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IC Markets is a respected and well-regulated broker, providing a wide range of trading instruments, including over 2250 options, with competitive spreads starting at 0.0 pips. You can start with a demo account to gain experience, and opening a live account only requires a $200 deposit. They offer advanced trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Let's now delve into this IC Markets review.

Quick IC Markets Review in 10 Key Points
Registered in	Australia
Regulated by	ASIC, CYSEC
Founded in	2007
Trading Instruments	Forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, futures
Minimum Initial Deposit	$200
Demo Account	Available
Islamic Account	Available
Maximum Leverage	1:500
Minimum Spread	0.0 pips onwards
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader
Deposit & Withdrawal Method	Neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, klarna
Customer Service	24/7 support, email, phone, address

What is IC Markets？

IC Markets is an Australian online forex and CFD broker that provides traders access to the global financial markets. The company was founded in 2007 and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). IC Markets offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and provides traders with advanced trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. The company also offers 24/7 customer support and a variety of educational resources for traders of all levels.

In the IC Markets review, 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 IC Markets？

IC Markets 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, IC Markets 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 IC Markets 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.

Is IC Market Legit？

IC Markets maintains regulatory compliance in both Australia and Cyprus, adhering to the respective financial regulatory standards in these jurisdictions. Regulatory oversight by ASIC and CYSEC helps ensure transparency and accountability in the broker's operations, contributing to a safer trading environment for clients.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD.	Market Making(MM)	335692
	CYSEC	IC Markets (EU) Ltd	Market Making(MM)	362/18

IC Markets' Australian entity, INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD., regulated by ASIC under license number 335692, holding a license for Market Making (MM).

IC Markets' enropean entity, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CYSEC under regulatory number 362/18, holding a license for Maket Making ( MM) as well.

WikiFX's investigation team personally visited the registered address located at Omonoias, 141, The Maritime Centre, Block B, 1st floor, 3045, Limassol, Cyprus. Notably, the IC Markets logo was prominently displayed on billboards in the vicinity of the building. Hence, their visit to the location confirmed that IC Markets was indeed operating from the officially designated regulatory address.

Market Instruments

IC Markets offers a wide range of over 2250 tradable instruments to trade, including forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and futures. This provides traders with the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and access multiple markets and assets. The company offers competitive spreads and low commissions on all instruments, making it a popular choice among traders.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for traders to open an account. In the industry, many established brokers frequently impose minimum deposit requirements that surpass $500 or even reach $1,000. In contrast, certain major players such as Avatrade and Aixtrader only mandate minimum deposits of $100 and $0, respectively. So, IC Markets's minimum deposit requirement seems to be in the “middle”.

Here is the comparison of IC Markets minimum deposit with Avatrade, Exness, and Axitrader:

Broker	Minimum Deposit
	$200
	$100
	$1 USD
	$100

Account Type

Pros	Cons
Wide range of account types	High minimum deposit requirement
Demo account available	Standard account has wider spreads
Islamic account available	Commission charged on some accounts
Different trading platforms	Limited information on account features
Competitive spreads on some accounts

C Markets offers traders a range of account types with different trading platforms, commissions, and spreads. The CTrader and Raw spread accounts charge a commission of $3 and $3.5 respectively but offer spreads from 0.0 pips, while the Standard account has no commission but wider spreads from 0.6 pips.

A demo account and Islamic account are also available. Although the minimum deposit of $200 may be high for some traders, the variety of account types and competitive spreads on some accounts may make up for it. However, traders should note that commissions are charged on all other accounts apart from the Standard account, and there is limited information on account features.

Demo Account

IC Markets offers a free advanced demo account for beginner traders to practice on, which lasts for 30 days.

Users who open a demo account can enjoy the following features:

• Access to Raw Pricing

• Spreads Starting at 0.0 Pips

• Fast Order Execution

• Available on MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms

However, demo accounts aim to mimic real markets but function in a simulated environment. This means there are significant differences compared to real accounts, including not relying on real-time market liquidity, encountering price delays, and having access to certain products that may not be tradable on live accounts.

