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.

Overview of au Kabucom Securities

au Kabucom Securities is an online brokerage company and is the core company of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group)s online financial services. It is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in financial product trading business through the net, as well as related business. The Company is engaged in the provision of brokerage, trading, offering and sale of securities. It also provides bank agency business, foreign exchange margin trading business and other financial services.

Founded in 1999, it operates under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA). The company offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including stocks, margin transactions, IPO/PO, ETF/ETN/REIT, free ETF, petit shares, tender offer, investment trust, FX (Forex Margin Trading), futures/options trading, bonds (foreign bonds), foreign currency-denominated MMF, and CFD (Share 365). The trading platforms provided by au Kabucom Securities are au Kabucom FX Navi for forex trading and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone. Various payment methods, such as net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions) are available. For educational purposes, au Kabucom Securities offers informative movies, events, face-to-face seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and social networking services (SNS).

Is au Kabucom Securities legit or a scam？

au Kabucom Securities is a financial institution that operates as a securities broker in Japan. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA), which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the financial industry in Japan. The regulatory license number assigned to au Kabucom Securities is 関東財務局長(金商)第61号, which signifies its registration and compliance with the FSA's regulations.Being authorized and regulated by the FSA indicates that au Kabucom Securities has met the necessary requirements and standards set by the regulatory authority.

The FSA's oversight ensures that the company operates in a fair, transparent, and compliant manner, protecting the interests of investors and maintaining the integrity of the financial markets.As a regulated entity, au Kabucom Securities is expected to adhere to various regulatory guidelines, such as conducting thorough customer due diligence, implementing robust risk management systems, maintaining adequate financial resources, and providing transparent disclosure of information to its clients. Regular audits and inspections may be conducted by the FSA to ensure compliance with these regulations and to safeguard the interests of investors.

Pros and Cons

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of tradable assets and is backed by the reputable Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. It is regulated by the Financial Services Agency, providing a sense of security for investors. The company provides informative educational resources to enhance investors' understanding of the market.

However, there are areas for improvement. Information about account types is lacking, making it difficult for potential clients to choose the most suitable option. The selection of trading platforms is limited, which may not meet the preferences of all traders. Customer support options are somewhat limited, with email and phone support available, but lacking additional channels like live chat or dedicated account managers.

Products and Services

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of products to cater to different investment needs and preferences. Here are the various products available:

1. Stocks: au Kabucom Securities provides opportunities to invest in stocks, including in-kind stocks where you can directly own shares of companies.

2. Margin Transaction (System/General): Margin trading allows investors to trade stocks with borrowed funds, potentially amplifying their investment returns. au Kabucom Securities offers margin trading services through both system-based and general methods.

3. Initial Public Offering (IPO)/Public Offering Sale (PO): au Kabucom Securities enables participation in initial public offerings and public offering sales, giving investors a chance to invest in newly listed companies.

4. ETF/ETN/REIT: au Kabucom Securities offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes (ETNs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs) for diversifying investment portfolios across different asset classes.

5. Free ETF (Commission-Free Exchange Traded Fund): au Kabucom Securities provides commission-free trading for certain listed ETFs, allowing investors to save on transaction costs.

6. Petit Shares (Shares Less Than One Unit): au Kabucom Securities facilitates trading of fractional shares, enabling investors to own a portion of a share rather than purchasing a full unit.

7. Tender Offer (TOB): au Kabucom Securities allows investors to participate in tender offers, which are offers made by a company to purchase shares from existing shareholders.

8. Investment Trust: au Kabucom Securities offers investment trust products, which are professionally managed funds that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets.

9. FX (Forex Margin Trading): Investors can engage in forex margin trading through au Kabucom Securities, speculating on the price movements of different currency pairs.

10. Futures/Options Trading: au Kabucom Securities provides access to futures and options trading, allowing investors to trade contracts based on underlying assets such as commodities, indices, or currencies.

