Note: Vault Markets official site - https://www.vault-markets.com/ is currently not functional. Therefore, we could only gather relevant information from the Internet to present a rough picture of this broker.

What is Vault Markets？

Vault Markets is an unregulated multi-asset broker founded in 2021 and registered in South Africa that claims to provide its clients with various tradable financial instruments with leverage up to 1:500 and floating spreads from 1 pip on the MT4 trading platform via 6 different live account types.

Pros & Cons

Vault Markets' advantages include its competitive spreads, low minimum deposit requirement, multiple account types, and user-friendly trading platform. However, its disadvantages include the lack of regulatory licenses and unavailable website.

Vault Markets Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Vault Markets in the market that offer similar services, such as IC Markets, Pepperstone, XM, and Tickmill.

• IC Markets: IC Markets is a well-established broker with a strong reputation, offering a wide range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and advanced trading platforms.

• XM: XM is a reputable broker with a wide range of trading instruments, low minimum deposit, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly platform.

• Tickmill: Tickmill is a reliable broker offering competitive pricing, a wide range of trading instruments, and a user-friendly platform, with a focus on transparency and security.

It is important to conduct thorough research on any broker you are considering to ensure that they are reputable and suitable for your trading needs. Factors to consider may include regulations, fees, trading platforms, customer service, and trading instruments offered.

Is Vault Markets Safe or Scam？

Vault Markets does not seem to be a regulated broker by any major financial authority. The lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety of client funds and the overall legitimacy of the company. It is important for traders to do their own research and due diligence before deciding to trade with an unregulated broker.

Market Instruments

Vault Markets offers a range of tradable financial instruments that include Forex, Shares, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. Forex traders can enjoy competitive spreads and leverage, while share traders can access a wide range of global markets. Additionally, the platform offers various indices, such as NASDAQ and S&P500, for those looking to trade a diversified portfolio. Lastly, Vault Markets has recently expanded its trading offerings to include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, providing traders with a new asset class to diversify their portfolios.

Accounts

Vault Markets offers 6 trading accounts in total, namely Vault100, Vault200, Swap Free, Vault Zero, Vault No Bonus, and Vault Cent. The minimum opening balance for Vault100, Vault200, Vault No Bonus, and Vault Cent accounts is as low as $5, while $100 for Swap Free and Vault Zero accounts. Although this requirement sounds encouraging, traders are not advised to register real trading accounts here given the fact that Vault Markets is unregulated.

Leverage

The maximum trading leverage offered by Vault Markets is as high as 1:500. Leverage can amplify gains as well as losses, traders are not advised to use too high leverage.

Spreads & Commissions

The spreads on major currency pairs start from 1 pip, which could be considered a competitive pricing model compared to other brokers in the market. Unfortunately, there is no available information about Vault Markets' commission fees. Traders may need to contact the broker's customer support team for further details on pricing and fees.

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

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility.

Trading Platforms

The only platform provided for trading is the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) trading platform developed by the Russian software company MetaQuotes. Vault Markets provides the MT4 platform as a downloadable windows desktop application and also as Mobile APPs. MAC OSX users are advised to contact the support team for assistance on how to install MT4 on their systems. Other brokers provide MT4 for MAC.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: Some brokers may offer additional platforms or have different versions of the above platforms with varying features.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Payment Options:

• Bank Card (minimum deposit of $3),

• Bitcoin (minimum deposit of $10),

• Internet Banking (minimum deposit of $10),

• Internal Transfer (minimum deposit of $1),

• Neteller (minimum deposit of $10),

• Perfect Money (minimum deposit of $50),

• Skrill (minimum deposit of $10).

Vault Markets minimum deposit vs other brokers

Customer Service

Vault Markets offers multiple contact channels, including phone (27(0) 10 449 6045), email (info@vaultmarkets.trade), Skype, WhatsApp and social networks like Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Company Address:

• 2nd floor, Nelson Mandela Square, Maude Street, Sandton;

• 9th Floor, SKYCITY MALL, University Road Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salam, Tanzania;

• Unit 3b, South Port, Hosea Kutako Drive, Windhoek, Namibia.

Overall,Vault Markets' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Vault Markets' customer service.

