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 Legit？

FBS is authorized and regulated by the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) under regulatory license number: 426359, and 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.

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.

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.

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: support@fbs.com, phone: +357 22 010970, +501 611 0594, live chat, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram). 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

• Question: Is FBS a regulated broker？

Answer: Yes. It is licensed by the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and offshore regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Belize.

• Question: What trading instruments are available on FBS？

Answer: Forex currency pairs, metals, energies, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

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

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

• Question: What leverage does FBS offer？

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

• Question: What trading platforms are available on FBS？

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

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

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

• Question: Is FBS a good broker for beginners？

Answer: FBS can be a good option for beginners due to its low minimum deposit requirement, flexible leverage options, and educational resources.

General Information

Santander UK is a large retail and commercial bank based in the UK and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the major global bank Banco Santander. It is registered in England and Wales, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. It manages its affairs autonomously, with its own local management team, responsible solely for its performance. It has its origins in three constituent companies—Abbey National, Alliance & Leicester and Bradford & Bingley—all former mutual building societies. It is one of the leading personal financial services companies in the United Kingdom, and one of the largest providers of mortgages and savings in the United Kingdom.

Regulation

Santander UK Plc is a regulated institution under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. It holds a Market Making (MM) license type and has been regulated since December 1, 2001. The institution operates with the license type of “No Sharing.” You can contact them via email at customerservices@santander.co.uk and find more information on their website: https://www.santander.co.uk/. The regulatory status does not specify an expiry date, and Santander UK Plc is located at 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London NW1 3AN, UNITED KINGDOM, with a phone number of 448003897000. Certified documents related to their regulatory status are not provided in the information provided.

Pros and Cons

Santander offers a wide range of financial products and services to cater to diverse customer needs. However, it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when evaluating their offerings.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Product Range: Santander provides a diverse selection of banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing options, allowing customers to find suitable solutions for their financial goals.

2. Accessible Customer Support: Customers can easily reach Santander's support through telephone, live chat, or the ATM/Branch Locator. The extended hours of operation and accessibility options accommodate various needs.

3. Regulated Institution: Santander is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing customers with confidence in their financial stability and adherence to industry standards.

Cons:

1. Monthly Fees: Some of Santander's current accounts come with monthly fees, which may not be ideal for individuals seeking fee-free options.

2. Complexity: With numerous products and services, navigating Santander's offerings can be overwhelming for some customers who may prefer simpler banking solutions.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility criteria apply to certain products, such as personal loans, which may limit access to individuals who do not meet specific income or credit requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of Santander:

Market Instruments

The Santander UKs segments include Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services to individuals and small businesses, through a network of branches and automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as through telephony, digital, mobile and intermediary channels. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment offers a range of products and financial services include loans, bank accounts, deposits, treasury services, trade and asset finance for small medium enterprises (SME) and corporate customers. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves corporate clients and financial institutions.

Here's a summary of their products:

1. Current Accounts:

• Santander Edge Up Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills, supermarket, and travel costs.

• Earn interest on credit balances up to £25,000.

• Requires funding the account with £1,500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £5 monthly fee.

• Santander Edge Current Account:

• Earn cashback on selected household bills at supermarkets and travel spend.

• Access to an optional savings account with exclusive rates.

• Requires funding the account with £500 each month and setting up 2 active Direct Debits.

• No charges for using the debit card outside the UK.

• £3 monthly fee.

• Everyday Current Account:

• Simple and straightforward account with no monthly fee.

• 1|2|3 Student Current Account:

• Free 16-25 railcard for four years.

• Interest-free overdraft of £1,500 for the first 3 years of studies.

• Requires regular deposits of at least £500 every 4 months.

• 1|2|3 Mini Current Account:

• Designed to help children and young people learn money management.

• Offers interest on balances at certain thresholds.

• Choice of contactless debit card or cash card.

• Basic Current Account:

• Suitable for those with poor credit history or newcomers to the UK.

1. Mortgages:

• Services for first-time buyers, home movers, and those looking to remortgage.

• Options for changing lenders, borrowing more money, and managing existing mortgages.

• Later life mortgages for individuals aged 55 or over.

• Partnership with ufurnish.com for home furnishing experiences.

1. Credit Cards:

• Range of credit cards for various needs, including:

• All in One Credit Card

• Long Term Balance Transfer Credit Card

• Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card

• Santander World Elite™ Mastercard®

1. Savings and ISAs:

• Savings and ISAs for different goals, including:

• Easy Access Saver

• Regular Saver

• Santander Edge Saver

• Easy Access ISA

• Fixed Rate ISAs

• Fixed Term Bonds

• Junior ISA

• Inheritance ISA

1. Investments:

• Investment options with cashback incentives.

