What is Saxo？

Saxo is a Danish investment bank founded in 1992. It provides online trading and investment services in multiple assets, including stocks, bonds, forex, options, futures, and CFDs, through its proprietary trading platforms. The bank operates in over 100 countries and has offices in major financial centers worldwide, including Copenhagen, London, Singapore, and Tokyo. Saxo Bank is regulated by several financial authorities, including the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The bank also has a banking license and is a member of the Danish guarantee fund for depositors and investors.

What Type of Broker is Saxo？

Saxo is a multi-asset broker that offers access to a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, stocks, bonds, ETFs, futures, options, and more. The broker provides trading services through its advanced trading platforms and caters to both retail and institutional clients. Saxo operates as a hybrid broker, offering both direct market access (DMA) and market making services.

Pros & Cons

Saxo is a well-established and reputable broker with a range of trading platforms, instruments, and research tools.

However, the broker's high fees, minimum deposit requirement, and lack of negative balance protection may not be suitable for all traders. Additionally, some users have reported poor customer service experiences.

Overall, it is important for traders to carefully consider their own needs and preferences before choosing Saxo or any other broker.

Saxo Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Saxo, each with their own unique features and benefits. Some popular alternatives include:

• Interactive Brokers: A well-established broker with a wide range of trading instruments and low commissions.

• TD Ameritrade: Offers a powerful trading platform and a variety of educational resources.

• E*TRADE: A popular broker with a user-friendly platform and no account minimums.

• IG: A global leader in online trading, offering a wide range of markets and advanced trading tools.

• Plus500: A broker known for its user-friendly platform and tight spreads.

Ultimately, the best alternative broker for you will depend on your specific trading needs and preferences. It's important to research and compare different brokers to find the one that best fits your individual needs.

Is Saxo Safe or Scam？

Saxo is a legitimate and reputable broker with a long track record of providing reliable trading services. It is regulated by top-tier financial authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (DFSA). Additionally, Saxo is a member of several investor protection funds, such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK, which protects clients' funds up to a certain amount in case of the broker's insolvency. Therefore, based on its regulation and investor protection measures, Saxo can be considered a legitimate broker.

How are you protected？

Saxo is a regulated broker, with licenses from multiple reputable regulatory authorities and a long-standing history of providing financial services. The broker takes extensive measures to protect client funds, including segregating them from the company's assets and offering negative balance protection.

Additionally, Saxo offers various security features, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, to ensure secure trading.

More details can be found in the table below:

It's important to note that while these measures provide some level of protection for clients, there is always some level of risk involved in trading financial instruments, and clients should always be aware of the risks before making any trades.

Our Conclusion on Saxo Reliability:

Based on the information available, Saxo appears to be a reliable and trustworthy broker. It is regulated by reputable authorities, has been in operation for several years. However, we also find that some users complain about their bad experience with Saxo. Take care!

Market Instruments

Saxo offers a wide range of trading instruments across multiple asset classes, including

• Forex: More than 180 currency pairs, including majors, minors, and exotics.

• Stocks: Over 40,000 stocks from 36 global exchanges, including NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, and more.

• Futures: Over 200 futures and options across a variety of asset classes such as commodities, indices, and bonds.

• Options: A wide range of options on stocks, indices, and futures.

• Bonds: Trade a wide range of government and corporate bonds, including sovereign bonds from developed and emerging markets.

• ETFs and CFDs: Access to over 3,000 ETFs and CFDs on indices, commodities, and stocks.

Accounts

Saxo offers a range of account types designed to suit the different needs of its clients. The account types offered by Saxo are:

• Classic Account: A traditional account with minimum funding of HKD10,000, which offers a range of trading tools and resources.

• Platinum Account: A premium account for high-net-worth individuals, with a minimum funding requirement of HKD 1,500,000.

• VIP Account: An exclusive account for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, with a minimum funding requirement of HKD 8,000,000.

• Islamic Account: A Sharia-compliant account for clients who follow Islamic finance principles.

• Corporate Account: An account for companies, partnerships, and other legal entities.

