At the forefront of Swissquote, a group of engineers, entrepreneurs and financial experts set to build a pioneering bank that offers unbreakable reliability to its investors and high empowerment to its clients. We develop new products to serve our clients better, we strive to make opportunities more accessible to all and we challenge conventions via technology.
What is Swissquote?
Swissquote is a Swiss banking group specializing in online financial and trading services. Swissquote provides an online platform for investors to trade a variety of assets, including stocks, bonds, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. They cater to both individual investors and institutions, offering different account types to suit various needs. While specific fees aren't readily available online, they advertise competitive fees and commissions. For added security, Swissquote is regulated by financial authorities in Switzerland and other jurisdictions.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Demo account: Swissquote offers a demo account, allowing traders to practice trading with virtual funds before risking real money.
Powerful trading platform: Swissquote provides a variety of powerful trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and their own CFXD platform. The mobile compatibility (IOS and Android) also ensures convenient access from anywhere.
Rich trading securities: Swissquote offers a wide range of tradable securities, including 400 Forex and CFD instruments. This caters to investors with diverse interests and allows for portfolio diversification.
Free Educational Resources: Swissquote goes beyond just execution by providing a comprehensive help center and educational resources. This can be beneficial for new investors or those who want to enhance their trading knowledge and stay informed.
Cons:
High margin requirement: Swissquote's margin requirement starts at 20%. This means investors need a larger initial investment compared to brokers with lower margin requirements. This can be a barrier for new investors or those with limited capital.
Local restrictions:While Swissquote claims not to target specific countries, they do restrict residents of the United States and potentially other jurisdictions. It's important to check their local regulations to see if they accept clients from your area.
Regulatory Status
Swissquote operates under the regulatory jurisdiction of several prominent global financial authorities.
It is regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license No. 422/22.
Furthermore, it holds a license (No. 410681) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore(MAS).
The firm holds a license (No. 562170) from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, this license is suspicious clone.
Tradable Securities
Swissquote caters to diverse investor interests by offering a vast selection of tradable securities. This includes over 400 Forex and CFD instruments, encompassing major, minor, and emerging currency pairs, along with various FX crosses involving precious metals. Beyond currencies, Swissquote also allows trading in Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on a variety of assets including stocks, indices, commodities, and bonds.
Margin & Leverage
Swissquote offers leverage for investors, allowing them to control a larger position size than their initial investment. The leverage ratio varies depending on the asset class. For popular forex instruments, the margin requirement is just 3.33%. This means investors can control a position worth up to 30 times their initial deposit. However, for stocks, the leverage is more conservative at 1:5. This translates to a margin requirement of 20%.
While leverage can magnify potential profits, it also amplifies potential losses. Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and maintain a minimum balance in their account to avoid a margin call. Swissquote emphasizes responsible use of leverage by highlighting the associated risks.
Commissions & Fees
Swissquote offers a tiered commission structure with fees decreasing as account balances increase. For investors in Switzerland, Germany, UK, and France, commissions per trade are 0.15% for premium accounts, 0.12% for prime accounts, and 0.09% for elite accounts. This translates to lower fees for traders with larger account balances. It's important to note that these rates apply per side of the trade (meaning buying and selling are both commissionable) and are accompanied by a minimum margin requirement of 20% across all account tiers.
Platforms
Swissquote provides flexibility for traders by offering multiple platforms and accessibility across various devices. Their CFXD platform is their proprietary option, but they also integrate the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.
Furthermore, Swissquote allows trade execution directly from a web browser, eliminating the need for software downloads, and offers mobile compatibility for both iOS and Android devices. This ensures convenient access to your investments from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
Education
Swissquote recognizes the importance of investor education and offers a variety of free resources to help clients improve their trading knowledge. These resources include courses, eBooks, and webinars. This allows traders of all experience levels to access educational materials that suit their learning style.
Customer Service
Address: Boston House, 63-64 New Broad St, London EC2M 1JJ, UK
Phone: +44 20 7186 2600
Email: info@swissquote.co.uk
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00 (UK time) Monday to Friday
Conclusion
Swissquote is an online brokerage offering a variety of features that may appeal to both new and experienced investors. It offers a user-friendly platform with a wide range of investment options, educational resources, and is backed by regulatory oversight.
However, the high margin requirement and local restrictions are drawbacks for some. It's important to carefully consider investment goals, risk tolerance, and capital availability before deciding if Swissquote aligns with your needs. Be sure to research local regulations and confirm available customer service options to ensure a smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Risk Warning
Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.