ASIC Sues eToro Over High-Risk CFD Product

ASIC sues eToro

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced Federal Court proceedings against online trading platform eToro, alleging breaches of design and distribution rules. The suit focuses on eToro's contract for difference (CFD) product, a high-risk leveraged derivatives contract that allows users to speculate on various underlying assets' price movements.

On August 3, ASIC announced that it was suing eToro for offering its CFD product to a broad market of retail investors without proper screening tests to exclude unsuitable customers. The regulator contends that eToro’s CFDs, which it describes as "high-risk and volatile," were marketed to an overly extensive customer base.

ASIC alleges that the platform's screening test was "very difficult to fail," allowing clients to change their answers without limitations and prompting them if they selected answers that could lead to disqualification. As a result, a large number of retail clients might have been exposed to a CFD product that was not aligned with their investment goals, financial situations, or needs, thereby increasing the risk of consumer harm.

Furthermore, ASIC disclosed that nearly 20,000 of eToro's clients lost money trading CFDs between October 5, 2021, and June 14, 2023. eToro's website itself acknowledges that 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with the platform.

"Our message to the industry is that CFD target markets should be narrowly defined given the significant risk that retail clients may lose all of their deposited funds," stated ASIC Deputy Chair Sarah Court. "CFD issuers must comply with the design and distribution regime and cannot simply reverse engineer their target markets to fit existing client bases."

ASIC alleges that eToro's CFD target market and its client screening process were insufficient, failing to properly filter out unsuitable customers. Additionally, the regulator accuses eToro of failing to ensure its financial services were provided efficiently, honestly, and fairly.

ASIC is seeking declarations and financial penalties from the Court. However, the date for the first case management hearing has yet to be scheduled.

HFM Launches New Cent Account With Cent Balance

HFM Launches New Cent Account With Cent Balance
The broker continues to enhance its account types to ensure optimal client satisfaction

HFM, the global multi-asset broker, recently introduced the Cent account, an innovative account type that enables traders to engage in trading with cent lots. This feature facilitates the opening of significantly smaller positions and allows users to measure their balance in cents.

The Cent account primarily caters to novice traders who seek to explore the intricacies of the real market and put their trading skills to the test. By using this account, it is possible to gain practical experience without committing a substantial portion of the trading funds. Additionally, seasoned traders can also take advantage of the Cent account to experiment with new trading instruments and refine their strategies.

HFM is pleased to unveil its latest offering, the Cent account, providing traders with a seamless opportunity to embark on their investment journey. By opening a Cent account with HFM, traders gain access to a unique trading experience, characterized by minimal margin requirements of just 10 cents. Moreover, cent lots enable them to open smaller positions, while balance measurement in cents eliminates the need for currency conversion.

Besides, traders can maximize their investment potential with leverage options of up to 1:2000. Additionally, HFM's newly introduced account type eliminates commission fees entirely and exempts traders from swap fees.

An HFM spokesperson expressed enthusiasm by remarking, "We are thrilled to introduce this new account option for our esteemed clients and partners. Our firm belief is that the world of trading should be more accessible to all, regardless of experience level. We strive to empower our traders to select the trading account that aligns with their financial goals and risk tolerance."

HFM's latest introduction of the Cent account aims to establish a comprehensive trading environment that caters to the unique requirements of every trader, irrespective of their level of experience. This account type offers an array of award-winning conditions and an extensive selection of trading instruments to enhance the trading experience.

For more detailed information about the Cent account, we encourage you to visit HFM's official website.

About HFM

HFM, formerly known as HotForex, is a brand name of HF Markets Group, an internationally acclaimed multi-asset broker of choice to over 3.5 million live accounts worldwide that has earned over 60 coveted industry awards in its twelve-year history. The company offers a wide variety of account types, innovative products, platforms, tools and educational resources besides outstanding customer service and unparalleled trading conditions to facilitate individuals and institutional customers to trade Forex and CFDs online.

HFM Unveils Refreshed Website and New Trading Conditions

HFM Unveils Refreshed Website and New Trading Conditions
As another affirmation of its industry-leading position, the award-winning broker has revamped its trading conditions and presented a refreshed website.

HFM, a prominent global multi-asset broker, has recently unveiled its latest trading accounts, offering enhanced trading conditions. This development stands as yet another testament to the company's continuous pursuit of innovation and its leading position in the worldwide online trading market. Alongside this exciting update, HFM has also introduced a fresh and modern look for its website, further elevating the overall user experience.

