What is Swiss Markets？

Swiss Markets, a subsidiary of BDS Swiss Markets Global Services Ltd, is an online forex and CFD broker that has been operational since 2016. It provides investors with various trading assets, including Forex, Metals, Energy, Commodities, and Indices. The company is registered in Mauritius and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC).

Despite being a regulated entity, Swiss Markets has been identified on a list of blocked websites issued by the Ministry of Trade, Indonesia, on February 2, 2022, citing unauthorized commodity futures trading. This is a significant red flag for potential investors considering using their platform.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC), ensuring it adheres to strict regulatory standards.

• It offers appealing spreads and commissions, which can help traders keep their trading costs low.

• It supports the popular MT4 trading platform, which provides advanced charting tools, automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), and a secure trading environment.

• It provides various methods for deposits and withdrawals, offering flexibility and convenience to clients.

Cons:

• It has been marked out on the WikiFx warning list, which can raise concerns about its credibility and reliability. It's always important for traders to do their due diligence when choosing a broker.

Is Swiss Markets safe or scam？

Swiss Markets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC), which generally offers a degree of reassurance that they adhere to specific regulatory standards for fair trading and client transparency. However, despite regulation status, Swiss Markets have been flagged up due to their presence on a warning list issued by WikiFX, a platform providing broker service information and more.

Swiss Markets is part of a list of brokers that have been flagged as potentially dangerous by a regulatory authority. On February 2, 2022, these brokers had an adverse disclosure issued by the Ministry of Trade in Indonesia. This listing blocks several websites due to their participation in illegal commodity futures trading and gambling under the pretense of trading.

The exposures concerning Swiss Markets generally focus on issues related to withdrawals and deceptive practices. Users commonly reported experiencing troubles when trying to withdraw their funds - unexpected fees were sometimes introduced and withdrawals would either take an excessively long time or not be processed correctly, often leading to additional costs. Furthermore, some users also pointed out concerns relating to the handling of deposits and unexpected trade anomalies after depositing significant amounts. The issues were not satisfactorily resolved, even after multiple complaints, casting doubts about the platform's reliability and trustworthiness.

Market Instruments

• Forex: This involves trading in the global currency market, offering a range of currency pairs for trading.

• Metals: This category allows users to trade in precious metals such as gold and silver.

• Energies: Swiss Market clients have the opportunity to trade in energy commodities, including crude oil and natural gas.

• Indices: This platform provides global indices allowing traders to gain exposure to various sectors of different economies.

• Equities: Clients can also opt to trade in equities, providing an opportunity to invest and trade in various company shares.

Account Types

Swiss Markets offers two primary account types, the STP Classic and the STP Raw, both with a minimum deposit of $200. The STP model is a mechanism in the financial market that allows direct trades between buyers and sellers without going through an intermediate exchange or any other form of processing. This implies a non-dealing desk environment where trade orders are automatically processed by the system, eliminating the need for a manual dealing desk.

Leverage

Swiss Markets offers different levels of leverage depending on the account type and the market instrument being traded. For Forex trading, the leverage is quite high - it can go up to 1:500 for the STP Classic account and up to 1:200 for the STP Raw account. For other trading categories, such as Metals, Energies, Indices, and Equities, the leverage is set at 1%, or equivalently a ratio of 1:100. This applies uniformly on both STP Classic and STP Raw account types.

It's important to note that while higher leverage can magnify profits, it can also increase potential losses. Therefore, it should be used judiciously and traders should have a well-thought risk management strategy in place.

Spread & Commission

Swiss Markets operates with two different account types, STP Classic and STP Raw, each with its unique spread and commission structure. They have designed these structures to cater to a diverse range of trading needs.

For the STP Classic account, spreads are set low and no commissions are charged across Forex, Precious Metals, and Energies trading. However, there is a minimal fixed commission for Stock Indices.

Conversely, in the STP Raw account, they offer extremely low or even zero spreads in Forex trading. This tighter spread is also evident in Precious Metals and Energies trading. This lower spread does come with a commission fee. In the case of Stock Indices, like with the STP Classic, spreads are fixed with a small commission charge.

Trading Platforms

Swiss Markets offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, a comprehensive platform that offers a variety of features to aid traders in executing their strategies, one of the most popular and widely used trading platforms in the world. It's available across multiple devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, offering flexibility and convenience to its users.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Swiss Markets offers a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Postepay, Giro Pay, Swift, Sofort, EPS, iDeal, Przelewy24, Skrill, and Neteller. Most methods support various currencies and process deposits immediately. Swift,however, can take 1-4 working days for deposits to process.

When it comes to withdrawals, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, and Swift manage this within 24 hours. Postepay, Giro Pay, Sofort, EPS, iDeal, and Przelewy24 do not support withdrawals.

For a detailed breakdown of the deposit and withdrawal methods, supported currencies and timeframes, clients can refer to the table provided.

