Updated on April 8, 2024
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In our rigorous review process, a team of seasoned financial specialists, boasting more than 20 years of experience in Forex trading, carries out an exhaustive evaluation of various trading services. Our team delves deep into the investigation of fees, assesses the trading platforms, and verifies adherence to regulatory standards. We also interact directly with customer support and conduct actual trades to gain a real-world understanding of the trading conditions. This comprehensive approach enables us to provide informed insights and advice on why we recommend avoiding Circle Markets due to the issues we've identified.
Is Circle Markets Scam or Legit Broker? ▲
Circle Markets emerges as an untrustworthy Forex brokerage, primarily due to the absence of authorization from any globally recognized Forex regulatory authority. This lack of licensure signals potential fraud, as the broker has not undergone essential compliance checks prior to its establishment, lacks ongoing safety monitoring, and is at liberty to operate its business without regulatory oversight.
Circle Markets positions itself as a Forex trading service provider, boasting a selection of over 140 trading instruments accessible via an advanced cTrader platform and ensuring Straight Through Processing (STP) connectivity. It is important to highlight that Circle Markets claims its headquarters are in New Zealand and that it is registered as a New Zealand Financial Services Provider. However, a closer examination reveals that although the firm holds a New Zealand registration number, its scope of permitted activities is limited to trading financial products or foreign exchange on behalf of others. This means that the provision of financial services, brokerage services, and offering trading and provision are neither permitted nor regulated under its current registration. Furthermore, Circle Markets holds a license from Vanuatu issued by VFCS, characterized by its offshore nature and minimal establishment requirements, thus raising concerns about the reliability of service delivery. Given these factors, we strongly advise against engaging with brokers that are not regulated or possess only an offshore license, including Circle Markets.
Overall Circle Markets Ranking ▲
Upon detailed examination and considering multiple factors related to regulation and safety, Circle Markets does not achieve a favorable ranking in our evaluation. Our expert opinion, refined through over a decade of experience in Forex trading, does not endorse Circle Markets positively. In our comparative analysis among 1000 other brokers, Circle Markets' overall score stands at a mere 0.4 out of 5.
Offers over 140 trading instruments
Provides access to the cTrader platform
Claims pure STP connectivity for execution
Lacks a license from any globally recognized Forex regulatory authority
Registered but not regulated in New Zealand for the provision of financial services
Holds an offshore license from Vanuatu with minimal establishment requirements
Previously inactive and currently offers limited services beyond a Forex Compounding Calculator
Not monitored for safety or compliance, raising significant security concerns
In conclusion, after an extensive review of Circle Markets, we strongly advise traders to exercise caution and consider alternative options. The broker's lack of a reputable regulatory license, combined with its limited service offerings and previous inactivity, casts doubt on its reliability and trustworthiness. Our in-depth analysis, considering a wide range of criteria, leads us to recommend against engaging with Circle Markets. Traders should prioritize brokers that are fully regulated and offer transparent, secure trading conditions, ensuring their investments are adequately protected.
When considering alternatives, brokers like Interactive Brokers, City Index, and AvaTrade stand out. They not only offer the security of stringent regulation but also bring to the table comprehensive trading solutions that can meet the needs of both novice and seasoned traders.