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.

Feature	Information
Company Name	Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited
Registered In	Hong Kong
Years of Establishment	15-20 years
Regulated	Yes, by the Securities and Futures Commission
Trading Instruments	HK stocks, SH Stocks, SZ stocks, Taiwan stocks, US stocks, China B stocks, Overseas stocks, Futures, Options
Account Types	Retail & Institutional
Trading Platform	eWinner, eWinner Plus, YSHK SP Trader
Deposit and Withdrawal Method	Local bank, Check, Overseas Transfer
Customer Service	Phone, Email

Overview of Yuanta

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited (YSHK) is a financial powerhouse in Asia, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yuanta Financial Holdings Co. Ltd. Registered with the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong, YSHK offers an array of regulated financial activities. As of 2016, Yuantas robust distribution network included 155 securities branches and 152 banking branches staffed by approximately 13,000 professionals.

These experts deliver a comprehensive suite of financial services to Yuanta's diverse client base. The firm's market presence is considerable; in 2016, it controlled 11% of the securities brokerage market and nearly 20% of the securities margin financing market.

Is Yuanta Legit or a Scam？

Given its longstanding history and comprehensive regulation, Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited appears to be a legitimate and reputable financial services provider. The company is registered with the Securities and Futures Commission and is a Participant of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, further cementing its credibility. In a market where legitimacy is crucial for client trust, YSHKs regulatory affiliations make it a reliable option for retail and institutional investors alike.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Diverse Product Offering	Fee Structure might be high for some products
Regulated Entity	Complexity might be overwhelming for beginners
Strong Market Presence

Pros:

• Diverse Product Offering: Yuanta offers a wide range of financial services beyond just securities trading, including banking, insurance, and asset management.

• Regulated Entity: Being a licensed corporation, Yuanta operates under strict regulatory oversight, ensuring a high level of trust and security.

• Strong Market Presence: With a significant share in both the securities and financing markets, Yuanta is a dominant player in the industry.

Cons:

• Fee Structure: Depending on the products you engage with, the fees can be on the higher side.

• Complexity: With such a wide range of services and instruments, the platform might be overwhelming for beginner traders.

Market Instruments

Yuanta provides a broad spectrum of market instruments tailored to meet the diverse needs of its retail and institutional clients. Retail clients have access to a multitude of stock options spanning from Hong Kong (HK), Shanghai (SH), Shenzhen (SZ), Taiwan, the United States, and more. They can also engage in trading futures and options. For institutional clients, YSHK acts as an advisory, providing multiple avenues for investment. This makes Yuanta a one-stop-shop for multiple financial instruments, giving clients the ability to diversify their portfolios extensively.

Account Types

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited, also known as YSHK, requires specific documents for opening both individual and corporate accounts.

For individual accounts, Hong Kong Permanent Residents must provide a certified true copy of their HKID card, while non-permanent residents or non-residents must provide a certified true copy of their valid ID card or passport. All individual account holders also must provide proof of their residential address issued within the last 3 months.

As for corporate accounts, companies need to provide documents including a certified true copy of their Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Memorandum & Articles of Association, latest audited account or financial statements, Latest Register of Directors, Latest Register of Shareholders, and others.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited or YSHK, individuals and corporations have to provide respective documents.

Individual account applicants who are Hong Kong Permanent Residents must submit a certified true copy of their HKID card, while Non-Permanent Residents or Non-Residents need to provide a certified true copy of their valid ID Card or passport. All individual applicants need proof of residential address issued within the last 3 months. If these addresses are different from one another, proof for each address is required.

For corporate accounts, various documents are needed including copies of Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Memorandum & Articles of Association, latest audited account or financial statements, Latest Register of Directors and of Shareholders, and more. Documents proving the identity and residential address of all substantial shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, and authorized individuals are also required.

For companies incorporated overseas, a certified true copy of a certificate of incumbency is needed, and if the company has complex ownership structures, specific documents tracing the chain of ownership to the ultimate beneficial owners are also necessary.

