Overview of au Kabucom Securities

au Kabucom Securities is an online brokerage company and is the core company of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group)s online financial services. It is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in financial product trading business through the net, as well as related business. The Company is engaged in the provision of brokerage, trading, offering and sale of securities. It also provides bank agency business, foreign exchange margin trading business and other financial services.

Founded in 1999, it operates under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA). The company offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including stocks, margin transactions, IPO/PO, ETF/ETN/REIT, free ETF, petit shares, tender offer, investment trust, FX (Forex Margin Trading), futures/options trading, bonds (foreign bonds), foreign currency-denominated MMF, and CFD (Share 365). The trading platforms provided by au Kabucom Securities are au Kabucom FX Navi for forex trading and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone. Various payment methods, such as net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions) are available. For educational purposes, au Kabucom Securities offers informative movies, events, face-to-face seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and social networking services (SNS).

Is au Kabucom Securities legit or a scam？

au Kabucom Securities is a financial institution that operates as a securities broker in Japan. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA), which is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the financial industry in Japan. The regulatory license number assigned to au Kabucom Securities is 関東財務局長(金商)第61号, which signifies its registration and compliance with the FSA's regulations.Being authorized and regulated by the FSA indicates that au Kabucom Securities has met the necessary requirements and standards set by the regulatory authority.

The FSA's oversight ensures that the company operates in a fair, transparent, and compliant manner, protecting the interests of investors and maintaining the integrity of the financial markets.As a regulated entity, au Kabucom Securities is expected to adhere to various regulatory guidelines, such as conducting thorough customer due diligence, implementing robust risk management systems, maintaining adequate financial resources, and providing transparent disclosure of information to its clients. Regular audits and inspections may be conducted by the FSA to ensure compliance with these regulations and to safeguard the interests of investors.

Pros and Cons

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of tradable assets and is backed by the reputable Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. It is regulated by the Financial Services Agency, providing a sense of security for investors. The company provides informative educational resources to enhance investors' understanding of the market.

However, there are areas for improvement. Information about account types is lacking, making it difficult for potential clients to choose the most suitable option. The selection of trading platforms is limited, which may not meet the preferences of all traders. Customer support options are somewhat limited, with email and phone support available, but lacking additional channels like live chat or dedicated account managers.

Products and Services

au Kabucom Securities offers a wide range of products to cater to different investment needs and preferences. Here are the various products available:

1. Stocks: au Kabucom Securities provides opportunities to invest in stocks, including in-kind stocks where you can directly own shares of companies.

2. Margin Transaction (System/General): Margin trading allows investors to trade stocks with borrowed funds, potentially amplifying their investment returns. au Kabucom Securities offers margin trading services through both system-based and general methods.

3. Initial Public Offering (IPO)/Public Offering Sale (PO): au Kabucom Securities enables participation in initial public offerings and public offering sales, giving investors a chance to invest in newly listed companies.

4. ETF/ETN/REIT: au Kabucom Securities offers exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded notes (ETNs), and real estate investment trusts (REITs) for diversifying investment portfolios across different asset classes.

5. Free ETF (Commission-Free Exchange Traded Fund): au Kabucom Securities provides commission-free trading for certain listed ETFs, allowing investors to save on transaction costs.

6. Petit Shares (Shares Less Than One Unit): au Kabucom Securities facilitates trading of fractional shares, enabling investors to own a portion of a share rather than purchasing a full unit.

7. Tender Offer (TOB): au Kabucom Securities allows investors to participate in tender offers, which are offers made by a company to purchase shares from existing shareholders.

8. Investment Trust: au Kabucom Securities offers investment trust products, which are professionally managed funds that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets.

9. FX (Forex Margin Trading): Investors can engage in forex margin trading through au Kabucom Securities, speculating on the price movements of different currency pairs.

10. Futures/Options Trading: au Kabucom Securities provides access to futures and options trading, allowing investors to trade contracts based on underlying assets such as commodities, indices, or currencies.

11. Bonds (Foreign Bonds): au Kabucom Securities offers the opportunity to invest in foreign bonds, providing diversification and potential fixed-income returns.

12. Foreign Currency Denominated MMF: au Kabucom Securities facilitates investments in foreign currency-denominated money market funds, which provide short-term liquidity and potential currency exposure.

13. CFD (Share 365): au Kabucom Securities offers contracts for difference (CFDs) specifically for shares, allowing investors to speculate on the price movements of shares without owning the underlying asset.

