Overview of Swissquote

Swissquote is a leading online forex and financial trading broker headquartered in Switzerland. It was established in 1996 and has since grown to become a popular choice among traders worldwide. The broker offers a wide range of financial instruments to trade, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

Swissquote offers several account types, including Standard, Premium, Prime, and Professional, to cater to different trader needs. The minimum deposit for a Standard account is $1,000, which is relatively high compared to some other brokers. However, the broker's range of account types and trading conditions may appeal to professional traders who require higher leverage and tighter spreads.

Swissquote provides its clients with access to several trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, Advanced Trader, and their proprietary platform, Swissquote EDGE. The broker's platforms are user-friendly, feature-rich, and offer advanced trading tools and charting capabilities.

Is Swissquote legit or a scam？

Yes, Swissquote is a legitimate broker with four entities under respective jurisdictions:

Swissquote Bank Ltd, which is based in Switzerland, is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

Swissquote Ltd, which is based in the United Kingdom, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Swissquote MEA Ltd, which is based in Dubai, is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

SWISSQUOTE FINANCIAL SERVICES (MALTA) LTD, is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

These regulatory authorities ensure that Swissquote adheres to strict standards in terms of financial stability, transparency, and investor protection.

Pros & Cons

Swissquote is areputable and regulated broker, offering an array of financial instruments and account types for traders to choose from. As with any broker, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. In the following table, we present a summary of the key pros and cons of trading with Swissquote. Swissquote undoubtedly offers a comprehensive range of trading instruments and state-of-the-art trading platforms that are designed to cater to the diverse trading needs of both novice and experienced traders. However, despite its many strengths, it falls short in terms of customer support, as it does not provide round-the-clock assistance, which can be a major drawback for traders who require immediate assistance during off-hours or in emergency situations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this information can help you make an informed decision about whether Swissquote is the right broker for you.

Market Instruments

Swissquote offers a wide range of market instruments for trading, including over 130 currency pairs, commodities, stock indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. As a well-established Swiss broker, Swissquote is able to offer trading on several Swiss-specific instruments, such as the Swiss Market Index (SMI) and the Swissquote Group Holding Ltd. (SQN) stock, as well as access to other global exchanges such as the NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE. With such a broad range of market instruments, traders of different experience levels can find suitable trading options that align with their trading strategies and investment goals.

Account Types

Swissquote offers a range of account types to cater to the varying needs and preferences of its clients. The primary account types available are the Premium Account, Prime Account, Elite Account and Professional Account. Each account type comes with distinct features and benefits, such as different minimum deposit requirements, leverage ratios, and spreads. The Premium Account requires a minimum deposit of 1,000 CHF or equivalent, while the Prime Accounts require a higher minimum deposit of 5,000 CHF or equivalent. The Elite and Professional accounts ask for the highest minimum deposit of 10,0000 CHF or equivalent.

The Standard Account provides clients with access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, CFDs, stocks, options, futures, and bonds. The Premium Account, on the other hand, is designed for high-volume traders and offers lower spreads and commissions, as well as personalized service. The Prime Account is designed for institutional clients and provides them with a dedicated account manager, as well as access to exclusive liquidity and pricing.

Moreover, Swissquote also offers an Islamic Account, which is compliant with Sharia law and is available to clients who follow the Islamic faith.

Demo Trading

Swissquote offers a free demo account for clients to practice trading strategies and test out the broker's trading platforms without risking any real funds. The demo account provides users with virtual funds to trade on the same live markets as the actual trading accounts. The account comes with real-time pricing and charting tools, allowing traders to simulate trading conditions as closely as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for traders to get familiar with the broker's platforms and trading environment before committing any real money. Moreover, the demo account is ideal for both novice and experienced traders who want to try new trading strategies or test their current trading strategies without incurring any financial risk.

Overall, demo accounts are a valuable resource for any trader who wishes to sharpen their skills and become more proficient in their trading activities.

How to open an account with Swissquote？

1. Visit the Swissquote website and click on the “Open your Account” button.

1. Provide personal information, such as name, email, and phone number, along with a valid identification document, such as a passport or driver's license.

1. After the account is created and verified, the next step is to select the desired account type and deposit funds, such as Premium, Prime or Elite accounts.

2. Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application.

3. Swissquote offers several convenient deposit methods, including bank transfer, credit/debit card, and online payment services. Once the account is funded, traders can access the trading platforms, begin analyzing the markets, and placing trades on a variety of financial instruments.

Leverage

Swissquote offers variable leverage levels depending on the financial instrument and the account type. For forex trading, the maximum leverage available is typically 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:100 for professional clients who meet certain criteria. For CFD trading on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, the maximum leverage ranges from 1:10 to 1:5, depending on the underlying asset.

Always keep in mind that high leverage can significantly increase the potential gains, but it can also magnify the losses, so it's important to use it with caution and always keep in mind the risks involved.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Swissquote offers competitive spreads and commissions to its clients. The exact costs depend on the type of account and the trading instrument being traded. The Premium Account has variable spreads, with the EUR/USD spread starting from 1.3 pips, while the Prime Account offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips. The Elite Account offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips, but it requires a higher minimum deposit and trading volume. The professional accounts provide spreads from 0.0 pips too.

In terms of commissions, the Premium Account and Prime Account charge zero commission. The Elite Account and the Professional Account charge a commission of EUR2.5 per side per lot traded. Overall, Swissquote is often seen as competitive in terms of spreads and commissions when compared to other major brokers.

Below is a comparison table illustrating the spreads of EUR/USD, UK100, Gold, and Silver offered by Swissquote and three other brokers - FXTM, XM, and Plus500:

Non-Trading Fees

Non-trading fees are fees that Swissquote charges its clients for services that are not directly related to trading activities. Swissquote has a relatively low level of non-trading fees compared to other brokers. Swissquote does not charge deposit fees, but it charges withdrawal fees, which depend on the method used. Swissquote also charges an inactivity fee of CHF 50 per quarter if no trades have been made during the last six months. This fee is lower than the industry average, which is around $15 per month.

Besides, Swissquote also charges overnight swap fees, also known as rollover fees or financing fees, on positions that are held overnight. The amount of the fee depends on the currency pair, the size of the position, and the prevailing interest rates in the respective countries.

Trading Platform

Swissquote offers a range of trading platforms suitable for both beginner and advanced traders. Its flagship platform is the Advanced Trader, which is a user-friendly and customizable platform that provides access to multiple markets and a wide range of trading tools. Additionally, the broker offers the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, which are favored by many traders for their advanced charting capabilities and expert advisor features.

Advanced Trader

Swissquote Advanced Trader is a proprietary trading platform developed by Swissquote. It is a fully customizable platform designed to cater to the needs of professional traders. The platform offers advanced charting tools, a variety of technical indicators, and the ability to create and backtest trading strategies using the integrated programming language. Swissquote Advanced Trader also offers real-time news and market analysis to keep traders up-to-date with market events. The platform is available for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

Swissquote offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform to its clients, which is widely recognized in the industry for its reliability, speed, and advanced charting tools. MT4 is available for download on desktop, web, and mobile devices, allowing traders to access their accounts and manage their trades from anywhere at any time. Swissquote also offers a range of customized tools and indicators, allowing traders to personalize their trading experience on the platform. Additionally, Swissquote provides free access to Autochartist, a popular technical analysis tool that helps traders identify potential trading opportunities.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

Swissquote offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform to its clients, which is the successor to the popular MT4 platform. MT5 has several advanced features such as improved charting capabilities, additional order types, and an economic calendar. Clients can also use MT5's algorithmic trading capabilities through the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their trading strategies. Swissquote's MT5 platform is available for desktop, web, and mobile devices, making it easily accessible for traders on the go.

Here is a table comparing the trading platforms offered by Swissquote, IG, and IC Markets：

Deposit & Withdrawals

Swissquote offers two primary deposit methods: wire transfer and debit card deposit. With wire transfer, clients can make deposits in various currencies, but the process may take longer, typically taking one to two business days to reflect on their account. On the other hand, debit card deposits are processed faster, typically within a few minutes, and they are available in CHF, EUR, GBP, EUR, AUD, JPY, PLN, CZK, HUF and USD.

Minimum Deposit

Swissquote, a prominent brokerage firm in the financial market, has set its minimum deposit threshold at a noteworthy sum of CHF 1,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, which may be considered relatively high compared to other brokers in the industry.