• Investment Hub for online advice and fund selection.

• Investment advice and resources available.

1. Insurance:

• Home insurance, including contents insurance for renters.

• Life insurance, including critical illness cover.

• Health insurance.

• Mortgage life insurance.

• Family and lifestyle insurance.

• Over 50s Life Insurance.

• Car insurance, including electric vehicle insurance.

• Travel insurance.

• Business insurance and landlord insurance.

1. Personal Loan:

• Personal loans with fixed interest rates.

• Loan amounts from £1,000 to £25,000.

• Flexible repayment terms.

• Loan eligibility criteria apply.

Santander provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to cater to their customers' banking, investment, insurance, and borrowing needs.

Accounts

Six digit account sort codes are used in the range between 09-00-xx to 09-19-xx. Sort codes for accounts formerly held by Alliance & Leicester use the range 09-01-31 to 09-01-36.

Credit Rating

In October 2011, Moody's downgraded the credit rating of twelve financial firms in the United Kingdom, including Santander UK, blaming financial weakness. In June 2012, Moody rated Santander UK as being in a more financially healthy position than its parent company, Banco Santander.

Deposit & Withdrawal

In November 2009, Santander launched the first current account in the United Kingdom without fees (including unauthorised overdrafts) for its current and future mortgage customers. In January 2010, the bank began waiving fees for customers using Santander's automated teller machines in Spain, which traditionally would incur fees for transactions in a foreign currency.

Accepted Countries

Santander's Corporate and Commercial Banking division operates from a number of regional business banking centres across the United Kingdom. Less than 1% of Santander UK's business is held abroad.

Customer Service

Santander has frequently been rated the worst bank for customer service in the United Kingdom, although by July 2011 had sought to improve, notably by returning call centre operations to the United Kingdom from India. Its '123' product range was ranked third best in the United Kingdom in 2013, and in a moneysavingexpert.com poll in February 2014, customers ranked their satisfaction higher than with any of other main high street banks.

Santander's customer support offers several ways to contact them and obtain assistance:

1. Telephone Support:

• Customers can reach a Customer Service Center Advisor at 1-877-768-2265.

• Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday.

• For customers with hearing/speech impairments, there is a dedicated relay service at 7-1-1.

1. International Calls:

• For customers calling from outside the United States, there is a local number: 1-401-824-3400.

1. Live Chat:

• Customers can use the live chat feature on the Santander website to get real-time assistance with their inquiries or problems.

1. ATM/Branch Locator:

• For information on ATM and branch locations as well as their hours of operation, customers can use the ATM/Branch Locator on the Santander website.

Santander's customer support is accessible through various channels, including phone, chat, and online resources, ensuring that customers have multiple options to address their banking needs and inquiries. The telephone support hours are accommodating, and they provide accessibility options for customers with hearing or speech impairments.

Summary

Santander UK Plc is a regulated financial institution under the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with License No. 106054. They offer a diverse range of financial products and services, including current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, savings and ISAs, investments, insurance, and personal loans. Santander provides accessible customer support through telephone, live chat, and an ATM/Branch Locator, ensuring customers have various ways to seek assistance with their financial needs. Their customer service hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Saturday. Santander's comprehensive product offerings aim to meet a wide array of customer banking and financial requirements.

FAQs

Q: What types of current accounts does Santander offer？

A: Santander offers various current account options, including the Santander Edge Up, Santander Edge, Everyday Current Account, and specialized accounts for students and children.

Q: How can I contact Santander's customer support？

A: You can reach Santander's customer support by calling 1-877-768-2265 for general inquiries. For international calls, dial 1-401-824-3400. Alternatively, you can use the live chat feature on their website.

Q: Are there fees associated with Santander's current accounts？

A: Some current accounts may have monthly fees, such as £5 for the Santander Edge Up Current Account and £3 for the Santander Edge Current Account. The Everyday Current Account, however, has no monthly fee.

Q: What types of insurance does Santander offer？

A: Santander provides a range of insurance options, including home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and travel insurance, catering to various coverage needs.

Q: Can I apply for a personal loan from Santander？

A: Yes, Santander offers personal loans with fixed interest rates. You can apply for loan amounts ranging from £1,000 to £25,000, with flexible repayment terms. Eligibility criteria apply, and you can typically get a decision within 5 minutes.