HFM continues to revolutionize the financial markets by introducing its latest trading accounts. These cutting-edge accounts empower clients to trade across a diverse range of asset classes while enjoying unparalleled trading conditions. With features like increased leverage of up to 1:2000, swap-free trading options on selected accounts and instruments, swift deposit and withdrawal methods, and lightning-fast execution, HFM is reshaping the way traders engage with the global markets. This new offering sets a new standard for efficiency and convenience, reaffirming HFM's commitment to delivering top-tier services to its clientele.

"Our priority is to provide traders with a robust trading environment that empowers them to excel in the financial markets. The introduction of our new trading accounts and the exceptional trading conditions we offer is a testament to our unwavering commitment to assisting our clients in becoming self-directed traders. We value the feedback and requirements of our clients and partners, and their input will remain instrumental in shaping our future decisions," stated a spokesperson from HFM.

New Website, Automated Client Onboarding

HFM has launched its enhanced website, meticulously designed to prioritize user experience. The website now boasts a modern design and intuitive navigation, providing visitors with a user-friendly interface to explore the company's comprehensive product portfolio and range of services. Additionally, HFM has introduced an upgraded onboarding process that streamlines the account setup procedure. This effortless onboarding experience enables traders to swiftly establish their accounts and seamlessly commence trading within minutes, further enhancing their overall trading journey.

In response to these latest developments, the spokesperson from HFM expressed their enthusiasm, stating, "This marks an exciting new chapter for HFM. We continuously listen to our clients' feedback and strive to enhance our services to meet their needs. As the demand for user-friendly and personalized trading experiences grew, we seized the opportunity to revamp our website and KYC procedures entirely. Our goal is to make online trading easily accessible to everyone, ensuring a seamless and tailored experience for all."

HFM invites visitors to explore the new website: www.hfm.com

About HFM

HFM, previously recognized as HotForex, is a renowned brand under HF Markets Group. With a remarkable twelve-year history, HFM has emerged as the preferred multi-asset broker for over 3.5 million live accounts worldwide. The company's exceptional performance has been acknowledged through the acquisition of more than 60 esteemed industry awards. HFM stands out by providing an extensive range of account types, innovative products, cutting-edge platforms, advanced tools, and educational resources. Complemented by outstanding customer service, the company offers unparalleled trading conditions, enabling both individual and institutional customers to engage in online Forex and CFD trading with utmost convenience and efficiency.

FP Markets Awarded ‘Best Trade Execution’ and ‘Most Transparent Broker’ at the UltimateFintech Awards APAC 2023

On June 23, 2023, FP Markets, a prominent Forex and CFDs broker, achieved significant recognition at the esteemed Ultimate Fintech Awards APAC 2023. The company was honored with the titles of 'Best Trade Execution' and 'Most Transparent Broker,' solidifying its position as a leading Forex and CFDs broker in the Asian market. These highly coveted awards mark an impressive beginning to 2023 for FP Markets, building upon their earlier achievement of being named the 'Best CFD Broker in Africa' at the FAME Awards 2023. These recent accolades add to the remarkable series of awards garnered by FP Markets in 2022.

The Ultimate Fintech Awards stands as a prestigious and highly regarded award, serving as a definitive benchmark to honor excellence in online trading and Fintech across both B2B and B2C sectors. Taking place in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand, the distinguished event was hosted at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World, drawing a significant number of attendees and attracting top-tier companies from the industry. Alongside numerous acclaimed award categories, recipients were recognized for their innovative leadership, commitment to transparency, and exceptional service, further enhancing their standing within the field.

Nick Twidale, the CEO of FP Markets APAC, expressed his thoughts on the achievement, stating, "Being honored with the Best Trade Execution and Most Transparent Broker awards at the Ultimate Fintech Awards APAC 2023 is a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of the entire FP Markets team. These awards further validate our dedication to providing clients with an exceptional trading experience. Our focus on trade execution, transparency, cost efficiency, educational resources, and a wide range of trading platforms has positioned FP Markets as an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term investors. These awards not only highlight our expanding presence in the APAC region but also underscore the global reach and recognition that the Forex and CFDs industry holds in today's market."

FP Markets, established in 2005, is a trusted and multi-regulated brand that offers a wide range of trading opportunities to clients. With over 10,000 tradable instruments spanning across important asset classes, FP Markets ensures diverse options for traders. The company also provides aggregated pricing sourced from renowned liquidity providers. Notably, FP Markets prides itself on delivering consistently tight spreads, rapid trade execution, and unparalleled 24/7 multilingual customer support. To cater to the unique needs and preferences of traders, FP Markets offers a variety of account types suitable for different trading strategies and styles.

USD pulls back as Initial Jobless Claims Exceed Consensus

USD pulls back

The initial applications for unemployment benefits surged to 260,000 over the past week exceeding the highest level since October 2021.