Below is a comparison table depicting the minimum deposit prerequisites of Swissquote, Exness, and IG:

For withdrawals, Swissquote typically processes requests within one to two business days. Clients can withdraw funds using the same methods they used to deposit funds. However, it's important to note that some withdrawal methods may incur fees, so it's essential to check with the broker first before initiating a withdrawal request.

Customer Support

Swissquote offers customer support via various channels to ensure its clients receive timely and efficient assistance. Clients can reach Swissquote's customer support team via phone, email, and live chat, available during business hours. However, Swissquote's customer support is not available 24/7, which may be a disadvantage for clients who require immediate assistance outside of business hours. Nonetheless, the broker offers a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, which provides answers to some common questions, and clients can also seek assistance by submitting a ticket through the website. In addition, Swissquote offers support in several languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, to cater to its global client base.

Educational Resources

Swissquote offers a plethora of educational resources to help traders of all levels enhance their knowledge and skills. The broker provides various learning materials, including webinars, seminars, online courses, and e-books. Additionally, Swissquote offers market analysis and news to keep clients informed about the latest developments in the financial markets. This valuable information can help traders make informed decisions when executing their trades.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Swissquote is a well-established and highly regulated forex broker offering a wide range of trading instruments, advanced trading platforms, and competitive trading conditions. The broker has earned a strong reputation for its commitment to security, transparency, and innovation, which has made it a preferred choice for traders looking for a reliable and trustworthy trading partner. While the broker's high minimum deposit requirement may be a challenge for some traders, its educational resources and excellent customer support help to offset this disadvantage.

FAQs

• Q: Is Swissquote a regulated broker？

A: Yes, Swissquote is regulated by several financial authorities, including the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK

• Q: What trading platforms are offered by Swissquote？

A: Swissquote offers several trading platforms, including the MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, the Advanced Trader platform, and a mobile trading app.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote？

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with Swissquote is $1000.

• Q: Does Swissquote offer a demo account？

A: Yes, Swissquote offers a free demo account with virtual funds for traders to practice trading strategies.

• Q: How can I deposit and withdraw funds from my Swissquote account？

A: You can deposit and withdraw funds from your Swissquote account using wire transfer or debit card.

General Information

Hantec Markets is a reputable forex broker that was established in 1990 and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. They offer a variety of trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5, along with TradingCentral for market analysis. Traders have access to a wide range of tradable assets, including forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, stocks, and bullion. Hantec Markets provides different account types, including demo account, cent account, and standard account, catering to traders of various levels. They offer customer support through live chat and telephone, and provide educational resources such as market reports, analysis videos, and podcasts. The minimum deposit required is $10, and the maximum leverage offered is 1:1000. Hantec Markets supports multiple payment methods for deposits and withdrawals

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. We will also briefly summarize the main advantages and disadvantages so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Is Hantec Markets legit or a scam？

Yes, Hantec Markets is a legitimate and regulated forex broker that operates under the oversight of reputable financial regulatory bodies. Hantec Markets adheres to strict regulatory standards to ensure financial stability, security, transparency, and fair trading practices.

Hantec Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. The company is authorized and supervised by the FCA, with registration number 502635. The FCA is a renowned financial regulatory body known for its stringent regulations and supervision of financial firms.

Pros and Cons

Market instruments

Currency pairs, indices, commodities, metals, energies, cryptocurrencies, stocks... Hantec Markets gives its clients access to a massive trading market. So, both beginners and sophisticated traders could find what they want to trade on Hantec Markets.

It is worth noting that, in the trading instruments screen, Hantec Markets provides a detailed table showing spreads, SWAPs, trading hours and other conditions of various instruments in detail, which greatly facilitates clients' consultation and comparison.

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

Spreads and Commissions

As mentioned before, in Hantec Markets spreads are clearly displayed in tables. For example, the AUDCAD spread is 1.8 pips. However, we have not been able to find detailed information on commissions.

