General Information

IG is a UK-registered company and regulated by multiple international financial bodies, including the ASIC, FCA, FSA, FMA, MAS, and DFSA. It offers access to a 17,000+ markets, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides multiple trading platforms, including L2 dealer, ProRealTime, MT4, and TradingView.

What Type of Broker Is IG?

IG 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, IG 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 offering leverage.

However, this also means that IG 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 interest of their clients. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with IG or any other MM broker.

Pros and Cons of IG

Pros:

• Wide variety of markets and instrument options
• Intuitive and customizable trading platforms
• Access to advanced technical analysis and charting tools
• Multilingual, multi-channel customer service
• Demo account with virtual financing of $20,000
• No minimum deposit requirement for real accounts
• Leverage up to 1:400

Cons:

• Fees and costs may not be clearly specified
• Withdrawal of funds is not clearly specified
• The minimum transaction amount is high for some markets
• Credit card deposit fees are high compared to other brokers

Is IG Legit?

Yes. IG is currently regulated by multiple regulatory authorities, including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), FSA (Japan), FMA (New Zealand), MAS (Singapore), and DFSA (UAE).

Regulated Country	Regulator	Regulated Entity	License Type	License No.
	Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC)	IG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD	Market Making (MM)	515106
	Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)	IG MARKETS LIMITED	Market Making (MM)	195355
	Financial Services Agency (FSA)	ＩＧ証券株式会社	Retail Forex License	関東財務局長（金商）第255号
	Financial Markets Authority (FMA)	IG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD	Straight Through Processing (STP)	684191
	Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)	IG ASIA PTE LTD	Retail Forex License	Unreleased
	Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)	United Arab Emirates	Retail Forex License	F001780

Market Instruments

IG offers access to 17,000+ markets, covering forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Account Type

IG offers a single live account withno minimum deposit required. Aside from live accounts, demo accounts are also available.

IG's demo account is a very useful tool for beginner traders, as it allows them to trade in a safe and risk-free environment. With IG's virtual funding of $20,000, traders can practice and hone their trading skills without risking their capital. In addition, the IG demo account provides access to the trading platform and all the instruments and tools available in the live account, allowing traders to familiarize themselves with the platform and test different trading strategies.

Leverage

As for the maximum leverage dimension at IG, the company offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:400. This means that traders can open positions that are 400 times larger than their available capital. Leverage can be a powerful tool for experienced traders, as it allows them to earn higher profits with limited capital. However, it can also significantly increase the risk of loss and it is important that traders fully understand the risks and limitations of leverage before using it.

Spread and Commission

In terms of costs, IG offers competitive, with EUR/USD spread starting from 0.6 pips. However, there is not much information available on commissions, which may create uncertainty for some traders. In addition, it is important to note that costs may be higher in less liquid markets or with lower trading volume.

Trading Platform

IG offers various trading platforms to meet the needs of different types of traders.

The web-based platform is intuitive and easy to use, although it may be less customizable than other platforms.

They also offer MetaTrader 4, a popular and well-known platform in the forex industry.

For experienced traders, L2 Dealer offers a wide range of advanced tools and functionalities. However, this platform can be more complicated for beginner traders.

Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, allowing traders to trade on the go.

Deposit and Withdrawal

The minimum deposit for card payment is $50, and no minimum deposit required for Bank Transfer.

Deposit options including immediate credit/debit card transactions upon card registration, with up to five cards permissible per account.

For Hong Kong clients, cost-free FPS transfers in HKD are available and usually clear within one business day.

Bank transfers are also supported. Always include your account ID as a reference to ensure prompt and accurate allocation of funds.

However, fees of 1% are charged on Visa deposits and 0.5% on Mastercard deposits.

Unfortunately, there is no detailed information on withdrawal of funds, which may be a drawback for some customers.

IG Markets enables convenient funding through its mobile app, accessible under the 'add funds' section for both iPhone and Android users. Additionally, transfers can be made via Wise (formerly TransferWise), though users should check for any associated fees as IG Markets is not affiliated with Wise. For Wise transfers, proof of transaction and account details may be required.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IG is a well-established and regulated trading platform that offers a wide variety of financial instruments, an intuitive web platform and access to MetaTrader 4 and L2 Dealer. Although its demo account offers generous virtual funding, information on live accounts is limited. Multilingual customer service is available through multiple channels. However, there is very limited information on deposit and withdrawal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IG?

No minimum deposit requirement.

What deposit methods are accepted on IG?

IG accepts deposits through credit/debit cards and bank transfers.

What is the maximum leverage offered by IG?

1:400.

What trading platforms does IG offer?

IG offers L2 dealer, ProRealTime, MT4, and TradingView.

