Overview of FBS

FBS is a forex and CFD broker established in 2009. With its headquarters situated in Cyprus, the company maintains a global presence through offices in various countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Catering to a diverse clientele, FBS offers an array of account types suitable for traders of varying experience levels and preferences. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned trader, FBS provides tailored account options to align with your requirements. The broker boasts an extensive selection of trading instruments encompassing over 40 currency pairs, precious metals, CFDs on stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

FBS equips its clients with the widely acclaimed MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 trading platforms, recognized as industry benchmarks. These platforms are accessible across desktop, web, and mobile devices, empowering traders to manage their accounts and execute trades on the move. Additionally, FBS introduces its proprietary mobile trading app, FBS Trader, catering to both iOS and Android users.

Ensuring top-notch client assistance, FBS is committed to delivering round-the-clock multilingual support via phone, email, and live chat. Complementing its support system, the broker extends an array of educational resources encompassing trading courses, video tutorials, webinars, and market analysis.

Is FBS Scam or Safe Broker？

No, FBS is not a fraudulent entity. FBS is authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission(CySEC) in Cyprus under regulatory license number: 331/17.

This FBS is operated by FBS Markets Inc., and it is authorized and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Belize under regulatory license number: IFSC/60/230/TS/17.

Market Intruments

FBS offers a wide range of trading instruments, including Forex currency pairs, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Forex traders can access a total of 40 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.

In addition to currency pairs, traders can also access CFDs on various global stocks such as Amazon, Apple, and Facebook, as well as commodities like gold, silver, and oil. Furthermore, FBS offers CFDs on several popular indices, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and the FTSE 100. Finally, traders can also access cryptocurrency CFDs on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple.

Overall, FBS offers a diverse range of trading instruments for traders to choose from.

Account Types

FBS offers a range of account types to cater to the different needs and trading styles of its clients.

The Standard account is the most popular choice, offering competitive spreads and no commission fees. It's ideal for both new and experienced traders who want to trade with a relatively low initial deposit and enjoy the benefits of FBS's trading conditions.

For those who prefer to trade with smaller amounts, the Cent account is a good option. It allows traders to trade with cents instead of dollars, so they can better manage their risks and test different trading strategies. The Cent account has the same features as the Standard account, but with smaller contract sizes.

FBS also offers a Pro account, which allows traders to trade with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. This account type is suitable for those who want to take advantage of the volatility of the cryptocurrency market and speculate on their price movements.

Each account type has its pros and cons. The Standard account offers more trading instruments and requires a higher minimum deposit, but it has competitive spreads and no commission fees. The Cent account is ideal for those who want to start trading in smaller amounts, but it has wider spreads and fewer trading instruments. The Crypto account has a lower minimum deposit yet wider spreads.

Demo Trading

FBS provides demo trading accounts, enabling traders to refine their skills and acquaint themselves with the broker's trading platforms without financial risk. These demo accounts are complimentary and feature virtual funds, allowing users to replicate actual market conditions.

A key benefit of FBS's demo trading accounts lies in their ability to offer insight into the broker's trading conditions and execution speeds. They also facilitate the testing of various trading strategies and techniques. This feature proves particularly advantageous for novice traders who are still mastering the intricacies of trading and desire increased self-assurance prior to committing real capital.

Furthermore, FBS's demo trading accounts offer the advantage of global accessibility, requiring only an internet connection. This convenience is especially beneficial for traders without access to a physical trading station or those who prefer the flexibility of trading on the move.

How to Open an Account？

Registering an account with FBS is a straightforward process that ensures a hassle-free start to your trading journey. Here's a step-by-step overview:

1. Visit FBS Website: Begin by visiting the FBS website.

2. Open an Account: Locate and click on the “Open an account” button on the website. This initiates the registration process.

3. Provide Personal Information: You will be prompted to enter some essential personal details, including your name, address, and email. This information helps establish your identity.

4. Financial Information: Additionally, FBS will require some financial information. You'll be asked about your trading experience and investment goals. This helps tailor your trading experience to your needs and objectives.

5. Application Submission: Once you've completed the necessary steps and filled in the required information, submit your application. FBS will receive your application and review it meticulously.

6. Identity Verification: FBS will verify your identity, a standard procedure to ensure the security of your account. This verification process typically takes a few business days.

7. Funding Your Account: After your application has been successfully processed and your identity verified, you can proceed to fund your trading account. FBS offers a range of convenient deposit methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

In summary, FBS offers a user-friendly and secure registration process that ensures traders can quickly get started with their preferred trading account. Whether you're looking to trade with real funds or practice in a risk-free environment, FBS caters to your needs.

