FBS

FBS: A Comprehensive Overview

FBS is a prominent Forex broker and CFD trading platform established in 2009 by investors with a passion for trading research and technical analysis. Today, FBS has evolved into a global brand with a presence in over 150 countries worldwide. The company offers its clients opportunities to trade Margin FX and CFDs through a diversified group of entities, including FBS Markets Inc. (regulated by FSC), Tradestone Ltd. (regulated by CySEC), Intelligent Financial Markets Pty Ltd. (regulated by ASIC), and TRADE STONE SA (PTY) LTD. (regulated by FSCA).

FBS’s adherence to regulatory standards and its commitment to providing a secure and stable trading environment have contributed to its positive reputation and strong market position. The broker’s comprehensive trading proposal encompasses a range of useful tools, educational resources, and competitive trading conditions, making it an appealing choice for traders of all levels.

Key Advantages of FBS:

• Extensive Experience: FBS boasts a long-standing presence in the forex and CFD trading industry, demonstrating stability and reliability.
• Favorable Trading Conditions: FBS offers competitive spreads and favorable trading conditions on both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.
• Comprehensive Educational Resources: FBS provides a wealth of educational materials, including tutorials, webinars, and seminars, to empower traders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
• Global Recognition and Awards: FBS has received numerous industry awards, solidifying its reputation as a leading forex broker.
• Protective Measures: FBS prioritizes the safety of its clients’ funds and implements robust protective measures to safeguard their investments.

Potential Drawbacks of FBS:

• Limited Trading Instruments: FBS’s trading instruments are primarily focused on Forex and CFDs, offering a narrower range compared to some competitors.
• Varying Trading Conditions: Trading conditions may vary across FBS’s regulated entities. For optimal transparency and consistency, it is recommended to consider trading with the European or Australian entities.

Overall FBS Ranking

Based on our expert evaluation and comprehensive review, we consider FBS an appealing choice for novice traders and regular-sized traders. FBS stands out with low fees for currency trading, a minimal deposit requirement of only $1, and overall favorable trading conditions.

After thorough testing and comparisons with over 500 brokers, we assign FBS an overall ranking of 8 out of 10. This rating reflects FBS’s strengths in key areas, including:

• Low Spreads: FBS offers competitive spreads on currency pairs, making it a cost-effective option for traders seeking to maximize their profits.
• Low Deposit Requirement: With a minimum deposit requirement of just $1, FBS removes financial barriers for entry, allowing traders to start trading with minimal capital.
• Favorable Trading Conditions: FBS provides overall favorable trading conditions, including tight spreads, competitive margin requirements, and a range of trading instruments to suit different trading styles.

Here’s a comparison of FBS’s ranking and advantages to other industry-leading brokers:

Ranking	Broker	Advantages
8	FBS	Low Spread, Low Deposit
7	OctaFX	Competitive Spreads, Wide Range of Instruments
6	IC Markets	Raw Spread Accounts, Fast Execution

Awards

FBS, with its impressive track record of success spanning several years, has been honored with over 60 international accolades, earning it recognition as a transparent broker with exceptional customer service, placing it among the most highly regarded brands worldwide

Is FBS a Scam or a Safe Broker?

FBS is not a scam. It is a brand name used by Tradestone Limited, a Cyprus-registered company and an EU and MiFID-regulated investment firm licensed by CySEC. Additionally, FBS has obtained licenses from ASIC in Australia and FSCA in South Africa.

However, FBS also has an entity located in Belize, an offshore zone that does not provide strong regulatory oversight. Belize’s local regulator, the Financial Service Commission (FSC), primarily registers companies rather than actively regulating them.

Despite the presence of an offshore entity, FBS’s regulation by the European CySEC makes it a broker that complies with regulatory requirements and offers reliable trading conditions.

Is FBS Regulated? How Are You Protected?

Engaging in forex trading necessitates transacting with a regulated broker that adheres to stringent standards to safeguard your funds and uphold transparency. FBS, with its acquired licenses and compliance with the MiFID directive in Europe and Australia, adheres to strict regulations regarding client fund protection. FBS maintains segregated accounts for client funds, ensuring their separation from the broker’s operational funds. Additionally, FBS has implemented Negative Balance Protection to safeguard traders against potential losses exceeding their account balance.

