Posted on December 3, 2018September 20, 2023 by John Porter

Forex Trading: Why Trade with Australian ASIC Brokers

What is ASIC Australia?
Why Trade with an ASIC-regulated broker?
ASIC Application Process
ASIC Complaint procedure
List of ASIC-Regulated Forex Brokers
Conclusion on ASIC Regulation

ASIC Regulator Introduction

📚 Formed:	July 1, 1998
🏦 Jurisdiction:	Australia, New South Wales
🏢 Headquarters:	Sydney
🛡️ Is ASIC Broker Offshore or Top-tier Jurisdiction?	Top-tier
🔒 Is Top-tier Jurisdiction safe to trade?	Yes

What is ASIC?

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is an integrated regulator in Australia established in 1998 and is one of the Top-tier Regulatory authorities with strict procedures and excellent oversight. As a non-governmental organization, ASIC's responsibilities include regulating and overseeing leveraged foreign exchange transactions, financial service markets, and the protection of retail clients.

It ensures fair, strong, and efficient financial trading opportunities provided by independent organizations. ASIC carries out daily supervision of the retail foreign exchange market, with a focus on combating misconduct within the financial markets while fostering trust, improving performance, and upholding integrity. (Read our article about Australian Brokers)

ASIC is responsible for regulating companies and businesses operating in Australia. It administers the Corporations Act 2001, which sets out regulations and requirements for corporate governance, financial reporting, disclosure, and compliance. ASIC also registers companies, manages company records, and investigates breaches of corporate laws.
ASIC has the power to investigate and take legal action against individuals and entities that breach financial laws. It can impose penalties, and sanctions, and enforce civil and criminal proceedings. ASIC works closely with other regulatory agencies, such as the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), to ensure regulatory cooperation and effectiveness.

Australia ASIC Regulation of Forex Trading Brokers

The whole concept of the ASIC is concerned with trader protection, smooth market operation, and regulation of unconscionable conduct that affects all financial products or services to ensure traders are dealing with safe providers. Important to note regulation worldwide is indeed different so offshore firms might claim to be regulated too, yet their procedures are rather poor compared to top-tier regulators like ASIC.

As a market and trader credit regulator, ASIC supervises and licenses companies that participate in Forex and CFD trading by the Australian license AFSL (Australian Financial Services License). In order to become an ASIC-licensed forex broker, the firm should prove and confirm the uncompromised professionalism that covers various aspects and urges brokers to be an orderly and transparent organization.

In case the broker managed to obtain an ASIC license, the trader can be ensured the financial broker acts transparently, by the operation through an ASIC’s guideline. The ASIC regulation of brokers' trading services and operations is monitored on a daily basis, as the broker submits reports about every transaction or service provided, which ensures the integrity between the market offerings and unparalleled protection.

Why trade with an ASIC-regulated broker?

So along with the abovementioned strict rules ASIC applies towards the Brokers or companies, and besides the monitoring of brokers’ procedures, ASIC effectively assesses how the financial service firm complies with its legal obligation, as well as investigated law breaches. That may cause ASIC to take further actions like infringement notices, issues of fines, official claims, a ban on credit activities, or even company dismissal.

An example of ASIC's active role and launches towards unscrupulous brokers shows the cancellation of a license of Melbourne-based forex and CFD broker, as the broker failed to comply with a number of requirements. (Please check the News by the link).

Moreover, it is not the only issue that the fines or cases were imposed on the company itself, the managing director is banned too. Since the director was involved in the contravention of a financial services law or is not adequately competent, the ASIC regulator respectively takes necessary actions.

ASIC Application Process

The ASIC application process is accurate to the detail and accepts applications only from physical Australian entities with a sharp business plan, precise detail about the trading operating model, and details of liquidity providers. As well includes interviewing of responsible manager with appropriate skill and experience, while in fact, the broker’s manager can be dismissed due to the lack of necessary proficiency or any issues that appeared in the history. The broker should also establish a high operation fund of at least $1 million, implement client safety measures with the strictest fund management, and fully segregate clients' funds at all times with top-tier banks.

ASIC Complaint Procedure

To lodge a complaint with ASIC, Australia's regulatory body, follow these steps: First, attempt to resolve the issue with the financial service provider directly. If unsuccessful or if serious misconduct is involved, submit your complaint online through ASIC's website, contact their Infoline, or mail a letter to their designated address. Provide a clear description of the issue and include supporting documents. Maintain communication with ASIC, respond to any inquiries, and await the outcome of their investigation, which may involve mediation or enforcement actions.