11. Bonds (Foreign Bonds): au Kabucom Securities offers the opportunity to invest in foreign bonds, providing diversification and potential fixed-income returns.

12. Foreign Currency Denominated MMF: au Kabucom Securities facilitates investments in foreign currency-denominated money market funds, which provide short-term liquidity and potential currency exposure.

13. CFD (Share 365): au Kabucom Securities offers contracts for difference (CFDs) specifically for shares, allowing investors to speculate on the price movements of shares without owning the underlying asset.

Account Types

au Kabucom Securities did not say what kind of accounts were offered. Other traders, such as AMarkets, are much better, which offer a total of 4 account types, including crypto, fixed, standard, and ECN, with an Islamic account option for traders who adhere to Islamic rules on trading, catering to diverse needs of various traders.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with au Kabucom Securities, you can follow these general steps:

1. Visit the au Kabucom Securities website: Go to https://kabu.com/.

2. Navigate to the account opening section: Look for the “Account Opening” option on the website. It is typically located in the main menu or prominently displayed on the homepage.

3. Choose the type of account: Select the appropriate account type for your requirements.

4. Start the application process: You may be directed to an online application form or prompted to download and fill out a physical application form. Provide the necessary details accurately and completely. This typically includes personal information, contact details, employment information, and financial information. Follow the instructions provided and ensure all required fields are filled in.

5. Agree to terms and conditions: Read and understand the terms and conditions of opening an account with au Kabucom Securities. If you agree to the terms, confirm your acceptance by checking the appropriate box or signing the physical application form.

6. Review and submit: Before submitting your application, review all the provided information to ensure its accuracy. Make any necessary corrections or adjustments. Once you are satisfied, submit the application form through the online submission process or by mailing it to the designated address.

7. Account verification and approval: After submitting your application, au Kabucom Securities will review your information and documents. Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation and instructions on how to fund your account.

Spreads &Commissions

au Kabucom Securities offers commission-free forex trading, where the trading cost is incorporated into the spreads. Here are the approximate spreads for some currency pairs:

- USD/JPY: As low as 0.2 pips

- EUR/JPY: From 0.5 pips

- GBP/JPY: From 1 pip

- AUD/JPY: From 0.6 pips

- CAD/JPY: From 2.8 pips

It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions, liquidity, and other factors. The figures provided are approximate and subject to change. It's always a good idea to check the current spreads on the au Kabucom Securities website or contact their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Trading Platform

au Kabucom Securities provides a range of useful tools for different types of trading activities. For cash stock and margin trading, the following tools are available:

1. Futures/Options Board: A tool that displays information and data related to futures and options trading, allowing users to analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions.

2. Flash: This tool provides real-time market data, including stock prices, charts, and news updates, enabling traders to stay up to date with the latest market movements.

3. Margin Simulator: A simulator that allows users to calculate and simulate margin requirements for margin trading, helping traders plan their positions and manage risk.

4. Destination OP Navigation: A navigation tool specifically designed for options trading, providing users with access to various options strategies and information to support their trading decisions.

5. Bond Simulator: This simulator enables users to simulate bond trading scenarios, helping them understand bond market dynamics and test different investment strategies.

6. 365CFD Simple Chart: A simplified charting tool specifically for CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, providing basic charting features to analyze CFD instruments and monitor price movements.

For futures, options trading, and other activities, au Kabucom Securities offers additional tools such as:

1. au Kabucom FX Navi: A comprehensive tool for forex trading, providing access to real-time forex market data, charting tools, and trading functions.

2. au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android: A mobile application specifically designed for forex trading, offering convenience and flexibility to trade on the go using smartphones.

3. App-Recommended-Smartphone Light (simplified version): A simplified version of the au Kabucom Securities trading application, designed for users who prefer a streamlined and user-friendly trading experience.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Au Kabucom Securities provides customers with five convenient methods for depositing funds into their accounts. These methods include Net transfer, Account transfer, Direct debit (automatic debit), Direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and Direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions). These options offer flexibility and ease of use for customers to deposit funds according to their preferences and convenience.

