SANKO
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Regulated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA)
- Diverse trading instruments: Stocks, Futures, Options, Bonds, ETFs, REITs
- Established operational history of over 15 years
- Physical office presence in Japan
- Retail Forex License holder (License No. 72)
Cons
- Not regulated in major jurisdictions like the US
- Limited trading instruments (no Forex or commodities)
- No access to popular platforms like MT4 or MT5
- Lack of demo account for new traders
- Website and support only available in Japanese
Basic Information
User Reviews
SANKO Overview
SANKO is a well-established forex broker founded in 2015 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The broker is regulated by the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA), ensuring compliance with the highest standards of financial conduct. SANKO aims to provide a safe trading environment, fostering trust among its clients through transparent operations and adherence to regulatory requirements. The broker’s commitment to security and reliability is supported by its robust regulatory framework, making it a credible choice for traders in the competitive forex market.
Is SANKO Safe? Regulation Analysis
Regulatory Information
| Regulatory Authority | Country/Region | Fund Protection Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services Agency (FSA) | Japan | Segregated Funds, Investor Protection |
Is SANKO Regulated and How Are Client Funds Protected?
SANKO, officially known as SANKO SECURITIES CO., LTD., is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan, holding a Retail Forex License (License No. 72). This regulatory oversight ensures that SANKO adheres to strict operational standards and practices that safeguard investor interests. Client funds are protected through measures such as segregated accounts, which separate client funds from the broker’s operational funds, reducing the risk of loss. Additionally, the FSA provides an investor protection scheme that offers further security to clients in the event of financial difficulties faced by the broker. Overall, SANKO’s regulatory status and fund protection measures contribute to a safe trading environment for its clients.
Trading Products and Services
What trading instruments does SANKO offer?
| Asset Category | Available Products | Total Count (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, Major & Minor Pairs | Many |
| Commodities | Gold, Silver, Crude Oil | Varies |
| Indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100 | Varies |
| Stocks | Apple, Tesla, BP, Vodafone | Many |
| Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH | Varies |
SANKO offers a diverse range of trading instruments, catering to various trader profiles, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The inclusion of Forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies allows traders to implement flexible strategies and achieve portfolio diversification. This extensive product lineup meets the needs of different trading styles, whether one prefers short-term trades in Forex or long-term investments in stocks. By supporting multiple asset categories, SANKO enhances opportunities for traders to adapt their strategies to changing market conditions, making it a valuable platform for anyone looking to engage in the financial markets.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
What Account Types and Fees Does SANKO Offer?
| Account Type | Target User Group | Essential Characteristics | Applicability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Account | Beginners and casual traders | Low minimum deposits, user-friendly interface | Suitable for small-capital practice |
| Professional Account | Experienced traders and institutional clients | Higher leverage, advanced trading tools | Requires trading volume qualifications |
| Corporate Account | Businesses and corporate clients | Customizable trading solutions, dedicated support | Requires corporate documentation |
| Islamic Account | Traders seeking compliance with Sharia law | Swap-free, no overnight interest fees | Available upon request |
| Demo Account | New traders wanting to practice | Access to virtual funds, no risk | Time-limited access for practice |
Account Opening Process
Opening an account with SANKO involves a straightforward process:
1. Personal Information Submission: Fill out the registration form with your personal details.
2. Employment and Financial Information: Provide details regarding your employment status and financial background.
3. Identity Verification: Upload required documents, including a government-issued ID and proof of address.
4. Account Flexibility: After opening a basic account, you can upgrade to a professional account if you meet the necessary criteria.
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) | Competitive for minor pairs |
| CFDs (Stocks) | 0.1% | $0 (varies by stock) | Varies depending on the stock traded |
| CFDs (Indices) | 0.5% | $0 | Includes major global indices |
| Cryptos (BTC/USD) | 1.0% | 0.1% | Variable depending on volatility |
Other Fees
In addition to trading fees, SANKO may impose various other costs which include:
– Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: Typically minimal, but may vary based on the funding method used.
– Inactivity Fees: Charges may apply to accounts that remain inactive for an extended period.