Leverage

The maximum leverage offered to retail clients with FBS is 1:30. This is in compliance with the regulations set forth by regulatory bodies like CySEC and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to protect traders from the risks associated with high leverage.

However, professional clients with FBS have access to higher leverage up to 1:500, which can be beneficial for those who have a deeper understanding of the markets and are comfortable with taking on more risks.

It's important to have a solid understanding of leverage and risk management before engaging in high-leverage trading.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

FBS offers a wide range of trading opportunities with their motto, “Narrow spreads – wide trading opportunities.” They provide traders with the advantage of incredibly tight spreads, starting from 0 pips.

When it comes to choosing a spread that suits their trading strategy, FBS offers flexibility. Traders can select from various spread types, including floating spreads starting from as low as 0.2 pips, fixed spreads starting from 3 pips, and even the option to trade without any spread (fixed spread of 0 pips). The choice of spread type and its associated value is determined by the specific account type a trader uses.

To enhance precision and accuracy in trading, FBS provides up to 5-digit quotes on all account types. This high level of precision is especially crucial for traders who engage in short-term orders. With this precision, traders can confidently select and execute their trading strategies, ensuring they have the most accurate information about the market to make the most of their trading endeavors.

Here is a table comparing the spreads on EUR/USD, Gold, and Indices by FBS, eToro, Exness, and IC Markets:

Non-Trading Fees

Apart from trading fees, there may be other charges that traders should be aware of when using FBS. Here are some non-trading fees to consider:

• Deposit and Withdrawal Fees: FBS offers various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. While most of these methods are free, some may incur fees depending on the payment provider and currency used.

• Inactivity Fee: FBS charges an inactivity fee of $10 per month if the trading account has been inactive for 180 days or more. This fee is taken from the account balance and continues until the account becomes active again.

• Conversion Fees: If a trader deposits funds in a currency different from their trading account currency, FBS may charge a conversion fee to convert the funds to the trading account currency. The conversion fee varies depending on the payment method and currency.

• VPS Hosting Fees: FBS offers VPS hosting services for traders who want to use automated trading strategies. The fee for VPS hosting varies depending on the plan chosen and the billing cycle.

Trading Platform

FBS offers its clients a variety of trading platforms to choose from, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms. Both platforms are widely used by traders all around the world, and they offer a range of advanced tools and features to help traders analyze the markets and execute trades.

MT4 is a widely-used trading platform that is known for its reliability and ease of use. It offers a range of advanced charting tools, customizable indicators, and the ability to use expert advisors (EAs) to automate trading strategies. MT4 is available in both desktop and mobile versions, making it accessible to traders on-the-go.

MT5 is an upgraded version of MT4 and offers even more advanced features and tools. It has a more advanced charting package, as well as more timeframes and order types available. MT5 also allows traders to trade on the exchange markets, in addition to Forex.

In addition to these two popular platforms, FBS also offers a proprietary trading platform called FBS Trader, which is designed for mobile trading.

The platform is available for both Android and iOS devices and offers traders access to over 50 markets, including Forex, stocks, and commodities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

FBS offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including:

As for withdrawals, there are also no fees charged by FBS, but certain payment methods may have their own fees, such as bank wire transfer. The processing time for withdrawals may vary depending on the payment method chosen, but FBS aims to process withdrawals as quickly as possible.

Customer Support

FBS offers customer support through various channels, including email, phone, live chat, and social media. Their website is also available in multiple languages, making it more accessible to traders worldwide. The broker's customer support team is available 24/7, and they have received positive reviews from traders for their quick and helpful responses.

Educational Resouces

FBS offers a range of educational resources for traders of all skill levels. These resources include:

1. Trading courses: FBS provides free educational courses on various trading topics, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and risk management.

2. Webinars: The broker regularly hosts webinars on different aspects of trading. These webinars are conducted by experts in the field and cover a wide range of topics.

3. Video tutorials: FBS offers a collection of video tutorials that cover various aspects of trading. These tutorials are designed to help traders learn the basics of trading as well as advanced strategies.

4. Economic calendar: FBS provides an economic calendar that includes all major economic events that can impact financial markets. This helps traders stay informed about upcoming events and make informed trading decisions.

5. Trading tools: FBS offers a range of trading tools, including an economic news feed, a currency converter, and a trading calculator. These tools can help traders make better trading decisions.

6. Market analysis: FBS provides daily market analysis that covers major currency pairs, commodities, and indices. The analysis includes technical and fundamental analysis as well as trading recommendations.

Conclusion

FBS is a well-established online forex and CFD broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, account types, and educational resources. The broker is regulated by reputable authorities and provides excellent customer support services to its clients. FBS also offers various trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as a proprietary mobile application, FBS Trader.