Account Types

au Kabucom Securities did not say what kind of accounts were offered. Other traders, such as AMarkets, are much better, which offer a total of 4 account types, including crypto, fixed, standard, and ECN, with an Islamic account option for traders who adhere to Islamic rules on trading, catering to diverse needs of various traders.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with au Kabucom Securities, you can follow these general steps:

1. Visit the au Kabucom Securities website: Go to https://kabu.com/.

2. Navigate to the account opening section: Look for the “Account Opening” option on the website. It is typically located in the main menu or prominently displayed on the homepage.

3. Choose the type of account: Select the appropriate account type for your requirements.

4. Start the application process: You may be directed to an online application form or prompted to download and fill out a physical application form. Provide the necessary details accurately and completely. This typically includes personal information, contact details, employment information, and financial information. Follow the instructions provided and ensure all required fields are filled in.

5. Agree to terms and conditions: Read and understand the terms and conditions of opening an account with au Kabucom Securities. If you agree to the terms, confirm your acceptance by checking the appropriate box or signing the physical application form.

6. Review and submit: Before submitting your application, review all the provided information to ensure its accuracy. Make any necessary corrections or adjustments. Once you are satisfied, submit the application form through the online submission process or by mailing it to the designated address.

7. Account verification and approval: After submitting your application, au Kabucom Securities will review your information and documents. Once your application is approved, you will receive confirmation and instructions on how to fund your account.

Spreads &Commissions

au Kabucom Securities offers commission-free forex trading, where the trading cost is incorporated into the spreads. Here are the approximate spreads for some currency pairs:

- USD/JPY: As low as 0.2 pips

- EUR/JPY: From 0.5 pips

- GBP/JPY: From 1 pip

- AUD/JPY: From 0.6 pips

- CAD/JPY: From 2.8 pips

It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions, liquidity, and other factors. The figures provided are approximate and subject to change. It's always a good idea to check the current spreads on the au Kabucom Securities website or contact their customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Trading Platform

au Kabucom Securities provides a range of useful tools for different types of trading activities. For cash stock and margin trading, the following tools are available:

1. Futures/Options Board: A tool that displays information and data related to futures and options trading, allowing users to analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions.

2. Flash: This tool provides real-time market data, including stock prices, charts, and news updates, enabling traders to stay up to date with the latest market movements.

3. Margin Simulator: A simulator that allows users to calculate and simulate margin requirements for margin trading, helping traders plan their positions and manage risk.

4. Destination OP Navigation: A navigation tool specifically designed for options trading, providing users with access to various options strategies and information to support their trading decisions.

5. Bond Simulator: This simulator enables users to simulate bond trading scenarios, helping them understand bond market dynamics and test different investment strategies.

6. 365CFD Simple Chart: A simplified charting tool specifically for CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, providing basic charting features to analyze CFD instruments and monitor price movements.

For futures, options trading, and other activities, au Kabucom Securities offers additional tools such as:

1. au Kabucom FX Navi: A comprehensive tool for forex trading, providing access to real-time forex market data, charting tools, and trading functions.

2. au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android: A mobile application specifically designed for forex trading, offering convenience and flexibility to trade on the go using smartphones.

3. App-Recommended-Smartphone Light (simplified version): A simplified version of the au Kabucom Securities trading application, designed for users who prefer a streamlined and user-friendly trading experience.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Au Kabucom Securities provides customers with five convenient methods for depositing funds into their accounts. These methods include Net transfer, Account transfer, Direct debit (automatic debit), Direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and Direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions). These options offer flexibility and ease of use for customers to deposit funds according to their preferences and convenience.

When it comes to withdrawals, customers can withdraw amounts starting from 1,000 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 10 billion yen. However, if customers have set up an account transfer contract with au Jibun Bank, they can withdraw amounts starting from 1 yen or more in 1 yen increments, with a maximum withdrawal limit of up to 100 million yen.

These deposit and withdrawal options provide customers with flexibility and accessibility to manage their funds effectively within the specified limits. Whether it's depositing funds for trading or withdrawing profits, Au Kabucom Securities strives to offer convenient and efficient services to meet the financial needs of their customers.

Customer Support

Inquire by email:

au Kabucom Securities offers several customer support options. For customers who do not have an account, they can make inquiries by email. The company aims to respond as quickly as possible and requests customers to send their inquiries to the following email address: cs@kabu.com.

Customers who have an account:

For customers who have already opened an account with au Kabucom Securities, they can use the “E-mail inquiry” form located on the “Support” page, accessible from the top right of the My Page section after logging in. By filling out the form and submitting it, they can send their inquiries to the company.

