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.

General Information

ActivTrades Review Summary in 10 Points
Founded	2001
Registered Country/Region	United Kingdom
Regulation	FCA
Market Instruments	forex, shares, indices, ETFs, commodities, bonds, and spread betting
Demo Account	Available
Leverage	1:30 for retail, 1:400 for pro
EUR/USD Spread	From 0.5 pips
Trading Platforms	ActivTrader, MT4, MT5
Minimum deposit	$500
Customer Support	24/5 multilingual live chat, phone, email

What is ActivTrades？

Founded in 2001, ActivTrades is a brokerage firm, headquartered in London, with offices in Milan, Nassau, and Sofia. It initially focused on the forex business and then gradually expanded its product ranges, providing trading conditions and service support for clients in more than 140 countries. The company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies.

ActivTrades also provides its clients with a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, as well as its proprietary platform, ActivTrader. The broker aims to provide its clients with a safe and transparent trading environment, offering segregated accounts, negative balance protection, and a range of educational resources.

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. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

ActivTrades offers a good range of trading instruments, is regulated by a reputable financial authority, and offers various account types with negative balance protection and segregated accounts.

However, some clients have reported issues with trading platform stability. It's important for potential clients to carefully consider their trading needs and preferences before choosing ActivTrades as their broker.

Pros	Cons
• Regulated by FCA	• SCB license is offshore
• Segregated accounts and Negative Balance Protection	• Negative reviews from clients
• Wide range of trading products	• High minimum deposit requirement
• Demo and Islamic accounts offered	• Fees charged for Credit/Debit card deposits
• Variety of trading platforms including MetaTrader and ActivTrader
• Free educational resources and market analysis
• Multiple funding options
• 24/5 multilingual customer support

ActivTrades Alternative Brokers

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

• Darwinex - a regulated broker that offers unique social trading features, with a focus on transparency and competitive pricing.

• Dukascopy - a Swiss-based broker that provides excellent trading technology, including a proprietary trading platform, but it has high account minimums and limited product offerings.

• Hantec Markets - a UK-based broker that offers a user-friendly trading platform and competitive pricing, but its educational resources are limited compared to some other brokers.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is ActivTrades Safe or Scam？

ActivTrades is a regulated broker by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and and has been in operation for several years, which are positive aspects in terms of its reliability and security. The fact that they offer segregated accounts and negative balance protection adds an extra layer of protection for its clients. However, negative reviews from clients suggest that there may be issues with their trading platform.

Based on the information available, ActivTrades appears to be a reliable and trustworthy broker. However, as with any investment, there is always some level of risk involved, and it is important for traders to do their own research and carefully consider their options before investing.

Market Instruments

At ActivTrades, you can trade over 1,000 different CFD instruments across 7 asset classes, including forex, shares, indices, ETFs, commodities, bonds, and spread betting. This provides clients with a diversified portfolio and the opportunity to trade a range of different assets.

Accounts

Traders can open either an Individual Account (which allows them to trade small and micro lots) or a Professional Account (minimum financial portfolio size of $500,000, Dedicated Account Manager) with ActivTrades. Beginner traders can test out the trading interface and get a feel for how the broker works with a free demo account. People who adhere to Sharia law can choose from two more account options: an Islamic (Swap-Free) Account.

Leverage

Leverage is capped at 1:30 in line with the EMSA regulations, the maximum leverage is 1:30 for currency pairs, 1:20 for indices and shares, 1:10 for commodities and 1:5 for cryptocurrencies. While only the Pro account holders can enjoy the maximum leverage of 1:400.

It is important to keep in mind that the greater the leverage, the greater the risk of losing your deposited capital. The use of leverage can both work in your favour and against you.

Spreads & Commissions

ActivTrades' currency spreads begin at 0.5 pips, and its spreads on indices and financial CFDs are also 0.5 pips, both of which are competitively cheap.

It's also important to note that this is not a situation that can be fixed overnight (the underlying Futures price already accounts for the adjustment). Commissions for trading shares as CFDs begin at €1 per side, whereas spread betting on shares incurs no fees beyond 0.10% of the transaction value.