While FBS has several advantages, such as a diverse range of trading instruments and low minimum deposit requirements, it also has some drawbacks, such as higher spreads and commissions than some of its competitors, as well as some limitations on the availability of certain account types in specific regions.

FAQs

• Q: Is FBS a regulated broker？

A: Yes, FBS is a regulated broker. It is licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Belize.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on FBS？

A: FBS offers a variety of trading instruments, including forex currency pairs, metals, energies, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

• Q: What are the account types available on FBS？

A: FBS offers three main account types - Standard, Cent, and Zero Spread. There is also an ECN account type available for professional traders.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with FBS？

A: The minimum deposit required to open a Standard or Cent account with FBS is $1.

• Q: What leverage does FBS offer？

• A: FBS offers flexible leverage options, up to 1:500 for professional traders, 1:30 for retail clients.

• Q: What trading platforms are available on FBS？

A: FBS offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, as well as a proprietary mobile trading app called FBS Trader.

• Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal methods available on FBS？

A: FBS offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, electronic payment systems such as Skrill, Neteller, and Perfect Money, and local payment methods.

• Q: Does FBS offer any educational resources for traders？

A: Yes, FBS offers a range of educational resources, including video tutorials, webinars, e-books, market analysis, and a comprehensive FAQ section on their website.

• Q: What are the customer support options available on FBS？

A: FBS offers customer support via live chat, phone, email, and social media channels. The support team is available 24/7 to assist traders with any questions or issues they may have.

• Q: Is FBS a good broker for beginners？

A: FBS can be a good option for beginners due to its low minimum deposit requirement, flexible leverage options, and educational resources. However, traders should always do their own research and due diligence before choosing a broker.

What is HFM？

HFM, a trading name of HF Markets Group, founded in 2010, is a financial broker that provides both individual and institutional clients with online trading services. HFM has been headquartered in Cyprus but serves several global offices in Dubai, South Africa, and offshore entities in St Vincent and the Grenadines, all under respective regulatory authorities.

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.

What Type of Broker is HFM？

HFM 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, HFM 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 HFM 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 HFM or any other MM broker.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• HFM is a well-regulated company by various reputable authorities, providing a high level of security to traders' funds and personal information.

• The company offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex pairs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and stocks, with over 3500 instruments to choose from.

• There are multiple account types available, including Premium, Pro, Zero, and Cent, catering to the different needs of traders.

• HFM offers rich educational resources such as webinars, video tutorials, and daily analysis, providing valuable insights for traders.

• The company provides multiple trading platforms including MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and their proprietary HFM platform, giving traders a wide range of options to choose from.

• HFM offers various customer channels, through multiple channels including email, phone, and live chat.

Cons:

• The maximum leverage offered by HFM is up to 1:2000, which can be risky for inexperienced traders.

• HFM does not provide services to residents of the USA, Canada, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Mauritius, Myanmar, Yemen, Afghanistan, Vanuatu and EEA countries.

Is HFM Safe or Scam？

• HF Markets (Europe) Ltd is regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission - CySEC, with regulatory license number 183/12, and regulated by CNMV under license number 3427

• HF Markets (UK) Limited, its UK entity, under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority - FCA in the UK (license number 801701)

• HF Markets (DIFC) Limited, the Dubai entity under regulation of Dubai Financial Services Authority - DFSA (license number F004885)

• HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd, authorized and offshore regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), with Regulatory License No. SD015

HFA appears to be a serious player when it comes to offering protection measures for its clients. They provide market leading insurance, positioning themselves as an industry leader in financial safety.

In addition to this, they maintain their accounts with major banks and ensure the segregation of client funds for added security. They also provide protection against negative balances, helping traders avoid owing more than they've invested.

Along with these measures, HFA implements robust risk management strategies to further safeguard their clients' assets. This shows their commitment to providing a secure and reliable trading environment for their users.

Market Instruments

HFM offers a diverse range of more than 3500 instruments across various asset classes, including forex, commodities, metals, bonds, energies, ETFs, indices, cryptos, and stocks. This extensive offering provides traders with a wide range of investment opportunities and the ability to diversify their portfolio. Traders can access multiple asset classes within a single platform, making it convenient and efficient to trade across various markets.

However, with such a large number of instruments available, it can be overwhelming for beginner traders and may require more in-depth knowledge of multiple asset classes and their underlying factors to create effective trading strategies. Additionally, some instruments may have low liquidity or high volatility, leading to higher risks, and certain instruments may have high spreads or commissions, increasing trading costs.