Opening a demo account is simple:

Step 1: click the “Try a Free DEMO” button on the homepage of IC Markets.

Step 2: Fill in your personal info, including your country of residence, name, email, phone number to get a verification code.

Step 3: Choose to demo accounts on your preferrable trading platform, MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Then choose your account currency, virtual funds, starting from $200 to $5,000,000, your desired leverage level.

Step 4: Log into your demo account and start trading.

Leverage

IC Markets' maximum leverage offering of up to 1:500 can be beneficial for experienced traders who know how to manage their risks well. The high leverage can potentially magnify the profits of a successful trade, enabling traders to take advantage of larger positions in the market. However, it is crucial for traders to exercise caution when using high leverage as it also increases the potential for significant losses. Inexperienced traders may not be suited for high leverage as it requires a thorough understanding of risk management. It is important to note that certain jurisdictions may have regulatory restrictions on high leverage, and traders should comply with the relevant regulations.

Spreads & Commissions

IC Markets is known for its tight spreads and low commissions, making it a popular choice among traders. The broker offers a variety of account types to choose from, including the Raw Spread account with spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 commission per lot traded, and the Standard account with spreads starting from 0.6 pips and no commission. The cTrader account also offers low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a $3 commission per lot traded.

Trading Platforms

Pros	Cons
Support for popular platforms: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader	Limited customization options for cTrader
Variety of trading tools and indicators	Steep learning curve for cTrader
Advanced charting capabilities
Ability to use EAs and automate trading strategies
Mobile trading apps available for all platforms

IC Markets offers its clients a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as the cTrader platform. Each platform offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and traders can choose the platform that best suits their needs.

The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are similar and offer a range of trading tools and indicators, as well as the ability to use Expert Advisors (EAs) and automate trading strategies.

The cTrader platform, on the other hand, offers advanced charting capabilities and a variety of order types. However, it has a steeper learning curve and limited customization options compared to the MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Pros	Cons
Various payment options	Intermediary and beneficiary fees for international bank wire transfers
Free deposits and withdrawals	Withdrawal cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT
Instant withdrawal processing for Paypal/Neteller/Skrill	Withdrawal takes up to 10 business days depending on bank

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, however, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Withdrawal requests have a cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT, and take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and take 3-5 business days to reach your credit card. Paypal/Neteller/Skrill withdrawals are processed instantly and free of charge, but must be made from the same account as the initial funds were sent from.

Educational Resources

IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of educational resources that cater to traders of all levels. These resources include an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, a glossary, blogs, and calculators. The educational resources are updated regularly to ensure the information is relevant and up-to-date. The glossary is particularly useful for understanding forex terms and concepts, while the video tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced strategies. The blogs provide insights into the forex market, which can be useful for making informed trading decisions. The calculators are also helpful tools for calculating risk, margin, and position size. You can also watch videos on their official YouTube channel. For example, this is a video named 7 Common Mistakes New Traders Make, which would be useful for newbies.

Customer Service

Pros	Cons
24/7 customer support available	No live chat option for immediate assistance
Multiple ways to contact support (phone, email)	Phone support may have international charges
Prompt response times to email inquiries

IC Markets provides a strong customer care dimension with 24/7 availability for customer support. Clients can reach out to the support team via phone or email, and can expect prompt response times to email inquiries. However, there is no live chat option available for immediate assistance, and phone support may have international charges, which could be a disadvantage for some clients.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a regulated forex broker that offers traders a wide range of instruments, account types, and trading platforms to choose from. With low spreads, competitive commissions, and high leverage options of up to 1:500, traders can enjoy a flexible and customizable trading experience. The company's educational resources, including market reports, video tutorials, and a glossary, are extensive and informative, providing traders with valuable insights into the forex market. Additionally, IC Markets' customer support is available 24/7, ensuring that traders can always receive timely assistance. The company's variety of deposit and withdrawal methods also makes it easy for traders to manage their accounts efficiently. Overall, IC Markets is a reliable and trustworthy broker for both novice and experienced traders alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Question 1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• Answer 1: $200.

