ActivTrades

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	Official Website
Leverage	1:400
Minimum Deposit	$100
Regulation	FCA, CySEC
Year Established	2001
Payment Methods	Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
Trading Assets	Forex, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Cryptocurrencies
MT4	✅
MT5	✅
Spreads	Low
Average cost: EUR/USD	0.7 pips
Demo Account	✅
Islamic Account	✅
CopyTrading	✅
ZuluTrade	❌
Scalping	Yes
Signals	✅
EAs/Robots	Available
Negative Balance Protection	Yes
Deposit Fee	❌
Withdrawal Fee	❌
Contact Information	Email: [email protected], Phone: +44 20 7170 0123
Address	1 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1YN, United Kingdom
Rating	★★★★☆ 4.5
Website	Official Website

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Pros and Cons

What Makes ActivTrades a Top Broker? A Detailed Analysis

Founded in 2001, ActivTrades has grown into a prominent online brokerage firm, offering a diverse range of financial instruments and services to traders worldwide.

With headquarters in London and additional offices in Milan, Sofia, and Nassau, it serves clients from over 140 countries.

The broker is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing a secure and transparent trading environment.

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the broker’s offerings, features, trading platforms, fees, customer support, and overall experience to help customers make an informed decision.

Regulatory Environment and Safety

Regulatory Oversight

Regulation is a key factor when selecting a broker, and ActivTrades excels in this area.

Being regulated by both the FCA and CySEC ensures that it adheres to high standards of operation, client protection, and financial transparency.

1. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): As a UK-based broker, it is regulated by the FCA, one of the most respected financial regulatory bodies globally. The FCA imposes strict rules on capital adequacy, client fund segregation, and conduct of business, which enhances its security and trustworthiness. Furthermore, FCA regulation provides customers with access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which protects deposits up to £85,000 in case of insolvency.
2. Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC): In addition to FCA regulation, ActivTrades is regulated by CySEC, aligning with the European Union’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II). This regulatory framework mandates that the broker follows the best execution practices, maintains transparent pricing, and provides adequate risk disclosure. Clients of CySEC-regulated firms are also covered by the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which offers compensation up to €20,000 if the company fails to meet its financial obligations.

Customer Fund Security

Safety of funds is paramount, and the firm has implemented several measures to ensure maximum security:

• Segregation of Funds: Client funds are kept in segregated accounts, separate from its operating funds, ensuring that they cannot be used for any purpose besides their trading activities. This practice protects the money in case of insolvency or financial difficulties.
• Negative Balance Protection: The broker offers negative balance protection, ensuring that nobody cannot lose more money than they have deposited. This feature is particularly important in volatile markets, where sudden price movements can lead to substantial losses.
• Compensation Schemes: As a member of the FSCS and ICF, this trading firm provides additional layers of protection. These compensation schemes ensure that traders are safeguarded against any potential loss of funds resulting from financial instability.

These regulatory measures and security features make it a highly secure choice for people concerned about the safety of their funds.

Trading Instruments and Markets

The broker provides access to a broad array of financial instruments, enabling clients to diversify their portfolios and explore multiple markets.

These instruments span across different asset classes, including forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Forex Trading

Forex trading is a significant part of its offering, with over 50 currency pairs available for trading.

This includes all the major pairs (such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY), minor pairs, and a wide range of exotic pairs.

The forex market at this broker is characterized by:

• Competitive Spreads: It offers tight spreads, starting from 0.7 pips on the EUR/USD pair, which is competitive compared to industry standards. This is particularly beneficial for those who rely on cost-effective trading, such as scalpers and day traders.
• Flexible Leverage: Leverage of up to 1:400 is available, although this is subject to regulatory restrictions based on the country of residence. For European retail clients, leverage is capped at 1:30 in compliance with ESMA regulations.
• Multiple Order Types: Market participants can use various order types, including market orders, limit orders, stop orders, and trailing stops, to manage their positions effectively.

Indices

The broker offers trading on a wide range of global indices, allowing anybody to speculate on the performance of major stock market indices worldwide.

Key features of indices trading include:

• Major and Minor Indices: It provides access to popular indices like the S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30, and Nikkei 225, along with several less common indices from emerging markets.
• Zero Commissions: Clients can trade indices with zero commissions, and the only cost involved is the spread, which is typically very low.
• Leverage Options: Leverage on indices trading is also available, up to 1:200, depending on regulatory restrictions.

