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.

What is LMAX Group？

LMAX Group is a UK-based multilateral trading facility (MTF) that offers forex and cryptocurrency trading to retail and institutional clients. It was founded in 2010 and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC). LMAX is known for its transparent and fair execution model, as well as its low latency and high-speed trading technology. The company's headquarters are located in London, and it has additional offices in New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

What Type of Broker is LMAX Group？

LMAX is an electronic communication network (ECN) broker that operates a multilateral trading facility (MTF) for forex and cryptocurrency trading. It is a pure agency broker, which means it does not take positions against its clients and earns revenue solely from commissions and fees. LMAX provides institutional and retail traders with deep liquidity, fast execution, and transparent pricing through its proprietary trading platform, LMAX Global.

Pros & Cons

LMAX has several advantages, such as being a regulated broker, offering transparent and direct market access, providing a range of trading instruments, and offering a professional trading platform.

On the other hand, LMAX has some drawbacks, including limited account types and high minimum deposit requirements.

Note: This table is not an exhaustive list of all the pros and cons of LMAX and is only meant to provide a general overview.

Overall, LMAX is a suitable choice for experienced traders who value direct market access and professional trading tools.

LMAX Group Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to LMAX Group depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• IG

• Saxo Bank

• CMC Markets

• Admiral Markets

• Pepperstone

IG, Saxo Bank, and CMC Markets are all well-established and reputable brokers, with strong regulatory oversight and a range of trading instruments and platforms available to their clients. Admiral Markets and Pepperstone are both popular among traders for their low spreads, fast execution speeds, and user-friendly platforms.

Some traders may prefer brokers with a wider range of trading instruments than what LMAX offers, and these alternative brokers may fit the bill. Additionally, some traders may prefer brokers with more robust educational and research resources, and may find these alternative brokers more suitable in that regard. Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is LMAX Group Safe or Scam？

As a regulated broker by reputable financial authorities such as FCA and CySEC, LMAX is considered a reliable broker. The company also prioritizes the security of its clients' funds by keeping them in segregated accounts and offering negative balance protection.

How are you protected？

Note that this table is for informational purposes only and is not exhaustive. It is important to conduct your own research and due diligence when choosing a broker.

Our Conclusion on LMAX Group Reliability:

LMAX is a highly regulated and reputable broker that takes the security of its clients' funds seriously. It is regulated by the FCA and CYSEC, and it implements various measures to ensure the safety of its clients' funds, such as holding them in segregated accounts and offering negative balance protection. Overall, LMAX appears to be a reliable and trustworthy broker.

Market Instruments

LMAX provides access to a range of financial instruments across various asset classes, including:

• Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs

• Indices: CFDs on major global indices, including UK100, GER30, US30, and more

• Commodities: Precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as energy products like crude oil and natural gas

• Cryptocurrencies: CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple

• It is important to note that the range of trading instruments may vary depending on the specific entity of LMAX and the jurisdiction in which it operates.

Accounts

LMAX offers different account types, each with different features and benefits:

• LMAX Global Account: This account is designed for institutions, hedge funds, asset managers, and professional traders. It offers access to the LMAX Global trading platform, deep liquidity, and low latency execution.

• LMAX Professional Account: This account is designed for experienced traders and offers access to the LMAX Exchange central limit order book, low latency execution, and competitive pricing.

• LMAX Prime Account: This account is designed for brokers, banks, and other financial institutions that want to access LMAX Exchange liquidity and offer it to their clients. It offers deep liquidity, low latency execution, and access to a range of trading tools and services.

• LMAX Interbank Account: This account is designed for banks and other financial institutions that want to access LMAX Exchange liquidity and offer it to their clients. It offers deep liquidity, low latency execution, and access to a range of trading tools and services.

All of these accounts have different minimum deposit requirements and fee structures.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered by LMAX varies based on the account type and the asset being traded. For example, the maximum leverage for forex trading is up to 1:100, while for metals and commodities, it is up to 1:50.

It's important to note that leverage can increase both potential profits and losses, so it should be used with caution.

Spreads & Commissions

LMAX offers a variable spread on EUR/USD, which can start from as low as 0.2 pips during peak trading hours. However, the average spread is usually around 0.5-1 pip. It's worth noting that the spread can widen during periods of low liquidity or high market volatility.