Furthermore, as a Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF), FBS falls under the Compensation Scheme, which protects client investments in the event of the broker’s insolvency. However, it is crucial to note that protective measures and conditions may vary depending on the regulatory entity under which your account is held. For instance, the South African FSCA does not provide a Compensation Scheme, while Belize’s regulatory framework offers minimal protection. Therefore, we strongly recommend opening an account with FBS Europe or Australia to benefit from the robust regulatory safeguards in these jurisdictions.

Key Takeaways:

• FBS is a regulated broker that adheres to stringent standards for client fund protection and transparency.
• FBS maintains segregated accounts for client funds, ensuring their separation from the broker’s operational funds.
• FBS has implemented Negative Balance Protection to safeguard traders against potential losses exceeding their account balance.
• As a CIF, FBS falls under the Compensation Scheme, which protects client investments in the event of the broker’s insolvency.
• Protective measures and conditions may vary depending on the regulatory entity under which your account is held.
• We recommend opening an account with FBS Europe or Australia for enhanced regulatory protection.

By choosing a regulated broker like FBS and selecting an entity with robust regulatory oversight, you can mitigate risks and trade with greater confidence.

Leverage: Navigating the Risk-Reward Trade-Off

Leverage, a double-edged sword in the world of forex trading, amplifies your trading power by multiplying your initial capital, potentially leading to substantial gains. However, this increased firepower comes with heightened risks, as losses can also be amplified proportionally.

FBS offers varying leverage levels tailored to different trader profiles and regulatory requirements. Traders with European entities can access maximum leverage of 1:30 for major currency pairs, while Australian and South African entities also limit leverage to 1:30. For traders seeking higher leverage, FBS International offers ratios soaring up to 1:1000 or even 1:3000 in some instances.

While higher leverage can magnify profits, it also magnifies losses, making it a risky proposition for novice traders. Professional traders, with their experience and risk management strategies, are more adept at handling the potential pitfalls of high leverage. FBS Europe, catering to experienced traders, provides access to higher leverage options.

Key Takeaways:

• Leverage amplifies your trading power but also magnifies risks.
• FBS offers varying leverage levels based on trader experience, residence, and regulatory restrictions.
• European and Australian entities limit leverage to 1:30, while FBS International offers ratios up to 1:1000 or 1:3000.
• High leverage is riskier but can be beneficial for experienced traders with sound risk management strategies.
• FBS Europe provides access to higher leverage options for professional traders.

Effectively utilizing leverage requires careful consideration of your risk appetite, trading experience, and the specific instruments you trade. While high leverage can unlock significant profit potential, it should be approached with caution and a sound understanding of the associated risks.

Account Types: Tailored to Your Trading Needs

When opening an FBS account, you have the flexibility to choose among three primary account types: Standard Account, Cent Account, and Pro Account. Each account type caters to specific trading styles and risk preferences.

Standard Account:

The Standard Account is designed for novice traders who are seeking a low-risk entry into the world of forex trading. This account features a minimal deposit requirement, enabling traders to start with a small capital investment. Additionally, the Standard Account offers a user-friendly trading environment, making it suitable for beginners to learn and practice their trading strategies.

Cent Account:

The Cent Account is a variant of the Standard Account, specifically tailored for micro-lot trading. This account allows traders to execute trades with denominations as small as one cent, enabling them to test their strategies and gain experience without risking significant capital.

Pro Account:

The Pro Account is geared towards experienced traders who are comfortable with higher leverage and the associated risks. This account offers competitive spreads, commission-based trading, and access to a wider range of trading instruments.

Trading Instruments: A Comprehensive Overview

FBS offers a diverse range of trading instruments, primarily focusing on Forex and CFDs. The broker provides a good selection of currency pairs, including exotic ones, as well as CFDs on indices, metals, and energies. While the range of instruments is somewhat limited compared to some other brokers, FBS’s offerings cater well to traders seeking exposure to the forex and CFD markets.

FBS Fees: A Comprehensive Breakdown

FBS pricing is primarily structured around spreads, which represent the difference between the bid and ask prices of a trading instrument. Traders pay a spread with each order they execute. Additionally, FBS may charge overnight fees for positions held overnight and withdrawal fees in certain cases.