Inquire by phone:

Customers who do not have an account can make inquiries by phone. They need to follow the voice guidance and press the appropriate number. The phone numbers to dial are:

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 0120-390-390

- Mobile/IP phone starting with 05003-6688-8888

The operator reception is available from 8:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, excluding year-end and New Year holidays.

Educational Resources

Au Kabucom Securities offers a range of educational resources to support and empower their customers in making informed investment decisions. These resources are designed to enhance customers' understanding of the market, investment strategies, and industry trends.

One of the educational resources provided is a collection of informative movies, events, and face-to-face seminars. Au Kabucom Securities also provides investment information and news through their Investment Information Office. By keeping customers informed about market trends, they can make more informed decisions about their investment portfolios.

To further support customers, Au Kabucom Securities offers guides and investment courses. These resources are designed to provide step-by-step instructions, explanations of investment concepts, and practical guidance for customers who are new to investing or looking to expand their investment knowledge.

Additionally, customers can access reports and utilize social networking services (SNS) provided by Au Kabucom Securities.

Overall, Au Kabucom Securities' educational resources encompass a wide range of tools and platforms, including movies, events, seminars, an Investment Information Office, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS. These resources aim to equip customers with the knowledge and information needed to make informed investment decisions and navigate the financial markets effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, au Kabucom Securities is a legitimate online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan. As part of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Group), it offers a wide range of tradable assets and financial services. The company provides various trading products, including stocks, margin trading, IPO/PO participation, ETFs/ETNs/REITs, investment trusts, forex margin trading, futures/options trading, bonds, foreign currency-denominated MMFs, and CFDs. The trading platforms, au Kabucom FX Navi and au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android, cater to different trading needs. The company supports customer inquiries through email and phone, and multiple payment methods are available. Educational resources such as informative movies, events, seminars, investment guides and courses, reports, and SNS are offered to enhance customers' investment knowledge. While the company's advantages include its regulation by the FSA, diverse product offerings, and educational resources, a notable disadvantage is the lack of information regarding specific account types. Overall, au Kabucom Securities provides a legitimate and comprehensive platform for individuals interested in online financial trading and investment.

FAQs

Q: Is au Kabucom Securities a legitimate company？

A: au Kabucom Securities is a genuine online brokerage company operating under the regulation of the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan.

Q: What trading platforms does au Kabucom Securities offer？

A: au Kabucom Securities provides the au Kabucom FX Navi platform for forex trading and the au Kabucom FX for iPhone/Android as a mobile app for trading convenience.

Q: What types of assets can be traded on au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including cash stock, margin trading, petit stock, US stocks, mutual funds, NISA, forex (FX), CFDs, and futures.

Q: What are the customer support options provided by au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers customer support via email and phone. Customers can send inquiries by email to cs@kabu.com or make inquiries by phone using the provided phone numbers.

Q: What are the available payment methods for au Kabucom Securities？

A: au Kabucom Securities offers payment methods including net transfer, account transfer, direct debit (automatic debit), direct debit (real-time fund transfer), and direct debit (automatic debit from other financial institutions).

Q: Are there different account types offered by au Kabucom Securities？

A: The specific account types offered by au Kabucom Securities are not mentioned.

What is Swiss Markets？

Swiss Markets, a subsidiary of BDS Swiss Markets Global Services Ltd, is an online forex and CFD broker that has been operational since 2016. It provides investors with various trading assets, including Forex, Metals, Energy, Commodities, and Indices. The company is registered in Mauritius and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC).

Despite being a regulated entity, Swiss Markets has been identified on a list of blocked websites issued by the Ministry of Trade, Indonesia, on February 2, 2022, citing unauthorized commodity futures trading. This is a significant red flag for potential investors considering using their platform.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC), ensuring it adheres to strict regulatory standards.

• It offers appealing spreads and commissions, which can help traders keep their trading costs low.

• It supports the popular MT4 trading platform, which provides advanced charting tools, automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs), and a secure trading environment.

• It provides various methods for deposits and withdrawals, offering flexibility and convenience to clients.

Cons:

• It has been marked out on the WikiFx warning list, which can raise concerns about its credibility and reliability. It's always important for traders to do their due diligence when choosing a broker.

Is Swiss Markets safe or scam？

Swiss Markets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC), which generally offers a degree of reassurance that they adhere to specific regulatory standards for fair trading and client transparency. However, despite regulation status, Swiss Markets have been flagged up due to their presence on a warning list issued by WikiFX, a platform providing broker service information and more.