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

Broker	EUR/USD Spread	Commission (per lot)
ActivTrades	0.5 pips	€1
Darwinex	0.0 pips	€4.5
Dukascopy	0.2 pips	$7.0
Hantec Markets	1.2 pips	$6.0

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

Trading Platforms

ActivTrades also stands out due to its platform selection, which features not only the company's proprietary platform - ActivTrader but also the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as a set of unique Add-Ons.

• Web Trading

The ActiveTrades trading platform is web-based, allowing trades to be made directly in the browser; it also has a dedicated app for the iPhone and iPad. The platform has an easy-to-use design but advanced functionality, such as access to more than 90 technical analysis indicators, for seasoned traders of all trading types.

• ActivTrader

The upgraded ActivTrader platform incorporates cutting-edge tools and features to provide a revolutionary trading environment. You can gain exposure to the Forex, Commodities, Financial & Indices, Shares, and Exchange-Traded Funds markets and trade over a thousand CFDs.

• MetaTrader4

ActivTrades' desktop trading platform MT4 is available to those who prefer a more traditional trading experience. In addition, the technology has been upgraded in accordance with the firm's security standards, and the use of sophisticated charts has made it possible to automate the tactics using EAs.

• MetaTrader5

New and improved features take online trading to a whole new level in MetaTrader5. More than 450 CFDs on equities with diverse characteristics and the option to auto-trade are available on the platform, and trading statements are seamlessly integrated.

Overall, ActivTrades' trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Broker	Trading Platforms
ActivTrades	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader
Darwinex	MetaTrader 4, DARWINEX WEBTRADER
Dukascopy	JForex, WebTrader, MT4, MT5
Hantec Markets	MetaTrader 4

Note: Some brokers may offer additional trading platforms or versions, but this table includes the most commonly used ones.

Trading Tools

In addition to the robust platform itself, a plethora of utility extensions is available to further develop trading functionalities and automation features, as well as to provide decision-making and signaling instruments. The term “indicators” can refer to a wide variety of tools, from those used for making decisions to those used for trading.

Deposits & Withdrawals

ActivTrades accepts deposits via Bank Transfers, Credit/Debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, Sofort, and PayPal, while only Sofort is excluded from withdrawal methods.

Base Currencies:

EUR, USD, GBP or CHF

The minimum deposit is as high as $500.

ActivTrades minimum deposit vs other brokers

	ActivTrades	Most other
Minimum Deposit	$500	$100

Deposits via credit/debit card UK&EEA are charged 0.5% fees, while credit/debit card non-EEA are charged 1.5% fees. Other deposits and all withdrawals are free of charge.

Most deposits are said to take 30 minutes (except for Bank Transfer deposits are processed on the same working day), while all withdrawals can be processed on the same working day.

More details can be found in the table below:

Payment Options	Fee		Processing Time
	Deposit	Withdraw	Deposit	Withdraw
Bank Transfer	Free	Free for EUR/CHF/BGN	Same working day	Same working day
Credit/Debit card	0.5% (UK & EEA), 1.5% (non EEA)	Free	30 minutes
Neteller	Free
Skrill
PayPal
Sofort		/		/

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Broker	Deposit Fee	Withdrawal Fee
ActivTrades	Varies depending on method	Free
Darwinex	Free	Free
Dukascopy	Free	Varies depending on method
Hantec Markets	Free	Free

Note: Fees and charges are subject to change. This table is only for informational purposes and may not reflect the latest fee structure of the brokers mentioned. It is recommended to always check with the brokers directly for the latest fees and charges.

Customer Service

ActivTrades offers 24/5 multilingual customer service via live chat, telephone: +44 (0) 207 6500 567, +44 (0) 207 6500 500, email: englishdesk@activtrades.com, institutional_en@activtrades.com, request a callback, or messaging online. Help Center is also available. You can also follow this broker on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Company address: The Loom 2.5, 14 Gower's Walk, London, E1 8PY.

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

Pros	Cons
• 24/5 multilingual live chat	• No 24/7 customer support
• Multi-channel support
• Help Center offered
• Updated social media

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

Education

ActivTrades provides comprehensive educational resources organized by subject, including webinars, seminars, manuals, news & analysis. In addition, you get access to a demo account, robust analytical and technical analysis tools within the platforms and exclusive add-ons that will help you study and trade more effectively.

User Exposure 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.