Conclusion

Overall, Vault Markets seems to be a relatively new forex broker that offers competitive trading conditions such as tight spreads, high leverage, and a variety of trading instruments. It also provides multiple contact channels for customer support. However, it is important to note that Vault Markets does not appear to be regulated, which may raise concerns for some traders about the safety and security of their funds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Overview of Matsui

Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is a regulated brokerage firm based in Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and operates under the jurisdiction of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. The company has been in operation for 15-20 years and has a good capital ratio, indicating its financial stability. Matsui Securities has established partnerships with various financial institutions, including NatWest, XTX Markets, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and others.

Matsui Securities offers a range of investment products and services. It provides access to the Japanese stock market, allowing investors to trade stocks listed on Japanese exchanges in real-time. Additionally, the company offers the opportunity to trade US stocks, mutual funds, foreign exchange, futures, options, NISA/Tsumitate NISA accounts, iDeCo retirement savings plans, Japanese equities products, money market funds, and ETFs/REITs.

To open an account with Matsui Securities, interested individuals can visit the company's website and follow the account opening process. The brokerage charges fees and commissions based on the specific trading services and products used. Deposit and withdrawal options are available through methods such as Netlink Deposit, Deposit Transfer, Time Deposit, and Bank Transfer Deposit.

Matsui Securities provides a range of trading platforms, including smartphone apps dedicated to Japanese stocks, US stocks, investment trusts, and forex trading. It also offers platforms for futures and options trading, as well as PC/tablet-based platforms for comprehensive trading features.

Overall, Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is a regulated brokerage firm in Japan, offering a variety of investment options and trading services to investors.

Pros and Cons

Matsui Securities Co., Ltd is a financial institution that offers a range of investment services in Japan. While Matsui Securities has certain advantages, it also has some limitations to consider. On the positive side, Matsui Securities is regulated by the Financial Services Agency, ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Additionally, the company holds a Retail Forex License and provides access to Japanese and US stocks, facilitating diversification. Matsui Securities also offers tax-advantaged investment accounts, such as NISA and iDeCo, and various deposit and withdrawal options. However, it is important to note that the company has limited information available on its website and email address, and there is a lack of transparency regarding fees, commissions, and withdrawal details. The contact options are limited to email, and there is limited information about customer support. The company's trading platforms and capital ratio also have limited details. To summarize, while Matsui Securities offers certain benefits, prospective customers should carefully evaluate its limitations before making investment decisions.

Is Matsui Legit？

Based on the information provided, Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. (松井証券株式会社) is regulated by the Financial Services Agency in Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated under the jurisdiction of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (関東財務局長(金商)第164号). The effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

However, there is no information available regarding the expiry date, website, or email address of Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. The company's address is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, at 1-4 Kojimachi. The phone number provided for the licensed institution is 0352160606.

Market Instruments

Japanese stocks:

Matsui Securities provides investors with access to the Japanese stock market, allowing them to trade stocks listed on Japanese exchanges through spot trading. This enables investors to buy and sell shares of Japanese companies in real-time, taking advantage of market movements.

US stocks:

In addition to Japanese stocks, Matsui Securities also offers investors the opportunity to trade US stocks. This means that investors can access major US stock exchanges and trade shares of American companies, providing diversification and exposure to international markets.

Mutual fund:

Matsui Securities offers mutual funds as an investment option. Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets. By investing in a mutual fund, investors can gain exposure to a wide range of securities, managed by professional fund managers.

FX (Foreign Exchange):

Matsui Securities facilitates foreign exchange trading, allowing investors to trade currencies. Foreign exchange trading involves buying and selling different currencies with the aim of profiting from fluctuations in exchange rates. This service provides opportunities for investors to engage in currency speculation and hedge against foreign exchange risks.

Futures/Options:

Matsui Securities offers futures and options trading. Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell assets at a predetermined price and date in the future, while options contracts provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell assets. These derivative instruments allow investors to speculate on price movements and manage risk in various financial markets.

NISA/Tsumitate NISA:

Matsui Securities provides the NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) and Tsumitate NISA services. These are tax-advantaged investment accounts in Japan that encourage long-term investing by offering tax exemptions on capital gains and dividends. Investors can contribute to these accounts annually and invest in various financial products.

iDeCo:

Matsui Securities offers the Individual Defined Contribution Pension (iDeCo) system. iDeCo is a retirement savings plan in Japan that provides tax advantages for individuals. It allows investors to contribute a portion of their income towards retirement and invest in a range of financial instruments, aiming to grow their retirement savings.

