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

Established in 2004, Hirose Tusyo Inc. is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, and was listed on the JASDAQ market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange on March 18, 2016.The Company is mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, which provides investors with foreign exchange margin trading and binary options trading through the Internet; provision of trading systems for group companies; provision of white label services for financial instruments traders, as well as covering transaction business as a counterparty of financial instruments traders, among others. Hirose Tusyo Inc. is authorized and regulated by Financial Services Agency, with regulatory license number 9120001106932.

The broker provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs, although these spreads may vary based on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, reducing the overall cost of trading. They offer deposit and withdrawal options and provide customer support through various channels, including phone, fax, and an online inquiry form.

Overall, Hirose-fx is a regulated broker with a range of trading instruments, account types, and trading platforms. Traders can benefit from their fixed spreads, commission-free trading, and accessible customer support.

Pros and Cons

Hirose-fx is a regulated Forex broker that offers a range of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. The company holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Hirose-fx provides two types of accounts, FX accounts, and LION CFD accounts. They offer various order types to meet different trading needs and have both fixed and variable spreads, depending on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, which can be advantageous for traders. They offer multiple deposit and withdrawal options, as well as a variety of trading platforms to cater to different preferences and devices. The broker also provides trading tools, educational resources, and customer support through various channels. Overall, Hirose-fx has its strengths and weaknesses, and traders should carefully consider their options before choosing this broker.

Is Hirose-fx Legit？

Based on the information provided, Hirose-fx, also known as Hirose Financial UK Ltd, is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated under the supervision of the Kinki Local Finance Bureau (近畿財務局長（金商）第41号). The licensing institution is Hirose Tsusho Kaisya Limited (ヒロセ通商株式会社).

The effective date of the license is September 30, 2007. The company's address is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan. The phone number provided for the licensed institution is 06-6534-0708.

Market Instruments

Hirose-fx offers a variety of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. These currency pairs encompass major currencies from around the world and provide opportunities for traders to engage in foreign exchange (Forex) trading. Some of the currency pairs offered include AUD/CAD, AUD/CHF, AUD/JPY, AUD/NZD, AUD/USD, CAD/CHF, CAD/JPY, CHF/JPY, CNH/JPY, EUR/AUD, EUR/CAD, and others.

Additionally, Hirose-fx offers a selection of large currency pairs, which are often traded frequently and have high liquidity. These large currency pairs include Large USD/JPY, Large EUR/USD, Large EUR/JPY, Large GBP/USD, Large GBP/JPY, and Large AUD/JPY.

Account Types

Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Customers residing overseas are unable to open a LION CFD account. If a customer already has a LION FX account and wishes to open a LION CFD account, they can do so from the trading screen after the next business day following the completion of the FX account opening procedure. For more information on how to apply for a LION CFD account, customers can refer to the provided guidelines.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Hirose-fx, follow these steps:

1. Access the main website of Hirose-fx and click on “新規口座開設” (Open a new account) or a similar option.

1. The account opening process may vary depending on the required identity verification documents and delivery method. Choose the appropriate option and proceed.

1. Fill in the necessary information and review the required documents. Note that using Internet Explorer (IE) is. not recommended; it's advisable to use another browser.

1. Submit your identity verification documents and My Number verification documents. You can choose from various sending methods, including simple identity verification with a smartphone, easy identity verification with Internet banking, upload, email, fax, or mail.

5. Once all the necessary documents are received, Hirose-fx will begin the screening and account opening process. Normally, it takes 1-2 business days after the arrival of the verification documents.

6. You will receive your user ID and password via email. The method of sending the user ID and password depends on the method used to send the identification documents.

7. Deposit funds into your trading account. Once the funds are deposited, you can log in and start trading.

FX Spreads & Commissions

FIXED SPREADS: Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs. For example, USD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips, AUD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.6 pips, GBP/JPY has a fixed spread of 1.0 pip, AUD/USD has a fixed spread of 0.4 pips, EUR/USD has a fixed spread of 0.3 pips, NZD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.8 pips, and MXN/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips. These fixed spreads indicate that the difference between the buying and selling prices of these currency pairs remains constant under normal market conditions.

