Overview of MasterLink Securities
MasterLink Securities is a Taiwanese forex broker with 2-5 years of establishment. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, the company maintains offices in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Regulated by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) in Taiwan, the broker offers a range of tradable assets, including forex, CFDs, commodities, and indices. They provide various account types with minimum deposits starting at $100, leverage of up to 1:600, and spreads ranging from 0.5 pips to 1.5 pips.
MasterLink Securities utilizes the MetaTrader 4 trading platform, and customer support is accessible via phone and email. MasterLink Securities offers 3 different account types, including Standard, Gold, and Platinum which all allow a variety of leverage and sprea options for traders to pick from. It is important to note that currently, MasterLink Securities requires prospective customers to have a Chinese ID and bank account.
Regulation
MasterLink Securities operates with an authorized status as regulated by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) in Taiwan. This authorized status signifies that the company holds a valid license to engage in securities trading activities within the jurisdiction. The license number, although unreleased, confirms the company's formal approval to conduct these financial operations under the purview of the FSC.
The regulated license status, in this context, refers to a condition where a financial entity, such as a forex broker, has obtained the necessary authorization and license from a regulatory body to conduct specific financial activities. This status brings several advantages, including increased transparency, adherence to compliance standards, and a structured framework for financial operations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Low Fees: MasterLink Securities offers spreads and low fees across various account types, providing cost-effective options for traders.
Wide Range of Tradable Assets: The broker offers a selection of tradable assets, including forex, CFDs, commodities, and indices, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios.
High Leverage: With leverage of up to 1:600, MasterLink Securities provides traders with the potential for amplified returns, though it also comes with increased risk.
Established Reputation: The company has garnered a positive reputation among forex traders, known for its tight spreads, transparent fee structures, and robust customer support.
Cons:
Unauthorized Status for Overseas Customers: Overseas customers cannot register with MasterLink Securities, as the broker requires a Chinese ID and bank account, limiting accessibility for international traders.
Limited Regulatory Oversight: While regulated in Taiwan, the company's unauthorized status for overseas customers raises concerns about the absence of regulatory protection and oversight in certain regions.
Lack of Live Chat Support: MasterLink Securities does not offer live chat support, potentially limiting immediate assistance for clients seeking real-time communication.
Information Gaps: The broker's website lacks comprehensive information, leaving customers with gaps in essential details about educational content, bonus offerings, and other critical aspects.
Inaccessible Website
The English website of MasterLink Securities presents a notable drawback as it is exceedingly sparse in terms of information and lacks a clear option for potential clients to sign up. This scarcity of information hinders prospective traders from making informed decisions about the brokerage's services, account types, and trading conditions.
Without access to essential details, traders may struggle to assess whether the platform aligns with their specific trading needs and preferences. Additionally, the absence of a straightforward sign-up process limits accessibility, making it challenging for individuals interested in exploring the services offered by MasterLink Securities. A lack of transparency and user-friendly features on the website can potentially deter potential clients and hinder the broker's ability to attract and onboard new customers.
Market Instruments
MasterLink Securities offers a range of market instruments, including forex, CFDs on indices and commodities, commodities, and index trading. Details are as follows:
Forex: MasterLink Securities offers forex trading, allowing customers to participate in the foreign exchange market. Forex involves the exchange of one currency for another, and traders can speculate on currency pairs' price movements. Examples of forex products offered by the company include major and minor currency pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/JPY.
CFDs (Contracts for Difference): MasterLink Securities provides access to Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which are financial derivatives that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of various assets without owning the underlying asset. CFDs cover a range of instruments, including indices, commodities, and stocks. The company offers CFDs on products like stock market indices and commodities such as oil and gold.
Commodities: The broker offers commodity trading, which involves buying and selling physical goods such as oil, gold, and agricultural products. MasterLink Securities provides access to commodities as tradable assets, allowing traders to speculate on their price movements. Examples of commodities available for trading include crude oil, gold, and silver.
Indices: MasterLink Securities enables traders to engage in index trading, where they can speculate on the performance of stock market indices. This involves trading contracts based on the value of a specific stock index, such as the S&P 500 or NASDAQ.
The following is a table that compares MasterLink Securities to competing brokerages:
Account Types
MasterLink Securities offers three account types – Standard, Gold, and Platinum. Each account type has varying minimum deposit requirements, spreads, and commission structures. Details are as follows:
Standard Account: The Standard Account offered by MasterLink Securities provides traders with an entry-level option for forex and CFD trading. With a minimum deposit of $100, it offers spreads of 1.5 pips and zero commissions. Leverage of up to 1:600 is available, allowing traders to potentially amplify their positions. While it serves as a suitable choice for beginners and those looking to start trading with a lower initial investment, it lacks some of the premium features found in higher-tier account types.
Gold Account: The Gold Account caters to traders looking for enhanced trading conditions. It requires a minimum deposit of $500 and offers tighter spreads of 1.0 pips with no commissions. With leverage of up to 1:600, it provides increased leverage options compared to the Standard Account. The Gold Account is suitable for traders seeking more favorable trading terms without the complexities associated with premium accounts.
Platinum Account: MasterLink Securities offers the Platinum Account for traders seeking the most favorable trading conditions. With a minimum deposit of $1,000, it provides the tightest spreads of 0.5 pips and zero commissions. Like the other account types, it offers leverage of up to 1:600. The Platinum Account is tailored to experienced traders and those who require the utmost precision and favorable trading costs.