• Question 2: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• Answer 2: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Question 3: What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• Answer 3: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Question 4: What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• Answer 4: 1:500.

• Question 5: Does IC Markets charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• Answer 5: IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Aspect	Information
Registered Country/Area	Japan
Founded year	2005
Company Name	Matsui Securities Co., Ltd.
Regulation	Regulated in Japan
Minimum Deposit	Not specified
Maximum Leverage	Not specified
Spreads	Not specified
Trading Platforms	Japanese Equity App, U.S. Stocks App, Investment Trust App, Forex App, Futures OP App, Netstock High Speed, FX Trader Plus
Tradable assets	Japanese stocks, US stocks, mutual funds, FX, futures/options, NISA/Tsumitate NISA, iDeCo, Japanese equities products, MMF, ETFs/REITs
Account Types	Not specified
Demo Account	Not specified
Customer Support	Email: kouza-kaisetsu@matsui.co.jp
Payment Methods	Netlink Deposit, Deposit Transfer, Time Deposit, Bank Transfer Deposit
Educational Tools	“Learn to Invest” program

Overview of Matsui

Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is a regulated brokerage firm based in Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and operates under the jurisdiction of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. The company has been in operation for 15-20 years and has a good capital ratio, indicating its financial stability. Matsui Securities has established partnerships with various financial institutions, including NatWest, XTX Markets, Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and others.

Matsui Securities offers a range of investment products and services. It provides access to the Japanese stock market, allowing investors to trade stocks listed on Japanese exchanges in real-time. Additionally, the company offers the opportunity to trade US stocks, mutual funds, foreign exchange, futures, options, NISA/Tsumitate NISA accounts, iDeCo retirement savings plans, Japanese equities products, money market funds, and ETFs/REITs.

To open an account with Matsui Securities, interested individuals can visit the company's website and follow the account opening process. The brokerage charges fees and commissions based on the specific trading services and products used. Deposit and withdrawal options are available through methods such as Netlink Deposit, Deposit Transfer, Time Deposit, and Bank Transfer Deposit.

Matsui Securities provides a range of trading platforms, including smartphone apps dedicated to Japanese stocks, US stocks, investment trusts, and forex trading. It also offers platforms for futures and options trading, as well as PC/tablet-based platforms for comprehensive trading features.

Overall, Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is a regulated brokerage firm in Japan, offering a variety of investment options and trading services to investors.

Pros and Cons

Matsui Securities Co., Ltd is a financial institution that offers a range of investment services in Japan. While Matsui Securities has certain advantages, it also has some limitations to consider. On the positive side, Matsui Securities is regulated by the Financial Services Agency, ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Additionally, the company holds a Retail Forex License and provides access to Japanese and US stocks, facilitating diversification. Matsui Securities also offers tax-advantaged investment accounts, such as NISA and iDeCo, and various deposit and withdrawal options. However, it is important to note that the company has limited information available on its website and email address, and there is a lack of transparency regarding fees, commissions, and withdrawal details. The contact options are limited to email, and there is limited information about customer support. The company's trading platforms and capital ratio also have limited details. To summarize, while Matsui Securities offers certain benefits, prospective customers should carefully evaluate its limitations before making investment decisions.

Pros	Cons
Regulated by the Financial Services Agency in Japan	Limited information available about the company's website and email address
Holds a Retail Forex License	No information provided about the expiry date of the license
Offers access to Japanese and US stocks	Lack of transparency regarding fees and commissions for different services
Provides tax-advantaged investment accounts (NISA and iDeCo)	Limited contact options (only email provided)
Wide range of Japanese equities products and trading services	No information about withdrawal fees and limits
Various deposit and withdrawal options	Limited details about the trading platforms offered

Is Matsui Legit？

Based on the information provided, Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. (松井証券株式会社) is regulated by the Financial Services Agency in Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated under the jurisdiction of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (関東財務局長(金商)第164号). The effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

However, there is no information available regarding the expiry date, website, or email address of Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. The company's address is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, at 1-4 Kojimachi. The phone number provided for the licensed institution is 0352160606.