VARIABLE SPREADS: It should be noted that while Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads, these spreads are not completely fixed. The spreads may widen or contract based on market conditions and exceptional events such as low liquidity times. This means that during times of increased volatility or reduced market liquidity, the spreads may change from their fixed values. As a result, the actual spreads experienced by traders may differ from the ones mentioned above.

COMMISSIONS: Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on its trades. This means that traders can execute their trades without incurring any additional fees in the form of commissions. The absence of commissions can be advantageous for traders.

Order Types

There are 27 order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, IF-DONE order, IF-OCO order, Trail Order, Streaming order, Timed Market order, Timed Limit ( stop) order, one-click order, Quick Order, One-click payment order, Bulk Settlement Order, Bulk Purchase Settlement order, Bulk Sale Settlement order, All Settlement Order by currency, All settlements Orders, Pip difference Settlement order, Doten Order, Bulk Order, Amount specified all settlement, trigger order, Timed All Settlement order, BID Judgment Buy (ASK Judgment Sell) Stop Order, Trigger orders in other currencies, Repeat time specified market order.

Trading Time

When US standard time is applied, Japan time Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time. When summertime is applied, Japan time Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am. Rollover time (6:59 am Japan time) Minutes, 5:59 am when US summer time is applied), communication will be disconnected, and day closing work and maintenance will be performed. (It takes about 15 minutes for the day closing work and maintenance, but it may take up to 30 minutes.)

Trading Platforms

Hirose-fx offers a range of trading platforms designed to cater to the diverse needs of traders. These platforms provide access to the financial markets and offer various tools and features to facilitate trading activities.

NET4 (installed version): This trading platform is available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It offers customizability, easy-to-see screens, and the ability to view charts and execute orders. It supports various order types and provides access to account information and news.

LION FX C2 (installed version): This platform is recommended for beginners and offers versatile functionality. It allows for simultaneous ordering and payment, displays order and position execution history, and supports collective payment. It provides a simple and comfortable user experience.

LION FX Mobile App (iPad, iPhone, Android): Hirose-fx offers mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. These apps provide access to essential functions and information. Traders can check rates, view charts, place orders, monitor positions, and manage their accounts using these mobile apps.

HTML5 version, Flash version: Hirose-fx also offers web-based trading platforms compatible with various web browsers. The HTML5 version provides access to charting tools, order placement, and account information. The Flash version may have similar functionality but requires Flash support.

Mobile app/portable version: Hirose-fx provides a mobile version of its trading platform that is compatible with mobile phones from different carriers such as docomo, au, and SoftBank. This version allows traders to conduct transactions and access various features on their mobile devices.

The trading platforms offered by Hirose-fx provide traders with the ability to view real-time rates, analyze charts, place different types of orders, manage positions, and access account information. Each platform has its own set of features and compatibility options to cater to traders' preferences and device capabilities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

There are three types of deposit options available with Hirose-fx: quick deposit, quick deposit at ATM, and transfer deposit. Payments can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Quick deposits support approximately 380 lines and are free of charge, except for PayPay, Mizuho, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, which may charge a fee. Quick deposit at ATMs allows fee-free deposits and supports various banks, including Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, Mitsubishi UFJ, Mitsui Sumitomo, Resona, Saitama Resona, Aomori, Shonai, Gunma, Chiba, Yokohama, Kansai Mirai, Nanto, Hyakujushi, Fukuoka, Juhachi Shinwa, Towa, Keiyo, and Kumamoto. Some agricultural cooperatives and Shinren also support this option. There is also a general transfer deposit available for users.

Hirose-fx offers two types of withdrawals: real-time withdrawals and regular withdrawals. Real-time withdrawals allow for immediate reflection of funds and can be requested within specific timeframes. There are no commissions for real-time withdrawals, except for overseas remittances. Normal withdrawals have specific request and reflection times and are also commission-free, excluding overseas remittances. Withdrawals can be requested once a day, either for real-time withdrawals or regular withdrawals. However, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, withdrawals can only be made once every three days. It's important to note that real-time withdrawals cannot be canceled once the procedure is completed. Withdrawal requests require authentication with a PIN code set by the customer in advance.

Trading Tools

Hirose-fx offers several trading tools to assist users in their investment activities. These tools include:

1. Economic News: The platform provides real-time updates on economic bulletins. Users can stay informed about the latest economic developments that may impact their trading decisions.