• Joint Account: An account for two or more individuals who want to trade together.

Each account type has its own unique features and benefits, such as lower pricing, higher leverage, and dedicated account managers. Saxo also offers a free demo account for clients to practice trading before committing to a live account.

Opening an account with Saxo Bank

It takes only about five minutes and a short online form to open an account. Clients will need to submit the standard verification documents required by KYC and AML rules, but the procedure should be quick and easy, and they will have access to their account in minutes.

Leverage

Saxo offers leverage up to 1:100 for forex trading. Professional clients are entitled to leverage of 1:40 for the primary index, 1:33 for the secondary index, 1:33 for gold, 1:10 for equities, and 1:25 for commodities. Retail clients are entitled to leverage of 1:20 for the primary index, 1:10 for the secondary index, 1:20 for gold, 1:5 for equities and 1:10 for commodities.

However, the maximum leverage may vary depending on the instrument being traded and the client's location. It is important to note that trading with high leverage carries a higher level of risk, and traders should always exercise caution and use risk management strategies.

Spreads & Commissions

Saxo offers variable spreads, which means that the spreads can change depending on market conditions. The typical minimum spreads for popular instruments are as follows:

EUR/USD: 0.4 pips

USD/JPY: 0.6 pips

GBP/USD: 0.9 pips

AUD/USD: 0.6 pips

USD/CHF: 1.2 pips

USD/CAD: 1.5 pips

Saxo also charges commissions on some products, including stocks, ETFs, and futures. The commission fees vary depending on the specific market and the size of the trade. Commissions start at $3 per share for equities, as low as $0.85 per lot for commodities, and $3 per share for ETFs. Futures commissions start as low as $0.85 per lot, bonds commissions start at 0.05%, listed options commissions start as low as $1.25 per lot, and mutual funds commissions are $0 for custody and platform fees.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Please note that commission rates may vary depending on the specific account type and trading volume. Additionally, some brokers may offer different spreads and commissions for other currency pairs or financial instruments. It's important to do your own research and carefully consider the costs and fees of each broker before making a decision.

Trading Platforms

Saxo offers its own proprietary trading platform called SaxoTraderGO. It is a web-based platform that can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. In addition to SaxoTraderGO, Saxo also offers SaxoTraderPRO, a desktop-based trading platform that is designed for advanced traders who require additional functionality.

SaxoTraderGO is highly customizable, allowing traders to arrange the interface to suit their preferences. It provides access to a wide range of trading tools and features, including charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and news feeds. The platform also includes a comprehensive range of order types, including market, limit, stop, and trailing stop orders.

SaxoTraderPRO is a professional-grade trading platform that offers advanced trading tools and features. It is designed for active traders and includes a range of tools that allow traders to monitor multiple markets and instruments simultaneously. The platform also includes advanced charting tools and a range of order types, including conditional orders and algorithmic trading capabilities.

Saxo also offers SaxoInvestor, which is a user-friendly trading platform suitable for beginner investors who are interested in a wide range of asset classes. It provides a simple and intuitive interface with basic research tools and features, making it easy for investors to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, bonds, and mutual funds. However, advanced traders may find the platform's lack of advanced tools and customization options limiting.

Overall, Saxo's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Saxo Bank supports several deposit and withdrawal methods, including Visa, MasterCard, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, MasterCard Debit, Maestro (for UK residents), Visa Dankort (for Denmark residents), Carte Bleue (for France residents). The company does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, but if an investor makes a withdrawal request via manual withdrawal, a processing fee of 40 EUR will be charged.

Minimum deposit requirement

Saxo has different minimum deposit requirements depending on the type of account you open and your country of residence. For example, the minimum deposit for the Classic account is HKD10,000.

However, these amounts can vary depending on your location and the specific account type. It's important to check with Saxo directly or on their website for the most up-to-date information on minimum deposit requirements.

Saxo minimum deposit vs other brokers

Saxo Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from your Saxo account, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Saxo account using your credentials.

Step 2: Click on the “Account” tab located on the top right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Click on “Withdraw Funds” from the account menu options.