Shares

Share trading is another important aspect of its offering.

Clients can trade CFDs on a broad selection of shares from global exchanges, including the NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, and Euronext.

The broker provides:

• Wide Range of Shares: Access to over 1,000 shares from various sectors, such as technology, healthcare, finance, and energy.
• Low Commissions: Competitive commission rates on share CFDs, typically ranging from 0.01% to 0.10% per trade.
• Direct Market Access (DMA): For advanced users, it offers direct market access to certain markets, providing greater transparency and potentially better pricing.

Commodities

Commodities are available for trading, including precious metals like gold and silver, energy products like crude oil and natural gas, and agricultural products such as wheat and coffee.

Commodity trading offers:

• Flexible Contracts: Different contract sizes and types are available, catering to both small and large-scale traders.
• Low Spreads: Spreads on commodities are generally competitive, with popular commodities like gold often having spreads as low as 0.3 points.
• Leverage: Leverage of up to 1:100 is available for commodities, depending on the specific product and regulatory jurisdiction.

Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrency trading is becoming increasingly popular, and the broker has adapted by offering several digital assets.

These include:

• Major Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and other major cryptocurrencies are available for trading.
• Leverage and Spreads: Leverage of up to 1:5 is offered for cryptocurrencies, and the broker provides tight spreads to capitalize on the highly volatile nature of these markets.
• No Commissions: Cryptocurrency trading is commission-free, with costs incorporated into the spreads.

Overview Table of Trading Instruments

This table illustrates the breadth of trading instruments available, along with their respective trading conditions.

Trading Platforms

The broker provides access to three trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its proprietary platform, ActivTrader.

Each platform has its strengths and caters to different types of traders.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

MT4 is the most popular trading platform globally, known for its ease of use, reliability, and comprehensive trading tools.

Key features include:

• Customizable Interface: MT4 allows users to customize the platform according to their preferences, including the layout, chart settings, and color schemes.
• Advanced Charting Tools: The platform offers numerous chart types, multiple timeframes, and over 50 built-in technical indicators, making it ideal for technical analysis.
• Automated Trading: MT4 supports automated trading through Expert Advisors (EA), which can be programmed to execute trades based on predefined criteria.
• Wide Availability: MT4 is available on multiple devices, including desktop, web, and mobile, providing flexibility for traders on the go.

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

MT5 is an upgraded version of MT4 with additional features and functionalities.

It is designed to cater to more advanced trading needs:

• Expanded Asset Classes: Unlike MT4, MT5 supports a wider range of financial instruments, including stocks, futures, and options, alongside forex.
• Advanced Order Types: MT5 offers more order types and execution modes, providing greater flexibility in trading strategies.
• Market Depth: The platform includes a market depth feature, which displays the buy and sell orders for an asset, allowing traders to gauge market liquidity.
• Additional Timeframes and Indicators: MT5 has more timeframes (21) and built-in technical indicators (38) than MT4, providing a richer analytical environment.

ActivTrader

ActivTrader is their proprietary platform which combines ease of use with professional-grade tools:

• User-Friendly Interface: ActivTrader offers a clean and intuitive interface, suitable for both beginners and experts. It includes customizable layouts and a comprehensive charting package.
• Risk Management Tools: The platform includes advanced risk management tools such as trailing stops, negative balance protection, and margin monitoring.
• Integrated News and Analysis: Real-time market news, sentiment analysis, and trading signals are available, helping investors make informed decisions.
• Cross-Device Compatibility: ActivTrader is available on desktop, web, and mobile devices, ensuring a seamless trading experience across different platforms.

Platform Comparison Table

The table above compares the three platforms, highlighting their features and unique offerings to cater to different trading needs.

Fees and Commissions

Understanding the fee structure is crucial to calculate potential costs and evaluate the overall value offered.

ActivTrades maintains a transparent and competitive fee structure, which includes spreads, commissions, swap rates, and other charges.

Spreads

Spreads are a significant cost component in trading, and this broker offers competitive spreads across all asset classes.