Fee Comparison:

Instrument	FBS Fees	HotForex Fees	BDSwiss Fees
EUR/USD Spread	0.5 pips	1.2 pips	1.5 pips
Crude Oil WTI Spread	4 pips	5 pips	6 pips
Gold Spread	15	19	25
BTC/USD Spread	30	30	2000

FBS Spreads: A Comprehensive Analysis

FBS offers competitive spreads across its various account types, catering to the needs of different traders. The Standard account provides spreads starting from 0.7 pips, while the Cent account offers tighter spreads, with the EUR/USD pair typically trading at 0.9 pips. For experienced traders seeking raw spreads and commission-based trading, the international offering includes ECN accounts.

Example Spreads and Conditions:

Instrument	Account Type	Spread
EUR/USD	Pro	0.5 pips
EUR/USD	Cent	0.9 pips
Crude Oil WTI	Standard	1 pip
Gold	Standard	0.3 pips
BTC/USD	Standard	10 pips

drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets

Overnight Fees:

When holding positions overnight, traders may incur overnight fees, also known as swap fees. These fees vary depending on the instrument and trading direction.

FBS Spreads Ranking:

Based on comprehensive testing and comparisons with other brokers, FBS’s spreads are ranked favorably with an overall score of 9 out of 10. The broker’s tight spreads on major currency pairs are among the lowest in the industry.

Additional Considerations:

• Spreads Vary by Entity: Trading conditions, including spreads, may vary depending on the FBS entity under which you open your account.
• Raw Spreads with ECN Accounts: ECN accounts offer raw spreads, reflecting the true market price of an instrument. However, these accounts typically charge commissions per lot.

Overall, FBS’s spreads are highly competitive, making it an attractive choice for traders seeking cost-effective trading opportunities. The broker’s range of account types and the availability of raw spreads further enhance its appeal to different trading styles and experience levels.

Payment Methods: A Comprehensive Overview

To commence live trading, depositing funds into your FBS account is essential. FBS offers a diverse array of payment methods, encompassing over 100 options, ensuring convenience and accessibility for traders worldwide. However, the availability of specific payment methods may vary depending on the FBS entity under which you operate.

Key Highlights:

• Extensive Payment Options: FBS provides a wide range of payment methods, catering to the preferences of traders from different regions.
• Low Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit requirement is relatively low, allowing traders to start with a manageable amount of capital.
• Fast Processing Times: Digital deposits are processed promptly, enabling traders to access their funds quickly and efficiently.
• Multiple Account Base Currencies: FBS supports multiple account base currencies, providing flexibility for traders to choose the currency that best suits their trading needs.
• $0 Deposits and Free Withdrawals: FBS offers $0 deposits for certain payment methods and free withdrawals for specific entities.

Considerations:

• Entity-Specific Payment Methods: The availability of payment methods may vary depending on the FBS entity under which you operate. International traders may have access to a wider range of options compared to traders under European or Australian regulatory frameworks.
• Basic Methods for Top-Tier Jurisdictions: FBS may offer only basic payment methods like bank wire transfers and card payments for traders under top-tier regulatory jurisdictions due to stricter financial regulations.

Deposit Options: A Comprehensive Guide

FBS offers a diverse array of deposit options to cater to the preferences of traders from different regions. The most common deposit methods include:

• Major Cards: Visa and MasterCard
• E-wallets: Neteller and Skrill
• Wire Transfers: Bank transfers for secure and direct fund transfers
• Crypto Wallets: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other popular cryptocurrencies

Minimum Deposit Requirements:

FBS maintains relatively low minimum deposit requirements, making it accessible for traders of all experience levels. The minimum deposit amounts vary depending on the account type:

• Cent Account: $10 minimum deposit, ideal for beginners seeking a low-risk entry into forex trading
• Standard Account: $100 minimum deposit, suitable for traders with some experience who want to start with a manageable amount of capital
• Crypto Account: $1 minimum deposit, catering to traders who prefer the convenience and security of cryptocurrencies

Comparison with Other Brokers:

FBS’s minimum deposit requirements are significantly lower than those of most other brokers, making it a more affordable option for traders of all levels.

Withdrawal Process:

Withdrawing funds from your FBS account is a straightforward process. To initiate a withdrawal:

1. Access your FBS trading account management area
2. Select the “Withdraw Funds” option
3. Choose your preferred withdrawal method
4. Enter the desired withdrawal amount and submit the request

FBS typically processes withdrawal requests within 1-2 business days. However, it is advisable to factor in additional processing time by your payment provider.