Step 4: Select the account you wish to withdraw funds from, enter the amount you want to withdraw, and select the currency you want to withdraw in.

Step 5: Choose the preferred withdrawal method from the available options and provide the necessary details such as bank account information or credit/debit card information.

Step 6: Review the details of your withdrawal request and click on “Submit.”

Note that Saxo may require additional verification or documentation before processing your withdrawal request. The processing time for withdrawals may vary depending on the chosen method and your bank's processing time.

Fees

Swap costs, sometimes called overnight fees, are assessed on overnight open positions at Saxo Bank. These are expressed as interest and, depending on the trader's position, might be either charged to or credited to his or her account.

Traders of the Muslim faith, for whom the payment of interest is forbidden, are out of luck with Saxo Bank because they don't have the option of opening an Islamic account. With the wide variety of deposit currencies offered by Saxo Bank, customers will have a decreased chance of incurring conversion fees.

Amounts credited to your account are converted from their original currency at the mid-point FX Spot rate plus/minus the margins and spreads indicated below. This includes both trading fees and profits/losses incurred as a result of your trading activities.

Fees for account inactivity are also a reality for inactive accounts. After the initial six months, the rate increased to $150, which is quite a bit.

See the fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

Saxo provides customer support through several channels, including phone, email, and social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube). The broker offers 24/5 customer service in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Saxo also provides a comprehensive help center on its website that includes an extensive knowledge base, FAQs, trading guides, and video tutorials. The broker's customer service is generally considered to be of high quality, with knowledgeable representatives who are responsive and helpful.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Saxo's customer service.

Education

Saxo Bank provides excellent market research in addition to a wealth of instructional resources like video courses, webinars, and events. Saxo Bank's SaxoStrats Experts group consists of eight analysts and strategists who are tasked with providing coverage of the various asset classes available to customers. It's apparent that this broker places a high value on its research team and recognizes the significance of this service, both for its clients and as a global investment bank. The classes are a wonderful way for newcomers to get their feet wet and become acquainted with the resources that are at their disposal. Videos are easy to follow and understand, helping novice traders quickly get up to speed and lay a solid groundwork from which to expand their knowledge. Saxo Bank specialists will be hosting webinars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Saxo is a well-established broker. The broker offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, options, futures, and CFDs, and provides access to various markets worldwide. Saxo also offers an advanced trading platform and a user-friendly mobile app, making it easy for traders to access the markets on the go.

While Saxo has some of the highest fees in the industry, the broker's competitive spreads and tight execution make it a popular choice for traders. Additionally, Saxo's robust educational resources and customer support make it an ideal choice for traders of all skill levels who want to improve their knowledge and skills in trading.

Overall, Saxo is a multi-asset broker that offers a comprehensive suite of trading tools and services to help traders achieve their investment goals. However, potential clients should carefully consider the fees and minimum deposit requirements before opening an account. Also, dont forget check their user reviews on the Internet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dukascopy Bank stands as an innovative Swiss online banking institution, with its headquarters situated in Geneva, Switzerland. The bank specializes in providing cutting-edge internet-based and mobile trading services, with a strong focus on foreign exchange, CFDs, and binary options. Additionally, the bank offers a wide range of banking and financial services, all supported by their in-house technological solutions.

Dukascopy Bank was established on November 2, 2004, in Geneva by Andre and Veronika Duka, both Swiss nationals residing in Geneva who continue to maintain a 99% ownership stake in the company. Dukascopy Bank is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA both as a bank and a securities firm.

Dukascopy Bank fully owns Dukascopy Europe IBS AS, a European licensed brokerage company based in Riga and Dukascopy Japan, a Type-1 licensed broker located in Tokyo. In addition to its Geneva Headquarters, Dukascopy Bank has offices in Riga, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Currently, Dukascopy Group employs over 300 staff.

The Dukascopy Group primarily offers online and mobile trading services through the SWFX - Swiss FX Marketplace, which is Dukascopy's proprietary ECN (Electronic Communication Network) technological solution and a registered trademark.

