THE COMPANY. SECURITY OF FUNDS
Markets offers its users the possibility of trading a wide array of products online. These products include Commodities, shares and ETFs, indices, in addition to a number of currency pairs via its web-based Trader platform – MetaTrader 4 and Sirix Webtrader. This broker is a market maker and also an official partner of the famous English football club, Arsenal F.C.
Markets.com is operated by Safecap Investments Limited (Safecap), which was founded in 2008. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is the body in charge of the authorization and regulation of Safecap. In addition, the company also has a license authorized by the South African Financial Services Board (FSB).
Safe cap Investments Limited is a subsidiary of the gaming software and services supplier, Playtech PLC. Playtech PLC is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index and trades on the London Stock Exchange.
Best Forex brokers
| Forex Brokers | Min Deposit | Platforms | Max Leverage | Rating | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1  |
$250
|
MT4, MT5
|
1:30 | 4.9/5 | Visit Site Read Review |
The number of binary options brokers and forex brokers in Cyprus has been increasing steadily in recent times. As a result, CySEC has put in place a number of rules and regulations which helps check compliance of Cyprus Investment Firms. In order for brokers to prove their financial capability and standing, they must hold at least €730,000. In addition, customer funds must be kept in segregated accounts, independent of company operating funds.
Also, in a bit to further guarantee clients’ funds, all companies regulated by CySEC are required to be members of the Investor Compensation Fund, which can compensate clients by up to €20,000 in case the company defaults.
In addition, because investment companies regulated by CySEC are MiFID compliant, they can offer services across borders within the EU.
Despite all these regulations which provide a cushion for clients of licensed brokers and offer them some piece of mind, these regulations do not ensure the smooth running of these companies. Due to violation of regulations related to Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law, Safecap was fined €168.000 in July 2015 by CySEC. Also, on some reputable Forex websites, there are a reasonable number of complaints against Markets.com. So, invest wisely if you plan on using this broker.
TRADING CONDITIONS
MINIMUM INITIAL DEPOSIT
Each account with Markets.com requires that traders deposit a minimum of $100 in order to create an account. This required deposit amount is reasonable even though, FXTM – Cyprus-based leading broker requires clients deposit just $5 in order to create an account.
SPREADS & COMMISSIONS
Markets.com offers only fixed spreads which amount to 2 pips for the EUR/USD pair. This spread is the market average. Also, Market.com like most fixed-spread brokers get its remuneration via the spread and thus, doesn’t charge commissions.
FXTM provides fixed spreads on its standard commission-free accounts amounting to 1.5 pips on the EUR/USD pair. The real-time spreads for the top 15 brokers can be found here.
LEVERAGE LIMITS
Markets.com’s maximum leverage level is 1:200, which again is the average for the industry. Many Cyprus-based brokers offer higher maximum leverage levels. An example is FXTM which offers leverage levels of up to 1:1000. Other brokers providing leverage levels greater than or equal to 1:500 can be found here.
It is important to note that the higher the leverage level, the higher the risk of losses, which in some cases may exceed initial investment.
TRADING PLATFORMS
This broker uses the web-based Markets Trader platform and the Sirix platform. Markets.com doesn’t support the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) anymore.
While the web-based Market Trader platform is less advanced when compared to the MetaTrader 4 platform, it offers an easy-to-use alternative for traders seeking diversity. Additionally, Markets Trader is supported by Android and iOS devices.
Alternatively, clients can use the Sirix Web trader. This platform provides a user-friendly trading platform for clients with intuitive graphs and charts, and a social trading platform.
PROMOTIONS
This broker offers $25 no deposit bonus. However, withdrawal of any profit earned on bonuses is only possible when a client executes a minimum trading volume of $10,000 for each dollar of the bonus. (for example, if the company awards a bonus of $100, the client will have to execute a minimum trading volume of $1,000,000 for a duration of ninety (90) days).
Markets.com also offers a bonus known as the Refer-a-Friend bonus which depends on the initial deposit of the person referred.
PAYMENT METHODS
The payment methods supported by this broker include: bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards and electronic wallet payment system such as Skrill.
CONCLUSION
This Cypriot FX and CFD broker offers online trading services via the use of two trading platforms. It has admitted to being a market maker. However, it doesn’t support the popular MetaTrader 4 platform.
No reviews yet