The Dollar Index, DXY, fell sharply on Thursday after the US economy sent an alarming signal. The total number of jobless claims has reached 261,000 surpassing estimates of 235,000 and exceeding the 233,000 claims from the week before. As a result, the dominant dollar lost its strength and depreciated by 0.7% as it ventured southward. (Learn more about Forex Trading in the US)

  • Jobless claims are weekly statistic reports issued by the US Department of Labour that estimate the total number of people filing for unemployment insurance benefits. There are two types of jobless claims - initial, which consists of people filing for the first time, and continuing, which comprises people who have been receiving unemployment benefits for a while. This is an important indicator for the nation's macroeconomic scene keeping track of the health of the US jobs market.

The latest figures are higher than those of October 2021 which explains the sharp reaction in the US currency. As a result, the EUR/USD pair surged by approximately 80 pips, reaching $1.0780, while the GBP/USD pair gained around 120 pips, surpassing the $1.2550 mark.

Rise in ChatGPT Trading Scams: Beware of Fraudulent Trading Strategies

ChatGPT Trading Scams

In recent days, an alarming trend has emerged in the online trading community, as unsuspecting individuals are falling victim to ChatGPT trading scams. These scams exploit the popularity of AI-powered chatbots and promise foolproof trading strategies, luring in novice investors with the promise of easy profits. However, these fraudulent schemes have left many individuals in financial ruin and underscore the importance of remaining vigilant in the digital age.

ChatGPT is next-gen AI software that imitates a human-like conversation between artificial intelligence and users presented in a text-based format. It can answer questions, fulfill requests, and generate increasingly sophisticated responses. It can even create silly poems and original songs, showcasing its growing abilities. Check more about full capabilities of ChatGPT website.

  • Unfortunately, fraudsters have seized upon its capabilities and are using it as a means to propagate deceptive trading strategies like Robot Trading. These scams typically involve individuals or groups posing as experienced traders or financial advisors, offering access to ChatGPT algorithms that allegedly generate profitable trades.
  • However, ChatGPT, as a language model, lacks real-time data since its database is not up-to date, a deep understanding of financial markets, the ability to execute trades, and comprehensive risk management and analysis. Although it can provide general information and assist in generating trading ideas, or is some cases help to write trading code for trading startegy like algo or Api, it is essential to supplement its capabilities with specialized financial tools, up-to-date data, and expert knowledge from financial professionals to engage in successful trading activities.

One of the primary methods employed by these scammers is the creation of sleek and professional-looking websites and social media profiles, designed to project an air of legitimacy. They often showcase impressive performance records, testimonials, and success stories from purported users of the ChatGPT trading strategies. These fraudulent actors employ persuasive tactics, manipulating emotions and capitalizing on individuals' desire for quick financial gains.

Once individuals are lured into these scams, they are typically required to pay a substantial fee to access the ChatGPT algorithms or receive personalized trading advice. However, instead of receiving the promised strategies, victims either receive outdated or generic trading information that is freely available online, or they receive nothing at all.

Furthermore, scammers often request personal and financial information from their victims, which can be used for identity theft or further financial exploitation. In some cases, victims are even persuaded to grant remote access to their trading accounts, allowing the scammers to execute trades on their behalf. This inevitably leads to significant losses as the scammers manipulate the trades for their own benefit.

Below are several websites associated with scams that promote ChatGPT trading bots:

  1. www.trendspider.com
  2. www.pionex.com
  3. www.tigergpt.com
  4. www.trade-gpt.ai
  5. www.gptrader.app

Regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies worldwide are becoming increasingly aware of this growing menace and are taking steps to tackle these fraudulent activities. However, it remains a challenging task to identify and apprehend the perpetrators due to the complex nature of online scams and the anonymity afforded by the internet.

To protect themselves from falling victim to ChatGPT trading scams or any fraudulent investment schemes, individuals should exercise caution and adhere to the following precautions:

  1. Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true claims: Promises of guaranteed profits and minimal risks should raise red flags. Legitimate investment opportunities are rarely without risks.
  2. Conduct thorough research: Verify the credentials of the individuals or platforms offering trading strategies. Check for licensing, accreditation, and positive reviews from trusted sources.
  3. Guard personal and financial information: Never share sensitive information, such as bank account details or identification documents, with unverified or suspicious entities.
  4. Consult reputable financial advisors: Seek advice from established financial professionals who have a proven track record in the industry. They can provide expert guidance on investment strategies.
  5. Stay informed about scams: Keep up to date with the latest scamming techniques and tactics. Be aware of common red flags and educate yourself about the risks associated with online trading.