What you will get

Dukascopy offers an exceptional trading experience that is worth every trader's attention. With a client-first approach, Dukascopy provides numerous advantages, making them a standout choice for anyone looking to enter the financial markets. Dukascopy's commitment to cost-efficiency is evident through their low spreads, allowing for savings on trading costs. Swift execution ensures obtaining the best possible prices, providing a competitive advantage in trades. Additionally, with deposit protection of up to CHF 100,000, you can trade with peace of mind.

The unique trading platform, JForex4, Dukascopy's proprietary solution, is user-friendly, making trading accessible even for beginners. JForex4 presents over 200 technical indicators and trading widgets to help in staying informed about potential opportunities. With support for minute timeframes like ticks and seconds, it is perfect for scalping. Dukascopy's 19 years of experience and Swiss banking license instill trust and security. With over 1200 instruments, leverage up to 1:200, and 24/7 live trading support, Dukascopy stands as a trusted partner to guide traders through their trading journey. 

Moreover, Dukascopy offers a great feature – detailed historical price feed data makes it easier to develop and test trading strategies. This data covers various financial instruments, helping traders make informed decisions and reducing the risk of price manipulation. Dukascopy's extensive data archive is a useful resource for creating trading strategies, especially for high-frequency trading, and provides practical insights.

With such a comprehensive offering, Dukascopy is the go-to choice for transparent and professional trading services. Make a smart move and open an account today!

Dukascopy regulations 

Dukascopy is strictly supervised and regulated by esteemed regulatory bodies. The regulatory authorities play a pivotal role in ensuring Dukascopy’s compliance with the highest standards of financial and securities industry practices.

Dukascopy's international presence is underlined by its licenses and oversight by regulatory authorities in different parts of the world:

• Dukascopy Bank SA is licensed and regulated as a bank and as a securities firm by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), which is classified as a Tier-1 regulator.

• Dukascopy Europe IBS AS is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Latvia, also recognized as a Tier-1 regulator. 

• Dukascopy Japan K.K. is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA), known as a Tier-1 regulator.

These regulatory bodies set specific requirements for Dukascopy, and the company has diligently complied with them since 2004. It is important to note that failure to comply with these requirements could result in the withdrawal of the bank's license. Regular audits are conducted to ensure adherence to Swiss laws. Dukascopy also ensures client security by providing deposit protection for amounts up to CHF 100,000, in line with Swiss financial service provider requirements.

Dukascopy is widely regarded as one of the safest brokerage firms. They maintain strict safety standards and hold official licenses from respected financial regulators. Routine audits by PKF for internal affairs and KPMG for financial records further solidify their commitment to safety and financial integrity.

In summary, Dukascopy's reputation as a trusted and stable entity is due to its adherence to three top-tier regulations, regular audits, stringent safety standards, and a strong commitment to transparency. These qualities make Dukascopy a reputable choice for investors around the world.

Trading terms for Dukascopy clients

Traders opt for Dukascopy due to its well-established reputation for providing a secure trading environment. Dukascopy Bank SA, headquartered in Switzerland, operates under the regulation of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). This regulatory oversight ensures strict adherence to financial standards and secures client accounts up to CHF 100,000.

Dukascopy takes pride in delivering favorable trading terms to its clients. By offering narrow spreads, cost-effective commissions, and access to abundant liquidity from numerous providers, Dukascopy enables traders to execute trades at competitive rates, ultimately increasing their profitability.

Dukascopy also permits traders to select from a range of trading accounts, including Standard, ECN, and Islamic accounts, to suit various trading styles and preferences.

Furthermore, in addition to the widely-used MT4 platform, Dukascopy presents its proprietary JForex4 trading platform, available for both desktop and mobile devices. This platform grants traders the flexibility to monitor and participate in the markets from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a trading opportunity. Dukascopy's JForex4 mobile platform offers real-time quotes, comprehensive order management features, and full account accessibility.

With Dukascopy, you can transfer funds directly from the JForex platform to a multi-currency banking account (MCA), without any associated fees. The MCA account supports various payment methods, including card and cryptocurrency transactions.