Conclusion

As a whole, ActivTrades is a regulated broker that provides a wide range of trading instruments and platforms. The company offers several account types and has competitive trading fees with low spreads. The broker also provides negative balance protection and segregated client accounts.

However, ActivTrades has some negative reviews from clients regarding trading platform. Additionally, the broker charges deposit fees for some payment methods. Overall, ActivTrades may be a good option for experienced traders who prioritize low trading fees and a variety of trading instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is ActivTrades regulated？
A 1:	Yes. It is regulated by FCA.

Q 2:	Does ActivTrades offer demo accounts？
A 2:	Yes.

Q 3:	Does ActivTrades offer the industry-standard MT4 & MT5？
A 3:	Yes. Both MT4 and MT5 are available.

Q 4:	What is the minimum deposit for ActivTrades？
A 4:	The minimum initial deposit with ActivTrades is $500.

Q 5:	Is ActivTrades a good broker for beginners？
A 5:	Yes. ActivTrades is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 and MT5 platforms. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.

Probis	Basic Information
Company Name	Probis
Founded	2009
Headquarters	Australia
Regulations	Not regulated
Tradable Assets	Forex, Commodity CFDs, Securities CFDs
Account Types	Live Account, Demo Account
Minimum Deposit	Not specified
Maximum Leverage	1:30
Spreads	Forex: Starts at 3 pips
Commission	Not specified
Deposit Methods	Bank wire transfer
Trading Platforms	PROBIS AUTON
Customer Support	Phone, Email
Education Resources	Educational content on FX & CFD trading, trade characteristics, technical analysis, and glossary
Bonus Offerings	None

Overview of Probis

Probis is an Australian-based trading platform with a history dating back to its founding in 2009. This platform offers a diverse range of financial instruments, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs, allowing traders to engage in various aspects of the global financial markets. Prospective traders can opt for either Live Accounts, where real funds are used for trading, or Demo Accounts, which provide a risk-free environment for honing trading skills.

One of the key features of Probis is its proprietary trading platform known as PROBIS AUTON, which facilitates efficient and secure online trading. This platform supports 24-hour trading in Forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities, making it adaptable to different trading preferences and time zones. However, it's important to note that Probis's regulatory status is currently unusual, as its official regulatory status has been revoked. Therefore, traders are advised to exercise caution and thoroughly research the platform's regulatory status and oversight to ensure the safety of their investments.

Is Probis Legit？

Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under license number 338241. However, it's important to note that the regulatory status of Probis is currently abnormal, and the official regulatory status has been revoked. Traders and potential clients should exercise caution and be aware of the associated risks when considering Probis as a trading platform. It's advisable to thoroughly research and consider the regulatory status and oversight of any brokerage before engaging in trading activities to ensure the safety and security of your investments.

Pros and Cons

Probis offers diverse tradable assets, including Forex, Commodity CFDs, and Securities CFDs. Traders can choose between Live and Demo Accounts for real-money or risk-free practice trading. The platform's proprietary PROBIS AUTON trading software is user-friendly and accessible on multiple devices. However, caution is advised due to the platform's uncertain regulatory status, as its official regulatory credentials have been revoked. Commission fees lack transparency, and non-trading fees like swap interest charges can affect overall trading costs. Considering these pros and cons is crucial for potential users.

Pros	Cons
Diverse Tradable Assets	Regulatory Uncertainty
Demo Account	Lack of Commission Transparency
User-Friendly Trading Platform	Non-Trading Fees
	Limited Deposit Methods

Trading Instruments

Probis offers a range of trading instruments, including FX (Forex), Commodity CFDs (Contracts for Difference), and Securities CFDs. Each of these instruments has its own specifications and trading hours.

FX (Forex) Trading: Probis provides Forex trading options with various currency pairs, including EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, USDCAD, AUD/USD, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, CHF/JPY, CAD/JPY, AUD/JPY, and EUR/GBP. These pairs come with specific contract sizes, minimum fluctuations, spread values, and necessary margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for Forex pairs vary between summer and winter times, with rollover times specified.

Commodity CFD Trading: Probis also offers Commodity CFDs for trading in assets such as Spot Gold, Spot Silver, Crude Oil, Copper, Soybean, Wheat, and Corn. Each commodity has its unique contract size, minimum fluctuation, spread, and margin requirements. Trading hours for these commodities differ during summer and winter times.

