Overview of OANDA

OANDA is a well-known online forex broker that has been operating for over two decades. With a reputation for transparency and reliability, OANDA offers a wide range of trading products and services, including forex, CFDs, commodities, and indices.

Founded in 1996, OANDA is headquartered in New York City and is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This ensures that OANDA operates within strict regulatory frameworks and offers a high level of security and protection to its clients.

OANDA offers a range of trading platforms, including its proprietary platform, as well as the popular MT4 platform. The broker also provides a range of educational resources and tools to help traders improve their trading skills and stay up-to-date with market developments. In terms of customer support, OANDA has a 24/7 customer service team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat.

Pros & Cons

OANDA is a well-established forex and CFD broker with a range of features and services that may appeal to traders of all levels. As with any broker, there are both pros and cons to consider before deciding whether to open an account. Some of the key advantages of OANDA include its regulatory status, extensive range of instruments, competitive spreads, and variety of trading platforms. However, it is important to note that OANDA also has some potential drawbacks, such as limited deposit and withdrawal options, high non-trading fees, and a lack of negative balance protection. Understanding both the positives and negatives of trading with OANDA can help traders make informed decisions about whether this broker is the right fit for their needs.

Is OANDA legit or a scam？

OANDA is a legitimate forex broker that has been in operation for more than 20 years and is regulated by reputable financial authorities, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). OANDA has also won numerous awards for its trading services and technology, including being named the “Best Forex Broker” by the Financial Times and Investors Chronicle for three consecutive years. However, as with any financial service, it is important for traders to conduct their own research and due diligence before deciding to trade with OANDA or any other broker.

Market Instruments

OANDA offers a wide range of trading instruments to its clients, allowing them to diversify their investment portfolio and take advantage of various market opportunities. The market instruments offered by OANDA include:

• Forex: OANDA provides access to a wide range of currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. The forex market is the largest and most liquid market in the world, offering traders the potential for high returns.

• Indices: OANDA offers trading in a variety of global indices, such as the US 500, UK 100, and Germany 30. These indices represent the performance of a basket of stocks and provide traders with exposure to a broader market.

• Commodities: OANDA offers trading in commodities such as precious metals, energy, and agricultural products. These markets can be highly volatile, but they offer the potential for significant returns.

• Bonds: OANDA offers trading in government bonds from a variety of countries, providing traders with exposure to the fixed-income market.

• Cryptocurrencies: OANDA offers trading in popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and can offer traders significant opportunities.

• Bonds: OANDA also offers a range of bond CFDs to trade, including US Treasury Bonds, UK Gilts, and Euro Bunds. With bond trading, traders can access a wide range of bond markets and potentially benefit from price movements in global interest rates.

Account Types

OANDA offers two live account types to cater to different trading needs and experience levels of traders. Here are the account types offered by OANDA:

• Standard Account: This account type is suitable for new traders who are just starting in the forex market. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $0, and it offers access to the core features of OANDA's trading platform, including over 70 currency pairs, commodities, and indices.

• Premium Account: This account is designed for more experienced traders who require additional features and services. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $20,000, and it offers tighter spreads, lower trading costs, and a dedicated relationship manager.

Apart from two live trading accounts, OANDA also offers a free demo account, which allows traders to practice trading with virtual funds in a risk-free environment. The demo account provides access to all the features and tools of the OANDA platform, allowing traders to test their strategies and trading skills without risking real money.

How to open an account？

1. Visit the official OANDA website and click on the “Open an Account” button.

1. Choose the type of account you want to open.

2. Fill in your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and employment status.

1. Provide some additional information, such as your trading experience, investment goals, and financial status.

2. Agree to the terms and conditions of the account and submit your application.

3. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to fund your account.

4. Follow the instructions to deposit funds into your account and start trading.

Leverage

OANDA offers leverage up to 50:1 for major currency pairs and up to 20:1 for minor currency pairs, commodities, and indices. However, leverage may vary based on the regulatory requirements of the country where the trader is located. It is important to note that high leverage can increase both profits and losses, and traders should carefully consider their risk tolerance before using leverage.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

OANDA charges variable spreads that start from as low as 0.1 pips on major currency pairs. OANDA's spreads can vary depending on market volatility and liquidity, but they tend to be lower than the industry average.

In terms of commissions, OANDA does not charge any commissions on trades. Instead, the broker earns revenue from the spreads on trades. This can be a plus for traders who prefer to avoid paying commissions.

It's worth noting that OANDA also offers a range of order types, including limit, stop-loss, and take-profit orders, which can help traders manage their risk and maximize their profits.

Here is the combined data for EUR/USD, gold, and UK100 spreads from three brokers:

Non-Trading Fees

OANDA also charges certain non-trading fees, which include:

• Inactivity fee: OANDA charges an inactivity fee of 10 units of the account's base currency per month if there has been no trading activity for a period of 12 months or more. This fee can be avoided by simply placing a trade during this period.

• Financing/rollover fees: If a position is held overnight, OANDA charges a financing/rollover fee. This fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies involved in the trade and is calculated using the following formula: (trade size x interest rate differential x 1/365).

• Deposit/withdrawal fees: OANDA does not charge deposit fees, but some withdrawal methods may incur a fee. For example, bank wire withdrawals within the US incur a $20 fee, while international wire withdrawals incur a $35 fee.

