investment portfolios. With PMAM, traders can allocate and distribute funds among different trading accounts, monitor performance, and efficiently manage their investment strategies.

FXGiants also offers VPS hosting services. By connecting their trading accounts to FXGiants' free MT4 VPS (Virtual Private Server), traders can benefit from enhanced trading performance, reduced latency, and uninterrupted trading even during power outages or Internet disruptions. VPS hosting ensures that traders can fully utilize the potential of their trading strategies without worrying about technical issues.

Overall, FXGiants' trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and PMAM, coupled with their VPS hosting service, provide traders with advanced tools, convenience, and reliability to optimize their trading experience.

Deposit& Withdrawal

FXGiants offers convenient options for depositing and withdrawing funds. Clients can choose from various methods, including VISA, Wire Transfer, and BTC. VISA provides a quick and easy way to transfer funds using a credit or debit card. Wire Transfer allows for direct bank-to-bank transactions. Additionally, FXGiants supports BTC, enabling cryptocurrency enthusiasts to deposit and withdraw funds using Bitcoin. While FXGiants' official website does not specify the minimum deposit amount, clients can contact their customer support for more information.

Customer Support

FXGiants provides excellent customer support to assist traders in every possible way. Their dedicated staff is available 24/5, ensuring prompt assistance during trading hours. Clients can reach out to FXGiants' customer support through various channels. Alternatively, clients can reach out via email, allowing them to provide detailed information and receive a timely response. Additionally, FXGiants offers a convenient live chat feature on their website, enabling real-time communication with a support agent for quick resolutions to any issues.

Educational Resources

FXGiants offers educational resources to help traders gain knowledge about the financial markets. While their official website primarily provides a blog for accessing trading market information, it serves as a valuable resource for traders to stay informed about market trends, analysis, and insights. Traders can leverage these resources to enhance their understanding of the markets and make informed trading decisions. While FXGiants' educational offerings may be primarily focused on their blog, the availability of valuable market information can still contribute to traders' learning and development.

Conclusion

In summary, FXGiants is an unregulated broker registered in Bermuda. It offers a wide range of market instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Shares. The platform provides multiple account types with varying spreads, commissions, and leverage options. FXGiants' trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and PMAM, offer advanced tools and features for traders. However, the lack of regulation raises concerns about investor protection. The limited deposit options, absence of a demo account, and unclear minimum deposit requirement are notable drawbacks. The customer support is responsive, and educational resources are available through the company's blog. Traders should carefully consider the risks and limitations associated with FXGiants before engaging with the platform.

FAQs

Q: Is FXGiants a regulated broker？

A: No, FXGiants is not a regulated broker.

Q: What trading instruments are available at FXGiants？

A:FXGiants offers a wide range of trading instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Shares

Q: Does FXGiants offer a demo account？

A: No, FXGiants does offer a demo account.

Q: What payment methods does FXGiants accept？

A: FXGiants accepts three kinds of payment methods, including VISA, Wire Transfer, and BTC

Q: What trading platforms does FXGiants offer？

A:FXGiants offers trading platform MetaTrader 4

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

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account withFXGiants is $100 for all account types.

Q: Does FXGiants offer any bonuses or promotions？

A: Yes, FXGiants offers bonuses or promotions and the information is provided on their website.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by FXGiants？

A: The maximum leverage offered by FXGiants is 1:1000.