Japanese equities Products and trading services:

Matsui Securities provides a wide array of Japanese equities products and trading services. This includes offerings such as initial public offerings (IPOs) and public offerings (POs), which allow investors to participate in the primary market and buy shares of newly listed companies. Additionally, the company provides stock lending services, off-auction distribution, PTS (Proprietary Trading System) for alternative trading, and other services related to Japanese equities.

MMF (Money Market Funds):

Matsui Securities offers money market funds, which are low-risk investment vehicles that invest in short-term, highly liquid assets such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit. Money market funds provide investors with a relatively stable investment option and easy access to cash.

ETFs/REITs:

Matsui Securities offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs). ETFs are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges, tracking the performance of a specific index or sector. REITs, on the other hand, allow investors to pool their money to invest in a portfolio of income-generating real estate properties. These investment options provide diversification and exposure to different asset classes.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Matsui Securities, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Matsui Securities website and click on the “口座開設(無料)account opening” link, which means “Account Opening (Free)”.

2. Depending on your customer type, choose the appropriate option. Matsui Securities offers account opening for private customers, minors, and corporate customers.

3. On the website, you can find a flowchart explaining the steps involved in the account opening process. This will give you an overview of the entire procedure.

4. If you are interested in opening a NISA account, there is a separate section where you can check the process specific to NISA accounts.

5. Prepare the necessary documents for account verification, such as your My Number verification documents and separate identity verification documents.

6. In Step 1 of the application process, you will be prompted to select the application method. Follow the instructions provided on the website.

7. In Step 2, you will need to register your email address as part of the application process.

8. Once you complete Step 3, your email address registration will be considered completed, and the application process will be finished online. You will be able to start trading within as little as three days.

9. Alternatively, you can choose to apply by mailing the application form provided by Matsui Securities. In this case, the process may take around one week.

10. Matsui Securities will send you the necessary application form based on the information you have entered during the online application process.

Fees & Commissions

Physical Trading: The commission for physical trading is determined by the total daily contract price of the exchange and PTS trading. The fee is fixed within certain ranges based on the total daily contract price, irrespective of the trading volume.

Japanese Stocks Spot Trading: The fees for spot trading and margin trading are determined by the total contract price for one day. The fees are fixed and do not depend on the trading frequency. There are different fee tiers based on the total contract price, ranging from 0 yen to 100,000 yen for individuals aged 26 and above.

Margin Trading: Margin trading fees depend on the total contract price for one day. There are different fee tiers based on the total contract price, ranging from 0 yen to 100,000 yen for individuals aged 26 and above. There are also specific commission systems for margin trading with a NISA account, trading less than one unit of shares, buying off-auction shares, and telephone transactions.

Improvement Success Fee: When the contract price improves, an improvement success fee is charged, which is calculated as 30% (33% including tax) of the improved contract price. There is no minimum commission for this fee.

IPO and PO: There is no purchase fee for IPO (Initial Public Offering) and PO (Public Offering/Secondary Offering). However, a fee will be charged at the time of sale.

Off-Auction Distribution: There is no purchase fee for off-auction distribution, but a fee will be charged at the time of sale.

Fractional Shares: A fee of 0.5% (0.55% including tax) of the contract price is charged for fractional shares. There is no minimum commission for this fee, and transactions over the phone have a different fee structure.

Profit and Loss Accounting Support Service: A fee of 2 times (2.2 times including tax) the contract price is charged for the Profit and Loss Accounting Support Service. The minimum fee is 4,950 yen (tax included).

US Stocks: Trading fees for US stocks are determined based on the contract price per trade. The fee is 0.45% (0.495% including tax) of the contract price, with a minimum fee of USD 0 and a maximum fee of 20 USD (22 USD including tax).

Mutual Fund: There is no purchase fee for mutual funds.

FX: There is no commission fee for FX trading.

Futures and Options Trading: Fees for futures and options trading vary depending on the specific contracts. The fees are calculated based on the contract price and range from 0.04% to 1.5% (including tax), with minimum fees ranging from 1,100 yen to 11,000 yen (tax included).