Conclusion

Swiss Markets is a broker that is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. They offer broad accessibility with a user-friendly interface, multidimensional trading analysis tools via the MT4 platform, and diverse methods for deposits and withdrawals. They prioritize client fund safety, with a minimum deposit of $200, and ensure swift processing of transactions. However, being flagged on the WikiFx warning list signals the need for users to conduct their own due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much money do I need to put in to open an account？

A: The minimum deposit for starting a new account is $200.

Q: Is Swiss Markets regulated？

A: Yes, the broker is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) however recently was flagged by the Ministry of Trade in Indonesia for unauthorized activity.

Q: What trading platform does Swiss Markets use？

A: Swiss Markets uses the MetaTrader 4 platform, under a white-label license.

Q: Why is Swiss Markets on a warning list？

A: The Ministry of Trade in Indonesia listed Swiss Markets on a warning list for illegal commodity futures trading.

Q: How can I contact Swiss Markets？

A: Swiss Markets can be contacted via phone: +44 (20) 36709704; +49 3021446981; +34 (91) 0756974; +357 25262934; Email: support@swissmarkets.com. And online messaging on the website is also available.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.

ATFX Information

ATFX is a global online forex and CFD broker established in 2014, offering trading on various markets including forex, precious metals, crude oil, and indices. The broker also offers several account types, including the Standard Account, Edge Account, and Premium Account, targeting different trading groups, with $100 to start. Besides, the demo account is also provided. Regarding trading platform offerings, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) supported and its proprietary trading app - ATFX Mobile Trading App are offered.

Pros & Cons

On the positive side, ATFX is a well-regulated broker and offers negative balance protection to protect security of clients' funds. It also offers various trading instruments with competitive spreads via the industry-leading MT4 platform. You can also test their trading conditions via risk-free demo accounts.

On the downside, ATFX has limited options for deposit and withdrawal methods, as it only accepts payments via bank transfers and credit/debit cards. Another disadvantage is that ATFX does not offer social trading or copy trading features, which may be important to some traders. Finally, ATFX has limited research and analysis tools compared to other brokers, which may be a concern for more advanced traders.

Is ATFX Legit?

ATFX is a thoroughly regulated broker, boasting four licenses from esteemed global financial regulatory bodies.

These include a Market Making (MM) license (No. 418036) from the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), an Institution Forex License (No. 760555) from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, an STP license (No. 285/15) from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and a general registered Investment Advisory License (No. 20200000078) from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the United Arab Emirates.

These multiple layers of regulation demonstrate ATFX's commitment to adhering to high financial standards, transparency, and the protection of investor interests.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	AT GLOBAL MARKETS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD	Market Making (MM)	418036
	SFC	AT Global Financial Services (HK) Limited	Leveraged foreign exchange trading	BUM667
	FCA	AT Global Markets (UK) Limited	Institution Forex License	760555
	CYSEC	ATFX Global Markets (Cy) Limited	Straight Through Processing (STP)	285/15
	SCA	Investment Advisory License	Investment Advisory License	20200000078

Market Intruments

ATFX supports trading on forex, precious metals, crude oil, and indices. However, in contrast to other brokers, ATFX does not enable shares, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, futures or options trading, and their product choices are somewhat limited.

Account Types

ATFX understands that every trader has their own trading style, preferences, and needs, and that's why it offers flexible trading account options. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, there is an account type that is suitable for you.

The Standard Account is a basic account type that is suitable for beginner traders who are just starting in the forex market. It requires a minimum deposit of $100.

The Edge Account is a more advanced account type that is suitable for traders who have some experience in the forex market. It requires a minimum deposit of $5,000.

The Premium Account is the most advanced account type offered by ATFX, designed for professional traders who require advanced trading features and tools. It requires a minimum deposit of $10,000. This account type offers free VPS hosting, market analysis, a personal account manager, and access to exclusive trading tools, such as Autochartist and Trading Central.

Demo Trading

ATFX offers demo trading accounts to its clients, allowing them to practice and familiarize themselves with the trading platform and strategies before committing real funds. Demo accounts are available for all account types, including Standard, Edge, and Premium accounts. These accounts simulate real market conditions, providing traders with the opportunity to test their trading skills and strategies without any financial risks.

The demo accounts are also an excellent tool for beginners who are new to trading as it enables them to learn the basics of trading without the fear of losing money. The demo accounts offer the same features as live accounts, including access to all trading instruments and educational resources, enabling traders to experience the real trading environment.

ATFX's demo accounts have no time limit, giving traders ample time to perfect their trading strategies and techniques. Moreover, traders can switch between the demo and live accounts anytime they want.

Leverage

ATFX offers varying levels of leverage depending on the type of trading account and financial instrument.

For forex trading, the maximum leverage available for retail clients is typically 30:1 for major currency pairs and 20:1 for minor and exotic currency pairs. Professional clients may have access to higher leverage, up to a maximum of 400:1, depending on their trading experience and other criteria.

Notably, while leverage can amplify potential profits, it also magnifies potential losses, so it's crucial to use leverage responsibly and only trade with funds you can afford to lose. Additionally, different regulations may apply in different regions and countries, which could impact the maximum leverage available to traders.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

ATFX offers competitive spreads and commissions on its trading accounts, which vary depending on the type of account and trading instrument.