Swiss Markets is part of a list of brokers that have been flagged as potentially dangerous by a regulatory authority. On February 2, 2022, these brokers had an adverse disclosure issued by the Ministry of Trade in Indonesia. This listing blocks several websites due to their participation in illegal commodity futures trading and gambling under the pretense of trading.

The exposures concerning Swiss Markets generally focus on issues related to withdrawals and deceptive practices. Users commonly reported experiencing troubles when trying to withdraw their funds - unexpected fees were sometimes introduced and withdrawals would either take an excessively long time or not be processed correctly, often leading to additional costs. Furthermore, some users also pointed out concerns relating to the handling of deposits and unexpected trade anomalies after depositing significant amounts. The issues were not satisfactorily resolved, even after multiple complaints, casting doubts about the platform's reliability and trustworthiness.

Market Instruments

• Forex: This involves trading in the global currency market, offering a range of currency pairs for trading.

• Metals: This category allows users to trade in precious metals such as gold and silver.

• Energies: Swiss Market clients have the opportunity to trade in energy commodities, including crude oil and natural gas.

• Indices: This platform provides global indices allowing traders to gain exposure to various sectors of different economies.

• Equities: Clients can also opt to trade in equities, providing an opportunity to invest and trade in various company shares.

Account Types

Swiss Markets offers two primary account types, the STP Classic and the STP Raw, both with a minimum deposit of $200. The STP model is a mechanism in the financial market that allows direct trades between buyers and sellers without going through an intermediate exchange or any other form of processing. This implies a non-dealing desk environment where trade orders are automatically processed by the system, eliminating the need for a manual dealing desk.

Leverage

Swiss Markets offers different levels of leverage depending on the account type and the market instrument being traded. For Forex trading, the leverage is quite high - it can go up to 1:500 for the STP Classic account and up to 1:200 for the STP Raw account. For other trading categories, such as Metals, Energies, Indices, and Equities, the leverage is set at 1%, or equivalently a ratio of 1:100. This applies uniformly on both STP Classic and STP Raw account types.

It's important to note that while higher leverage can magnify profits, it can also increase potential losses. Therefore, it should be used judiciously and traders should have a well-thought risk management strategy in place.

Spread & Commission

Swiss Markets operates with two different account types, STP Classic and STP Raw, each with its unique spread and commission structure. They have designed these structures to cater to a diverse range of trading needs.

For the STP Classic account, spreads are set low and no commissions are charged across Forex, Precious Metals, and Energies trading. However, there is a minimal fixed commission for Stock Indices.

Conversely, in the STP Raw account, they offer extremely low or even zero spreads in Forex trading. This tighter spread is also evident in Precious Metals and Energies trading. This lower spread does come with a commission fee. In the case of Stock Indices, like with the STP Classic, spreads are fixed with a small commission charge.

Trading Platforms

Swiss Markets offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, a comprehensive platform that offers a variety of features to aid traders in executing their strategies, one of the most popular and widely used trading platforms in the world. It's available across multiple devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, offering flexibility and convenience to its users.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Swiss Markets offers a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Postepay, Giro Pay, Swift, Sofort, EPS, iDeal, Przelewy24, Skrill, and Neteller. Most methods support various currencies and process deposits immediately. Swift,however, can take 1-4 working days for deposits to process.

When it comes to withdrawals, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, and Swift manage this within 24 hours. Postepay, Giro Pay, Sofort, EPS, iDeal, and Przelewy24 do not support withdrawals.

For a detailed breakdown of the deposit and withdrawal methods, supported currencies and timeframes, clients can refer to the table provided.

Conclusion

Swiss Markets is a broker that is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. They offer broad accessibility with a user-friendly interface, multidimensional trading analysis tools via the MT4 platform, and diverse methods for deposits and withdrawals. They prioritize client fund safety, with a minimum deposit of $200, and ensure swift processing of transactions. However, being flagged on the WikiFx warning list signals the need for users to conduct their own due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much money do I need to put in to open an account？

A: The minimum deposit for starting a new account is $200.

Q: Is Swiss Markets regulated？

A: Yes, the broker is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) however recently was flagged by the Ministry of Trade in Indonesia for unauthorized activity.

Q: What trading platform does Swiss Markets use？

A: Swiss Markets uses the MetaTrader 4 platform, under a white-label license.

Q: Why is Swiss Markets on a warning list？

A: The Ministry of Trade in Indonesia listed Swiss Markets on a warning list for illegal commodity futures trading.

Q: How can I contact Swiss Markets？

A: Swiss Markets can be contacted via phone: +44 (20) 36709704; +49 3021446981; +34 (91) 0756974; +357 25262934; Email: support@swissmarkets.com. And online messaging on the website is also available.

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.