Note that ASIC's role is regulatory, and seeking legal advice may be necessary for legal matters or compensation.

See How to complain to ASIC moneysmart.gov.au/how-to-complain

Overall, ASIC has established a sharp procedure for every situation the financial brokerage firm or retail trader might go through, which also includes the clients’ compensation by the Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association if the broker falls under insolvency.

ASIC Education

Apart from the main role of the forex broker regulation and supervision, ASIC promotes confidence in all market players through public education and open sources that allow investors to obtain accurate information.

For that reason, ASIC operates the financial advice and strategy website www.moneysmart.gov.au which provide guidance on investment issues. The service includes advisory on financial knowledge and management, various trading or investment opportunities, exchange risks, fundamental consultation, how to skip scams, and more.

In addition, the ASIC authority constantly improves legislation as studies the behavior of the market, and monitors the decision marking of consumers along with recognition of new trends. For the protection of trader’s rights, ASIC refers to preventing market manipulation, fraud, or unfair service delivery, so the trader can submit a complaint against the ASIC-registered company, complaint ASIC, or even can get compensation through appropriate channels.

List of ASIC-Regulated Forex Brokers

Any trader can search for information about ASICs forex broker license directly through an official site, or to check the regulated broker website, as most websites show on the footer or regulation page its Australian Business Number (ABN) and Australian Financial Services License (AFSL).

Also, you can check on ASIC Brokers Reviews, as currently the Australian regulated brokers' list at our website includes 40 ASIC Regulated Brokers, and growing.

Conclusion on ASIC regulation

Australia became one of the financial hubs that attract vast Forex brokers to set up their overseas operations and apply for the AFSL license, since ASIC is a top-tier authority also provides great protection to the trader too. In fact, ASIC Brokers are now among the most demanded and reputable (such as XM broker), while the advanced regulatory guidelines ensure the business of trading regulation adheres to strictest follow of rules.

Insurance of fair, orderly and transparency is a goal that was achieved by the ASIC authority which monitors not only the trading environment provided, the clients’ funds management, but also carefully check on the broker’s responsible management while some of the directors might be banned to run forex brokers. Therefore the potential traders and investors can choose among the ASIC Regulated brokers with a clear statement the firm acts according to the strictest supervision tools, as ASIC took all necessary step to ensure the best possible provision of the trading and financial investment services.

Turkey Stops the Supply of Oil not Under Russian Sanctions, Raising Global Supply Concerns

Posted on December 9, 2022September 14, 2023 by Adam Smith

As a result of EU sanctions against Russia, Turkey's newly-imposed insurance and G7 nation price cap regulations have created congestion in the Bosphorus Strait due to tanker delays transporting Kazakh oil.

Kazakhstan's natural resources are transported to the global market through Russia, with officials able to verify their provenance through bill of lading records. The port city of Novorossiysk serves as a major hub for this activity and is helping fuel its growth on an international scale.

Approximately $1.2 billion of oil remains stranded due to around 20 million barrels being contained within vessels unable to move.

The Turkish insurance industry has recently implemented stringent restrictions for tankers transporting Russian crude, resulting in a slowdown of traffic between Russia's Black Sea ports and the Mediterranean. This policy shift has had significant implications on maritime trade since its introduction this week – marking an unprecedented move by Turkey’s insurers to regulate oil transportation activity.

Refiners are facing a major challenge as delays accumulate, potentially impacting the supply of gasoline and diesel. To counter this problem, companies may source crude oil from other nations or reduce operational capacity due to lack of availability - raising alarm bells for Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates.

Kazakh oil is a global commodity, with customers spanning from the Far East to Europe and all the way to America's eastern seaboard.

The Diesel Crisis Is Going Global

Posted on November 27, 2022July 4, 2023 by Adam Smith

Prices for US diesel in the spot market of New York harbor have risen more than 265% since President Biden took the oath of office in 2021
Almost every region on the planet will face a diesel shortage this winter

The global diesel markets are facing a perfect storm as capacities tighten and stocks run low. If this continues, it could jeopardize critical transportation networks since industrial fuel powers ships, trucks & trains; there's also concern about supply chains being compromised by refinery issues in response to high demand for heating homes or businesses.

