Masumo
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Regulated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA)
- Established presence with over 15 years in the market
- Offers traditional investment products: stocks, bonds, and investment trusts
- Strong regional network with multiple branch offices for client support
- Emphasis on compliance and investor protection
Cons
- Not regulated in major jurisdictions outside Japan
- Limited trading instruments (no Forex, commodities, indices, or cryptocurrencies)
- No specified trading platform or software
- Unclear fee structure
- No information on deposit and withdrawal processes
Basic Information
User Reviews
Masumo Overview
Masumo Securities, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Fukui City, Japan. The broker is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA), holding a retail forex license under the Hokuriku Financial Bureau with registration number 北陸財務局長（金商）第12号. This regulatory oversight ensures that Masumo adheres to strict financial regulations, providing a secure environment for investors looking for reputable brokerage services in the region.
Masumo primarily focuses on traditional securities, offering trading in stocks, bonds, and investment trusts. While it does not specialize in forex trading, it stands out for its deep regional roots and commitment to face-to-face customer service through its multiple branch offices in Fukui Prefecture. Although the broker lacks detailed information about its trading platform and fee structures, it emphasizes compliance and investor protection, appealing to those who prefer a traditional approach to investments. With customer support available through various channels, Masumo aims to provide a reliable service for its clients, despite some limitations in its trading offerings.
Is Masumo Safe? Regulation Analysis
Regulatory Information
| Regulatory Authority | Country/Region | Fund Protection Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services Agency (FSA) | Japan | Segregated Funds |
Is Masumo Regulated and How Are Client Funds Protected?
Masumo Securities, Inc. is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan, holding a securities business license that ensures compliance with local financial regulations. This regulatory oversight is crucial as it mandates that client funds are held in segregated accounts, providing a layer of protection against misappropriation. Additionally, the firm has a long-standing presence in the market, having operated for over 15 years. Although Masumo primarily offers traditional investment products such as stocks and bonds, the lack of detailed information regarding its fee structure and trading platform may raise questions for some investors. Nevertheless, the broker’s regulatory status contributes to its legitimacy and establishes a foundation of trust and safety for clients looking to invest in traditional securities.
Trading Products and Services
What trading instruments does Masumo offer?
| Asset Category | Available Products | Total Count (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | Not Available | |
| Commodities | Not Available | |
| Indices | Not Available | |
| Stocks | US (Apple, Tesla), UK (BP, Vodafone) | Many |
| Bonds | Government and Corporate Bonds | Varies |
| Investment Trusts | Various Options | Varies |
Masumo offers a focused range of trading products, primarily concentrating on traditional securities such as stocks, bonds, and investment trusts. While they do not currently support Forex, commodities, or indices, their stock offerings include well-known companies from the US and UK, catering mainly to conservative traders and long-term investors. This limited but stable product lineup may appeal to individuals seeking to diversify their portfolios with traditional assets, emphasizing stability over high-risk trading opportunities.
By providing a variety of stock options and investment trusts, Masumo meets the needs of different traders, from beginners looking to invest in established companies to professionals interested in diversifying their investment portfolios. Their dedication to traditional trading products ensures that investors can build a balanced and secure financial strategy, enhancing their overall trading experience.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
What Account Types and Fees Does Masumo Offer?
| Account Type | Target User Group | Essential Characteristics | Applicability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Account | Beginners and casual traders | Low minimum deposit, user-friendly platform | Suitable for those starting in trading |
| Professional Account | Experienced traders | Higher leverage, lower spreads | Requires proof of trading experience |
| Corporate Account | Businesses and institutions | Customizable services, dedicated account manager | Requires corporate documentation |
| Islamic Account | Islamic traders | Swap-free trading conditions | Must provide proof of Islamic faith |
| Demo Account | All traders | Practice trading without risk | Ideal for testing strategies and learning |
Account Opening Process
To open an account with Masumo, traders must follow a systematic process: First, submit personal information including name, date of birth, and contact details. Next, provide employment details to demonstrate financial stability. Financial information, including income and net worth, is also required. Identity verification is mandatory, requiring valid identification and proof of address. It is important to note that once a trader has a Retail Account, they may upgrade to a Professional Account later if they meet the necessary qualifications.
Trading Fees
| Product | Spread (pips) | Commission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex (EUR/USD) | 0.8 | $0 (ECN: $3.5/lot) | Tight spreads for major pairs |
| Forex (GBP/USD) | 1.0 | $0 (ECN: $3.5/lot) | Consistent pricing for key currencies |
| CFDs (Stocks) | 0.1% | $0 | Market average spreads |
| CFDs (Indices) | 0.5% | $0 | Competitive for major indices |
| Cryptos (BTC/USD) | 1.0% | 0.1% | Variable depending on market conditions |
Other Fees
In addition to trading fees, Masumo may impose various other costs, including deposit and withdrawal fees, which can vary based on the method used. Inactivity fees may be charged if an account remains dormant for an extended period. There may also be platform usage fees if applicable. Traders should be aware of overnight interest (swap rates) associated with positions held overnight, as well as any currency conversion fees that may apply when trading in different currencies.