Market Instruments

Japanese stocks:

Matsui Securities provides investors with access to the Japanese stock market, allowing them to trade stocks listed on Japanese exchanges through spot trading. This enables investors to buy and sell shares of Japanese companies in real-time, taking advantage of market movements.

US stocks:

In addition to Japanese stocks, Matsui Securities also offers investors the opportunity to trade US stocks. This means that investors can access major US stock exchanges and trade shares of American companies, providing diversification and exposure to international markets.

Mutual fund:

Matsui Securities offers mutual funds as an investment option. Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets. By investing in a mutual fund, investors can gain exposure to a wide range of securities, managed by professional fund managers.

FX (Foreign Exchange):

Matsui Securities facilitates foreign exchange trading, allowing investors to trade currencies. Foreign exchange trading involves buying and selling different currencies with the aim of profiting from fluctuations in exchange rates. This service provides opportunities for investors to engage in currency speculation and hedge against foreign exchange risks.

Futures/Options:

Matsui Securities offers futures and options trading. Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell assets at a predetermined price and date in the future, while options contracts provide the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell assets. These derivative instruments allow investors to speculate on price movements and manage risk in various financial markets.

NISA/Tsumitate NISA:

Matsui Securities provides the NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) and Tsumitate NISA services. These are tax-advantaged investment accounts in Japan that encourage long-term investing by offering tax exemptions on capital gains and dividends. Investors can contribute to these accounts annually and invest in various financial products.

iDeCo:

Matsui Securities offers the Individual Defined Contribution Pension (iDeCo) system. iDeCo is a retirement savings plan in Japan that provides tax advantages for individuals. It allows investors to contribute a portion of their income towards retirement and invest in a range of financial instruments, aiming to grow their retirement savings.

Japanese equities Products and trading services:

Matsui Securities provides a wide array of Japanese equities products and trading services. This includes offerings such as initial public offerings (IPOs) and public offerings (POs), which allow investors to participate in the primary market and buy shares of newly listed companies. Additionally, the company provides stock lending services, off-auction distribution, PTS (Proprietary Trading System) for alternative trading, and other services related to Japanese equities.

MMF (Money Market Funds):

Matsui Securities offers money market funds, which are low-risk investment vehicles that invest in short-term, highly liquid assets such as Treasury bills, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit. Money market funds provide investors with a relatively stable investment option and easy access to cash.

ETFs/REITs:

Matsui Securities offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and real estate investment trusts (REITs). ETFs are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges, tracking the performance of a specific index or sector. REITs, on the other hand, allow investors to pool their money to invest in a portfolio of income-generating real estate properties. These investment options provide diversification and exposure to different asset classes.

Pros	Cons
Access to Japanese stock market	Limited information about the company's website and email address
Facilitates foreign exchange trading	No information provided about fees and commissions
Offers iDeCo retirement savings plan	Limited contact options (only email provided)
Provides NISA and Tsumitate NISA services	Limited information about the company's capital ratio and influence

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Matsui Securities, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Matsui Securities website and click on the “口座開設(無料)account opening” link, which means “Account Opening (Free)”.

2. Depending on your customer type, choose the appropriate option. Matsui Securities offers account opening for private customers, minors, and corporate customers.

3. On the website, you can find a flowchart explaining the steps involved in the account opening process. This will give you an overview of the entire procedure.

4. If you are interested in opening a NISA account, there is a separate section where you can check the process specific to NISA accounts.

5. Prepare the necessary documents for account verification, such as your My Number verification documents and separate identity verification documents.

6. In Step 1 of the application process, you will be prompted to select the application method. Follow the instructions provided on the website.

7. In Step 2, you will need to register your email address as part of the application process.

8. Once you complete Step 3, your email address registration will be considered completed, and the application process will be finished online. You will be able to start trading within as little as three days.

9. Alternatively, you can choose to apply by mailing the application form provided by Matsui Securities. In this case, the process may take around one week.

10. Matsui Securities will send you the necessary application form based on the information you have entered during the online application process.