The worldwide shortage of diesel will have devastating effects on the global economy, including an accelerant that will burden households and businesses. Both gasoline and diesel prices are linked to crude prices set on the global market. Due to supply constraints, diesel prices in many markets currently demand a hefty premium.

According to the Energy Information Administration, the US now has just 25 days of diesel supply, the lowest since 2008; and while inventories are record low, the four-week rolling average of distillates supplied - a proxy for demand - increased to its highest seasonal level since 2007.

The ban on Russian crude to Europe in December could worsen the situation. Then a ban on Russian diesel in February could unleash even more chaos for the continent. Traders are panic-hoarding Russian oil products before the bans come into effect. Earlier this year, the US halted Russian diesel shipments, which last year, it was a major supplier to the East Coast.

Winter could exacerbate problems for the Northern Hemisphere as the worst diesel squeeze in a generation could wreak havoc on the already faltering global economy.

Mastercard introduces Crypto Source to bring crypto trading capabilities to banks

Posted on October 18, 2022July 4, 2023 by Adam Smith

Mastercard today introduces Crypto Source, a new program to enable financial institutions to bring secure crypto trading capabilities and services to their customers.

Mastercard introduces Crypto Source to bring crypto trading capabilities to banks

In partnership with regulated and licensed crypto custody providers, Mastercard’s financial institution partners will gain access to a comprehensive suite of buy, hold and sell services for select crypto assets, augmented with proven identity, cyber, security and advisory services. This Crypto Source offering is complemented by Mastercard Crypto Secure to bring additional security to the crypto ecosystem and support card issuers in their compliance with complex regulations.

Now, Mastercard’s suite of crypto-related offerings for banks and fintech includes:

Technology and partnership support to enable buying, holding and selling off select crypto assets
Security management including Mastercard’s identity solutions, crypto analytics, transaction monitoring, anti-money laundering, ‘Know Your Business’ and lifecycle stages, cybersecurity, and biometrics
Crypto spend and cash out capabilities offered through a range of products, including crypto cards, open banking and cross border services. Financial institutions would also be able to offer additional functionality using Mastercard’s technology such as digital receipts and loyalty solutions
Crypto program management including program design, product development and technology implementation, as well as go-to-market optimization and marketing consultancy services, providing end-to-end support for banks, fintechs and issuers to offer crypto programs at scale.

To support this program, Mastercard is expanding its partnership to work with Paxos Trust Company, a leading regulated blockchain infrastructure platform. The partnership aims for Paxos to provide crypto-asset trading and custody services on behalf of the banks, while Mastercard will leverage its technology to integrate those capabilities into banks’ interfaces, resulting in a seamless experience for the consumer.

Over the past few years, Mastercard has been working alongside its customers and partners to bring new services and capabilities that help make crypto more accessible, safe and secure. These efforts have been complemented with the addition of new technologies through Finicity, Ekata, RiskRecon and CipherTrace. This unique combination of services provides eligible financial institutions the opportunity to directly manage crypto asset investments for consumers. Mastercard also continues to support banks, governments and others through its Crypto & Digital Currencies Consulting Services.

Mastercard Crypto Source is currently being prepared for pilot programs.

Forex Trading: Why Trade with German BaFin Regulated Brokers

Posted on December 27, 2018July 4, 2023 by John Porter

What is BaFIN?
Why trade with a BaFIN-regulated broker?
BaFIN Brokers Requirements and Regulation
How to Complain to BaFIN?
List of BaFIN-Regulated Forex Brokers
Conclusion on BaFIN

Introduction to ASIC

📚 Formed:	May 1, 2002
🏦 Jurisdiction:	Federal Republic of Germany
🏢 Headquarters:	Bonn and Frankfurt am Main
🖥 Website:	www.bafin.de
🛡️ Is BaFIN Broker Offshore or Top-tier Jurisdiction?	Top-tier
🔒 Is Top-tier Jurisdiction safe to trade?	Yes

What is BaFIN?

Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht or the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority - known as a BaFIN, is the financial regulatory authority in Germany also one of the most respected and Top-Tier Regulatory authorities known worldwide. BaFIn acts as an independent federal institution under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance Germany, also falls under EU Regulation of MiFID and ESMA being EU part. The German Federal Bank merged the authority along with the insurance and securities regulatory agencies and supervision.

