What is Trade245？

Trade245 is a forex and CFD broker that offers trading services in forex, indices, commodities, and stocks. The broker is registered in South Africa. It offers the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms. Trade245 claims to offer competitive spreads, fast execution, and various account types and educational resources for traders. It is said to be authorized and regulated by South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), but it seems to be a suspicious clone.

Pros & Cons

Trade245 offers several advantages such as a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and user-friendly trading platforms. However, there are also several drawbacks, such as lack of regulation and transparency. Traders should carefully consider these factors before deciding to trade with Trade245.

Note: It is important to conduct thorough research and due diligence before choosing a broker to trade with. The above table is just a summary of the pros and cons of Trade245 and should not be taken as a recommendation to trade with or against the broker.

Trade245 Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Trade245 depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Forex.com - a globally trusted broker that is regulated in multiple jurisdictions and offers a user-friendly platform, competitive pricing, and a range of educational resources.

• FXTM - a popular broker that is regulated in multiple jurisdictions and offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies, with competitive pricing and excellent customer support.

• IC Markets - a well-regulated broker that offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies, with tight spreads and fast execution.

Is Trade245 Safe？

Trade245 misrepresented its regulatory status by claiming to possess a license from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). However, upon investigation, it was revealed that the regulated entity named on the license, RED PINE CAPITAL (PTY) LTD, had no association with the Trade245 trading brand. Consequently, Trade245 unlawfully appropriated a regulatory license to mislead unsuspecting investors, compromising transparency and eroding trust in the financial markets.

Market Instruments

Tradable financial instruments available on the Trade245 platform include FX pairs, indices, stocks and commodities CFDs and more. Many other brokers could even offer richer instruments, like metals, cryptos, options, etc.

Accounts

Trade245 offered 7 account types targeting different trading preferences and strategies. Their account options included:

Standard Account: This account featured variable spreads starting from 1 pip, with leverage up to 1:500. Bonus funds of 100% were included with this account type, accessed via the MT4 platform.

Swap-Free Account: Similar to the Standard Account, with variable spreads from 1 pip and maximum leverage of 1:500, but without any bonus funds. This account was available on the MT4 platform and facilitated swap-free trading.

Zero Spread Account: As the name suggests, this account offered variable spreads starting from 0 pips, with leverage capped at 1:500. No bonus was included, and it operated on the MT4 platform.

Bonus 245 Account: This account provided variable spreads from 1 pip, with leverage up to 1:500. A substantial bonus of 245% was included with this account type, accessible via the MT4 platform.

Bonus Rescue Account: Designed for risk management, this account featured variable spreads from 1 pip and leverage of 1:500. It included a 100% bonus to protect against potential drawdowns, available on the MT4 platform.

Micro Account: Tailored for smaller trading sizes, this account offered variable spreads starting from 1 pip and leverage up to 1:500. No bonus was included, and it was accessible on both MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Copy Trading Account: This account facilitated copy trading, with variable spreads from 1 pip and maximum leverage of 1:500. No bonus was provided, and it was available on the MT4 platform.

Notably, there is no minimum opening deposit requirement for any of these accounts, providing traders with greater flexibility.

Leverage

All account types offered by Trade245 have a maximum leverage of 1:500. This means that traders can potentially increase their profits or losses by up to 500 times their initial investment. However, it is important to note that high leverage also increases the risk of significant losses. Therefore, it is crucial for traders to use leverage responsibly and manage their risk effectively. Traders should also ensure that they understand the risks and implications of using high leverage before trading with Trade245 or any other broker.

Spreads & Commissions

Trade245 offers variable spreads which start from as low as 1 pip for some account types (except for Zero Spread accounts from 0 pips). The spreads may vary based on the trading instrument, account type, and market conditions. Trade245 does not charge any commission fees for its trades. Instead, it includes its costs within the spread. However, the Zero Spread account type may charge an unspecified commission fee.