For forex trading, ATFX offers both fixed and variable spreads, depending on the account type. The spreads for major currency pairs on the standard account start from 1.0 pip, while the spreads on the Edge account start from 0.0 pips but come with a commission of $7 per lot traded.

Non-Trading Fees

Aside from trading fees, ATFX also charges non-trading fees that traders should be aware of, including:

• Inactivity Fee: ATFX charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter for accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days. This fee may be waived for active traders or in certain circumstances.
• Conversion Fee: If you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency different from your account's base currency, ATFX may charge a conversion fee to cover the costs of currency conversion.
• Overnight Financing Charges: If you hold a position overnight, ATFX may charge or credit you with an overnight financing charge, also known as a swap fee. This fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies being traded and is typically charged at a fixed percentage of the position value.
• Deposit/Withdrawal Fee: While ATFX does not charge any deposit/withdrawal fees, third-party payment providers may charge a fee for their services.

Trading Platform

ATFX currently provides the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for its traders, which is a widely used platform among forex traders. It offers advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and automated trading options through Expert Advisors (EAs).

While some traders may prefer other trading platforms, the MT4 platform is a robust and reliable option with a large community of users and third-party developers creating and sharing custom indicators and EAs.

In addition to the MT4 platform, ATFX also provides the Mobile Trading App, allowing traders to trade on the go.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Minimum Deposit

ATFX's minimum deposit requirement of $100 makes it an accessible option for traders who are just starting out or those who prefer to trade in smaller amounts. The following payment methods are available for deposits:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted. The processing time for deposits made via credit/debit cards is instant, and there are no fees charged by ATFX.
• Bank Wire Transfer: Deposits can be made via bank wire transfer. The processing time for this method varies, and it may take 2-5 business days to reflect in the trader's account. ATFX does not charge fees for deposits made through bank wire transfer, but traders should check with their bank for any charges that may apply.
• Online Payment Methods: ATFX also supports online payment methods such as Skrill, Neteller, and Trustly. Deposits made using these methods are typically processed instantly. ATFX does not charge fees for deposits made through online payment methods, but third-party payment providers may charge a fee for their services.

Withdrawal

How to withdraw money from my trading account?

1. Log in to the secure Client Portal section of our homepage, then click “Withdrawal”.
2. This broker will always return funds to the original source they were deposited. For example, if a deposit is made by credit card, funds will be returned to the same credit card. The return can be done through bank transfer, credit/debit card or e-wallet transfers.
3. If you are withdrawing profit, this broker may ask you for bank account details to send funds directly to your account.

Please note: Your bank account must be fully verified before submitting a withdrawal request.

The time it takes for funds to return to a trader's bank account will depend on the withdrawal method used.

For bank transfers, once the funds have been removed from the trading account, it will take 3-5 business days before they arrive in the trader's bank account. The actual time required for processing may vary, and traders should refer to their bank for more information.

If using an e-wallet, funds will typically be returned to the trader's e-wallet within 2 business days.

For refunds to credit/debit cards, the process typically takes 2-5 business days after the withdrawal has been successfully processed. However, if there are restrictions preventing funds from being returned to the card, ATFX may request a valid bank statement and return the funds to the trader's registered bank account. In such cases, the trader will be contacted by their relationship manager.

All withdrawal requests received before 2 pm (UK time) on a business day will be processed on the same day. Requests received after this time will be processed on the next available business day.

Customer Support

ATFX customer support can be connected through the following channels:

• Live chat, contact form
• Phone: +357 25 258 774, the phone lines are open during Mon – Fri 08:00 – 18:00 GMT+2*, and *GMT+3 during Daylight Saving Time.
• Email: info@atfxgm.eu
• Headquarters: Maryvonne Building, 159 Leontiou A Street, Office 204, 3022, Limassol, Cyprus

Educational Resources

ATFX offers rich and solid educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

One of the primary educational resources available through ATFX is their comprehensive online trading academy. This academy provides traders with a variety of resources, including webinars, videos, articles, and e-books, all designed to help traders learn the fundamentals of trading and improve their strategies. The academy covers a range of topics, from basic concepts such as market analysis and risk management to more advanced topics like trading psychology and algorithmic trading.

ATFX also provides traders with access to a variety of market analysis tools and resources. These include daily market analysis reports, economic calendars, and real-time news feeds, all of which can help traders stay informed about the latest market trends and make more informed trading decisions.

FAQs

Is ATFX a regulated broker?

Yes. It is regulated by ASIC, SFC, FCA, CYSEC, and SCA (general registration).

What is the minimum deposit requirement for ATFX?

$100 is required to start real trading.

What trading platforms does ATFX offer?

ATFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

Does ATFX offer demo accounts?

Yes.

Is ATFX suitable for beginner traders?

Yes. ATFX offers a range of educational resources, including an online trading academy and tailored courses, to help beginner traders develop their knowledge and skills.