While BaFIN holds a responsibility to supervise and regulate the financial sector in Germany, with the purpose to maintain smooth operations and harmonized offerings. The regulatory role falls in affects law enforcement towards banks, financial services institutions, insurance undertakings, and securities or derivatives brokers. (Read our article about BaFIN Brokers)

Perhaps, BaFIN is one of the largest and most valuable European regulators due to the fact of German economic and financial positions, as well as the large number of financial market firms that operate in the region. There are no doubts about BaFIN's role in the financial trading sector, since the extensive regulation regarding leveraged products, Forex and CFD trading came up together with the growth of trading offers, and followed the previous strictest development of stringent rules towards financial firms.

Moreover, BaFIN constantly develops its powers, as of 2016 a new launch was dedicated to encouraging more businesses and exposing misconduct. The major role of BaFIN ensures integrity and transparency of the German financial investment offering, along with its charge of the constant solvency and payment obligations of the regulated institutions and capability to deliver the confidence of services to their clients or traders. That means, BaFIN continuously check on the service providers and market participant in the sector and assures its strongest position on the international scale. (Read more about BaFIN's functions and role on their official website)

Why trade with a BaFIN-regulated broker?

As BaFin operates in the public interest, its primary objective is to ensure that the financial system is properly functioning and delivers stability and trust towards investors or traders. The supervision of securities, CFDs and Forex consistent of integration and protection of offering and controlled on a legal basis throughout the Securities Trading Act (WpHG), the Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpUG), the Securities Prospectus Act (WpPg) and the Prospectus Act (VerkProspG).

In addition, the provisions of the Stock Exchanges pricing process are monitored by the authority in collaboration with the exchange's own trading surveillance units. In simple words, that means that BaFin as a German authority does not only register or regulated financial market participants, but also supervises exchange-like trading systems and subject cooperation to fulfil the functions at the international level. Therefore trading with BaFIn Brokers clients are ensured of transparency and strict obligation to the laws.
The Federal Chamber establishes special guidelines for regulated members and particularly interprets an operational standard that enables safety and transparent measures towards traders. The list includes segregation of the client’s funds from the company's operational ones at all time and enabled negative balance protection. This assures that the trader’s funds are safe and not reachable by the company, as well as that volatility market conditions won’t affect the trader’s account into a loss of balance more than the initial invested capital. As a general mean, the regulator acts and enables new rules and controls according to the new developments and findings, therefore current issues follow numerous rules towards Crypto trading and leverage restrictions, while the needs are not to be between 2:1 and 30:1.
Moreover, with the purpose to protect consumer rights, which is among the top responsibilities of BaFin, the authority serves the Consumer Advisory Council that analysis information about the financial markets and prevents broker’s manipulations. The BaFin broker submits reports on a periodic basis and submits information on company orders, lending and all forms of assets along with disclosure reports. The required regulation allows BaFIN to request operational information, and conduct supervisory or analysis at any time, while in case the regulated broker does not comply with necessary standards this may cost a backwash.

In the past German authority has hardly made use of enforcement, however recently BaFIN is an effect to initiate legal action when it discovers suspicion of a crime, including market manipulation, illegal action, insider trading or establishment of fraud. Further actions include the creation of a working group together with a professional to define objectives, publication of found information to the public, imposition of fines and heavy penalties, and even raising of a criminal complaint against persons or companies. In addition, BaFIN has the power to ban a product or dealer offer, remove the directors, suspend shareholders and appoint outside supervision.
Overall, throughout the strict regulatory guidelines, the trader and investor are protected at any stage or scenario from the account opening, and trading process, up to the unlikely events of the broker’s insolvency. BaFIN is responsible for the statutory compensation and guarantee scheme plan, which is mandatory to join with the purpose to protect customers’ deposits. The mechanism clarified compensation up to 100,000€ which any client is entitled to receive.