Key details include:

• Forex Spreads: Spreads on major forex pairs, such as EUR/USD, start from as low as 0.7 pips, which is competitive within the industry.
• Indices Spreads: For index trading, the firm offers low spreads with no additional commissions, making it a cost-effective option for traders interested in speculating on global stock markets.
• Commodities and Cryptocurrencies: Spreads for commodities and cryptocurrencies are also relatively tight, with popular instruments like gold and Bitcoin featuring competitive pricing.

Commissions

ActivTrades primarily operates on a spread-only model, meaning that most trades do not incur any additional commissions.

However, commissions are applied to certain types of trades:

• Share CFDs: Trading share CFDs incurs a commission that typically ranges from 0.01% to 0.10% of the trade value, depending on the market and asset traded.
• Other Instruments: For most other instruments, including forex, indices, and commodities, there are no additional commissions beyond the spread.

Swap Rates

Swap rates, or overnight financing fees, are charged when a position is held overnight.

These fees vary based on the asset, market conditions, and position size.

The broker provides a swap calculator on its website, allowing traders to estimate potential costs before entering trades.

Other Fees

• Deposit and Withdrawal Fees: This broker does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, which is a significant advantage compared to other brokers that impose such charges. However, clients should be aware that intermediary banks or payment providers may apply their fees.
• Inactivity Fee: An inactivity fee of $10 per month may be charged if an account remains inactive for 12 consecutive months. This fee is relatively modest and in line with industry standards.

Account Types and Features

The broker offers multiple account types to cater to different trading needs and experience levels:

Individual Account

The Individual Account is the standard account type designed for most retailers.

Key features include:

• Minimum Deposit: $100, making it accessible for beginners.
• Access to All Instruments: Full access to all available trading instruments, including forex, shares, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies.
• Platform Support: Compatible with all three platforms – MT4, MT5, and ActivTrader.
• Negative Balance Protection: Included, providing security against adverse market conditions.

Islamic Account

The Islamic Account is designed for clients who adhere to Islamic principles, offering swap-free trading conditions:

• No Overnight Fees: This account type does not incur swap rates, in compliance with Sharia law.
• Full Access: Same access to trading instruments and platforms as the Individual Account.
• Flexible Deposit Requirements: Minimum deposit remains at $100.

Professional Account

The Professional Account is available for traders who meet certain eligibility criteria, offering enhanced trading conditions:

• Higher Leverage: Leverage of up to 1:400, compared to the lower leverage available for retailers.
• Lower Margin Requirements: More favorable margin requirements, enabling larger position sizes.
• Personalized Support: Access to a dedicated account manager and exclusive customer support services.

Customer Support

Customer support is an essential component of the trading experience, particularly for less experienced traders.

The company provides a range of support options to assist clients effectively.

Support Channels

ActivTrades offers multiple channels for support, including:

• Live Chat: Available 24/5 on the website and trading platforms. This is the most efficient method for getting quick answers to general and technical queries.
• Email: Support can be reached via email ([email protected]) for more detailed inquiries or documentation purposes.
• Telephone: Phone support is available through local numbers in various countries, catering to clients in different regions.
• Social Media: The firm is active on several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, where clients can also seek assistance or follow market updates.

Language Support

Support is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Arabic.

This multilingual support ensures that clients from various regions can communicate effectively.

Quality of Service

Customer feedback and industry reviews indicate that the broker provides high-quality customer service.

The support team is known for being responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Average response times are generally short, particularly for live chat, and email responses are typically provided within 24 hours.

Educational Resources

Educational resources are a valuable feature for those looking to improve their skills and understanding of the markets.

The firm offers a range of educational materials to support its clients.

Webinars and Seminars

Regular webinars and seminars are conducted by experienced market analysts and cover various trading topics, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, trading psychology, and specific market updates.

These sessions are designed to provide practical knowledge and insights to users of all levels.

Trading Guides and Articles

The broker provides plenty of trading guides and articles that cover the basics of trading, market analysis, risk management, and more advanced topics.

These resources are particularly useful for novices who need a foundational understanding of the markets.

Market Analysis and Tools

Market analysis tools provided include:

• Daily Market Briefings: Regular market updates that provide insights into current market trends, economic news, and potential trading opportunities.
• Economic Calendar: A detailed economic calendar highlighting key economic events, such as central bank meetings, GDP releases, and employment reports.
• Technical Analysis Tools: Integrated tools and indicators available on all platforms to help traders perform in-depth market analysis.