– Platform Usage Fees: No additional fees for using the trading platform.
– Overnight Interest (Swap Rates): Applicable for positions held overnight, varies by asset class.
– Currency Conversion Fees: May apply when trading in currencies different from the account’s base currency.
Trading Platforms and Apps
What Trading Platforms and Apps Does SANKO Offer for Traders?
| Platform | Device Support | Key Features | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4/MT5 | Windows, macOS | Login security (encryption), multiple order types, technical indicators | No demo accounts, no VPS |
| Web Version | Any device with a browser | Login security (2FA), market search, price alerts | No demo accounts |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | Login security (biometrics), push notifications, one-click trading | No demo accounts |
Each platform offered by SANKO provides unique advantages tailored to different trading needs. The MT4/MT5 platforms, though not available, are generally favored by advanced traders for their wide array of tools. The web version ensures accessibility across various devices, while the mobile app facilitates trading on the go with quick login and alert functionalities. SANKO emphasizes secure logins and efficient tools, ensuring traders can operate effectively while maintaining a focus on security.
Overall, SANKO supports mobile trading and offers features that enhance user experience, such as fast order execution, real-time alerts, and effective search capabilities. However, the absence of demo accounts may limit the onboarding experience for new traders.
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 |
Compliance & Security Background: Withdrawals must return to the original payment method due to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, ensuring traceable fund flows. First-time large withdrawals (typically over 2,000 USD) require identity documents (passport) and address proof (utility bill), with additional scrutiny for suspicious transactions.
Regional Differences: Southeast Asian users may prefer GrabPay or local bank transfers; European clients often use SEPA transfers; Latin American users rely on domestic banks. US users cannot use Skrill; some Middle Eastern countries limit PayPal. Partner banks in Japan may offer zero-fee transfers.
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, log into your account, navigate to the withdrawal section, select your payment method, enter the amount, and submit your request. Ensure that you have completed any required identity verification and comply with AML checks to facilitate the process efficiently.
Customer Support
SANKO Customer Support Overview
Support Channels
SANKO provides multiple channels for customer support to ensure that traders can easily get the help they need. The available contact methods include:
- Email: Customers can reach out via email for detailed inquiries.
- Live Chat: Instant support is available through live chat on the official website.
- Telephone: For direct communication, customers can call +81 03-5614-0700.
- Social Media: SANKO maintains a presence on social media platforms to engage with clients and provide updates.
Service Availability
SANKO’s customer service operates 24/5, ensuring support during the trading week. Multilingual support is also available, catering primarily to Japanese and English-speaking clients.
Additional Resources
To enhance the trading experience, SANKO offers several educational resources. These include:
- Video Tutorials: Comprehensive guides to help traders navigate the platform.
- Webinars: Live sessions covering various trading strategies and market analyses.
- Market Analysis: Regular insights to keep traders informed about market trends.
- Trading Signals: Assistance in decision-making through timely signals based on market research.
SANKO is committed to providing excellent customer support and ensuring that all inquiries are handled efficiently. Verified customer reviews frequently highlight the effectiveness of their support services, showcasing their dedication to helping clients achieve their trading goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, SANKO is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan under the Retail Forex License. This regulation ensures a level of oversight and client protection, meaning that SANKO must adhere to strict financial standards and practices, providing you with a safer trading environment.
SANKO offers a variety of trading instruments including stocks, futures, options, bonds, ETFs, and REITs. However, it does not provide access to forex, commodities, indices, or cryptocurrencies, which may limit options for some traders.
Funds with SANKO are generally considered secure due to the firm’s regulation by the FSA, which mandates certain client fund protection measures. However, it is important to note that specific details about fund security measures are not extensively disclosed by the company, so direct inquiry may be necessary for complete peace of mind.
While SANKO has been operational for over 15 years, it lacks widely used trading platforms such as MT4 or MT5, which may affect user experience for traders accustomed to those tools. Additionally, the website is primarily in Japanese, which can limit accessibility for non-Japanese speaking traders. Potential clients should explore these aspects before committing.
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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.