Withdrawal Fees:

FBS does not charge any fees for either deposits or withdrawals. However, it is recommended to check with your payment provider directly as some may impose fees depending on your country of residence.

Overall, FBS’s deposit and withdrawal options are highly accessible, convenient, and cost-effective. Their low minimum deposit requirements and fee-free policy make it an attractive choice for traders seeking flexibility and affordability in managing their trading funds.

Trading Platforms: A Comprehensive Overview

FBS stands out among the majority of STP (Straight-Through Processing) and technology-driven forex brokers by offering a powerful platform for executing orders through the industry-leading MetaTrader4 (MT4) and its newer version, MetaTrader5 (MT5). Additionally, FBS provides its proprietary FBS Trader platform, designed for traders seeking a simpler yet still powerful trading experience.

Platform Scores and Availability:

FBS’s trading platform offerings are ranked favorably with an overall rating of 9 out of 10 compared to over 500 other brokers. The broker’s strengths lie in providing the popular MT4 and MT5 platforms, along with its own developed FBS Trader platform, giving traders a variety of options to suit their preferences and trading styles.

Platform Comparison:

Feature	FBS Platforms	OctaFX Platforms	eToro Platforms
MT4	Yes	No	No
MT5	Yes	Yes	No
Own Platform	Yes	No	Yes
Mobile Apps	Yes	Yes	Yes

FBS Customer Support: A Comprehensive Assessment

FBS provides comprehensive customer support across multiple channels, ensuring that traders have access to assistance whenever they need it. Support is available 24/7 through live chat, international phone lines, email, and even social media platforms.

Customer Support Rating:

Based on extensive testing and evaluation, FBS’s customer support is ranked favorably with an overall rating of 7 out of 10. The support team is generally responsive and knowledgeable, providing prompt and relevant answers to traders’ queries. However, there have been some instances of negative feedback from traders regarding the quality of support received.

Key Highlights:

• 24/7 Availability: FBS’s customer support is available around the clock, ensuring that traders can reach out for assistance at any time.
• Multiple Contact Channels: Traders have the flexibility to choose from various communication channels, including live chat, phone, email, and social media, to connect with the support team.
• Responsive and Knowledgeable Support: FBS’s support team is generally prompt and knowledgeable in addressing traders’ concerns and providing helpful solutions.

FBS Education: Equipping Traders with Knowledge

FBS recognizes the importance of equipping traders with the necessary knowledge to make informed trading decisions. The broker offers a comprehensive range of educational resources, including:

• Webinars: Live and on-demand webinars covering various trading topics, from beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies.
• Forex Guidebooks: In-depth guides that provide a thorough understanding of forex trading concepts and techniques.
• Trading Tips: Practical tips and insights to help traders improve their trading strategies and decision-making.
• Video Lessons: Engaging video tutorials that demonstrate trading strategies and techniques in a visual format.
• Glossary Materials: A comprehensive glossary of forex trading terms and definitions.

Overall, FBS’s educational offerings are ranked favorably with an overall rating of 9 out of 10. The broker provides a wealth of resources tailored to traders of all levels, from beginners seeking foundational knowledge to experienced traders seeking to refine their skills.

FBS Research Tools: Enhancing Trading Decisions

In addition to the research tools provided within the MetaTrader platform, FBS offers a suite of additional research tools to assist traders in making informed decisions:

• Forex Calculator: A web-based tool for calculating pip values, profit and loss targets, and margin requirements.
• Economic Calendar: An interactive calendar that keeps traders updated on upcoming economic events that may impact market movements.
• Currency Converter: A convenient tool for converting currencies and staying informed about exchange rates.
• Daily Market Analysis: In-depth market analyses provided by FBS’s team of experts, offering insights into current market trends and potential trading opportunities.
• Forex TV: A live streaming channel that provides traders with real-time news and market updates, allowing them to stay abreast of developments that may affect their trading decisions.

Overall, FBS’s research tools provide traders with a valuable resource for making informed trading decisions. The combination of in-house analysis, real-time updates, and comprehensive market data empowers traders to navigate the dynamic forex market effectively.