NISA/Tsumitate NISA: There is no trading commission fee for NISA and Junior NISA accounts. There is also no purchase fee for investment trusts within these accounts.

Telephone Transaction Fee: A fee is charged for each contract in telephone transactions. The fees vary depending on the type of transaction, such as Japanese stocks, improvement success fee, fractional shares, and futures and options trading.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deposit and withdrawal options at Matsui Securities are available to investors through four different methods: Netlink Deposit, Deposit Transfer, Time Deposit, and Bank Transfer Deposit. These options allow for transactions without any additional charges.

Net Link Deposit is a service that facilitates real-time transfers from a bank account to a securities account. It can be accessed through various platforms such as the customer site, smartphone site, Japan stock app, and stock touch. The service is available during specified hours, and it supports transactions with multiple financial institutions including Japan Post Bank, Mizuho Bank, Bank of Mitsubishi UFJ, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

Raku-Raku Transfer Deposit enables instant transfers and deposits to a securities account by establishing an account transfer contract with a partnering financial institution. This service can be accessed through the customer site, smartphone site, Japan stock app, and stock touch. The supported financial institutions include Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Japan Post Bank. The transfer deposit limit ranges from 10,000 yen to less than 100 million yen.

For recurring deposits, investors can opt for the Regular Deposit service. This service automatically withdraws a specified amount from a linked financial institution account on the 27th of each month (or the next business day if it falls on a holiday) and deposits it into the securities account five business days later. Account registration for withdrawal needs to be completed at least 8 business days before the withdrawal date. Various platforms such as the customer site, investment trust customer site, and investment trust app support recurring deposits, and investors can choose from over 100 available financial institutions across Japan.

Bank Transfer Deposit allows customers to transfer funds from an ATM or a counter of a financial institution to a dedicated bank account specified by Matsui Securities. This method ensures secure transactions by utilizing the established banking infrastructure.

In terms of withdrawals, Matsui Securities offers two options. Withdrawals made after the next business day are free of charge, while instant withdrawals incur a procedure fee of 300 yen (including tax). The timing of reflection and withdrawal limits depend on the reception time and vary between next business day and immediate availability. The withdrawal minimum amount is 1,000 yen for withdrawals after the next business day and 10,000 yen or more for instant withdrawals. Customers can make up to 5 instant withdrawals per day, with a maximum limit of 2 million yen per day.

Trading Platforms

Matsui Securities offers a range of trading platforms tailored to meet various investment needs. These platforms are designed to provide essential functions and features for trading. Let's explore each platform briefly:

1. JAPANESE EQUITY APP: Matsui Securities' Japanese Equity App is a smartphone application that focuses on Japanese stock trading. It offers users access to market price information, charts, news reports, order placement, stock search, corporate information, IPO information, shareholder benefits, and a personalized user page. The app boasts a user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, allowing users to gather information and execute trades with ease.

2. U.S. STOCKS APP: The U.S. Stocks App by Matsui Securities is dedicated to trading U.S. stocks. It provides real-time stock price information, charts, news reports, order placement, stock search, and a personalized user page. The app is designed to be easily understandable, making it suitable for users who are new to trading U.S. stocks. It ensures a confident trading experience with its user-friendly interface.

3. INVESTMENT TRUST APP: Matsui Securities' Investment Trust App offers all the necessary functions for investing in mutual funds. Users can access market price information, place orders, search for funds, and manage their investments through their personalized user page. The app allows beginners to start their investment journey with ease, as it enables investing in funds starting from 100 yen.

4. FOREX APP: The Forex App provided by Matsui Securities caters specifically to trading in the foreign exchange market. It offers market price information, charts, news reports, and order placement features. The app also includes a personalized user page for managing trades. Notably, it incorporates features like “Speed Order” for quick order placement and “Chart Speed Order” for placing orders while viewing the chart.

5. FUTURES OP APP: Matsui Securities' Futures OP App supports futures and options trading. It provides market price information, charts, news reports, order placement, stock search, and a personalized user page. The app is designed with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily gather information and execute trades.

6. For PC/tablet: In addition to the mobile trading platforms, Matsui Securities also offers a computer-based platform called “Netstock High Speed” and the “FX Trader Plus” platform exclusively for Forex trading. These platforms provide features for checking exchange rates, charts, order placement, and analysis.