Fees & Commissions

Physical Trading: The commission for physical trading is determined by the total daily contract price of the exchange and PTS trading. The fee is fixed within certain ranges based on the total daily contract price, irrespective of the trading volume.

Japanese Stocks Spot Trading: The fees for spot trading and margin trading are determined by the total contract price for one day. The fees are fixed and do not depend on the trading frequency. There are different fee tiers based on the total contract price, ranging from 0 yen to 100,000 yen for individuals aged 26 and above.

Margin Trading: Margin trading fees depend on the total contract price for one day. There are different fee tiers based on the total contract price, ranging from 0 yen to 100,000 yen for individuals aged 26 and above. There are also specific commission systems for margin trading with a NISA account, trading less than one unit of shares, buying off-auction shares, and telephone transactions.

Improvement Success Fee: When the contract price improves, an improvement success fee is charged, which is calculated as 30% (33% including tax) of the improved contract price. There is no minimum commission for this fee.

IPO and PO: There is no purchase fee for IPO (Initial Public Offering) and PO (Public Offering/Secondary Offering). However, a fee will be charged at the time of sale.

Off-Auction Distribution: There is no purchase fee for off-auction distribution, but a fee will be charged at the time of sale.

Fractional Shares: A fee of 0.5% (0.55% including tax) of the contract price is charged for fractional shares. There is no minimum commission for this fee, and transactions over the phone have a different fee structure.

Profit and Loss Accounting Support Service: A fee of 2 times (2.2 times including tax) the contract price is charged for the Profit and Loss Accounting Support Service. The minimum fee is 4,950 yen (tax included).

US Stocks: Trading fees for US stocks are determined based on the contract price per trade. The fee is 0.45% (0.495% including tax) of the contract price, with a minimum fee of USD 0 and a maximum fee of 20 USD (22 USD including tax).

Mutual Fund: There is no purchase fee for mutual funds.

FX: There is no commission fee for FX trading.

Futures and Options Trading: Fees for futures and options trading vary depending on the specific contracts. The fees are calculated based on the contract price and range from 0.04% to 1.5% (including tax), with minimum fees ranging from 1,100 yen to 11,000 yen (tax included).

NISA/Tsumitate NISA: There is no trading commission fee for NISA and Junior NISA accounts. There is also no purchase fee for investment trusts within these accounts.

Telephone Transaction Fee: A fee is charged for each contract in telephone transactions. The fees vary depending on the type of transaction, such as Japanese stocks, improvement success fee, fractional shares, and futures and options trading.

Pros	Cons
Transparent fee structure for physical trading, Japanese stocks spot trading, and margin trading	Lack of information about fees for specific types of transactions
No commission fee for FX trading	Limited details about fees for IPO and off-auction distribution
No purchase fee for mutual funds	Lack of information about trading commission fees for NISA and telephone transactions
Reasonable fee tiers based on the total contract price for various trading services	No information about fees for profit and loss accounting support service
No minimum commission for improvement success fee	Limited details about fees for futures and options trading

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deposit and withdrawal options at Matsui Securities are available to investors through four different methods: Netlink Deposit, Deposit Transfer, Time Deposit, and Bank Transfer Deposit. These options allow for transactions without any additional charges.

Net Link Deposit is a service that facilitates real-time transfers from a bank account to a securities account. It can be accessed through various platforms such as the customer site, smartphone site, Japan stock app, and stock touch. The service is available during specified hours, and it supports transactions with multiple financial institutions including Japan Post Bank, Mizuho Bank, Bank of Mitsubishi UFJ, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

Raku-Raku Transfer Deposit enables instant transfers and deposits to a securities account by establishing an account transfer contract with a partnering financial institution. This service can be accessed through the customer site, smartphone site, Japan stock app, and stock touch. The supported financial institutions include Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Japan Post Bank. The transfer deposit limit ranges from 10,000 yen to less than 100 million yen.

