STO Company Overview

　　

Founding Date and Background

　　STO, also known as Super Trading Online, was established in 2010. The broker was created to provide a comprehensive trading environment for clients interested in various financial markets. STO operates under the umbrella of AFX Capital Markets Ltd., which has developed a reputation for offering competitive trading conditions and a wide range of financial instruments.

　　

Parent Company/Owership Structure

　　STO is a trading name of AFX Capital Markets Ltd., which is part of the AFX Group. This group encompasses several subsidiaries that focus on different aspects of trading and investment services, including retail forex trading and portfolio management.

　　

Headquarters Location

　　The headquarters of STO is located in Limassol, Cyprus. Additionally, the company has offices in various international financial centers, including London, Milan, Shanghai, and New York, allowing it to serve a global clientele effectively.

　　

Global Business Scope

　　STO offers its trading services to clients worldwide, although it does not accept traders from the United States. The firm provides access to a diverse range of financial instruments across multiple asset classes, catering to both retail and institutional traders.

　　

Main Regulatory Bodies

　　STO is regulated by several reputable authorities, including:

• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK
• The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
• The Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB) in Italy

　　These regulatory bodies ensure that STO adheres to strict standards of conduct, providing clients with a secure trading environment.

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Company History and Development

　　

Key Milestones

　　Since its founding, STO has achieved several significant milestones that have contributed to its growth and reputation in the forex trading industry. The company has expanded its operations and developed its trading platforms to meet the needs of a diverse client base.

　　

Business Expansion Journey

　　STO's expansion journey began with the establishment of its initial trading platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), which remains a popular choice among traders today. Over the years, the company has introduced its proprietary trading platform, AFX Fast, designed for professional traders seeking advanced features and low-latency execution.

　　

Customer Base Growth

　　STO has experienced steady growth in its customer base, attributed to its competitive trading conditions and a wide range of available instruments. The firm has successfully attracted a mix of retail and institutional clients, enhancing its market presence.

　　

Platform Development History

　　The development of trading platforms has been a focal point for STO. The introduction of AFX Fast marked a significant advancement, providing clients with an ECN/STP execution model that minimizes slippage and re-quotes. This has positioned STO as a broker that caters to both novice and experienced traders.

　　

Important Awards or Recognitions Received

　　STO has received recognition within the industry, including awards for its trading services. Notably, the firm was awarded "Best Broker of the Year" at the MENA Forex Awards in 2014, underscoring its commitment to providing quality trading services.

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Trading Services Offered

　　

Forex Trading Options

　　STO offers a comprehensive range of forex trading options, with over 30 currency pairs available for trading. This includes major pairs, minor pairs, and exotic currencies, providing traders with ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios.

　　

Stock Trading Options

　　In addition to forex, STO provides access to a variety of stocks, allowing clients to trade shares from major global markets. The platform offers more than 100 stock CFDs, enabling traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets.

　　

CFD Trading Products

　　STO offers a wide range of CFD trading products across various asset classes, including indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This diversity allows traders to engage in different markets and implement various trading strategies.

　　

Other Financial Instruments

　　STO also provides trading opportunities in commodities such as oil and metals, as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This broad spectrum of instruments caters to the growing interest in digital assets and alternative investments.

　　

Special Services or Unique Advantages

　　STO distinguishes itself with several unique advantages, including:

• Access to both the MT4 and AFX Fast trading platforms.
• A range of account types tailored to different trader needs, from beginners to professionals.
• VPS services for traders who require low-latency execution.
• Educational resources and market analysis to support traders in their decision-making processes.

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Regulatory and Legal Background

　　

Detailed Regulatory Information

　　STO is subject to regulation by the following bodies:

• FCA (UK): Regulates financial services in the UK, ensuring that firms operate with integrity and transparency.
• CySEC (Cyprus): Oversees financial markets in Cyprus, providing a regulatory framework for brokers operating within the EU.
• CONSOB (Italy): Regulates the Italian financial markets, ensuring compliance with national laws and EU directives.

　　

Legal Entity Structure by Region

　　STO operates under two primary legal entities:

• AFX Capital Markets Ltd. (regulated by CySEC)
• AFX Markets Ltd. (regulated by FCA)

　　

Client Fund Protection Measures

　　STO takes client fund protection seriously, implementing measures such as:

• Segregation of client funds in top-tier banks.
• Participation in national compensation schemes to protect clients in the event of insolvency.

　　

Countries/Regions Served

　　STO serves clients globally, with a significant presence in Europe and Asia. However, it does not accept clients from the United States due to regulatory restrictions.

　　

Compliance History

　　STO has maintained a strong compliance record with its regulatory bodies. However, it is important to note that as of August 2019, both AFX Markets Ltd. and AFX Capital Markets Ltd. had their licenses suspended by the FCA and CySEC. Clients are advised to conduct their due diligence before engaging with the broker.

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Competitive Landscape

　　

3-5 Main Competitors

　　STO operates in a competitive landscape, facing competition from several other brokers, including:

• IG Group
• OANDA
• XM Group
• Forex.com
• Plus500

　　

Positioning in the Industry

　　STO positions itself as a broker that offers a comprehensive range of trading instruments and competitive trading conditions. Its dual-platform offering (MT4 and AFX Fast) caters to a diverse clientele, from retail traders to institutional investors.

　　

Market Differentiation Factors

　　STO differentiates itself through:

• A diverse range of financial instruments, including cryptocurrencies.
• Competitive spreads and leverage options.
• Robust educational resources and customer support.
• A focus on both retail and institutional trading needs.

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　　In conclusion, STO has established itself as a reputable broker within the forex trading industry, offering a wide range of services and products. While it has faced regulatory challenges in recent years, its commitment to providing quality trading conditions and customer support remains a core focus. Traders interested in exploring STO's offerings are encouraged to conduct their research and consider their individual trading needs before proceeding.

　　Learn more about STO's trading services and account options.