BaFin Warnings and latest news for consumers

BaFIN Brokers Requirements and Regulation

From the application of the license, until the company officially obtains its registration, the firm will pass through a serious check of the performance, and its maintenance of sustainability and trust, while their shareholders are required to check also, along with a large number of control systems. In fact, it is not easy to become a regulated BaFin broker and meet the necessary requirements, as minimum requirements should be sharply achieved, otherwise, the company will be suspended, in comparison offshore companies which we advise to avoid are not required to obtain almost any of those rules that guarantee safe trading account. Read Why Avoid Belize Brokers

The minimum capital requirement depends on the financial company type and averages between 50,000€ to 730,000€. While the system disciplines numerous details for the company to maintain, overall the minimum capital of an investment company which trades on its own account should be not less than 125,000€.
The broker also checked for its adequacy, should submit a business plan, acknowledge and practice essential experience, apply protection systems and have at least one year of risk control with a record of at least 6 years. The directors and top management are interviewed in terms of their qualifications, so BaFin can rest assured the company's sustainability is protected by the intelligent management and experience to run a successful brokerage as well.
After its registration process the broker, as established and regulated in the EU, the company will automatically comply according to respective ESMA regulations, due to an EU directive. The broker received a regulated status maintains a physical office in Germany and is organized to comply with its mandates at all times.

Regulatory Complaint

As a part of the customer protective service, any trader or investor can file a complaint against the broker if the one faces an unfair experience with a particular company. Apart from an applied resolve procedure, which every regulated BaFin broker applied to and you should first refer to the company itself, the trader can submit a complaint in writing with the necessary details and proof of claims to BaFin. The information will be reviewed for evidence, while further the stated company will be contacted for a detailed explanation and treatment plan.

Regardless of the outcome, BaFin will give final notice to the client, in case it can resolve an issue or not since securities investment complaints are a special character and BaFin has no right to support claims. BaFin can only take action against supervised companies and check on their compliance with the agreed contractual terms and legal requirements.

If you having problems with a bank, an insurance undertaking or a German management company (Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft – KVG), the BaFin may respond by suggesting an out-of-court settlement of the dispute or Ombudsman Services company.

Submit the complaint about the BaFin broker: https://www.bafin.de/EN/Verbraucher/BeschwerdenAnsprechpartner/Ansprechpartner/BaFin/bafin_node_en.html

BaFin Trading Education

In addition, BaFin educates the population through its comprehensive information that is available to all. You may find out about financial issues, and a wealth of information about banks, insurance undertakings, and other financial services providers. BaFin also answers frequently asked questions in case there are difficulties with a company or you can find out who to contact to receive advice.

BaFin consumer organizations service: https://www.bafin.de/EN/Verbraucher/verbraucher_node_en.html

List of BaFIN-Regulated Forex Brokers

In order to help traders to verify information about the BaFin forex broker license, the authority’s official website publishes a list of regulated entities with constant updates. In addition, the regulated BaFin broker will display on the footer of its website or regulation page the BaFin license number, which is available to check through official sources. (Search for BaFIN-regulated companies on official website)

In addition, it is advised for any trader or investor to check on BaFin Broker Reviews with updates and recent news from the broker. Currently, the German regulated brokers' list on our website includes 50 BaFin Regulated Brokers and growing, check on Regulated entities by the link. Also, You can learn more about how Forex Trading Scams work in our article linked here.

Conclusion Germany BaFIN

The benefits of trading with the BaFin-regulated Forex Brokers are obvious, as the authority enabled the strictest insurance of strong brokers’ responses, responsibilities, and compliance to its high solvency standards also being Top-Tier Forex Trading authority. That monitoring products, overall run of the trading or investment proposal and other issues along with the compensation provided to the clients when necessary. Overall, the BaFin made it scrupulously to monitor regulated brokers and smooth operation of the German finance system as an important part of international turnover.

The German brokerages are computable to the successful prospective of operation, makes their utmost to develop a market and focus on fair treatment of their client and are very well regarded by us and many traders in community too. For this reason, BaFin gained high consumers rankings, as well as popularity to establish brokerage, particularly under the BaFin regulatory status.

US equity funds recorded the biggest weekly inflow for the last 10 months

Posted on November 18, 2022July 4, 2023 by Adam Smith

In the week leading up to Nov. 16, U.S. equity funds attracted massive inflows as signs of slowing inflation eased investor fears of a more aggressive Federal Reserve rate hike.

According to data from Refinitiv Lipper, U.S. equity funds obtained a net of $16.65 billion, the biggest weekly inflow since Dec. 29.

US equity funds recorded the biggest weekly inflow for the last 10 months

Analysts at the bank said in a Tuesday note that allocations to equities reached the third-highest sum since 2008 during the five-day period, according to client data — a sign investors believe indicates that the market sell-off is nearing an end. But BofA contested the notion that the worst is behind for the stock market.