For recurring deposits, investors can opt for the Regular Deposit service. This service automatically withdraws a specified amount from a linked financial institution account on the 27th of each month (or the next business day if it falls on a holiday) and deposits it into the securities account five business days later. Account registration for withdrawal needs to be completed at least 8 business days before the withdrawal date. Various platforms such as the customer site, investment trust customer site, and investment trust app support recurring deposits, and investors can choose from over 100 available financial institutions across Japan.

Bank Transfer Deposit allows customers to transfer funds from an ATM or a counter of a financial institution to a dedicated bank account specified by Matsui Securities. This method ensures secure transactions by utilizing the established banking infrastructure.

In terms of withdrawals, Matsui Securities offers two options. Withdrawals made after the next business day are free of charge, while instant withdrawals incur a procedure fee of 300 yen (including tax). The timing of reflection and withdrawal limits depend on the reception time and vary between next business day and immediate availability. The withdrawal minimum amount is 1,000 yen for withdrawals after the next business day and 10,000 yen or more for instant withdrawals. Customers can make up to 5 instant withdrawals per day, with a maximum limit of 2 million yen per day.

Pros	Cons
Multiple deposit methods available (Netlink, Raku-Raku, etc.)	Limited information about withdrawal processing times and limits
Automatic recurring deposit option available	Instant withdrawals incur a procedure fee
No additional charges for deposit and withdrawal transactions	Limited details about the withdrawal minimum amount
Wide range of supported financial institutions	Limited number of instant withdrawals allowed per day

Trading Platforms

Matsui Securities offers a range of trading platforms tailored to meet various investment needs. These platforms are designed to provide essential functions and features for trading. Let's explore each platform briefly:

1. JAPANESE EQUITY APP: Matsui Securities' Japanese Equity App is a smartphone application that focuses on Japanese stock trading. It offers users access to market price information, charts, news reports, order placement, stock search, corporate information, IPO information, shareholder benefits, and a personalized user page. The app boasts a user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, allowing users to gather information and execute trades with ease.

2. U.S. STOCKS APP: The U.S. Stocks App by Matsui Securities is dedicated to trading U.S. stocks. It provides real-time stock price information, charts, news reports, order placement, stock search, and a personalized user page. The app is designed to be easily understandable, making it suitable for users who are new to trading U.S. stocks. It ensures a confident trading experience with its user-friendly interface.

3. INVESTMENT TRUST APP: Matsui Securities' Investment Trust App offers all the necessary functions for investing in mutual funds. Users can access market price information, place orders, search for funds, and manage their investments through their personalized user page. The app allows beginners to start their investment journey with ease, as it enables investing in funds starting from 100 yen.

4. FOREX APP: The Forex App provided by Matsui Securities caters specifically to trading in the foreign exchange market. It offers market price information, charts, news reports, and order placement features. The app also includes a personalized user page for managing trades. Notably, it incorporates features like “Speed Order” for quick order placement and “Chart Speed Order” for placing orders while viewing the chart.

5. FUTURES OP APP: Matsui Securities' Futures OP App supports futures and options trading. It provides market price information, charts, news reports, order placement, stock search, and a personalized user page. The app is designed with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily gather information and execute trades.

6. For PC/tablet: In addition to the mobile trading platforms, Matsui Securities also offers a computer-based platform called “Netstock High Speed” and the “FX Trader Plus” platform exclusively for Forex trading. These platforms provide features for checking exchange rates, charts, order placement, and analysis.

Pros	Cons
Multiple specialized apps for different types of trading	Limited information available about platform features
User-friendly interfaces for ease of use	Lack of transparency regarding platform fees and charges
Access to real-time market price information, charts, and news reports	Limited customization options for personalized user experience
Order placement and stock search functionalities	Insufficient information about available analysis and research tools
Personalized user pages for managing investments and trades	Limited information about customer support and assistance
“Speed Order” and “Chart Speed Order” features for quick trading	No information about platform compatibility with different operating systems
Computer-based platforms for desktop and tablet users with additional features	Limited details about the platform's security measures and data protection