Leverage

While the specifics regarding leverage can vary based on the market instrument and type of account, Yuanta typically offers leverage to enhance trading capabilities. However, it's crucial to understand that while leverage can amplify profits, it also increases the risk of losses. Yuanta, being a regulated entity, likely offers leverage within the constraints of financial regulations to ensure responsible trading. Always consult with the brokerage or a financial advisor to understand the implications of using leverage in your trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions

Yuanta has a transparent fee structure, which is crucial for traders calculating their potential costs and profits. For instance, for trading in Hong Kong stocks, the commission is set at 0.25% of the traded volume, with a minimum charge of 100 HKD, plus some additional fees. This clear fee structure allows both retail and institutional investors to make informed decisions about trading costs. Before committing, it's wise to compare these fees with other market offerings to determine their competitiveness.

Trading Platform

YSHK provides multiple trading platforms to suit various customer preferences and trading styles. These include eWinner for Windows and PC users, eWinner Plus for iOS and Android devices, and YSHK SP Trader also available across PC, iOS, and Android. These platforms are designed to provide real-time analytics, a wide range of trading tools, and a user-friendly interface. This array of options makes it easy for traders to manage their investments efficiently, whether they are in the office or on the go.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Depositing and withdrawing funds from your YSHK account is a straightforward process. Clients have the flexibility to fund their accounts through local banks, checks, and overseas transfers. This makes it convenient for both local and international clients to manage their funds. The multi-channel deposit and withdrawal options aim to provide a seamless customer experience, reinforcing YSHKs commitment to client satisfaction.

Customer Support

Customer support is a critical aspect of any financial service, and Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited appears to prioritize this. For English-speaking clients, Yuanta offers a dedicated contact number: +852 3555 7878. This hotline is likely staffed by skilled customer service representatives proficient in English, ready to address a wide array of customer concerns and queries.

In addition to the hotline, Yuanta also provides email support for more detailed or document-intensive inquiries. Clients can reach out to HK.Services.brk@yuanta.com for assistance. The availability of email support adds a layer of convenience, as customers can send in their questions or issues without the immediacy or time constraints of a phone call.

Brokers Comparison

Feature	Yuanta	IronFX	OctaFX
Regulated	Yes	Yes	Yes
Market Instruments	Extensive	Wide range	Limited
Account Types	Retail & Institutional	Multiple	Multiple
Leverage	Regulated	High	Moderate
Spreads	Transparent	Competitive	Low
Customer Support	Likely Comprehensive	Multiple languages	Multiple languages

Educational Resources

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited, commonly referred to as YSHK, provides extensive educational resources as part of its Research & Commentary. These resources impart valuable insights in the industry, featuring a wide range of comprehensive market analysis, in-depth reports, and informative commentary from their expert research team. The materials are designed to assist clients in making well-informed investment decisions, provides traders and investors with key market trends, and keeps them updated about important developments in the financial landscape.

Conclusion

Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited is a well-regulated, diverse, and established financial service provider in Asia. With a broad range of market instruments, transparent fee structures, and versatile trading platforms, it caters to both retail and institutional clients effectively. However, always remember to carry out your due diligence and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

FAQs

Q: What types of trading instruments does Yuanta offer？

A: Yuanta provides a diverse range of trading instruments, including HK stocks, SH Stocks, SZ stocks, Taiwan stocks, US stocks, China B stocks, Overseas stocks, Futures, and Options.

Q: Is Yuanta regulated by any financial authorities？

A: Yes, Yuanta Securities (Hong Kong) Company Limited is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, ensuring a high level of compliance and security for traders.

Q: What platforms are available for trading with Yuanta？

A: Yuanta offers multiple trading platforms, including eWinner, eWinner Plus, and YSHK SP Trader, catering to traders on both desktop and mobile devices.

Q: How can I deposit or withdraw funds from my Yuanta account？

A: Yuanta offers multiple methods for deposit and withdrawal, including transactions through local banks, checks, and overseas transfers, providing flexibility for both local and international traders.

Q: What is the commission structure for trading Hong Kong stocks with Yuanta？

A: The commission for trading HK stocks is 0.25% of the traded volume with a minimum charge of 100 HKD, along with some additional fees.

Q: What types of accounts does Yuanta offer？

A: Yuanta provides both retail and institutional accounts, allowing for a broad spectrum of trading needs and investment strategies to be accommodated.