instaforex Status
| Regulated | Max Leverage | Platforms | Min Deposit | Funding | |
| instaforex | BVIFSC, CySEC, SVGFSA | 1:1,000 | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 | $1 | Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card, E-Wallets, Crypto |
Regulated
・BVIFSC, CySEC, SVGFSA
InstaForex, a group of interconnected companies, is both registered and regulated in various offshore jurisdictions around the world. These regulated brokers are required to meet the highest quality standards, adhering to both international laws and the specific standards of the countries in which they operate. This regulation assures potential clients that they are dealing with a credible and reliable online broker. Personally, I find such regulation quite satisfactory and would not hesitate to entrust my trading operations to this broker. However, when opening an account with the EU brand, there are certain restrictions, such as a leverage cap of 1:30, as mandated by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), a financial regulator and European supervisory authority. The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) is a regulatory protocol that enhances transparency within the European Union’s financial markets and standardises regulatory disclosures for specific markets. Although the broker accepts clients worldwide, it does not serve the US and several developing countries due to strict regulations.
Accounts
・Max Leverage 1:1,000
InstaForex offers the flexibility to choose between a cent account and a standard account, available in three different currencies – USD, EUR and RUB. Each account type provides access to all trading tools and differs in spreads and commissions. The choice between the two depends on your preference for either lower spreads or zero commission. My personal favourite is the Eurica account due to its lower spreads, which are perfectly suited to my scalping strategies. In general, I find the accounts to be adequate and the spreads or commissions comparable to what other brokers offer. Unless you’re trading in very large volumes, the difference shouldn’t be noticeable.
Standard
This account is aimed at traders of all experience levels and features higher spreads starting at 3 pips with no associated commission fees. The entry thresholds are quite accessible, with just $1 required for a micro account, $100 for a mini account and $1,000 for a standard account. This account also offers adjustable leverage of up to 1:1000, with a minimum lot size of 0.01 and a maximum of 1000 lots.
Eurica
The Eurica account offers more competitive spreads, starting at zero pips, with commissions ranging from 0.03% to 0.07%. It doesn’t have a minimum deposit requirement, giving you more financial flexibility. It also offers adjustable leverage of up to 1:1000 and allows a minimum lot size of 0.01 up to a maximum of 1000 lots.
Platforms
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a creation of software developer MetaQuotes, is a favourite among Forex traders and is offered by the majority of trading brokers. It is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for beginners, while maintaining the advanced features required by experienced traders.
MT4 displays real-time bid/ask prices for all available trading instruments on charts that can be set to 9 different timeframes from one minute to one month. It includes a range of technical indicators for comprehensive chart analysis and allows different types of order execution. The platform ensures that traders stay up to date with market news. Automated trading is facilitated by Expert Advisors (EAs) and the built-in MetaEditor allows the creation of custom indicators or automated trading systems using the MetaQuotes (MQL) programming language. A wealth of custom indicators and EAs can be downloaded online, especially from the MQL online community.
InstaForex offers additional MT4 enhancements such as the magic button and one-click trading. The magic button streamlines the process of initiating, managing and completing orders. One-click trading increases efficiency by allowing consistent settings for all positions. The platform is compatible with all devices, including desktop (Windows/Mac), web and mobile (iPhone/iPad/Android/Tablet), offering complete flexibility.
MetaTrader 5
MT5, an upgrade from MT4, offers enhanced functionality. It allows you to trade a wider range of instruments and provides more comprehensive chart analysis. It surpasses its predecessor with 21 timeframes compared to MT4’s 9 and Level II depth of market pricing, which shows volume and different bid/ask prices. In addition, MT5 offers over 80 technical indicators compared to MT4’s 50+, supports more order types, and allows automated multi-currency strategy back-testing through its Strategy Tester. Similar to MT4, MT5 is available on desktop (Windows / Mac), web and mobile (iPhone / iPad / Android / Tablet).
My personal choice is MT4 as it was the platform I first familiarised myself with. I still find it to be an exceptional tool for traders of all levels due to its extensive features, wealth of add-ons and the ability to develop your own. That said, it’s worth noting that MT4 is typically thought of as a forex-centric platform, while MT5 is more geared towards stock trading. Regardless, both platforms are top choices for individuals looking for the most user-friendly method of trading the markets via desktop or mobile devices.
WebTrader
WebTrader, developed by InstaForex, offers the unique advantage of being a web-based platform. This eliminates the need to download or install additional software and allows traders to trade from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection, using most browsers. Functionally, WebTrader is equivalent to a traditional desktop trading platform, allowing you to open, manage and close positions and perform chart analysis. My personal experience with its modern interface was generally positive, although it did seem to fall short in terms of functionality when compared to the MetaTrader platforms. Nevertheless, for traders who want to monitor market prices and manage their trades with a minimum of complication,WebTrader is a practical choice.
