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.

*Please note that the information in this table is subject to change and you should always refer to the broker's official website for the most up-to-date information.

Overview of Roboforex

Roboforex, the trading name of Roboforex Cy Ltd, is a forex broker that has been around for over a decade and has made a name for itself in the industry. Founded in 2009, Roboforex is based in Belize, and then became a member of the FSCL, launched a negative balance guarantee service, later added CFD instruments, and introduced gold and CNY trading accounts. Roboforex offers a wide range of trading instruments, including stocks, indices, futures, ETFs, soft commodities, energies, metals, and currencies, with over 10,000 instruments available for trading. In 2016, Roboforex started creating a proprietary investment platform with a professional analysis centre RAMM and released stock trading. In 2019, the forex broker's tradable instruments reached 11,700, with global updates for the Android and iOS versions of R WebTrader and R MobileTrader, and won more than 20 awards in the financial industry.

One of the key features of Roboforex is its variety of account types. The broker offers several different account options, including Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, Pro Cent, Pro, and Demo Accounts.

In addition to its diverse account types and trading instruments, Roboforex also offers several different trading platforms. The broker supports both the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, as well as their own proprietary platform,WebTrader, MobileTrader, R StocksTrader.

Roboforex also offers various educational resources, including webinars, video tutorials, and market analysis, to help traders improve their trading skills and knowledge. In terms of customer support, Roboforex provides 24/7 multilingual support via phone, live chat, and contact form.

Pros and Cons

Some of the pros of trading with RoboForex include its low minimum deposit requirement, high leverage options, and multiple account types. The broker also provides a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, and has a useful selection of educational materials for beginners.

However, some of the cons of trading with RoboForex include its limited research tools, lack of transparency in pricing.

Is Roboforex Legit?

Robomarkets Ltd is authorized and regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under the license number of 191/13.

Another entity, RoboMarkets, LLC, is authorized and regulated by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NBRB) under the license number of 15.

RoboForex Ltd. is authorized and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) under license number of IFSC/60/271/TS/17.

This means that the broker is required to adhere to strict regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of its clients' funds and the integrity of its operations. Additionally, Roboforex is a member of the Financial Commission, an independent organization that provides a neutral dispute resolution process for its members and their clients. It also offer negative balance protection.

Market Instruments

RoboForex offers a diverse range of market instruments, including Forex, Stocks, Indices, CFDs on Futures, Energies, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, and ETFS.

• Forex - RoboForex offers trading in over 40 currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotic pairs. They also offer access to the interbank market, which can provide better pricing and execution.
• Stocks - RoboForex offers trading in a wide range of stocks from some of the world's biggest companies, including Apple, Google, Amazon, and Facebook.
• Indices - RoboForex offers trading in a range of global indices, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, and DAX.
• CFDs on Futures - RoboForex offers trading in a range of futures contracts, including those based on commodities like gold, silver, and crude oil. This provides traders with opportunities to profit from movements in commodity prices.
• ETFs - RoboForex offers trading in a range of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), providing traders with opportunities to gain exposure to different markets and sectors.
• Energies - RoboForex offers trading in energy markets, including crude oil, natural gas, and heating oil. This provides traders with opportunities to profit from changes in energy prices.
• Commodities - RoboForex offers trading in a range of commodity markets, including gold, silver, and copper. This allows traders to gain exposure to the performance of different commodity markets.
• Cryptocurrencies - RoboForex offers trading in a range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. This provides traders with opportunities to profit from the volatility of these markets.
• ETFs - RoboForex offers trading in a range of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), providing traders with opportunities to gain exposure to different markets and sectors.

Account Types

RoboForex understands that each trader is unique and has their own trading needs and preferences. That's why they have created a diverse range of trading accounts to cater to all types of traders.

• Prime Account: The Prime Account, one of RoboForex's offerings, is an excellent choice for traders who are looking for low spreads and reasonable commission rates. To start trading, clients only need to deposit a mere $10 into their account. This account type provides traders with access to a maximum leverage of 1:300, which is a great advantage for those who want to make the most of their capital. With this account, traders can enjoy trading 28 currency pairs, precious metals, and CFDs on stocks and cryptocurrencies.
• ECN account: RoboForex's ECN account is an exceptional choice for traders who are looking for a trading account with low spreads, high leverage, and a wide range of tradable instruments. With a modest minimum deposit requirement of only $10, traders can take advantage of the account's maximum leverage of 1:500. The ECN account offers an impressive 36 currency pairs, metals, and CFDs on stocks and cryptocurrencies to choose from.
• R StocksTrader account: The R StocksTrader account is a lucrative option for traders who are looking to invest in a broad range of global stocks with a minimum deposit of $100. The account offers a generous maximum leverage of 1:500, which provides ample opportunity for traders to capitalize on their investments. The R StocksTrader account offers access to more than 12,000 stocks from around the world, including the major US and European exchanges, making it an excellent choice for traders who are looking to diversify their portfolio.
• Pro Cent account: The Pro Cent account offered by RoboForex is a versatile and well-rounded option for traders of all levels, and particularly appealing to those who prefer a more conservative approach to trading. With a minimum deposit requirement of just $10, this account type offers accessibility to a wider range of traders. Moreover, the maximum leverage of 1:2000 allows traders to exercise greater control over their positions. The Pro Cent account offers access to 36 currency pairs and metals.
• Pro account: The Pro Account is a sought-after trading account offered by RoboForex. With a modest minimum deposit requirement of only $10, it provides traders with access to an impressive maximum leverage of 1:2000. This means that traders can take larger positions in the market. This trading account grants traders access to 36 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs, as well as metals, CFDs on indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

How to Open an Account?

Opening an account with RoboForex is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.

• First, clients need to visit the broker's website and click on the “Open an account” button located in the top right corner of the page.

• From there, they will be redirected to a registration page where they can fill out their personal and financial information, including emails, name, mobile phone number and more.

• After completing the registration form, clients will need to verify their identity by providing a copy of their government-issued ID and a recent utility bill as proof of address. This step is necessary to comply with international anti-money laundering and know-your-customer regulations.
• Once the account has been verified, clients can fund their account through a variety of methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic payment systems such as Skrill and Neteller. The minimum deposit for most account types is $10, although the R StocksTrader account requires a minimum deposit of $100.
• After funding their account, clients can download the trading platform of their choice and start trading in the markets.

Leverage

The maximum leverage of 1:2000 available for the Pro Account and Pro Cent account type is particularly noteworthy, offering experienced traders a chance to pursue even more profitable trades. The Prime and ECN accounts also offer high leverage, ranging from 1:300 to 1:500.

However, it's important to note that high leverage can magnify both profits and losses, so traders should use it carefully and with proper risk management strategies in place.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

RoboForex offers a variety of trading accounts that determine the spreads and commissions charged. For instance, the Pro Cent and Pro accounts provide average spreads starting at 1.4 pips, whereas the ECN account offers an average spread from as low as 0.1 pips. On the other hand, the Prime account entails up to 10% commissions, while the ECN account provides up to 15% commissions. It's essential to note that the trading fees may vary based on the trading instruments used and market conditions. As such, it's advisable to check the spreads and commissions charged for each trading account before making any trading decisions.

The R stockstrader account stands out as a distinctive trading account option offered by RoboForex, which entails a unique commission structure for trading various instruments. For instance, trading US stocks under this account attracts a commission of 0.009 USD per share, while EU stocks command a commission of 0.025 USD per share. CFDs on US stocks are charged a commission of 0.02 USD per share, while for CFDs on EU stocks, the commission is 0.07%. As for trading currencies, a commission of 15 USD is applied for every 1 million base currency traded. The commission for trading indices is variable and subject to changes based on market conditions.

Non-Trading Fees

RoboForex also charges non-trading fees, which include fees for deposits and withdrawals, as well as account inactivity fees. Inactivity fees are also charged for accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days, with a fee of $10 per month applied until the account becomes active again.