Securities CFD Trading: For traders interested in securities, Probis provides CFDs on various indices, including the US 30 Index, US E-mini SPX 500 Index, US NDAQ 100 Index, UK 100 Index, SGX Japan 225 Index, and HongKong50 Index. These securities CFDs have point values, minimum fluctuations, spreads, and margin requirements per lot. Trading hours for securities CFDs are specified for both summer and winter times.

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

Broker	Currency	Stocks	Indices	Crypto	Commodities
Probis	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes
FXTM	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
FP Markets	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
XM	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Account Types

Probis offers two main types of accounts to cater to the needs of traders: Live Accounts and Demo Accounts.

Live Account: A Live Account is designed for traders who are ready to engage in real-money trading. Opening a Live Account involves depositing real funds, and traders can use this account to execute actual trades in the financial markets. Live Accounts provide access to real market conditions, and any profits or losses are reflected in the trader's account balance. These accounts offer the opportunity to experience the excitement and risks of live trading, making them suitable for both novice and experienced traders.

Demo Account: A Demo Account, on the other hand, is a risk-free and practice-oriented account type. It allows traders to hone their trading skills and test strategies without risking real capital. Demo Accounts are funded with virtual money, and traders can execute trades in a simulated market environment that mirrors real market conditions. This is an invaluable tool for beginners to learn the ropes of trading and for experienced traders to refine their strategies. It's a safe way to explore the trading platform and gain confidence before transitioning to a Live Account.

How to Open an Account

To open an account with Probis, follow these steps.

1. Visit the Probis website. Look for the “Open Live Account” button on the homepage and click on it.

1. Sign up on websites registration page.

1. Receive your personal account login from an automated email

2. Log in

3. Proceed to deposit funds to your account

4. Download the platform and start trading

Leverage

Probis offers varying levels of leverage to traders, depending on the type of financial instrument they are trading. For major currency pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY, the maximum leverage is 1:30. This means that traders can control a position worth up to $30 for every $1 they have in their trading account. Minor currency pairs and gold trading come with a maximum leverage of 1:20. When trading CFD products other than gold, such as commodities, the leverage is set at 1:10. For securities CFDs, which include major stock markets, the maximum leverage is 1:20, while minor stock markets offer a leverage of 1:10. Traders should exercise caution and consider their risk tolerance when using leverage, as it can amplify both profits and losses in their trades.

Here is a comparison table of maximum leverage offered by different brokers:

Broker	Probis	Capital Bear	Quadcode Markets	Deriv
Maximum Leverage	1:25	1:5	1:30	1:1000

Spreads and Commissions (Trading Fees)

Probis provides specific details about spreads for various trading instruments. For Forex pairs, spreads typically start at 3 pips. In the case of Commodity CFDs like Spot Gold, the spread starts at 0.5 dollars per troy ounce. For Securities CFDs such as the US 30 Index, the spread begins at 5 points. These precise spread values are essential for traders to understand their trading costs accurately.

Traders should stay informed about potential changes through the platform's notifications. Please note that commission details are not provided on the website and should be obtained from Probis' customer service.

Non-Trading Fees

Probis charges non-trading fees, with one significant fee being swap interest or overnight financing charges. Swap interest arises from the difference in interest rates between two currencies in a currency pair during rollover periods.

In essence, if traders hold a position overnight in a currency pair, they may either receive or pay swap interest based on the interest rate differentials between the currencies involved. For instance, if traders buy a currency with a higher interest rate and sell a currency with a lower interest rate, they can earn interest. Conversely, if they sell a currency with a higher interest rate and buy a currency with a lower interest rate, they will incur interest charges.

For example, if the Australian Dollar has a higher interest rate compared to the Japanese Yen, and traders hold an AUD/JPY position overnight, they may earn or pay the net interest difference between these currencies. The calculation and settlement of FX swap interest occur at the market's closing.

Traders should be aware of these swap interest rates as they can impact the overall costs of holding positions overnight, affecting their trading strategies and expenses. It's advisable to check Probis for specific swap interest rates for different currency pairs.

Deposit & Withdraw Methods

Probis provides bank transfer for depositing and withdrawing funds:

Deposit:

You can deposit funds into your Probis trading account via bank wire. Domestic transfers typically take 1-2 business days, while international transfers usually take 3-5 business days. You can make deposits in either AUD or USD. Probis does not charge any fees for deposits. However, please note that international transfers to and from international banking institutions may incur intermediary or transfer fees that are independent of Probis.