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

Note: The above data is based on the information available on the respective brokers' websites and is subject to change. Spreads and commissions may vary depending on the account type, trading platform, and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

Trade245 offers its clients the popular and widely used MetaTrader4 (MT4) and MetaTrader5 (MT5) trading platforms. Both platforms are available for download on desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. These platforms provide a user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and a wide range of technical analysis indicators. MT4 and MT5 are well-known for their fast execution speeds, reliable order execution, and a range of trading tools to enhance the trading experience.

Additionally, the platforms support automated trading through expert advisors (EAs) and allow traders to customize their trading strategies using their preferred programming language.

Overall, Trade245 provides a comprehensive trading experience for both novice and experienced traders with the support of two of the most popular trading platforms in the industry.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: The table is based on the information available on the official websites of the brokers, and is subject to change.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Trade245 offers various deposit and withdrawal methods to its clients, including Visa, MasterCard, mPESA, ozow, Skrill and various cryptocurrencies. There is no minimum deposit requirement. There are no deposit fees charged by Trade245.

Withdrawals are said to be processed within hours, and there are no withdrawal fees charged by Trade245. However, clients should be aware that some payment providers may charge fees for their services.

Multiple Trading Currencies

ZAR, USD, GBP

Trade245 minimum deposit vs other brokers

Fees

Trade245 charges fees for several services as follows:

• Overnight Financing Fees: Also known as swap fees, overnight financing fees are charged for holding positions open overnight. The fees are calculated based on the trading instrument being traded and the position size.

• Inactivity Fees: Trade245 charges an inactivity fee of $50 per month for accounts that have been inactive for 3 months or more.

• Deposit & Withdrawal Fees: Trade245 does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, third-party fees may apply, depending on the method used.

It's worth noting that the fees charged by Trade245 may vary depending on the type of account opened and the trading platform used. It's important to read the terms and conditions carefully before opening an account with Trade245 to fully understand the fees charged.

See the fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

Trade245 offers 24/5 customer support through various channels including email and phone. Their website also has an FAQ section where clients can find answers to common questions. You can also follow them on some social networks such as Facebook and Instagram.

Education

Trade245 offers some educational resources to its clients, including a glossary of commonly used trading terms and articles on various topics related to trading. These resources are aimed at helping traders of all levels to gain a better understanding of the financial markets and improve their trading skills. Overall, Trade245's educational offerings are a valuable resource for traders who are looking to improve their trading performance and achieve their financial goals.

Conclusion

Overall, Trade245 appears to offer a competitive trading environment with a wide range of trading instruments, multiple account types, and popular trading platforms including MT4 and MT5. However, the fact that their FSCA license is a suspicious clone raises some concerns about the legitimacy of the broker. In addition, there are some negative reviews from users reporting difficulties with withdrawals, which is certainly a red flag. As with any broker, it is important to conduct thorough research and exercise caution before investing any funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Trade245 legit ？

No. It has been verified that their South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority - FSCA license is a suspicious clone.

At Trade245, are there any regional restrictions for traders？

Yes. Trade245 does not provide services for the residents of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Does Trade245 offer demo accounts？

Yes. Demo accounts are available.

Is Trade245 a good broker for beginners？

No. Trade245 is not a good choice for beginners. Though it offers demo MT4 and MT5 accounts, never forget their FSCA license is a suspicious clone.

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 contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

It is important to 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.

In this review, if there is a conflict between the image and the text content, the text content should prevail. However, we recommend that you open the official website for further consultation.

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

• Question: What financial products does SBI Securities offer？

• Answer: 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.

• Question: What is the maximum leverage offered by SBI Securities？

• Answer: The maximum leverage offered by SBI Securities is up to 1:25, which complies with local laws and regulations.

• Question: What customer support options are available at SBI Securities？

• Answer: SBI Securities offers live chat support 24 hours a day and a phone number with fees for customer care.

• Question: Does SBI Securities provide educational resources？

• Answer: No, SBI Securities does not provide educational resources for clients.