After surging for the first two days of last week, a jobs day plunge erased much of the gains. Still, stocks managed to end the week higher after three straight weeks of losses.

Bank of America noted that the broad-based shopping spree across U.S. equities ranged from single stocks to exchange-traded funds while the purchases spanned hedge funds, institutions, and individual investors. Institutional investors were the biggest buyers, recording their first inflow in a month and largest inflow since December 2020.

Netflix Leads Streaming Stocks Lower

Posted on December 19, 2022July 4, 2023 by Adam Smith

The streaming giant fell short on viewership for its new ad-supported platform.

Among the biggest losers in last week's selloff were Netflix and other streaming stocks. NFLX shares fell 9% on December 15 following reports the streaming giant is falling short on viewership guarantees it made to advertisers for its new ad-supported streaming service. Shares are 1% higher in early trading Friday.

Investors had been counting on the new ad tier to draw a substantial audience, but the company reportedly delivered only around 80% of its expected audience.

The poor performance could mean Netflix may have to lower its ad prices. It had been seeking a relatively high $55 cost per thousand impressions (CPM), above the $50 CPM of Disney+. Advertisers are also faulting Netflix for not pushing its own market campaign for the ad-supported tier.

Netflix shares had climbed about 67% over the past six months, but are still down about 51% so far this year. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and Paramount Global (PARA) shares also fell about 9% yesterday. Disney's (DIS) stock price was down about 4%.

Binary Option Scams

Posted on December 24, 2018July 4, 2023 by John Porter

What is Binary Option and how to trade them?
How to avoid falling into a trap?
What to do in case you got scammed?
Conclusions on Binary Option Scams

We are here to address the common inquiries traders may have regarding binary options scams, as surge in fraudulent activities that entice individuals with promises of extraordinary profits through elaborate schemes and Binary Options in particular. These scams have become increasingly prevalent and target a wide range of people by presenting seemingly advanced solutions.

To protect yourself from binary options scams, it's important to be aware of the likelihood of falling victim to these deceptive tactics. By staying informed and learning how to spot fake offerings, you can safeguard your funds and personal information.

Introduction to Binary Trading

Binary options are financial instruments that involve trading with a fixed amount of money and a specified timeframe. In fact, Binary Options are Banned completely by most regulators worldwide and are not available via Regulated Brokers.

So how Binary Option work? The Investors can purchase a stock or other investment, or make a bet on the price of an underlying asset reaching a certain level by a specific expiration date. {Read our review article about Binary Options Trading Brokers)

The potential loss or gain is limited to the difference between the market price and the option price. In binary options, the timeframe is much shorter, and it essentially becomes a short-term bet on the direction of the asset. If the trader's prediction is correct, they receive a predetermined amount of money from the counterparty. However, if their prediction is incorrect, they lose the entire investment.

Yet, due to the appeal of binary options as a financial investment opportunity, the industry has faced scrutiny regarding its reliability and legitimacy. Its popularity is driven by the accessibility it offers to anyone seeking investment opportunities and the promise of high returns in a short period of time. However, it is important to closely examine the nature of this opportunity.

How do Binary Options scams work?

The binary brokers as a typical mean locate their offices primarily in offshore zones and other jurisdictions that did not imply the strictest regulation to financial investment firms, since worldwide regulation Ban this trading instrument due to high risks and lack of transparency. Therefore, the Binary company will enable its operation with a very low requirement and capital while as a general rule will claim its presence in prestigious jurisdictions alike the UK, Hong Kong, the US, or another European country. The phone number may appear to be a local line, but eventually to have the end user in the options trading hub somewhere in the world.

Therefore, binary scams are geared towards investors and promote fake binary trading software through easy for unscrupulous providers to take the advance.

Here are typical scenarios How Binary Option Fraud operates and target traders:

Most often binary frauds use heavy advertising tactics through social media, websites and emails with a redirection to a very-well developed websites with an allegedly professional offering and a very attractive opportunity for gains available to everyone.
Majority of binary options scams lure traders with a very small initial deposit and “free bonuses”, and most often it is enough to get interested. Further on an options broker will ask for credit card information and eventually, that’s where the positive side finishes. Then, the trader puts his life savings into “potential investment and gains”, but faces the loss of everything. The attempts to get money back turn out to be unsuccessful with further stress from understanding what happened.
The main trap in binary options trading is that firms may easily manipulate software and distort prices which will lead to a sudden loss of the trading account and balance.
Furthermore, scam brokers may use credit information to withdraw funds from the cards, therefore you should be extremely cautious about giving the credit details. (Read about Forex Trading Scams)
As the nature of Binary Options trading allows company providers to operate the “business” easily as well as to enjoy high incomes in their pockets, the industry shows its growing tendency constantly.
However, the situation has now changed due to better regulations and observances that keep track of scams so is always good to refer to Top-Tier regulatory websites like FCA. Securities and markets regulators across international jurisdictions received thousands of complaints as the binary options providers target investors aggressively, yet, the truth of victims is far beyond the received number of complaints.
While Binary Option is often categorized as a sort of gambling by the authorities the binary options broker may be a registered firm in a particular or offshore place, yet the firm is not allowed to sell its offering to residents of other jurisdictions. (Read Why to Avoid Brokers from Belize)
The authorities and international trading industry regulators regularly check on the trends and actions performed or offered by various brokers with the purpose to protect clients and maintain a trustable or smooth market operation. In regards to binary options trading sites, the most trusted regulators issued an Investor Alert, with advice not to involve in binary trading at all, and even banned binary options to retail traders. The agencies mention that numerous complaints received and relatively easy ways to manipulate software or to generate losing trades during the binary options trading delivery involve a significant risk to be involved in fraudulent activity. The authorities then identified thefts through a fixed-odds betting nature of the binary options trading and try to educate the population and warn about fraudulent promotional schemes.

Check on the UK FCA warning against Binary Options Scams: https://www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart/binary-options-scams

How to protect yourself?

Even though world authorities restrict Regulated Brokers from offering Binary Options, yet, the regulators are not able to power each and every offering or specific jurisdiction where most of the scammers are based. In many instances, you should protect yourself and be aware of an interaction, that takes place with the purpose to take your money.

There is no guarantee on a statement made on the broker's website, thus do not believe in every statement, specifically about its registration status, but carefully check through official regulatory sources. Scams often present themselves as a reputable firm with professional data, allured attractive possibilities of high gains, and fast outcomes. Yet, often it's all faked, always remember because information looks official, it does not mean it is.
Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages from individuals or companies promoting binary options trading. Legitimate brokers typically do not engage in aggressive marketing tactics.
Seek advice from independent financial professionals or trusted individuals who have experience in trading and investments. They can provide objective insights and help you navigate the complexities of binary options trading.
Always verify the broker’s registers before dealing with them and check on the reputation, as well as read Forex Brokers reviews. Probably, if the firm is not authorized it is a high risk to be a scam. You can always check Warning lists issued by the industry authorities and of course, you should consider strongly any issues, as well as review the List of Brokers to Avoid.

If you got scammed by Binary Broker

In case you fall victim to Binary Option scams, at first you should immediately recall the credit card and try to withdraw funds from an account. Because scams are likely located overseas, there is almost no way to get any money back or to receive any sort of support.

The typical traders' complaints included refusal to credit accounts or return funds and in fact, are not able to be supported further, as simply the company is not regulated or compensated by anyone. However, you should report a scam to specified authorities and better to access a specialist to advise on your following steps. The Regulators like UK’s FCA, Australian ASIC, Cyprus CySEC, and others provide an open and well-guided complaint procedure, therefore you should contact authorities immediately in case there are any concerns.

Australian Broker to ASIC: www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/contact-us/complaints-about-companies-organisations-or-people/
Cyprus Broker to CySEC: www.cysec.gov.cy/en-GB/complaints/how-to-complain/
UK Broker to FCA: help.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

However, If you invested with a non-regulated entity there is no investment protection applied, as well as there, is no established compensation, unlike the Regulated Forex Brokers status provides.

Conclusion on Binary Options Trading Scams

The sad truth is that scams in the binary options trading market are something that dominates among the offering. While the broker may provide robotic software or act as a broker, the trader should always keep caution against scams.

Overall, it is a very high risk, noting facts and issues happened to thousands of investors around the world, to engage in Binary Options trading.

We can not recommend trading with binary options brokers due to the revealed facts and numerous warnings issued by trusted authorities around the world. We value a transparent operation and investment service, therefore both reliable and trusted brokers will be always regulated and authorities in terms of their offering and performance. On the contrary, we offer to check out a list of Regulated Brokers and a description of their investment proposal, which is available by the link.