Trading Platforms and Apps
What Trading Platforms and Apps Does Masumo Offer for Traders?
| Platform | Device Support | Key Features | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4/MT5 | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Two-factor authentication, multiple order types, price alerts, technical indicators | Demo accounts, VPS |
| Web Version | Any device with internet access | Encryption, symbol lookup, push notifications | None |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | Biometric login, one-click trading, real-time alerts | API interfaces |
Masumo offers a variety of trading platforms catering to different trader needs. The MT4/MT5 platforms are suitable for advanced traders and provide extensive tools for market analysis, while the web version allows for convenient access from any device. The mobile app enhances the trading experience by allowing users to manage trades on the go, offering features like biometric login and real-time alerts. All platforms prioritize secure logins and provide efficient tools for market search, ensuring a streamlined trading experience.
In summary, Masumo’s platform offerings support seamless mobile trading and fast order execution, accommodating various trading preferences. The integration of security measures such as two-factor authentication and encryption further enhances user confidence while trading.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fees | Limits | Base Currency Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | Deposit: 1-3 days, Withdrawal: 2-5 days | Usually free, but banks may charge a fee (USD 15-30 for international wires) | Min Deposit: 100 USD, Max Withdrawal: 50,000 USD/day | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD |
| Credit/Debit Card | Deposit: Instant, Withdrawal: 1-3 days (after verification) | No platform fees, but cash advance fees may apply | Min Deposit: 100 USD, Max Withdrawal: 10,000 USD/transaction | USD, EUR, GBP |
| E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) | Deposit: Instant, Withdrawal: Same day | No platform fees, but e-wallet fees may apply (1-2%) | Min Deposit: 50 USD, Max Withdrawal: 10,000 USD/transaction | USD, EUR, GBP |
| Local Payment Methods (GrabPay, FasaPay, POLi, etc.) | Deposit: Instant, Withdrawal: 1-2 days | No platform fees, but local fees may apply | Min Deposit: 10 USD, Max Withdrawal: Varies by method | Supports local currencies |
Withdrawals must return to the original payment method due to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. This ensures traceable fund flows. For first-time large withdrawals (typically over 2,000 USD), users are required to provide identity documents (passport) and address proof (utility bill), with additional scrutiny for suspicious transactions.
Payment methods may vary by region; for example, Southeast Asian users may prefer GrabPay or local bank transfers, while European clients often use SEPA transfers. Some payment tools are restricted in certain areas, such as US users who cannot use Skrill, and some Middle Eastern countries limit PayPal. Local banks in Japan may offer zero-fee transfers as an advantage.
Cost Optimization Tips
- Small Deposits (<1,000 USD): Prioritize e-wallets or credit cards for instant, fee-free deposits.
- Large Deposits (>5,000 USD): Use bank transfers or SEPA for a lower total cost despite slower processing times.
- Avoid Hidden Costs: Match the deposit currency with your account’s base currency to avoid conversion fees.
- Multi-base Currency Accounts: Select brokers with several base currency options to minimize cross-currency fees.
How to Withdraw
To withdraw funds from your account, follow these steps:
- Log into your account.
- Navigate to the withdrawal section.
- Select your preferred withdrawal method.
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Submit the request and complete any required identity verification.
Ensure your withdrawal matches the original deposit method to comply with regulatory requirements.
Customer Support
Masumo Customer Support Overview
Support Channels
Masumo offers multiple contact methods for customers seeking assistance. You can reach the customer support team through:
- Email: Send your inquiries to info@masumo.co.jp for prompt responses.
- Live Chat: Engage with our support agents via live chat on our website for immediate help.
- Telephone: Call us at +81 0776-23-2830 for direct support.
- Social Media: Connect with us on our official social media platforms for updates and support.
Service Availability
Our customer support is available 24/5, ensuring assistance is just a call or click away during the trading week. We provide multilingual support in English and Japanese to cater to a diverse customer base.
Additional Resources
In addition to direct support, Masumo offers a range of educational resources to enhance your trading experience. These include:
- Video tutorials for navigating our services.
- Webinars on market trends and trading strategies.
- Regular market analysis to keep you informed.
- Trading signals to assist in decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Masumo Securities is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan, holding a securities business license with registration number 北陸財務局長（金商）第12号. This regulatory oversight ensures compliance with strict financial laws, providing a high level of protection for investors’ funds.
Masumo Securities primarily offers traditional investment products such as stocks, bonds, and investment trusts. However, it does not provide forex, commodities, or cryptocurrency trading. While the firm has a long operating history, it lacks transparency regarding its fee structure and the specific trading platform used, which may impact your trading experience.
Your funds are secure with Masumo Securities due to its regulation by the FSA, which enforces stringent compliance standards. Additionally, the firm’s focus on traditional securities provides a stable environment for investors. However, it is advisable to inquire directly about specific fund security measures in place, as detailed information on deposits and withdrawals is not clearly stated.
Masumo Securities offers customer support through multiple channels, including phone at +81 0776-23-2830 and email at info@masumo.co.jp. The firm also has a physical presence in Fukui, Japan, allowing for face-to-face interactions, which can be beneficial for clients who prefer direct communication.
Related Forex Brokers
Risk Disclosure
Trading forex/CFDs via brokers carries high risks, including potential total loss. For any data changes, please refer to the latest information on the brokers' official websites. Trade with caution and seek independent advice.