Risk Warning

Trading online carries inherent risks, including the potential loss of invested capital. It may not be suitable for all traders or investors. It's essential to understand and acknowledge these risks before engaging in online trading.

Overview of Money Partners

Money Partners, headquartered in Japan, operates as a regulated forex and CFD broker under the Financial Services Agency (FSA). The company offers a selection of account types, including Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic, each with specific minimum deposits and leverages. Traders can access a range of tradable assets encompassing forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Money Partners provides access to multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary platform. They offer various deposit and withdrawal methods and extend customer support through various channels, including inquiries, chat, email, and phone. However, the company appears to exclusively conduct business in Japanese as per their website.

Regulation

The authorized status employed by Money Partners involves regulation by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Their license number 2028 signifies compliance with Japanese financial regulations pertaining to forex and CFD brokerage services. This regulatory authority oversees the financial activities of the company within Japan and enforces adherence to established financial laws and guidelines.

The FSA-regulated license status signifies that Money Partners operates under the supervision of the Japanese government's financial regulatory body. This type of regulation aims to maintain the financial stability and transparency of financial service providers, ensuring their compliance with legal and operational standards. Advantages associated with this regulation include increased oversight, which can contribute to investor confidence and the prevention of financial misconduct. It also aligns the brokerage with national financial regulations, providing a level of assurance to traders operating within the Japanese market.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Regulated Brokerage: Money Partners operates as a regulated forex and CFD broker under the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, ensuring compliance with local financial regulations and enhancing trader confidence.

Multiple Account Types: The company offers various account types, including Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic, accommodating different trading preferences and minimum deposit requirements.

Range of Tradable Assets: Money Partners provides access to a range of tradable assets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios.

Accessible Trading Platforms: Traders can choose from multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and Money Partners' proprietary platform, offering flexibility and choice.

Customer Support Options: The brokerage offers various customer support channels, such as inquiries, chat, email, and phone, ensuring accessibility for clients seeking assistance.

Cons:

Japanese-Language Only: Money Partners appears to exclusively conduct business in Japanese, potentially limiting accessibility for non-Japanese-speaking traders.

Limited Leverage for Cryptocurrencies: While the broker offers leverage for other assets, the maximum leverage for cryptocurrencies is relatively low at 1:2, potentially restricting trading opportunities for cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

Withdrawal Fees: Certain withdrawal methods incur fees, such as the ¥550 fee for withdrawing funds to a Japanese bank account via bank transfer, which could affect the cost-effectiveness of transactions.

Inactivity Fee: Money Partners imposes a ¥1,000 inactivity fee per month for accounts with no trading activity for six months or more, which may discourage occasional or inactive traders.

Monolinguistic Website/Services

Money Partners' website operates exclusively in the Japanese language, limiting access and usability for individuals who do not comprehend Japanese. The absence of multilingual support or translation options could pose a considerable barrier to international users seeking to navigate the platform effectively. This language restriction may hinder the accessibility of vital information and services, potentially deterring non-Japanese-speaking traders from utilizing Money Partners' offerings.

Market Instruments

Money Partners offers forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies for trading. Details are as follows:

Forex: Money Partners provides access to the forex market, allowing traders to engage in currency trading. This involves buying one currency while simultaneously selling another. Examples of forex products offered include major and minor currency pairs such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD.

Stocks: The brokerage offers trading in stocks, which are ownership shares of publicly-traded companies. Traders can invest in individual stocks, potentially benefiting from price fluctuations.

Indices: Money Partners enables trading on indices, which are a collection of stocks representing a particular market or sector. Traders can speculate on the performance of these indices, such as the Nikkei 225, S&P 500, or the DAX 30.

Commodities: Commodities trading allows users to speculate on the prices of raw materials like oil, gold, and agricultural products. Money Partners may offer access to various commodities.

Cryptocurrencies: Money Partners caters to cryptocurrency enthusiasts by facilitating trading in digital currencies like Bitcoin. However, the maximum leverage for cryptocurrencies is limited to 1:2, potentially affecting trading opportunities.

Here is a table comparing Money Partners to other brokers in this regard:

Account Types

Money Partners offers four account types: Standard, Raw ECN, MT4 ECN, and Islamic. Specifics are as follows:

Standard Account: The Standard Account offered by Money Partners is tailored to beginner traders with a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000. This account type features spreads of 1.5 pips or higher, offering favorable conditions for trading various assets.

Raw ECN Account: Money Partners' Raw ECN Account is designed for experienced traders seeking tight spreads. It necessitates a higher minimum deposit of ¥100,000 and offers spreads starting from 0 pips.

MT4 ECN Account: The MT4 ECN Account is aimed at traders who prefer the MetaTrader 4 platform and tight spreads. It requires a minimum deposit of ¥10,000 and offers spreads starting from 0 pips.