2. FX Wave: This feature delivers 24-hour real-time investment information focused on foreign exchange. Users can access over 150 articles per day, providing insights and analysis to help them make informed trading choices.

3. Klug NEWS: Klug NEWS offers a continuous feed of Forex news, available 24 hours a day. Users can access more than 180 news deliveries daily, ensuring they stay updated on the latest developments in the Forex market.

4. Dow Jones: Hirose-fx translates and delivers news on various asset classes, providing users with information necessary for making investment decisions. Users can expect around 150 news articles per day, covering a range of relevant topics.

These trading tools aim to keep users informed about market trends, economic news, and relevant investment information, enabling them to make well-informed trading decisions.

Educational Resources

Hirose-fx offers a variety of educational resources to assist users in improving their trading knowledge and skills. One of their resources is the LION FX easy operation video seminar, which provides step-by-step guidance on using their trading platform. The seminar covers topics such as installing the app, navigating the transaction screen, understanding different order types, making payments, and managing orders.

Additionally, they offer the FX MARKET INFORMATION SEMINAR, which provides valuable insights into the market and strategies to enhance trading performance. The seminar includes various equations and formulas aimed at helping traders achieve success in their trades. They also offer a special equation designed specifically for winning trades.

Moreover, Hirose-fx provides resources on topics like quick deposit methods, changing currency pairs and order display, order preferences setup, chart analysis techniques, saving chart settings, using technical indicators and trend lines, and accessing execution history. They also cover features such as signal functions, measurement tools, and customizing the transaction screen.

Furthermore, Hirose-fx offers seminars on campaign product cooking, which may provide additional information or strategies related to specific trading promotions or offerings.

Trading Hours

- When US standard time applies, Hirose-fx operates from Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time.

- When daylight saving time applies in Japan, the trading hours shift to Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am Japan time.

During Rollover time, which is at 6:59 am Japan time (or 5:59 am when US daylight saving time is applied), certain activities occur. Communication will be temporarily cut off, and date closing work as well as maintenance will be performed. This process usually takes around 15 minutes, but it could extend up to 30 minutes. Additionally, a maintenance pop-up may appear, potentially affecting the ability to trade during this period.

Customer Support

Hirose-fx provides various channels for customer support. You can reach their customer support team via telephone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the representative number 06-6534-0708. Additionally, you can contact them through fax using the toll-free number 0120-34-0709 or the number 06-6534-0709. Visiting their head office or branches is also an option.

They offer an inquiry form on their website where you can submit your opinions, questions, or requests directly. They also provide a FAQ section where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.

For specific information on deposits, withdrawals, and changing registration information, they provide detailed information on their website. They have a complaint consultation desk for addressing any complaints, and you can contact them for information about the final tax return.

There is an opinion box where you can share your feedback and impressions about their website, trading system, and various services. They offer an operation manual for LION FX, and you can access information to better understand Forex, including country information and technical analysis.

You can contact their customer support team via phone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the direct dial number 06-6534-0708. They also provide an email address, info@hirose-fx.co.jp, for inquiries if you are unable to use the inquiry form on their website.

Conclusion

Hirose-FX is a forex trading platform that offers several advantages to traders. It provides a user-friendly interface with various tools and features to facilitate trading activities. Hirose-FX also offers a range of trading instruments, allowing users to diversify their portfolios. However, there are some disadvantages worth considering. The platform may lack in-depth educational resources and research materials, which could limit the learning opportunities for traders. Additionally, customer support may not always be readily available or responsive, potentially leading to delays in issue resolution. Traders should carefully assess these factors before deciding to engage with Hirose-FX.

FAQs

Q: Is Hirose-fx a regulated broker？

A: Yes, Hirose-fx is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan and holds a Retail Forex License.

Q: What is the address of Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Q: What trading instruments does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers 51 currency pairs for trading, including major currency pairs like AUD/USD, EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, and more.

Q: What types of accounts does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Overseas customers can only open FX accounts.

Q: How can I open an account with Hirose-fx？

A: To open an account with Hirose-fx, you need to visit their website and follow the account opening process, which involves providing necessary information and submitting verification documents.

Q: What order types are available on Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx offers various order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, Trail Order, and more, to meet different trading needs.

Q: Does Hirose-fx charge commissions on trades？

A: No, Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades.