Pros and cons of SBI SECURITIES

Pros:

• Wide range of financial products available for investment
• Clear and specific fee structure for each financial product
• User-friendly and reliable trading platform developed by the company
• Efficient and helpful customer support available 24/7
• Regulated by the FSA, ensuring a high level of security and trustworthiness

Cons:

• Lack of transparency regarding minimum deposit amount and trading account types
• Limited educational resources for investors who are new to the market
• No information provided on deposit and withdrawal methods, potentially causing inconvenience for clients
• Maximum leverage of 1:25, which may not be as attractive for experienced traders looking for higher leverage ratios.

What type of broker is SBI SECURITIES?

SBI SECURITIES is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, SBI SECURITIES acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that SBI SECURITIES has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with SBI SECURITIES or any other MM broker.

General information and regulation of SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities was founded in 1988, changed its name to E-Trade Securities Co. in 1999, and launched its Internet service in July of the same year. In 2000, SBI Securities was granted full membership of the Osaka Securities Exchange, and in 2001, its assets increased to 11,501 million yen. In 2003, SBI Securities was granted the integrated trading status of the Nagoya Stock Exchange and became a specific general member of the Tomioka Stock Exchange. In 2006, SBI Securities, as a professional online securities company, exceeded the total number of securities accounts of one million for the first time and changed its name from E-Trade Securities Ltd. to SBI E-Trad Ltd. in July. 2007, SBI E-Trad Ltd. and SBI In 2014, the platform's net securities first consolidated securities account traded over 3 million accounts. In 2010, Net Securities' first consolidated securities account traded more than 5 million accounts. SBI Securities currently hold a retail foreign exchange license (license number: 3010401049814) issued by the Financial Services Agency of Japan.

In the following article, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

Market instruments

SBI Securities offers a wide range of financial products for investors to choose from, including domestic and foreign stocks, investment trusts, bonds, foreign exchange, futures/options, CFDs, gold, silver, warrants, and insurance. This allows investors to diversify their investment portfolio and take advantage of different market conditions. SBI Securities also provides access to both domestic and foreign markets, providing a wider range of investment opportunities. However, some financial products may not be accessible to certain types of investors, and trading fees may be higher compared to some other brokers. It is also important to note that certain financial products, such as futures/options and CFDs, carry higher risks for investors. Additionally, investors who are new to certain financial products may lack education and guidance, which could potentially lead to losses.

Spreads and commissions for trading with SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities offers a transparent fee structure with specific fees for different financial products, which are clearly displayed on their website. This allows investors to make informed decisions and plan their trades accordingly. Additionally, the brokerage fee for some products such as Nikkei 225 CFDs is lower than the industry average, which can save investors money in the long run. However, some fees may be higher than those of competitor brokers, which may discourage some investors from using SBI Securities. Overall, SBI Securities provides a clear and transparent fee structure with no hidden fees, which can be beneficial for investors.

Trading accounts available in SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities does not disclose its minimum deposit requirement for its trading accounts, which is a significant disadvantage for potential investors. However, it´s possible that the company offers flexible account types, and clients can choose from a range of accounts.

Trading platform(s) that SBI SECURITIES offers

SBI Securities provides its users with a proprietary trading platform that offers advanced features such as charting tools, fast execution speed, and a user-friendly interface. The platform is compatible with both desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to trade anytime and anywhere. The advanced charting tools available on the platform enable traders to perform technical analysis efficiently and effectively, allowing them to make informed trading decisions. Although the platform is only available in Japanese, it is easy to navigate, and users who are not fluent in Japanese can use translation tools to understand the platform's functions. Overall, SBI Securities' proprietary platform is a reliable and efficient tool for traders who are looking for a feature-rich platform that is easy to use.

Maximum leverage of SBI SECURITIES

SBI SECURITIES offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:25, which is in line with the regulations set by the local authorities. This means that clients can trade with a much larger position size than their initial deposit, magnifying their potential profits and losses. While high leverage can be attractive to traders seeking to maximize their returns, it can also lead to significant losses if the market moves against them. Therefore, traders should exercise caution when using high leverage and have a solid risk management strategy in place to minimize potential losses.

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

SBI SECURITIES provides various deposit and withdrawal methods for their clients. However, the specific details and fees related to these methods are not mentioned on their website, which can make it difficult for clients to plan their transactions accordingly. The website provides limited information on the deposit and withdrawal process, requiring the client to log in to their account to access more details. While the transactions are secure and encrypted, the lack of information on the website can be a disadvantage. However, the processing time for deposits and withdrawals is quick and efficient, which is an advantage for clients. It is not mentioned on the website what the minimum deposit and withdrawal amount is, which can be a disadvantage for those who prefer to trade with a smaller amount.

Educational resources in SBI SECURITIES

SBI Securities does not offer any educational resources to its clients. There are no access to market analysis, news, forex basics or technical analysis. The lack of educational resources makes it challenging for beginners to start trading, as they would have to rely on external sources to gain knowledge about trading strategies and market trends. Moreover, advanced traders may feel limited as they have no access to research tools and data analysis. Therefore, SBI Securities should consider providing educational resources for its clients to improve their trading knowledge and skills.

Customer service of SBI SECURITIES

SBI SECURITIES provides prompt customer service through their 24/7 live chat support. The customer service representatives are known for their quick response time and efficiency in handling customer inquiries. However, their phone support incurs fees, which may be a disadvantage for clients who prefer to call for assistance. Additionally, SBI SECURITIES has limited customer service options, with live chat being the only available option for immediate assistance. There is also limited information about their customer support on their website, which may make it difficult for clients to find answers to their questions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SBI Securities is a Japan-registered company that offers various financial products, including stocks, bonds, foreign exchange, futures/options, CFDs, and more. The platform has a user-friendly interface, and the website provides a clear list of fees for each financial product, which is an advantage for traders. However, the lack of transparency on account types and deposit/withdrawal methods may be a disadvantage. Another drawback is the absence of educational resources, which could be useful for beginner traders. The customer support is good with a 24-hour live chat service and a phone number, although the latter has fees. Overall, SBI Securities is a regulated broker with a strong reputation in Japan, and traders who are comfortable with the limitations mentioned may find it to be a suitable option for their trading needs.

Frequently asked questions about SBI SECURITIES

• What financial products does SBI Securities offer?
• SBI Securities offers a range of financial products, including domestic and foreign stocks, investment trusts, bonds, foreign exchange, futures/options, CFDs, gold, silver, warrants, insurance, and more.
• What is the maximum leverage offered by SBI Securities?
• The maximum leverage offered by SBI Securities is up to 1:25, which complies with local laws and regulations.
• What customer support options are available at SBI Securities?
• SBI Securities offers live chat support 24 hours a day and a phone number with fees for customer care.
• Does SBI Securities provide educational resources?
• No, SBI Securities does not provide educational resources for clients.

Overview of Probis

Probis is an Australian-based trading platform with a history dating back to its founding in 2009. This platform offers a diverse range of financial instruments, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs, allowing traders to engage in various aspects of the global financial markets. Prospective traders can opt for either Live Accounts, where real funds are used for trading, or Demo Accounts, which provide a risk-free environment for honing trading skills.

One of the key features of Probis is its proprietary trading platform known as PROBIS AUTON, which facilitates efficient and secure online trading. This platform supports 24-hour trading in Forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities, making it adaptable to different trading preferences and time zones. However, it's important to note that Probis's regulatory status is currently unusual, as its official regulatory status has been revoked. Therefore, traders are advised to exercise caution and thoroughly research the platform's regulatory status and oversight to ensure the safety of their investments.

Is Probis Legit？

Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under license number 338241. However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of Probis is currently abnormal, and the official regulatory status has been revoked. Traders and potential clients should exercise caution and be aware of the associated risks when considering Probis as a trading platform. It's advisable to thoroughly research and consider the regulatory status and oversight of any brokerage before engaging in trading activities to ensure the safety and security of your investments.

Pros and Cons

Probis offers diverse tradable assets, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs. Traders can choose between Live and Demo Accounts for real-money or risk-free practice trading. The platform's proprietary PROBIS AUTON trading software is user-friendly and accessible on multiple devices. However, caution is advised due to the platform's uncertain regulatory status, as its official regulatory credentials have been revoked. Commission fees lack transparency, and non-trading fees like swap interest charges can affect overall trading costs. Considering these pros and cons is crucial for potential users.

Trading Instruments

Probis offers a range of trading instruments, including FX (Forex), Commodity CFDs (Contracts for Difference), and Securities CFDs. Each of these instruments has its own specifications and trading hours.

FX (Forex) Trading: Probis provides Forex trading options with various currency pairs, including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, USDCAD, AUD/USD, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, CHF/JPY, CAD/JPY, AUD/JPY, and EUR/GBP. These pairs come with specific contract sizes, minimum fluctuations, spread values, and necessary margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for Forex pairs vary between summer and winter times, with rollover times specified.

Commodity CFD Trading: Probis also offers Commodity CFDs for trading in assets such as Spot Gold, Spot Silver, Crude Oil, Copper, Soybean, Wheat, and Corn. Each commodity has its unique contract size, minimum fluctuation, spread, and margin requirements. Trading hours for these commodities differ during summer and winter times.

Securities CFD Trading: For traders interested in securities, Probis provides CFDs on various indices, including the US 30 Index, US E-mini SPX 500 Index, US NDAQ 100 Index, UK 100 Index, SGX Japan 225 Index, and HongKong50 Index. These securities CFDs have point values, minimum fluctuations, spreads, and margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for securities CFDs are specified for both summer and winter times.

Here is a comparison table of trading instruments offered by different brokers:

Account Types

Probis offers two main types of accounts to cater to the needs of traders: Live Accounts and Demo Accounts.

Live Account: A Live Account is designed for traders who are ready to engage in real-money trading. Opening a Live Account involves depositing real funds, and traders can use this account to execute actual trades in the financial markets. Live Accounts provide access to real market conditions, and any profits or losses are reflected in the trader's account balance. These accounts offer the opportunity to experience the excitement and risks of live trading, making them suitable for both novice and experienced traders.

Demo Account: A Demo Account, on the other hand, is a risk-free and practice-oriented account type. It allows traders to hone their trading skills and test strategies without risking real capital. Demo Accounts are funded with virtual money, and traders can execute trades in a simulated market environment that mirrors real market conditions. This is an invaluable tool for beginners to learn the ropes of trading and for experienced traders to refine their strategies. It's a safe way to explore the trading platform and gain confidence before transitioning to a Live Account.

How to Open an Account

To open an account with Probis, follow these steps.

1. Visit the Probis website. Look for the “Open Live Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

1. Sign up on websites registration page.

1. Receive your personal account login from an automated email

2. Log in

3. Proceed to deposit funds to your account

4. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

Probis offers varying levels of leverage to traders, depending on the type of financial instrument they are trading. For major currency pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY, the maximum leverage is 1:30. This means that traders can control a position worth up to $30 for every $1 they have in their trading account. Minor currency pairs and gold trading come with a maximum leverage of 1:20. When trading CFD products other than gold, such as commodities, the leverage is set at 1:10. For securities CFDs, which include major stock markets, the maximum leverage is 1:20, while minor stock markets offer a leverage of 1:10. Traders should exercise caution and consider their risk tolerance when using leverage, as it can amplify both profits and losses in their trades.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

Probis provides specific details about spreads for various trading instruments. For Forex pairs, spreads typically start at 3 pips. In the case of Commodity CFDs like Spot Gold, the spread starts at 0.5 dollars per troy ounce. For Securities CFDs such as the US 30 Index, the spread begins at 5 points. These precise spread values are essential for traders to understand their trading costs accurately.

Traders should stay informed about potential changes through the platform's notifications. Please note that commission details are not provided on the website and should be obtained from Probis' customer service.

Non-Trading Fees

Probis charges non-trading fees, with one significant fee being swap interest or overnight financing charges. Swap interest arises from the difference in interest rates between two currencies in a currency pair during rollover periods.

In essence, if traders hold a position overnight in a currency pair, they may either receive or pay swap interest based on the interest rate differentials between the currencies involved. For instance, if traders buy a currency with a higher interest rate and sell a currency with a lower interest rate, they can earn interest. Conversely, if they sell a currency with a higher interest rate and buy a currency with a lower interest rate, they will incur interest charges.

For example, if the Australian Dollar has a higher interest rate compared to the Japanese Yen, and traders hold an AUD/JPY position overnight, they may earn or pay the net interest difference between these currencies. The calculation and settlement of FX swap interest occur at the market's closing.

Traders should be aware of these swap interest rates as they can impact the overall costs of holding positions overnight, affecting their trading strategies and expenses. It's advisable to check Probis for specific swap interest rates for different currency pairs.

Deposit & Withdraw Methods

Probis provides bank transfer for depositing and withdrawing funds:

Deposit:

You can deposit funds into your Probis trading account via bank wire. Domestic transfers typically take 1-2 business days, while international transfers usually take 3-5 business days. You can make deposits in either AUD or USD. Probis does not charge any fees for deposits. However, please note that international transfers to and from international banking institutions may incur intermediary or transfer fees that are independent of Probis.

Withdrawal:

To withdraw margins from your trading account, you have two options:

- Use the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform. Fill in the withdrawal amount to complete the application.

- Contact Probis customer service by telephone. You will need to provide your login ID and service pin to complete the withdrawal application.

Trading Platforms

Probis offers the PROBIS AUTON trading platform for efficient and secure online trading. It supports 24-hour trading in forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities. The platform is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring flexibility for traders. It has specific system requirements, such as Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 for the PC version and various operating systems for mobile devices. Users can download the platform from the Probis website or app stores for iOS and Android. Manuals are available for each platform version to help users navigate and make the most of their trading experience.

Customer Support

Probis offers comprehensive customer support to assist clients with their inquiries and needs. They are conveniently located in Sydney, Australia, with a registered office at Suite 11.01, Level 11, 227 Elizabeth Street, and a postal address at PO Box 20697 World Square. Clients can reach out to Probis through various communication channels. They provide telephone support at +61 2 9047 7800, allowing clients to speak directly with their team.

For specific inquiries, Probis has dedicated email addresses for different services. Clients looking for assistance with asset management can reach out to enquiries@probisgroup.com.au. If you have questions related to FX and CFD trading, you can contact cs@probisgroup.com.au. For FX and CFD account-related inquiries, you can email account@probisgroup.com.au, and margin deposit and withdrawal matters can be addressed at margin@probisgroup.com.au.

Educational Resources

Probis provides a range of educational resources to empower clients in their FX and CFD trading journey. Their educational offerings cover FX & CFD trading, trade characteristics, technical analysis, and a comprehensive glossary.

FX & CFD Trading: Probis offers educational content that helps clients understand the fundamentals of FX (foreign exchange) and CFD (contract for difference) trading. This includes insights into market dynamics, trading strategies, and risk management techniques.

Trade Characteristics: Understanding the unique characteristics of different trading instruments is crucial for success. Probis provides resources that delve into the specifics of various assets, helping traders make informed decisions.

Technical Analysis: Technical analysis is a vital tool in trading, and Probis equips clients with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze price charts, identify trends, and make data-driven trading decisions.

Glossary: The financial world comes with its own jargon and terminology. Probis offers a comprehensive glossary that defines and explains key terms, ensuring that clients can navigate the trading landscape with confidence.

Trading Tools

Probis provides traders with Economic Calendar to enhance their market analysis and decision-making. It provides traders with a professional perspective on market events, helping them understand market dynamics, stay informed about crucial economic announcements, and seize investment opportunities. This tool is instrumental in tracking economic indicators, central bank decisions, and geopolitical events that can significantly impact financial markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Probis offers traders access to various financial instruments, a user-friendly trading platform, and educational resources. However, its regulatory status is uncertain, which raises concerns about the safety of investments. The lack of transparency regarding commission fees and potential non-trading fees like swap interest charges can impact overall trading costs. While Probis has its advantages, including a range of tradable assets and a demo account for practice, potential users should carefully consider these drawbacks and exercise caution when choosing this platform for their trading needs.

FAQs

Q: Is Probis a regulated trading platform？

A: Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), but its regulatory status is currently uncertain as the official regulatory status has been revoked.

Q: What types of trading accounts does Probis offer？

A: Probis provides two main types of accounts: Live Accounts for real-money trading and Demo Accounts for practice trading.

Q: Can I access Probis's trading platform on mobile devices？

A: Yes, Probis's trading platform, PROBIS AUTON, is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, offering flexibility for traders.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Probis？

A: The maximum leverage varies depending on the type of financial instrument. For major currency pairs, it's 1:30, while minor currency pairs and gold trading offer 1:20. CFD products other than gold come with 1:10 leverage, and securities CFDs offer a maximum leverage of 1:20 for major stock markets and 1:10 for minor stock markets.

Q: How can I deposit and withdraw funds with Probis？

A: You can deposit funds via bank wire transfer in either AUD or USD. Withdrawals can be made using the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform or by contacting Probis customer service.