How to open an account？
The official website offers no way to create an account on the English website. Therefore, if the user has a Chinese ID, then the trader would be advised to use some of the direct contact methods in order to create an account with MaskterLink Securities, or switch to the Chinese website, and if the “Open an online account” or “Become a member” (depending on the translation) button which is located on the front page.
After this step, if the user has no Chinese ID, they can not continue.
The user will be prompted to enter personal information, and then verify a method of communication, whether it be email, or phone number.
From this point, the account creation process is completed and the user can go onto pick an account type.
Minimum Deposit
MasterLink Securities offers varying minimum deposit rates across its account types, providing flexibility for traders with different capital requirements. The Standard Account requires a minimum deposit of $100, serving as an accessible option for those looking to start trading with a relatively modest initial investment. The Gold Account, with a minimum deposit of $500, offers improved trading conditions while remaining approachable for traders seeking better terms. For traders seeking the most favorable conditions, the Platinum Account mandates a minimum deposit of $1,000. This tiered approach to minimum deposit rates accommodates a range of traders, from beginners to experienced professionals, allowing them to select the account type that aligns with their financial resources and trading objectives.
Leverage
MasterLink Securities provides traders with the option to utilize leverage, with a maximum leverage ratio of up to 1:600 across all its account types. This allows traders to potentially amplify their trading positions and increase their exposure to the market.
This table provides a comparison of the maximum leverage ratios offered by MasterLink Securities, Alpari, HotForex, IC Markets, and RoboForex for various market instruments. Leverage varies depending on the specific instrument and brokerage, with MasterLink Securities offering up to 1:600 leverage for forex trading.
The following is a table that compares the leverage of MasterLink Securities to competitors:
Spread
MasterLink Securities offers low spreads across its account types. The broker provides varying spreads, with the Standard Account featuring spreads of 1.5 pips, the Gold Account offering tighter spreads at 1.0 pips, and the Platinum Account providing the tightest spreads of 0.5 pips. These spreads refer to the difference between the bid and ask prices and are a crucial factor for traders when assessing their trading costs. The availability of different spreads allows traders to choose the account type that best suits their trading strategy and preferences, whether they prioritize lower spreads or other account features.
Deposit & Withdrawal
MasterLink Securities offers a range of deposit and withdrawal methods to cater to the needs of its clients. Traders can fund their accounts through bank transfers, credit cards, and e-wallets. Bank transfers are available as a deposit method, and they do not incur deposit fees, making them a cost-effective option. Credit card deposits come with a 2.5% fee, while e-wallet deposits are free of charge. However, it's important to note that the withdrawal method is limited to approved Chinese banks, which may present a constraint for international clients. While the available deposit methods offer flexibility, the restricted withdrawal option could potentially inconvenience traders seeking alternative withdrawal avenues.
Trading Platforms
MasterLink Securities offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which is renowned in the industry for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. MT4 provides traders with advanced charting tools, technical analysis capabilities, and automated trading options through Expert Advisors (EAs). This platform caters to traders of all experience levels and is suitable for both manual and algorithmic trading.
The following table provides a comparison of the trading platforms offered by MasterLink Securities and other prominent brokerages:
Customer Support
MasterLink Securities provides a range of customer support options, including email support, telephone support, and the option for in-person support through office visits. These channels ensure that clients can access assistance through their preferred means of communication.
Email Support: MasterLink Securities offers email support as one of its customer assistance channels. Clients can reach the broker's support team by emailing them at sylvia0704@masterlink.com.tw. This method provides a written communication channel for inquiries, account-related concerns, and general assistance.
Telephone Support: Another customer support option provided by MasterLink Securities is telephone support. Traders can contact the broker's support team via phone at +886-2-27313888. This direct and immediate communication method allows clients to seek assistance, ask questions, or address urgent matters by speaking with a customer support representative.
In-Person Support (Office Visit): For clients who prefer face-to-face interactions, MasterLink Securities offers the option of in-person support through office visits. The broker has physical office locations, with its headquarters located at 3F., No.209, Sec. 1, Fuxing S. Rd., Da-an Dist., Taipei City 106, Taiwan (R.O.C.). Clients can visit the offices for personalized assistance or to discuss their trading needs in person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MasterLink Securities, a regulated brokerage firm, offers a range of account types tailored to accommodate traders with varying preferences and capital requirements. With its Standard, Gold, and Platinum accounts, the broker caters to both novice and experienced traders, providing favorable spreads, leverage of up to 1:600, and zero commissions across all account types. The MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform serves as the primary interface for executing trades, offering advanced charting tools and automation capabilities.
While the broker's website may lack extensive information, its multiple customer support channels, including email, telephone, and in-person support, ensure that clients can access assistance when needed. Additionally, the availability of various deposit methods allows traders to fund their accounts conveniently. However, it's essential to note that international traders should be aware that MasterLink Securities requires a Chinese ID and bank account for registration, making it exclusively accessible to Chinese residents.
FAQs
Q: What account types does MasterLink Securities offer to traders？
A: MasterLink Securities provides Standard, Gold, and Platinum account types.
Q: What is the maximum leverage ratio available to traders with MasterLink Securities？
A: Traders can access leverage of up to 1:600.
Q: What trading platform does MasterLink Securities primarily use？
A: The broker utilizes the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform.
Q: How can clients contact MasterLink Securities' customer support？
A: Clients can reach customer support through email, telephone, or in-person visits.
Q: Are there any fees associated with depositing funds into a MasterLink Securities account？
A: Bank transfers are free, but credit card deposits come with a 2.5% fee.
Q: Who can create accounts with MasterLink Securities？
A: Only Chinese residents with a Chinese ID and bank account can register with the brokerage.
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