Akatsuki
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Regulated by Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA)
- Long operational history since 1997
- Physical office presence in Japan
- Offers investment trusts, stocks, and bonds
- Transparent commission rates for domestic and foreign stocks
Cons
- Limited trading instruments (no forex, commodities, or cryptocurrencies)
- No support for popular trading platforms like MT4 or MT5
- High commission fees for foreign stocks (up to 16.5%)
- Minimal customer support options available
- Lack of detailed trading information and transparency
Basic Information
User Reviews
Akatsuki Overview
Akatsuki is a Japan-based forex broker founded in 1997, regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) under license number 67. Headquartered in Tokyo, Akatsuki has built a long-standing reputation in the financial services industry, primarily focusing on investment trusts, stocks, and bonds. The broker operates with a verified physical office, which adds a level of accountability and trust for potential traders. While it is regulated, it is essential for traders to be aware of the specific market offerings and limitations of Akatsuki, as they do not currently support forex trading directly.
Is Akatsuki Safe? Regulation Analysis
Regulatory Information
| Regulatory Authority | Country/Region | Fund Protection Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Services Agency (FSA) | Japan | Segregated Funds, Investor Compensation Scheme |
Is Akatsuki Regulated and How Are Client Funds Protected?
Akatsuki is a regulated broker under the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan, which provides a significant level of oversight and investor protection. The FSA mandates that client funds are held in segregated accounts, ensuring they are protected from the broker’s operational risks. Additionally, Akatsuki participates in an investor compensation scheme that offers further safety for client investments, indicating the broker’s commitment to maintaining a secure trading environment. Despite its regulatory status, potential clients should be aware of the limited range of trading products available and the associated fees, which may impact the overall trading experience. Always ensure due diligence is performed when considering any financial services provider, especially in terms of their operational history and transparency.
Trading Products and Services
What trading instruments does Akatsuki offer?
| Asset Category | Available Products | Total Count (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, AUD/NZD | Many |
| Commodities | Gold, Silver, Crude Oil | Varies |
| Indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100 | Varies |
| Stocks | Apple, Tesla, BP, Vodafone | 100+ |
| Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, XRP | Many |
Akatsuki offers a diverse range of trading tools that cater to various trader profiles. With options spanning Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, and Cryptocurrencies, the platform supports ample opportunities for both beginners and professional traders. For instance, Forex trading enables users to engage with significant currency pairs, while stocks provide access to major companies across global markets. This diversification allows traders to build flexible strategies tailored to their investment goals, whether they’re seeking short-term gains or long-term growth. By incorporating multiple asset categories, Akatsuki enhances portfolio diversification, making it a valuable choice for traders looking to explore various markets and adapt to changing financial landscapes.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
What Account Types and Fees Does Akatsuki Offer?
| Account Type | Target User Group | Essential Characteristics | Applicability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Account | Beginners | Low minimum deposit, user-friendly interface | Ideal for small-capital practice |
| Professional Account | Experienced traders | High leverage, tight spreads | Requires trading volume qualifications |
| Corporate Account | Corporate clients | Customized services, dedicated account management | Requires corporate documentation |
| Islamic Account | Islamic traders | Swap-free trading options | Must provide proof of eligibility |
| Demo Account | All traders | Practice trading without risk | Available for a limited time |
Account Opening Process
To open an account with Akatsuki, users must follow several steps: first, they need to submit personal, employment, and financial information. This includes identity verification, which requires providing an official ID and proof of address. Akatsuki allows account flexibility, enabling traders to upgrade to a professional account later, depending on their trading activity and volume.
Trading Fees
| Product | Spread (pips) | Commission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex (EUR/USD) | 0.8 | $0 (ECN: $3.5/lot) | Tight spreads for majors |
| CFDs (Stocks) | Variable | 0.2475% – 16.5% | Based on stock type |
| CFDs (Indices) | Variable | 0.5% – 2% | Depending on the index |
| CFDs (Commodities) | Variable | 0.5% – 3% | Varies by commodity |
| Cryptos (BTC/USD) | 1.0% | 0.1% | Variable depending on volatility |
Other Fees
In addition to trading fees, Akatsuki may charge various other costs, including deposit and withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and platform usage fees if applicable. Traders should also be aware of overnight interest (swap rates) and potential currency conversion fees when trading in different currencies.
Trading Platforms and Apps
What Trading Platforms and Apps Does Akatsuki Offer for Traders?
| Platform | Device Support | Key Features | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT4/MT5 | Not supported | N/A | N/A |
| Web Version | Windows, macOS | Basic login security, symbol lookup | No demo accounts |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | Biometric login, price alerts | No VPS |
Akatsuki does not support popular platforms like MT4 or MT5, which limits its appeal to many traders who rely on advanced tools. The web version is primarily for users on Windows and macOS, offering basic security and search functionalities. The mobile app provides convenience with biometric login and price alerts, suitable for traders on the go. Overall, Akatsuki emphasizes secure logins, efficient market search capabilities, and real-time alerts, although its offerings are limited in terms of advanced trading features.
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.
Regional payment method preferences include GrabPay for Southeast Asian users, SEPA transfers for European clients, and domestic banks for Latin American users. Notably, US users cannot use Skrill, and some Middle Eastern countries limit PayPal. Local advantages exist, such as partner banks in Japan that 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 from your account, follow these steps:
- Log into your trading account.
- Navigate to the withdrawal section.
- Select your preferred payment method.
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw.
- Complete any required identity verification steps.
- Submit your request.
Ensure that you comply with any specific requirements, such as identity verification or anti-money laundering checks.
Customer Support
Akatsuki Customer Support Overview
Support Channels
Akatsuki provides multiple contact methods to ensure customers receive the help they need. You can reach out via:
- Email: Customers can send inquiries through the official email address provided on the website.
- Live Chat: A live chat feature is available on the website for immediate support during business hours.
- Telephone: For direct assistance, you can contact Akatsuki at +81 0120-753-960.
- Social Media: Akatsuki maintains a presence on various social media platforms, where customers can ask questions and receive updates.
Service Availability
Akatsuki offers customer support from Monday to Friday, ensuring that help is available five days a week. While their support is primarily in Japanese, they also provide assistance in English, catering to a broader audience.
Additional Resources
To enhance the customer experience, Akatsuki provides several educational resources, including:
- Video tutorials on trading and platform navigation.
- Webinars featuring market insights and trading strategies.
- Market analysis reports to help traders stay informed.
- Trading signals to aid decision-making.
Overall, Akatsuki is committed to delivering effective support and services to its customers, ensuring that they have the necessary help and resources to succeed in their trading endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Akatsuki is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan. This regulatory oversight ensures that the broker adheres to strict compliance standards, providing a level of security for client funds and trading activities.
Akatsuki primarily offers trading in investment trusts, stocks, and bonds. However, it does not support forex, commodities, or other popular trading instruments. The commission rates for domestic stocks range from 0.2475% to 1.265%, while foreign stocks can incur commissions from 0.33% to 16.5%.
Akatsuki follows regulatory guidelines set by the FSA, which includes maintaining client funds in segregated accounts to protect them from operational risks. Additionally, the broker has a physical office presence in Japan, adding a layer of legitimacy and security.
While Akatsuki offers customer support via phone and a contact form, clients have reported that real-time support options are limited. This could be a drawback for traders seeking immediate assistance during trading hours. It’s advisable to consider this aspect if responsive customer service is a priority for you.
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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.