• Conversion fees: If you are depositing or withdrawing funds in a currency other than your account's base currency, OANDA charges a conversion fee. This fee varies depending on the currency and the amount being converted.

Trading Platform

OANDA offers multiple choices of trading platforms, namely MetaTrader 4 (MT4), OANDA Web Trading Platform, and OANDA Trade.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4): This is a widely used trading platform in the forex industry, popular for its advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. OANDA offers MT4 to its clients as a downloadable desktop application and mobile app.

OANDA offers a proprietary trading platform called OANDA Trade, which is available in both web-based and mobile versions. The platform is highly customizable and offers a wide range of charting tools, technical indicators, and order types.

OANDA Web Trading Platform: This is a web-based platform accessible from any device with internet connectivity. It offers a user-friendly interface and customizable features for traders to analyze the market and execute trades.

Here is a comparison table of the trading platforms offered by OANDA, Avatrade, and IC Markets:

Trading Tools

OANDA provides several trading tools to its clients, including:

Advanced Charting: OANDA's advanced charting tools offer technical analysis and indicators to help traders make informed decisions.

Economic Calendar: OANDA's economic calendar provides real-time updates on important economic events and news releases that can affect the markets.

Partners & VPS: OANDA partners with TradingView, a leading charting platform, to provide its clients with advanced charting and analysis tools. OANDA also partners with MotiveWave, a professional trading platform, to offer advanced technical analysis tools and trading strategies. In addition, OANDA offers a virtual private server (VPS) service to traders who require uninterrupted trading connectivity.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deposit

OANDA offers several deposit methods, including:

• PayNow/QR Pay: This payment method is available for Singapore residents only. It allows for instant deposits into your trading account. Deposits from the following banks in Singapore: DBS/POSB, Bank of China, Citi, HSBC, Maybank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB, are accepted.

• DBS Bill Pay (SGD only): Another payment method available only for Singapore residents, DBS Bill Pay allows you to make SGD-denominated deposits into your trading account.

• PayPal: PayPal is a popular online payment system that is accepted by OANDA. It allows you to make instant deposits and withdrawals from your trading account.

• FAST: FAST (Fast and Secure Transfers) is a real-time interbank payment and settlement system in Singapore. It allows for instant SGD-denominated deposits into your trading account.

• Bank wire transfer: You can also fund your trading account via bank wire transfer. This method typically takes 1-2 business days to process.

• Cheques: Cheques are accepted for deposits only, and they must be in SGD currency.

Withdrawal

While withdrawals that can be done are limited to three channels: PayPal, Bank Wire Transfer, and Cheque.

• Paypal: This is an online payment system that allows you to send and receive money electronically. To use this method for withdrawal, you will need to have a verified Paypal account that is linked to your OANDA trading account. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days.

• Bank Transfer: This method involves transferring funds from your OANDA trading account directly to your bank account. The time it takes to receive your funds will depend on your bank's processing time. OANDA does not charge any fees for bank transfers, but your bank may have its own fees.

• Cheque: You can request to receive your funds via cheque, which will be sent to your registered address. It typically takes around 7-10 business days to receive your cheque. However, there may be additional fees for this method, depending on your location.

Customer Support

OANDA offers customer support services through various channels, including email, live chat, phone, and social media. The support team is available 24/7 to assist traders with any issues they may encounter during their trading journey.

One notable feature of OANDA's customer support is its multilingual support, which is available in several languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.

In addition to its customer support services, OANDA provides a comprehensive FAQ section on its website, which covers various topics, including account management, trading platforms, technical analysis, and more. The FAQ section is a valuable resource for traders who may have common questions and want quick answers without contacting customer support.

Educational Resources

OANDA offers a wealth of educational resources to its clients, enabling them to develop their trading skills and stay up-to-date with the latest market trends. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, OANDA's educational resources cater to your needs.

One of OANDA's important educational resources is the OANDA Academy, which offers a range of educational materials, including videos, tutorials, webinars, and articles, covering a wide range of trading topics, from the basics of forex trading to advanced trading strategies.

Additionally, OANDA provides clients with a variety of market analysis tools and resources, including market news, economic indicators, and trading signals, enabling traders to stay informed about the latest market trends and make informed trading decisions.

Conclusion

OANDA is a well-established online broker that offers a variety of trading instruments, account types, and platforms to its clients. The broker is regulated by multiple reputable authorities and has been operating for more than two decades, which gives it credibility and reliability. Additionally, OANDA provides several trading tools, educational resources.

However, it is important to note that OANDA has received a significant number of complaints regarding its customer support, trading platforms, and pricing policies. While the broker has taken steps to address these issues, they still raise concerns about the overall quality of its services.

Overall, OANDA is a legitimate and reputable broker that offers a range of benefits to its clients. However, potential traders should be aware of the complaints and consider them before making a decision to open an account with OANDA. As with any investment, it is important to conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure that the broker aligns with your trading needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Is OANDA regulated？

A: Yes, OANDA is regulated by multiple financial regulatory authorities around the world, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

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

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account with OANDA varies depending on the account type and the regulatory jurisdiction. In general, it ranges from $0 to $20,000.

• Q: What trading instruments are available on OANDA's platform？

A: OANDA offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, CFDs, commodities, bonds, and stock indices.

• Q: Does OANDA charge commissions on trades？

A: OANDA does not charge commissions on trades. Instead, they make money from the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask price.

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.