How to Open an Account？

1. Visit the Hantec Markets website. Look for the “Open account” button on the homepage and click on it.

2. Select an account type and submit your details via our registration form.

3. Upload your documents and await approval.

4. Fund your wallet and transfer to your trading account.

5. Start trading

Spreads and Commissions

Hantec Markets offers Forex trading with spreads starting from specified values for various currency pairs. There are no commissions charged for Forex trades. The spread type is floating, and the minimum order size is 0.01 lot. The trading conditions also include a stop-out level set at 40% of the used margin. Overall, Hantec Markets provides competitive spreads and transparent commission-free trading for Forex.

Trade major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY:

EUR/USD spread: 0.00014898 pips.

GBP/USD spread: 0.000213589 pips.

USD/JPY spread: 0.022286942 pips.

Hantec Markets offers precious metals trading with competitive spreads and floating spread types. Traders can trade gold (XAU) with a minimum margin requirement of 5% and silver (XAG) with a minimum margin requirement of 10%. The minimum order size for gold is 0.1 lot (10 ounces) and for silver is 0.1 lot (500 ounces). There are no commissions charged for trading these metals, and the trading hours are available according to the server time.

Hantec Markets offers CFD trading on a variety of symbols, including stocks. The spreads for stock CFDs start from specified values for each symbol. Additionally, there are no specific details provided regarding commissions for stock CFD trading.

Hantec Markets offers indices trading on various major indices in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US. The spreads for indices trading start from specified values for each symbol. Additionally, there are no specific details provided regarding commissions for indices trading.

In terms of Commodity Trading conditions at Hantec Markets, both US Oil and UK Oil have a spread of 0.05. There are no specific details provided regarding commissions for commodity trading.

Hantec Markets offers cryptocurrency trading with competitive spreads on a range of popular cryptocurrencies.

Non-Trading Fees

Currency Conversion Fee:

A conversion fee may be applicable to trades based on the currency settings of your trading account, funding currency, and the settlement currency of the market being traded.

The conversion fee is set at 0.6% and is added to the settlement exchange rate, which is determined by the market rate at the time of settlement. To account for the conversion fee, the underlying exchange rate is multiplied by 1.006 during the conversion process.

For instance, if the GBP/USD exchange rate is 1.1, the applicable FX conversion rate would be 1.1 x 1.006 = 1.1066.

By default, CFD accounts are set to 'instant' conversion. This means that any realized profit, loss, funding, dividend adjustments, or commission will be automatically converted to your account's base currency.

Let's consider an example:

Suppose you have purchased £20 per point worth of FTSE (UK100), and the base currency of your trading account is USD. Since you are trading in GBP, which is different from your account's base currency, the related transactions need to be converted to USD.

Assuming the exchange rate is 0.7576 ($1 equals £0.7576), after incorporating the conversion fee of 0.6%, the conversion rate becomes 0.7576 x 1.006 = 0.7621.

If FTSE increases by 30 points, your profit would amount to £600. This profit will be reflected as £600/0.7621 = $787.30 in your account. To calculate the admin fee charged, multiply your profit by 0.6%:

$787.30 profit x 0.6% = £4.72 currency conversion fee (already included – not charged separately)

Overnight funding

Also known as the 'Swap' charge, this is the cost of holding a position overnight. The amount will be dependent on the size of your trade, whether you have a long or short position and the instrument you are trading. Swap rates are determined by the underlying interest rates of the products or currency pairs you have open positions in.

Account Types for Hantec Markets

Demo account: Hantec Markets offers a demo account for you to test a little on the financial market without the risk of losing money.

Real account: there are 2 types of real accounts in total: cent account and standard account. The initial deposit to open an account is respectively $10 and $100, which is quite friendly for beginners. Other differences are market access, spreads, demo account and copy trading.

Trading Platforms

Although a long time has passed since the launch of MT4, it is still a major player in the market and is loved by traders all over the world. Accessing it from different devices also makes it easier for users to trade.

Leverage Offered

Hantec Markets offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:1000, which is a generous offer and ideal for professional traders and scalpers. However, since leverage can magnify your profits, it can also result in a loss of capital, especially for inexperienced traders. Therefore, traders must choose the right amount according to their risk tolerance.

Deposit and withdrawal methods and fees

The broker provides a variety of payment options for transactions in USD, EUR, GBP, or NGN. Clients can choose from the following payment methods: Bank Wire (Bank Transfer/SWIFT), VISA, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, and UnionPay.