Educational Resources

Matsui provides a range of educational resources to support individuals who are interested in learning about investment and Japanese stocks. One such resource is the “Learn to Invest” program, which caters to beginners looking to understand the basics of investing. The program covers topics such as the fundamentals of Japanese stocks, the first installment investment process, and information about seminars that delve deeper into investment strategies. Another valuable resource offered by Matsui is the contribution of Mr. Takeuchi, who shares his expertise through the “Let's Learn about Investment” initiative. This initiative provides insights into various aspects of investment, including how to choose suitable stocks for investment. Matsui also emphasizes the importance of integrating investment knowledge into one's lifestyle, offering resources that demonstrate how to incorporate investment practices seamlessly. Additionally, the company introduces first-time shareholder benefits, enabling individuals to explore the perks of owning stocks for the first time. For those seeking information on specific brands or stores, Matsui provides resources that highlight the company names associated with various investment opportunities. Moreover, Matsui emphasizes the appeal of high dividend stocks, providing insights and guidance on how to identify these potential investments. Lastly, Matsui offers a Q&A section specifically tailored to investment beginners, providing a simple and comprehensive collection of commonly asked questions to support their learning journey.

Customer Support

Matsui Securities provides customer support services through different channels based on the account holders' status. For individuals who already have an account with Matsui Securities, they can enjoy free customer support by calling the dedicated hotline at 0120-953-006 or using IP phone at 03-6387-3666. The customer support service is available on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00.

For those who do not have a Matsui Securities account, there is a separate hotline at 0120-021-906, and an alternative contact number for IP phone users at 03-6387-3601. This customer support service is also available on weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00.

To learn more about the stock trading consultation services provided by Matsui Securities, individuals can contact kouza-kaisetsu@matsui.co.jp for further information.

Conclusion

Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is a regulated company in Japan, holding a Retail Forex License under the jurisdiction of the Kanto Local Finance Bureau. While it has a good overall score, there are some disadvantages to consider. The lack of available information regarding the expiry date, website, and email address raises concerns about transparency and communication. Additionally, the absence of specific details about fees and commissions may make it difficult for potential clients to assess the costs associated with trading. However, Matsui Securities provides a variety of market instruments, including access to Japanese and US stocks, mutual funds, foreign exchange trading, futures/options, tax-advantaged accounts, and Japanese equities products. The company offers a range of trading platforms, tailored to different investment needs. It is important for individuals considering Matsui Securities to conduct further research and carefully evaluate the available information before making a decision.

FAQs

Q: Is Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. regulated？

A: Yes, Matsui Securities Co., Ltd. is regulated by the Financial Services Agency in Japan and holds a Retail Forex License.

Q: What is the capital ratio of Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities has a great capital ratio, indicating its financial strength and stability.

Q: How many brokers does Matsui Securities compare to？

A: Matsui Securities compares to three brokers.

Q: What are the market instruments offered by Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities offers Japanese stocks, US stocks, mutual funds, FX (Foreign Exchange), futures/options, NISA/Tsumitate NISA, iDeCo, MMF (Money Market Funds), and ETFs/REITs.

Q: How can I open an account with Matsui Securities？

A: To open an account with Matsui Securities, you can visit their website and follow the account opening process specific to your customer type. The process can be completed online or through mailing the application form.

Q: What are the fees and commissions associated with trading on Matsui Securities？

A: The fees and commissions vary depending on the type of trading. For example, Japanese stocks spot trading and margin trading have fixed fees based on the total contract price. FX trading has no commission fees. It is recommended to refer to Matsui Securities' fee schedule for detailed information.

Q: What deposit and withdrawal options are available at Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities offers Netlink Deposit, Deposit Transfer, Time Deposit, and Bank Transfer Deposit options for transactions without additional charges.

Q: What are the trading platforms provided by Matsui Securities？

A: Matsui Securities offers various trading platforms, including the Japanese Equity App, U.S. Stocks App, Investment Trust App, Forex App, Futures OP App, as well as PC/tablet platforms like “Netstock High Speed” and “FX Trader Plus.”

Q: What educational resources does Matsui Securities provide？

A: Matsui Securities offers educational resources, including the “Learn to Invest” program, to support individuals interested in learning about investment and Japanese stocks.