Withdrawal:

To withdraw margins from your trading account, you have two options:

- Use the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform. Fill in the withdrawal amount to complete the application.

- Contact Probis customer service by telephone. You will need to provide your login ID and service pin to complete the withdrawal application.

Trading Platforms

Probis offers the PROBIS AUTON trading platform for efficient and secure online trading. It supports 24-hour trading in forex, indices, precious metals, and commodities. The platform is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring flexibility for traders. It has specific system requirements, such as Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 for the PC version and various operating systems for mobile devices. Users can download the platform from the Probis website or app stores for iOS and Android. Manuals are available for each platform version to help users navigate and make the most of their trading experience.

Customer Support

Probis offers comprehensive customer support to assist clients with their inquiries and needs. They are conveniently located in Sydney, Australia, with a registered office at Suite 11.01, Level 11, 227 Elizabeth Street, and a postal address at PO Box 20697 World Square. Clients can reach out to Probis through various communication channels. They provide telephone support at +61 2 9047 7800, allowing clients to speak directly with their team.

For specific inquiries, Probis has dedicated email addresses for different services. Clients looking for assistance with asset management can reach out to enquiries@probisgroup.com.au. If you have questions related to FX and CFD trading, you can contact cs@probisgroup.com.au. For FX and CFD account-related inquiries, you can email account@probisgroup.com.au, and margin deposit and withdrawal matters can be addressed at margin@probisgroup.com.au.

Educational Resources

Probis provides a range of educational resources to empower clients in their FX and CFD trading journey. Their educational offerings cover FX & CFD trading, trade characteristics, technical analysis, and a comprehensive glossary.

FX & CFD Trading: Probis offers educational content that helps clients understand the fundamentals of FX (foreign exchange) and CFD (contract for difference) trading. This includes insights into market dynamics, trading strategies, and risk management techniques.

Trade Characteristics: Understanding the unique characteristics of different trading instruments is crucial for success. Probis provides resources that delve into the specifics of various assets, helping traders make informed decisions.

Technical Analysis: Technical analysis is a vital tool in trading, and Probis equips clients with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze price charts, identify trends, and make data-driven trading decisions.

Glossary: The financial world comes with its own jargon and terminology. Probis offers a comprehensive glossary that defines and explains key terms, ensuring that clients can navigate the trading landscape with confidence.

Trading Tools

Probis provides traders with Economic Calendar to enhance their market analysis and decision-making. It provides traders with a professional perspective on market events, helping them understand market dynamics, stay informed about crucial economic announcements, and seize investment opportunities. This tool is instrumental in tracking economic indicators, central bank decisions, and geopolitical events that can significantly impact financial markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Probis offers traders access to various financial instruments, a user-friendly trading platform, and educational resources. However, its regulatory status is uncertain, which raises concerns about the safety of investments. The lack of transparency regarding commission fees and potential non-trading fees like swap interest charges can impact overall trading costs. While Probis has its advantages, including a range of tradable assets and a demo account for practice, potential users should carefully consider these drawbacks and exercise caution when choosing this platform for their trading needs.

FAQs

Q: Is Probis a regulated trading platform？

A: Probis was previously regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), but its regulatory status is currently uncertain as the official regulatory status has been revoked.

Q: What types of trading accounts does Probis offer？

A: Probis provides two main types of accounts: Live Accounts for real-money trading and Demo Accounts for practice trading.

Q: Can I access Probis's trading platform on mobile devices？

A: Yes, Probis's trading platform, PROBIS AUTON, is available on PC, tablets, and mobile devices, offering flexibility for traders.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by Probis？

A: The maximum leverage varies depending on the type of financial instrument. For major currency pairs, it's 1:30, while minor currency pairs and gold trading offer 1:20. CFD products other than gold come with 1:10 leverage, and securities CFDs offer a maximum leverage of 1:20 for major stock markets and 1:10 for minor stock markets.

Q: How can I deposit and withdraw funds with Probis？

A: You can deposit funds via bank wire transfer in either AUD or USD. Withdrawals can be made using the “withdraw margin” button within the trading platform or by contacting Probis customer service.