Islamic Account: Money Partners offers an Islamic Account designed for Muslim traders, providing a swap-free option. This account type shares a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000 and features spreads of 1.5 pips or higher.

How to open an account？

1. The first step would be to navigate to the red “Open Checking Account” button, which is located at the top right side of the screen.

2. After inputting personal information and contact information, there will be a verification of the phone number or email.

3. Last, in order to complete the accout creation process, the user is required to possess a Japanese ID, meaning that the services of Money Partners are not available to international customers.

4. Once Money Partners verifies the information, the account creation is completed.

Minimum Deposit

Money Partners offers varying minimum deposit rates across its account types to cater to different trading preferences. The Standard and MT4 ECN accounts have a minimum deposit requirement of ¥10,000, while the Raw ECN account demands a higher deposit of ¥100,000. The Islamic account also requires a ¥10,000 minimum deposit. These distinct deposit rates allow traders to choose an account type that aligns with their trading goals and financial capacity, promoting flexibility within the brokerage's offerings.

Leverage

Money Partners provides varying leverage options for different market instruments. The company offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:400 for forex trading, 1:20 for stocks, 1:100 for indices and commodities, and 1:2 for cryptocurrencies. This range of leverage ratios caters to traders with varying risk appetites and preferences, allowing for different levels of leverage depending on the asset class being traded.

The following table compares Money Partners to competing brokerages in terms of maximum leverage:

Spread

Money Partners provides spreads for its trading services that are determined by factors such as the currency pair and prevailing market conditions. In the case of the Raw ECN and MT4 ECN accounts, spreads commence at 0 pips, which can be appealing to traders looking for narrower spreads. Conversely, the Standard account offers spreads starting at 1.5 pips or higher, providing an option with wider spreads.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Money Partners offers a selection of deposit and withdrawal methods to facilitate transactions for its clients. These methods include bank transfers, credit/debit card payments, PayPal, Bitcoin, and various other e-wallet options. While the brokerage does not charge deposit fees, it is important to note that withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods, such as a ¥550 fee for withdrawing funds to a Japanese bank account via bank transfer. The availability of multiple payment options provides flexibility for clients to choose the most convenient method for their financial transactions, depending on their preferences and location.

Trading Platforms

Money Partners provides traders with access to multiple trading platforms, offering flexibility and choice. These platforms include MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and Money Partners' proprietary platform. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are widely recognized in the industry and favored for their comprehensive trading features and technical analysis tools. Money Partners' proprietary platform likely offers a unique trading experience.

The following table compares the trading platforms offered by Money Partners to those of other competing brokerages:

Customer Support

Money Partners offers multiple customer support options, including phone support, an inquiry form, and a chat feature, allowing clients to choose the most suitable channel for their inquiries and assistance needs.

Phone Support: Money Partners offers phone support through the number 0120-860-894, available during limited hours from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. This channel allows clients to make direct inquiries and receive assistance over the phone.

Inquiry Form: Clients can utilize an inquiry form on Money Partners' website to submit their queries or requests. This method provides a written channel for communication and is accessible for clients seeking assistance.

Chat Feature: Money Partners provides a chat service for clients to engage in real-time conversations with support representatives. This live chat feature is available during specified hours and offers a convenient way to receive immediate assistance.

Conclusion

Money Partners emerges as a regulated forex and CFD brokerage with a clear focus on providing financial services to a Japanese clientele. Founded over a decade ago, the company boasts a track record of compliance with the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, underscoring its commitment to adhering to stringent regulatory standards. Offering a range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and 5, as well as their proprietary platform, Money Partners caters to traders seeking various tools for their financial endeavors. Additionally, the broker extends multiple customer support options, enabling clients to access assistance through phone inquiries, inquiry forms, and live chat services during specified hours.

While their trading account options cater to a variety of trading preferences, the lack of website accessibility in languages other than Japanese and the requirement for a Japanese address during registration suggest a primary focus on serving domestic traders. This geographical limitation, coupled with potential language barriers, may deter international traders seeking their services.

FAQs

Q: What is Money Partners' main regulatory status？

A: Money Partners is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan.

Q: Can clients outside of Japan access Money Partners' services？

A: Money Partners appears to primarily serve a Japanese clientele, limiting accessibility for international traders.

Q: What are the available trading platforms at Money Partners？

A: Money Partners offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary trading platform.

Q: How can clients contact Money Partners' customer support？

A: Clients can reach out through phone support, an inquiry form, or a live chat feature during specified hours.

Q: Are there deposit fees at Money Partners？

A: Money Partners does not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods.

Q: What are the minimum deposit rates for Money Partners' accounts？

A: Money Partners provides varying minimum deposit rates, starting at ¥10,000 for some account types and ¥100,000 for others.