As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution when engaging with online platforms promising financial gains, so it is best to choose verified Broker and run startegies from verified sources (see our list of Brokers for AutoTrading). The rise of ChatGPT trading scams serves as a reminder that while AI can provide incredible opportunities, it also carries the risk of exploitation by malicious actors. By staying informed and adopting a healthy skepticism, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes and ensure their financial well-being.

Coinbase Launches Offshore Crypto Derivatives Exchange

Coinbase Launches Offshore Crypto Derivatives Exchange

A US-based Crypto exchange company Coinbase has recently unveiled the launch of its international entity of Crypto Derivatives Exchange in Bermuda as a part of its global expansion strategy. This strategic move comes as the company faces regulatory headwinds at home.

Coinbase's new offshore cryptocurrency entity, named Coinbase International Exchange, will enable non-US institutional users to engage in spot and derivatives trading at the outset. As the first derivatives contracts, Bitcoin and Ether futures contracts are set to be introduced; nevertheless, it is anticipated that additional products will be launched shortly thereafter.

It is set initially that Coinbase will serve institutional traders and market makers who will be offered up to five times leverage. The trades will be settled in USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar.

These expansions come as the US regulators set restrictions on the industry amid the recent catastrophic events including the downfall of FTX and the subsequent bankruptcy of the US Crypto-friendly banks.

"Rest assured that Coinbase is committed to the US, but countries around the world are increasingly moving forward with responsible crypto-forward regulatory frameworks to strategically position themselves as crypto hubs." Coinbase wrote in a blog post. "We would like to see the US take a similar approach instead of regulation by enforcement which has led to a disappointing trend for crypto development in the US. The Coinbase International Exchange is an expansion, bringing the safest, most trusted name in crypto to the global market."

As a result of these pressures, other cryptocurrency firms are compelled to expand their operations overseas. In response, Gemini has also disclosed its plans to launch an international derivatives exchange.

ThinkMarkets Goes Public via SPAC Deal in Canada

ThinkMarkets Goes Public

ThinkMarkets, an Australian-based broker operated by Think Financial Group Holdings Limited, has announced its plans to go public through a reverse merger with Canada-listed blank check company, FG Acquisition Corp. The anticipated listing is scheduled for July 2023. (Read our detailed review about ThinkMarkets)

  • Nauman Anees, Co-Founder and CEO of ThinkMarkets expressed excitement about embarking on this new phase as a publicly traded company with the support of FGAC. Nauman Anees will assume the role of CEO in the merged entity, while the other Co-Founder, Faizan Anees, will become the President.
  • According to Nauman Anees, the decision to list on the TSX in Canada offers an efficient pathway into the public markets, and the company sees significant opportunities to expand its product and service offerings in Canada.

ThinkMarkets provides retail forex trading services and also operates an institutional presence with a liquidity provisioning platform launched in 2021. The broker boasts a substantial client base of 138,500 traders from 165 countries. With a strong focus on growth, ThinkMarkets achieved a 24% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and generated $62 million in revenue in 2022.

While the majority of its business is in the retail sector, ThinkMarkets is experiencing year-over-year growth in its institutional business. In addition to its presence in Australia, the broker has expanded internationally, obtaining a license in New Zealand earlier this year and entering the Japanese market through the acquisition of a local FX firm.

Admirals to Revoke Estonian License Amids Global Consolidation

Admirals to Revoke Estonian License
Admiral Markets

Admirals has announced its plan to withdraw its investment company license granted in Estonia as part of restructuring. The restructuring stems from the necessity to expand the company's global presence. However, this change will have no impact on the Admiral Markets' existing clientele. (Read our detailed review of Admiral Markets)

Admirals Group AS, the parent firm of Forex and CFD trading company Admirals, is planning to merge with its Estonian subsidiary, Admirals Markets AS, in the first half of the upcoming year. To implement the plan, the company intends to withdraw its Estonian license, assumably in August this year.

According to the company's announcement, the decision to restructure comes from the necessity to expand its global presence, as the company has already significantly positioned itself in many regions over the past few years. Admirals also reassures that the change will have no impact on their existing clients. Moreover, it stated that MoneyZen — a trading platform regulated by Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority — will continue to operate in the country. (Platform's official website: moneyzen.eu)

Admiral Groups runs several subsidiaries in over 18 countries with client portfolios in over 145 countries and is internationally regulated in the UK, Canada, Cyprus, Australia, and South Africa.

In addition to restructuring, Admirals revealed its plans to buyback a total of 18,268 Tier 2 bonds worth €1.9 million from its investors.

For additional details regarding the broker's proposal, please visit their official website - admiralmarkets.com