Account Types

HFM indeed offers a range of accounts to suit various trading styles and levels. They provide the option of Premium, Pro, Zero, and Cent accounts, catering to both novice and experienced traders.

The Pro account requires an initial deposit of $/€100/₦50,000/¥13,000 to get started. Interestingly, HFM does not impose a minimum deposit requirement for its Premium, Zero, and Cent accounts, making them highly accessible options.

Alongside these, they also offer free demo accounts, allowing potential traders to test out their platform and develop their trading strategies before committing real money.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with HFM typically involves a few standard steps:

Step 1: Visit the HFM website and click on the “Register” button.

Step 2: Fill out the registration form with your personal information such as country of residence, email address, and password.

Step 3: Once you've completed the registration form, you'll need to submit some documents to verify your identity and address. This generally involves uploading a copy of your passport or national ID for identification and a utility bill or bank statement for proof of address.

Step 4: After identity verification, you can choose your account type. HFM offers Premium, Pro, Zero, and Cent accounts. The Pro account requires a minimum initial deposit of $/€100/₦50,000/¥13,000, while the other three types do not have a minimum deposit requirement.

Step 5: Once you've selected your account type, you can make the necessary deposit using your preferred method of payment.

Step 6: After your deposit is confirmed, your account should be set up and ready for trading.

Remember, HFM also offers a demo account for practicing trading strategies without risking real money. It's recommended to start there if you're new to trading or this platform.

Leverage

HFM offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:2000, which can be an attractive feature for traders looking to maximize their potential profits with a smaller investment. This high leverage also provides greater market exposure and trading opportunities, allowing traders to take advantage of price movements in various markets.

However, it is important to note that high leverage also comes with high risk and potential losses. Traders must exercise proper risk management and discipline to avoid margin calls and account liquidation. While this feature may attract experienced traders, it may not be suitable for all, especially beginners or those with limited capital.

Overall, the maximum leverage offered by HFM can be a valuable tool for traders, but it must be used responsibly and with caution.

Spreads & Commissions

HFM caters to different trading preferences with variable spreads across its account types.

The Premium and Cent accounts offer spreads starting from 1.2 pips. The Pro account has even lower spreads starting from 0.5 pips. The most versatile is the Zero account, which offers spreads from zero pips on forex and gold trading, providing an entry point for cost-effective trading.

However, specific information on the trading commissions is not disclosed directly. You might need to reach out to their customer service or check thoroughly on their website for further details on this.

Trading Platforms

HFM offers multiple trading platforms including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as their proprietary HFM mobile app.

The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are widely used in the industry and provide traders with access to a wide range of trading tools and indicators.

The HFM mobile app is relatively new but has an intuitive user interface and advanced charting features. However, it may have limited customization options and a limited selection of third-party plugins and add-ons.

Some traders may find the platforms too complex to use, but overall, HFM's platform dimension offers a good variety of options for traders of all skill levels.

Deposits & Withdrawals

HFM indeed provides a variety of options to make deposit and withdrawal processes simple and flexible for its customers. They accept bank transfers, major credit/debit cards (Visa & MasterCard), and several electronic payment methods such as crypto, Fasapay, Neteller, PayRedeem, Skrill, and Bitpay.

The minimum deposit or withdrawal limit is quite low, set at $5 for most payment methods, which makes it convenient for traders of all sizes.

HFM minimum deposit vs other brokers

They also ensure cost-effectiveness by not charging for most deposits and withdrawals. The processing times for transactions can vary depending upon the chosen method. Importantly, they have a system in place where withdrawals submitted before 10:00am server time are processed the same business day between 7:00am and 5:00pm.

More details can be found in the below screenshots.

Education

HFM is deeply committed to trader education and offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources for traders at all levels. They provide in-depth trading courses that cover a wide range of topics, aiming to enhance traders' knowledge and trading skills.

Their portfolio of educational resources also includes engaging videos that explain intricate trading concepts in an easy-to-understand format.

They hold webinars and seminars (upcoming), giving both novice and experienced traders the opportunity to learn first-hand from industry experts.

Additionally, HFM provides insightful podcasts featuring discussions on various trading topics.

These educational offerings are designed to help traders better understand the markets and make well-informed trading decisions.

Customer Service

HFM offers multiple avenues of customer support to ensure all client queries and concerns are attended to. The live chat feature on their platform allows for real-time assistance, alongside a contact form for more comprehensive inquiries.

They can also be reached through their phone number: +44-2030978571 or via email at support@hfm.com.

For those who prefer social media interactions, they have an active presence on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn where they post regular updates and users can interact with them.

Lastly, for common questions, their FAQ section could be of help as it covers a range of general queries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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 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.