Deposits:

Hantec Markets offers a competitive minimum deposit requirement of just $10, which makes it an appealing choice for beginners looking to start trading with a smaller initial investment.

When it comes to withdrawals, there is a minimum payment threshold of $100. Hantec Markets aims to process withdrawal requests made before 15:00 GMT on the same day. However, please note that it may take between two to seven business days for the funds to be credited to your account, depending on various factors such as the payment method and bank processing times.

For European clients, deposits and withdrawals are free of charge. However, international clients may incur charges for large withdrawals made through e-wallets. It's also important to be aware that some banks may have their own processing fees for handling withdrawals.

Overall, Hantec Markets strives to provide convenient and transparent deposit and withdrawal processes for its clients, ensuring that funds can be efficiently managed according to individual needs and preferences.

Users exposures on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Hantec Markets prides itself on providing excellent customer service to its clients. Each client is assigned a dedicated relationship manager who serves as their primary point of contact for any queries or issues. The relationship manager can be reached conveniently through the live chat tool available on the website.

The customer support team is also available 24/5 and can be contacted by leaving a message in the “contact us” section of the website.

Alternatively, you can reach out to them through the live chat feature, which is located at the lower right corner of the broker's website. Additionally, you have the option to contact customer support via telephone using the following numbers:

China – 4000280332

Nigeria – 7080601265

Jordan – 18442000155

Thailand – 1800019263

Taiwan – 886801491458

Pakistan – 080090044349

Main Office (UK) – +41225510215

Please note that international numbers may incur toll fees.

Office Locations:

Hantec Markets' main headquarters is situated at 5-6 Newbury St, Barbican, London EC1A 7HU in the United Kingdom. For the addresses of their Dubai, India, or other offices, please refer to the Hantec Markets website.

Educational Resources and Community Support

Hantec Markets offers a wide range of educational resources on its website to support traders in their learning journey. These resources include market reports, analysis videos, YouTube webinars featuring Nigerian and African traders, as well as podcasts. Moreover, there is a dedicated learning hub that provides valuable content across four experience tiers, along with lessons on strategy creation and risk management.

Hantec Markets strives to empower its clients with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed trading decisions, fostering a supportive community of traders along the way.

User Experience and Additional Features

Another interesting aspect to point out from this broker is the client portal, in which customers can manage accounts and payments with ease. The portal houses various functions to help customers get the account overview, manage multiple accounts, view trades (ongoing and closed) with ease, receive market insights from Richard Perry's Daily Market Report, deposits, and withdrawals, as well as easy access from mobile platforms.

Educational resources

A number of educational resources are available at Hantec Markets. We have market analysis, economic calendar, glossary and many important knowledge. We cannot deny their importance, but the best teacher for you to learn Forex trading is always real trading. It is impossible to make progress relying only on tools.

Conclusion

Hantec Markets is a well-established forex broker founded in 1990, regulated by the FCA in the UK. They offer a wide range of tradable assets, including forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. With competitive spreads, transparent commission-free trading, and access to popular trading platforms like MT4 and MT5. Traders can benefit from various trading platforms and a diverse selection of tradable assets. However, some aspects, such as limited information about certain commissions and the availability of Hantec Social platform, could be improved. Traders should carefully assess their trading requirements and preferences, as well as consider the associated risks and costs, before choosing Garnet Trade as their trading platform.

FAQs

Q: Is Hantec Markets a legitimate broker？

A: Yes, Hantec Markets is a legitimate and regulated forex broker. They are authorized and supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom.

Q: What account types do Hantec Markets offer？

A: Hantec Markets offers three types of accounts: demo account, cent account, and standard account. The minimum deposit to open an account is $10.

Q: What trading platforms are available on Hantec Markets？

A: Hantec Markets offers the popular trading platforms MT4 and MT5, as well as TradingCentral for market analysis and insights.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Hantec Markets？

A: Hantec Markets offers maximum leverage of 1:1000 for international clients using the Cent Account and 1:500 for international clients using the Standard Account. However, for European clients, leverage is limited by ESMA regulations to 1:30 for major FX pairs, 1:20 for minors and exotics, gold, and stock indices, and 1:10 for oil and silver.

Q: What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Hantec Markets？

A: Hantec Markets supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including Bank Wire, VISA, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, and UnionPay.