Security of Funds and Technology

ActivTrades prioritizes the security of funds and employs advanced technology to safeguard trading activities.

Fund Security Measures

• Segregated Accounts: All funds are held in segregated bank accounts, separate from its operating funds. This ensures that client money is not used for any purpose apart from trading activities.
• Negative Balance Protection: Negative balance protection is provided to prevent anybody from losing more than their deposited funds.
• Regulatory Compensation Schemes: The broker is a member of both the FSCS and the ICF, providing additional security for funds in case of insolvency.

Technology and Trading Infrastructure

The company invests in cutting-edge technology to provide a reliable and efficient trading environment:

• Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: Offers VPS hosting for clients who require high-speed execution and uninterrupted connectivity, particularly beneficial for those using automated trading strategies.
• Advanced Trading Tools: Several proprietary trading tools, such as SmartOrder 2, SmartLines, and SmartPattern, are available to enhance trading efficiency and strategy execution. These tools are compatible with MT4 and MT5 platforms.
• High-Speed Execution: The broker uses state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure fast and accurate order execution, minimizing latency and slippage.

Trading Experience

The overall trading experience is generally positive, characterized by a user-friendly interface, reliable execution, and a comprehensive range of assets and tools.

User Experience and Platform Functionality

All three trading platforms (MT4, MT5, and ActivTrader) offer a seamless and intuitive user experience.

The platforms are highly customizable, allowing individuals to personalize their trading environment according to their preferences.

The mobile apps for MT4, MT5, and ActivTrader are also well-designed, providing full functionality for trading on the go.

Execution Speed and Reliability

The broker is known for its fast execution speeds, which is crucial for market participants who rely on real-time pricing and minimal slippage.

The availability of VPS hosting further enhances execution reliability, particularly for automated trading strategies.

Conclusion

ActivTrades stands out as a versatile and reliable broker that caters to a wide range of traders, from beginners to professionals.

Its comprehensive offering of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and robust regulatory framework make it an attractive choice for many.

Their commitment to innovation, as seen in its proprietary platform and advanced trading tools, further enhances its appeal.

While there is room for improvement in areas such as expanding educational resources and offering more social trading options, the overall package is compelling.

With strong regulatory credentials, a secure trading environment, and a focus on client satisfaction, ActivTrades remains a reputable and trustworthy firm in the global financial markets.

Sources

• Official Website: https://www.activtrades.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActivTrades/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/activtrades
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActivTrades

FAQ

Sources

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ActivTrades
• Official Website: https://www.activtrades.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActivTrades/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/activtrades

User Reviews

Article written, edited and reviewed by

Adam Rosen

Adam Rosen is a seasoned senior marketer whose expertise extends far beyond the norm. Drawing from decades of experience in the industry, Adam plays an integral role in our team, infusing his insights into every project we tackle. But that's not all – Adam has a unique knack for breaking down complex broker information and crafting insightful reviews for our website, Brokfolio. His dedication to providing readers with valuable insights and guidance makes him an invaluable asset to our team. Beyond his professional pursuits, Adam is fueled by an unwavering passion for technology and fintech. He thrives on pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in these dynamic domains. Curious to learn more about the mind behind the words? Dive into Adam Rosen's profile to discover a wealth of expertise, innovation, and a relentless drive for excellence.

Andrew Blumer

Andrew Blumer is a finance pro who's got money matters down to a science.
Back in the day, he schooled at Belmont Hill School in Belmont, MA. Then, he took a swing at Harvard College, bagging a BA degree in economics. And that wasn't enough for him – he also nailed an MBA from Harvard Business School in '98.
But hold on, there's more to this financial nerd.
Andrew's been causing ripples in the fintech world for a while now. In fact, he's the mastermind behind Brokfolio, a platform that's all about making trading on financial markets crystal clear and super accessible.
Oh, and did we mention? He's the manager of Brokfolio's website and an expert in online brokers. So, if you're diving into the world of trading, Andrew's your go-to guy.
For more on his financial escapades, head over to his LinkedIn profile. Trust us, his journey is worth a read!

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Emily Clark is our superstar who kicked off her journey as a content whiz and proofreading ninja, focusing on all things finance and tech.
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Currently Emily's holding the senior editor crown, keeping tabs on content from our awesome team.

Last updated: September 5, 2024

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