Tools
Pattern Graphix
InstaForex offers its clients the innovative Pattern Graphix plug-in for MT4 free of charge. This tool visualises the formation of graphical patterns on trading charts. Users can select the instruments, timeframes and technical analysis patterns they wish to monitor. This helps to identify potential trading opportunities and manage existing positions. The plug-in is designed to provide instant audio and visual alerts when a pattern is formed or changes occur. These alerts can be accessed within the platform, via email or on mobile devices. Patterns include continuation patterns, reversal patterns, channels and lines. Useful tutorial videos on the website demonstrate how to use this tool effectively. This tool is an efficient way to stay alert to possible trading signals without having to constantly monitor the charts.
ForexCopy System
The ForexCopy system is designed to allow you to mimic the trading patterns of other traders or share your own trading signals for others to replicate. The system offers thousands of traders to choose from, with over 20 filter criteria to help you find those that match your trading goals. These filters range from total profit and balance to duration, instruments and followers. Once a suitable signal provider has been identified, you can choose to have their trades automatically copied into your account. The system allows you to subscribe to multiple signals and gives you the freedom to cancel a position or signal subscription at any time.
VPS
An attractive feature offered by this broker is the option of a Virtual Private Server (VPS). A VPS allows you to run your trading platform around the clock without having to keep your PC on all the time. Equipped with Windows and a constant internet connection, the VPS can be particularly beneficial for those with unreliable home internet or those who need to constantly maintain an automated trading system. A VPS can be ordered from the Client Cabinet, which offers a selection of different specifications (RAM, processor, disk space, cores, etc.). These servers are located in St Petersburg, Russia. The cost of the VPS is inversely proportional to the balance in your InstaForex account. If your account balance exceeds $5,000, you qualify for a free VPS.
Bonus
Bonus 100%
InstaForex presents a special offer that allows you to receive a 100% bonus on your first deposit. To take advantage of this offer all you need to do is open a live trading account, fund it and fill in the application form. Although the bonus funds, which are credited up to $2000, cannot be withdrawn, there are no restrictions on withdrawing any profits generated from these funds.
Bonus 55%
InstaForex offers a 55% bonus on each deposit made by its clients.
Bonus 30%
InstaForex presents its clients with an unparalleled offer of a 30% welcome bonus credited to their trading account.
Club Bonus
All clients who have an InstaForex Club Card have the privilege to apply for the Club Bonus.
No Deposit Bonus from InstaForexFunding
One aspect where this broker really excels is in the area of account deposits and withdrawals. I appreciate the variety, with over 10 different methods available, including bank transfers, credit cards and online payment processors, catering to the different needs of each client. Personally, I find digital wallets to be the fastest and most convenient way to fund my trading account, especially when I need to react quickly to market news. However, those who do not use a digital wallet may not mind waiting a few days for a bank transfer while they explore using a demo account.
Bear in mind that certain payment methods may incur fees. Bank transfers can take several business days to process, while other options such as card payments can be instant. Some methods may be restricted to certain countries. The same currency and payment system must be used for both deposits and withdrawals. Accounts can be opened in USD, EUR or RUB. The availability of different currency options is beneficial as it eliminates currency conversion fees when operating an account in your own currency.
Summary
Established in 2007, InstaForex is a leading online brokerage company serving millions of traders worldwide. It offers access to an impressive range of over 300 trading instruments across multiple markets, including Forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, stocks, shares, indices, metals, energy and CFDs. Traders benefit from robust, modern trading platforms that offer excellent execution speeds, flexible or fixed spreads and competitive trading costs. With nine trading servers, order distribution is uninterrupted. The flexibility of account types is commendable, catering for different trading strategies, and the range of funding options is impressive.
Their PAMM accounts have attracted over 10 million in investments and more than 100,000 traders subscribe to the ForexCopy signals. The InstaForex club boasts over 100,000 members and they are seeing a daily influx of 1,000 new client accounts. The company supports sports stars and teams and regularly runs competitions and promotions for clients. A dedicated team of 30 expert analysts and a worldwide network of 260 regional offices, with 200 professionals at headquarters, provide global support in 30 languages. The emphasis on providing quality service to traders of all levels is evident.
InstaForex works with technology companies to provide its clients with innovative trading solutions and applications, including specialised software and payment systems, as well as real-time market quote providers. They are constantly striving to integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance their services. Leading banks such as J.P. Morgan, UBS, Barclays, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Citibank provide liquidity. This positions them alongside firms such as IC Markets in terms of liquidity, with both having substantial liquidity pools for superior pricing.