When it comes to withdrawals, customers can withdraw amounts starting from 1,000 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 10 billion yen. However, if customers have set up an account transfer contract with au Jibun Bank, they can withdraw amounts starting from 1 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 100 million yen.

These deposit and withdrawal options provide customers with flexibility and accessibility to manage their funds effectively within the specified limits. Whether it's depositing funds for trading or withdrawing profits, Au Kabucom Securities strives to offer convenient and efficient services to meet the financial needs of their customers.

Customer Support

Inquire by email:

au Kabucom Securities offers several customer support options. For customers who do not have an account, they can make inquiries by email. The company aims to respond as quickly as possible and requests customers to send their inquiries to the following email address: cs@kabu.com.

Customers who have an account:

For customers who have already opened an account with au Kabucom Securities, they can use the “E-mail inquiry” form located on the “Support” page, accessible from the top right of the My Page section after logging in. By filling out the form and submitting it, they can send their inquiries to the company.

Inquire by phone:

Customers who do not have an account can make inquiries by phone. They need to follow the voice guidance and press the appropriate number. The phone numbers to dial are:

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 0120-390-390

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 05003-6688-8888

The operator reception is available from 8:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, excluding year-end and New Year holidays.

Educational Resources

Au Kabucom Securities offers a range of educational resources to support and empower their customers in making informed investment decisions. These resources are designed to enhance customers' understanding of the market, investment strategies, and industry trends.

One of the educational resources provided is a collection of informative movies, events, and face-to-face seminars. Au Kabucom Securities also provides investment information and news through their Investment Information Office. By keeping customers informed about market trends, they can make more informed decisions about their investment portfolios.

To further support customers, Au Kabucom Securities offers guides and investment courses. These resources are designed to provide step-by-step instructions, explanations of investment concepts, and practical guidance for customers who are new to investing or looking to expand their investment knowledge.

Additionally, customers can access reports and utilize social networking services (SNS) provided by Au Kabucom Securities.

Overall, Au Kabucom Securities' educational resources encompass a wide range of tools and platforms, including movies, events, seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS. These resources aim to equip customers with the knowledge and information needed to make informed investment decisions and navigate the financial markets effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, au Kabucom Securities is a legitimate online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan. As part of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group), it offers a wide range of tradable assets and financial services. The company provides various trading products, including stocks, margin trading, IPO/PO participation, ETFs/ETNs/REITs, investment trusts, forex margin trading, futures/options trading, bonds, foreign currency-denominated MMFs, and CFDs. The trading platforms, au Kabucom FX Navi and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android, cater to different trading needs. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone, and multiple payment methods are available. Educational resources such as informative movies, events, seminars, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS are offered to enhance customers' investment knowledge. While the company's advantages include its regulation by the FSA, diverse product offerings, and educational resources, a notable disadvantage is the lack of information regarding specific account types. Overall, au Kabucom Securities provides a legitimate and comprehensive platform for individuals interested in online financial trading and investment.

FAQs

Q: Is au Kabucom Securities a legitimate company？

A: au Kabucom Securities is a genuine online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan.

Q: What trading platforms does au Kabucom Securities offer？

A: au Kabucom Securities provides the au Kabucom FX Navi platform for forex trading and the au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app for trading convenience.

Q: What types of assets can be traded on au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including cash stock, margin trading, petit stock, US stocks, mutual funds, NISA, forex (FX), CFDs, and futures.

Q: What are the customer support options provided by au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers customer support via email and phone. Customers can send inquiries by email to cs@kabu.com or make inquiries by phone using the provided phone numbers.

Q: What are the available payment methods for au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers payment methods including net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions).

Q: Are there different account types offered by au Kabucom Securities？

A: The specific account types offered by au Kabucom Securities are not mentioned.