RoboForex charges overnight interest, also known as swap, on positions held overnight on certain instruments. The overnight interest rates for long and short positions vary depending on the instrument and the trading account type. The rates can be found on the trading platform or on the broker's website.

Trading Platform

RoboForex provides a range of trading platforms to cater to different trading needs and preferences. The most popular trading platforms offered by RoboForex include MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). These platforms are available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, allowing traders to access the markets from anywhere at any time.

MT4 is a widely used trading platform that offers advanced charting capabilities, automated trading features, and the ability to customize indicators and trading robots. MT5, on the other hand, is a more advanced version of MT4, with additional features such as multi-currency strategy testing and more advanced analytical tools.

In addition to these popular trading platforms, RoboForex also offers its own proprietary platforms, including MobileTrader and R StocksTrader. MobileTrader is a mobile trading platform that provides access to trading accounts, real-time market data, and order execution. R StocksTrader, as mentioned earlier, is a unique trading account that offers commission-based trading on US and EU stocks.

Lastly, for traders who prefer to trade directly from their web browser, RoboForex offers the WebTrader platform. This platform requires no download or installation and offers a simple, user-friendly interface for trading.

Deposit & Withdrawal

RoboForex offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including Local bank transfer, e payments (AstroPay, Skrill, Neteller, Perfect Money, Sticpay), bank cards (VISA/MasterCard/JCB/CUP), QR & Vouchers, Western Union. The accepted currencies are USD, EUR, GBP, and CHF.

There are no deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply depending on the payment method used. For example, withdrawals through AstroPay are subject to a fee of 0.5%, and withdrawals through Skrill and Neteller are subject to a fee of 1% and 1.9%, respectively. Withdrawal fees through VISA, MasterCard/JCB/CUP are subject to a fee of up to 2.6 % +1.3 USD.

Withdrawals are processed within 1 business day. The processing time for bank transfers can take up to 5 business days.

Customer Support

Roboforexs customer support can be reached by telephone: +65 3158 8389 (English), +88 6277414290 (HK), +66 65 965 6091 (Thailand), email: info@roboforex.com, info@roboforex-cn.org. The online chat function is available 24/7, allowing clients to connect with a representative in real-time and receive assistance promptly. Additionally, the company's website has an extensive FAQ section, which provides answers to many common questions about trading accounts, deposit and withdrawal methods, trading platforms, and more.

Besides, clients can also follow up with this broker on some social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

Company address: 2118 Guava Street, Belama Phase 1, Belize City, Belize; 9724 Ramiro Duran Street, Belize City, Belize.

Educational Resources

RoboForex offers some educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge, including a wide range of analytics, comprehensive educational materials, trading tools such as a trading calculator and financial charts, and much more. These resources are designed to help traders stay up-to-date with the latest market trends and make informed trading decisions, but it's important to note that additional independent research may be necessary for more advanced strategies.

Conclusion

To summarize, RoboForex is a renowned online brokerage firm that provides a diverse range of account options catering to various trading requirements. The broker offers an extensive range of tradable instruments, competitive trading fees, and high leverage options. The user-friendly trading platforms come equipped with advanced trading tools. The broker also offers excellent customer support, with multiple channels available for assistance.

While RoboForex presents an excellent trading opportunity, it is crucial to exercise caution while trading with leverage and implement proper risk management strategies.

FAQs

Is RoboForex a regulated broker?

Yes, RoboForex is regulated by several financial authorities, including CySEC, NBRB, and FSC (offshore).

What trading platforms does RoboForex offer?

RoboForex offers a variety of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, WebTrader, R MobileTrader, and R StocksTrader.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with RoboForex?

The minimum deposit required varies depending on the account type, $10 to open most account types, and $100 to open the R Stockstrader account.

What trading instruments can I trade with RoboForex?

RoboForex offers a range of trading instruments, including stocks, indices, futures, ETFs, soft commodities, energies, metals, and currencies.