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.

Registered in	Japan
Regulated by	FSA
Year(s) of establishment	15-20 years
Trading instruments	domestic stocks, foreign stocks, investment trusts, bonds, foreign exchange, futures/options, CFDs, gold, silver, warrants, insurance, etc.
Minimum Initial Deposit	Information not available
Maximum Leverage	1:25
Minimum spread	Information not available
Trading platform	own platform
Deposit and withdrawal method	Information not available
Customer Service	phone number, address, live chat
Fraud Complaints Exposure	No for now

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？

Advantages	Disadvantages
SBI SECURITIES offers tight spreads and fast execution due to its Market Making model.	As a counterparty to its clients' trades, SBI SECURITIES has a potential conflict of interest that may lead to decisions that are not in the best interest of its clients.

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

Advantages	Disadvantages
Wide range of financial products available for investment	Some financial products may not be accessible to certain types of investors
Access to both domestic and foreign stocks and investment trusts	Trading fees may be higher compared to some other brokers
Availability of futures/options, CFDs, gold, silver, and warrants	Trading certain financial products may carry higher risks for investors
Opportunities for diversification of investment portfolio	Lack of education and guidance for investors who are new to certain financial products

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

Advantages	Disadvantages
Possibility of multiple account types	Lack of transparency
	Unclear minimum deposit amounts

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

Advantages	Disadvantages
24/7 live chat available	Phone support with fees
Prompt customer service	Limited customer service options
Quick response time	Limited information on website

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.