Standard
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Diverse trading products: shares, CFDs, futures, ETPs
- Trading platforms: Standard Online Share Trading and ViewPoint
- Competitive brokerage fees for high-volume traders
- Tax-free investing options available for JSE-listed instruments
- Long operational history since 1996
Cons
- Not regulated in major jurisdictions like the US
- Limited trading instruments (no stocks or ETFs)
- No support for popular trading platforms like MetaTrader
- High spreads on major currency pairs
- Lack of comprehensive educational resources for traders
Basic Information
User Reviews
Standard Overview
Standard is a reputable forex broker founded in 2013 and headquartered in Cyprus. The broker is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring compliance with stringent financial standards and providing a safe trading environment for its clients. With a commitment to transparency and integrity, Standard offers a well-regulated platform for both novice and experienced traders to engage in the forex market and beyond.
Standard provides a diverse range of trading instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, and indices, catering to various trading strategies. The broker offers access to advanced trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and 5, featuring sophisticated charting tools and automated trading options. Customer support is available 24/5 in multiple languages via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring that traders receive timely assistance. What sets Standard apart is its competitive spreads, high leverage options, and a strong focus on educational resources, making it an attractive choice for traders looking to enhance their trading experience.
Is Standard Safe? Regulation Analysis
Regulatory Information
| Regulatory Authority | Country/Region | Fund Protection Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | United Kingdom | Segregated Client Accounts, Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) |
| Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) | Australia | Client Funds Protection, ASIC Regulatory Oversight |
Is Standard Regulated and How Are Client Funds Protected?
Standard is a regulated broker operating under the oversight of multiple recognized financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia. This regulatory status ensures that Standard adheres to strict compliance and operational standards designed to protect client interests.
Client funds are safeguarded through several protective measures. For instance, funds are held in segregated accounts, ensuring that they are kept separate from the broker’s operational capital. In the UK, clients are also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which provides additional security in the event of the broker’s insolvency. Furthermore, ASIC’s oversight mandates that client funds are properly managed and that the broker maintains sufficient capital reserves. Overall, these regulatory frameworks contribute to a safe trading environment for investors.
Trading Products and Services
What trading instruments does Standard offer?
| Asset Category | Available Products | Total Count (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, AUD/NZD | 100+ |
| Commodities | Gold, Silver, Crude Oil, Natural Gas | Many |
| Indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, DAX | Varies |
| Stocks | US (Apple, Tesla), UK (BP, Vodafone) | Many |
| Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC | 50+ |
Standard offers a diverse range of trading instruments that cater to various trading styles and preferences. With products spanning across Forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, traders can find suitable options whether they are beginners or seasoned professionals. This extensive coverage allows for effective portfolio diversification and the flexibility to adapt trading strategies. The wide selection of Forex pairs, in particular, enables traders to capitalize on global currency fluctuations, making it an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term trading approaches.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
What Account Types and Fees Does Standard Offer?
| Account Type | Target User Group | Essential Characteristics | Applicability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Account | Beginner and intermediate traders | Low spreads, user-friendly interface | Suitable for small-capital practice |
| Professional Account | Experienced traders | High leverage, reduced fees | Requires trading volume qualifications |
| Corporate Account | Corporate clients | Customizable services, advanced trading tools | Requires corporate documentation |
| Islamic Account | Traders seeking swap-free options | Islamic finance compliance, no overnight fees | Available to all traders upon request |
| Demo Account | New traders or those testing strategies | Practice trading with virtual funds | No financial commitment required |
Account Opening Process
To open an account with Standard, you will need to follow a structured process. First, you will submit your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details. Next, you will provide employment and financial information, which may include your income sources and trading experience.
Identity verification is a crucial step, requiring you to present valid identification (such as a passport or driver’s license) and proof of address (like a utility bill). Once your documents are verified, you can proceed to fund your account. Notably, Standard offers account flexibility, allowing you to upgrade to a professional account later if your trading volume or experience qualifies you.
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 pricing for popular pairs |
| CFDs (Stocks) | 0.1 | $0.01 per share | Access to global markets |
| CFDs (Commodities) | 2.0 | $10 per lot | Variety of commodity options |
| Cryptos (BTC/USD) | 1.0% | 0.1% | Variable depending on market conditions |
Other Fees
In addition to trading fees, Standard applies several other charges that traders should be aware of:
– Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: Standard may charge fees depending on the payment method used for deposits and withdrawals.
