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)

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.