The commission fee varies depending on the account type and the trading volume of the client. Here is a breakdown of the commission fees for LMAX:

LMAX Global: The commission for forex pairs ranges from $2.5 to $4.5 per $100,000 traded, depending on the trading volume. For indices, the commission ranges from $1.25 to $5 per lot traded, depending on the instrument and the trading volume.

LMAX Professional: The commission for forex pairs ranges from $2 to $3 per $100,000 traded, depending on the trading volume. For indices, the commission ranges from $1 to $3 per lot traded, depending on the instrument and the trading volume.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Note that the above information may vary depending on the account type, trading platform, and other factors. It's always a good idea to check with the broker directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Trading Platforms

LMAX offers its proprietary trading platform called LMAX Global, which is a web-based platform accessible from any device with an internet connection. It also offers connectivity through industry-standard APIs, allowing clients to connect directly to LMAX Global's liquidity pool through third-party platforms.

Additionally, LMAX offers the MetaTrader 4 platform for traders who prefer using a familiar interface.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Overall, LMAX Group's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders.

Deposits & Withdrawals

LMAX offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including:

Payment Options:

• Bank Wire Transfer

• Debit/Credit Cards (Visa and Mastercard)

• Skrill

• Neteller

LMAX does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, fees may be charged by the payment provider or bank involved in the transaction.

Minimum deposit requirement

The minimum deposit requirement for LMAX varies depending on the type of account. The LMAX Global account has a minimum deposit requirement of $1,000, while the LMAX Professional account has a minimum deposit requirement of $10,000.

LMAX Group minimum deposit vs other brokers

LMAX Group Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from LMAX, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your LMAX account and go to the “My Account” section.

Step 2: Click on the “Withdraw Funds” button.

Step 3: Select the account you want to withdraw from and enter the amount you wish to withdraw.

Step 4: Choose your preferred withdrawal method and fill out the necessary information.

Step 5: Submit your withdrawal request.

LMAX processes withdrawal requests within one business day, and the time it takes for the funds to reach your account will depend on the withdrawal method you choose.

Fees

LMAX charges various fees for trading and account maintenance. Here is an overview of some of the fees charged by LMAX:

• Swap Fees: LMAX charges a swap fee for positions held overnight. The swap fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies of the trading pair.

• Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: LMAX does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, fees may be charged by the payment provider or bank involved in the transaction.

• Inactivity Fee: LMAX does not charge any inactivity fee.

It's important to note that the fees charged by LMAX may vary depending on the type of account and trading instrument. Traders are advised to check the latest fee schedule on the LMAX website before trading.

See the fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

LMAX provides 24/7 customer service through phone, email, and live chat. You can also follow LMAX on some social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Overall, LMAX's customer service is considered to be of good quality with responsive and helpful agents.

It's worth noting that the quality of customer service can be subjective and may vary from client to client. However, this table provides a general overview of the strengths and weaknesses of LMAX's customer service.

Education

LMAX provides a range of educational resources for its clients, including:

• Video tutorials: LMAX offers video tutorials on various topics related to trading, such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and risk management.

• Webinars: LMAX hosts regular webinars that cover a wide range of topics, including market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management.

• eBooks: LMAX provides a range of eBooks on various topics related to trading, such as forex trading strategies and technical analysis.

• Trading guides: LMAX offers a range of trading guides that cover a variety of topics, including forex trading, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies.

• Glossary: LMAX has a comprehensive glossary of trading terms that clients can refer to when needed.

• Overall, LMAX's educational resources are comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics, making it a good choice for traders who are looking to improve their knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LMAX is a highly-regulated broker that offers institutional-level trading services to retail clients. The broker offers a wide range of trading instruments and a powerful trading platform. LMAX's low-latency trading environment, deep liquidity pool, and transparent pricing model make it an ideal choice for traders who demand high-quality execution and a fair trading environment.

However, LMAX's high minimum deposit requirement and limited account types may not be suitable for beginner traders. Additionally, the broker's relatively high trading costs may not be attractive to cost-sensitive traders. Overall, LMAX is a reliable and competitive broker for experienced traders looking for top-tier trading services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)