Educational Resources

Matsui provides a range of educational resources to support individuals who are interested in learning about investment and Japanese stocks. One such resource is the “Learn to Invest” program, which caters to beginners looking to understand the basics of investing. The program covers topics such as the fundamentals of Japanese stocks, the first installment investment process, and information about seminars that delve deeper into investment strategies. Another valuable resource offered by Matsui is the contribution of Mr. Takeuchi, who shares his expertise through the “Let's Learn about Investment” initiative. This initiative provides insights into various aspects of investment, including how to choose suitable stocks for investment. Matsui also emphasizes the importance of integrating investment knowledge into one's lifestyle, offering resources that demonstrate how to incorporate investment practices seamlessly. Additionally, the company introduces first-time shareholder benefits, enabling individuals to explore the perks of owning stocks for the first time. For those seeking information on specific brands or stores, Matsui provides resources that highlight the company names associated with various investment opportunities. Moreover, Matsui emphasizes the appeal of high dividend stocks, providing insights and guidance on how to identify these potential investments. Lastly, Matsui offers a Q&A section specifically tailored to investment beginners, providing a simple and comprehensive collection of commonly asked questions to support their learning journey.

Customer Support

Matsui Securities provides customer support services through different channels based on the account holders' status. For individuals who already have an account with Matsui Securities, they can enjoy free customer support by calling the dedicated hotline at 0120-953-006 or using IP phone at 03-6387-3666. The customer support service is available on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00.

For those who do not have a Matsui Securities account, there is a separate hotline at 0120-021-906, and an alternative contact number for IP phone users at 03-6387-3601. This customer support service is also available on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00.

To learn more about the stock trading consultation services provided by Matsui Securities, individuals can contact kouza-kaisetsu@matsui.co.jp for further information.

Conclusion

Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is a regulated company in Japan, holding a Retail Forex License under the jurisdiction of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. While it has a good overall score, there are some disadvantages to consider. The lack of available information regarding the expiry date, website, and email address raises concerns about transparency and communication. Additionally, the absence of specific details about fees and commissions may make it difficult for potential clients to assess the costs associated with trading. However, Matsui Securities provides a variety of market instruments, including access to Japanese and US stocks, mutual funds, foreign exchange trading, futures/options, tax-advantaged accounts, and Japanese equities products. The company offers a range of trading platforms, tailored to different investment needs. It is important for individuals considering Matsui Securities to conduct further research and carefully evaluate the available information before making a decision.

FAQs

Q: Is Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. regulated？

A: Yes, Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is regulated by the Financial Services Agency in Japan and holds a Retail Forex License.

Q: What is the capital ratio of Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities has a great capital ratio, indicating its financial strength and stability.

Q: How many brokers does Matsui Securities compare to？

A: Matsui Securities compares to three brokers.

Q: What are the market instruments offered by Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities offers Japanese stocks, US stocks, mutual funds, FX (Foreign Exchange), futures/options, NISA/Tsumitate NISA, iDeCo, MMF (Money Market Funds), and ETFs/REITs.

Q: How can I open an account with Matsui Securities？

A: To open an account with Matsui Securities, you can visit their website and follow the account opening process specific to your customer type. The process can be completed online or through mailing the application form.

Q: What are the fees and commissions associated with trading on Matsui Securities？

A: The fees and commissions vary depending on the type of trading. For example, Japanese stocks spot trading and margin trading have fixed fees based on the total contract price. FX trading has no commission fees. It is recommended to refer to Matsui Securities' fee schedule for detailed information.

Q: What deposit and withdrawal options are available at Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities offers Netlink Deposit, Deposit Transfer, Time Deposit, and Bank Transfer Deposit options for transactions without additional charges.

Q: What are the trading platforms provided by Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities offers various trading platforms, including the Japanese Equity App, U.S. Stocks App, Investment Trust App, Forex App, Futures OP App, as well as PC/tablet platforms like “Netstock High Speed” and “FX Trader Plus.”

Q: What educational resources does Matsui Securities provide？

A: Matsui Securities offers educational resources, including the “Learn to Invest” program, to support individuals interested in learning about investment and Japanese stocks.