All lessons
Check a broker before opening an account
A polished website is easy to see. The legal entity, regulator and withdrawal terms need a closer look.
Build an evidence checklist for the legal entity actually providing the product.
A brand can operate through several companies in different jurisdictions. Find the exact entity named in the account agreement, then independently search the relevant regulator's official register. A logo or registration number on a website is not enough.
Check whether the authorisation covers the product and customer location. Understand client-money arrangements, insolvency treatment, complaint processes and any negative-balance terms. These differ between entities; being regulated does not remove market or counterparty risk.
Read charges and withdrawal conditions before depositing. Keep records of the agreement and independently verified contact details. Be cautious of pressure, guaranteed returns, unexplained payment recipients and demands for another deposit to release funds. A familiar trading app can still connect to an unreliable dealer.
Let’s use numbers · hypothetical example
Two sites share one brand. Your agreement names Company B offshore, while the advertised licence belongs to Company A elsewhere. The licence does not automatically protect your account with B.
Keep in mind
Do not send identity documents, passwords or money to an unsolicited contact claiming to be a broker representative.
Your turn
Create a table for entity name, regulator, permitted activities, fees, withdrawal rules and unresolved questions using a fictional broker.
A quick check before we move on
What should you verify first?
- The agreement's exact legal entity on an independent official register
- Only the app's star rating
- Only an influencer's profit screenshot
Check answer
The agreement's exact legal entity on an independent official register The contracting entity determines the relevant terms and oversight. Brand reputation and screenshots cannot establish that.
Sources and further reading
Content reviewed: 29 October 2026
Educational material with hypothetical examples. Trading can cause substantial losses. A course, pattern, stop order or past result cannot guarantee a profit or limit every loss. Practise in simulation and check current rules and product terms in your jurisdiction.