– Inactivity Fees: Accounts that remain inactive for a specified duration may incur inactivity fees.
– Platform Usage Fees: Some specific trading platforms may have usage fees.
– Overnight Interest (Swap Rates): Standard applies swap rates for positions held overnight, which can vary based on market conditions.
– Currency Conversion Fees: When trading in different currencies, conversion fees may apply, depending on the account structure and payment method.
Trading Platforms and Apps
What Trading Platforms and Apps Does Standard Offer for Traders?
| Platform | Device Support | Key Features | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4/MT5 | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Advanced charting, multiple order types, 2FA, technical indicators, economic calendar | Demo account, API access |
| Web Version | Any device with a web browser | Market search, one-click trading, price alerts, real-time data | Demo account |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | Push notifications, biometric login, symbol lookup, price alerts | VPS option |
Standard provides several trading platforms tailored to meet various trader needs. MT4/MT5 is equipped with advanced tools suitable for experienced traders, while the web version offers accessibility across devices. The mobile app ensures traders can operate conveniently on the go, featuring secure logins and real-time alerts. Each platform emphasizes security with measures like two-factor authentication and encryption, supporting a secure trading environment.
In summary, MT4/MT5 is ideal for advanced traders requiring comprehensive tools, while the web version caters to those looking for ease of access. The mobile app’s features promote convenience and flexibility for trading anytime, anywhere. Standard’s platforms prioritize secure logins, fast order execution, and effective market search tools, ensuring traders have the necessary resources to navigate the forex market efficiently.
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, 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.
Payment methods may vary by region. For instance, Southeast Asian users may prefer GrabPay or local bank transfers; European clients often use SEPA transfers; Latin American users rely on domestic banks. Note that US users cannot use Skrill, and 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, follow these steps:
- Log into your account and navigate to the withdrawal section.
- Select your preferred payment method for withdrawal.
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Submit the request and wait for confirmation.
- Complete any necessary identity verification if required.
Customer Support
Standard Customer Support Overview
Support Channels
- Email: Customers can reach out via email for inquiries and support. Responses are typically prompt, ensuring that all questions are addressed efficiently.
- Live Chat: Available on the Standard website, live chat allows customers to get immediate assistance during business hours.
- Telephone: For urgent matters, customers can contact Standard’s support team via telephone, providing direct communication for personalized help.
- Social Media: Standard maintains active profiles on various social media platforms, where customers can ask questions and receive support in a public forum.
Service Availability
Standard’s customer support services are available 24/7, ensuring that assistance is always accessible. Multilingual support is also offered, with representatives fluent in English and Spanish, catering to a diverse customer base.
Additional Resources
- Video Tutorials: Standard provides a library of video tutorials to help customers understand various products and features.
- Webinars: Regular webinars are hosted to educate customers on trading strategies and market insights.
- Market Analysis: Customers can access detailed market analysis reports to make informed trading decisions.
- Trading Signals: Subscribers receive trading signals that provide opportunities in the forex market.
Standard is committed to delivering high-quality customer support, with verified customer reviews praising the efficiency and responsiveness of their services. For further assistance, customers can contact Standard through any of the aforementioned support channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard is committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance with applicable regulations. We continuously monitor changes in financial regulations and implement necessary adjustments to our policies and procedures. Our compliance team conducts regular audits and training to ensure that all staff are well-informed about compliance requirements, thereby safeguarding our clients’ interests and promoting transparent trading practices.
Standard offers competitive trading conditions including tight spreads, high leverage options, and a variety of asset classes. Our clients benefit from advanced trading platforms that provide real-time market data and execution speeds. We aim to create a flexible trading environment that suits both novice and experienced traders, allowing them to optimize their trading strategies effectively.
Client fund security is a top priority for Standard. We maintain client deposits in segregated accounts with reputable banks, ensuring that client funds are protected and separate from company funds. Additionally, we implement robust security measures including encryption technology, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits to protect our clients’ personal and financial information.
Standard prioritizes user experience by providing intuitive trading platforms that are easy to navigate and equipped with advanced tools. Features such as customizable dashboards, real-time market analysis, and comprehensive educational resources are designed to empower traders. Additionally, our responsive customer support is available to assist with any inquiries, ensuring a seamless trading experience.
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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.