1St Contact, established in 1995, is a prominent financial services provider based in the United Kingdom. The company operates from its headquarters located at One Croydon, 12-16 Addiscombe Road, Croydon, CR0 0XT. It is a privately held entity that has significantly evolved over the years, catering primarily to expatriates and foreign nationals moving to the UK. The broker focuses on offering a diverse range of services, including foreign exchange (forex) trading, immigration assistance, and tax services.
Over its 27 years of operation, 1St Contact has achieved several key milestones. Initially starting as a small firm, it has grown into a multinational operation with offices in London, Melbourne, and Cape Town. The company claims to have assisted over 50,000 clients and processes more than 120,000 transactions annually in over 25 currencies. The parent company is known as Sable International, which encompasses a broader range of services beyond forex trading, including accounting and corporate services.
The business model of 1St Contact broker primarily revolves around retail forex trading, providing clients with access to various financial instruments. This comprehensive approach allows the broker to meet the diverse needs of its clientele, which includes individual traders and expatriates seeking assistance with financial and immigration matters.
1St Contact operates under the regulatory framework of several jurisdictions. However, it is important to note that the broker is currently classified as unregulated in the UK. The primary regulatory bodies associated with 1St Contact include:
The regulatory licenses held by 1St Contact broker indicate its compliance with local financial regulations, although the unregulated status in the UK may raise concerns for some potential clients. The broker ensures the segregation of client funds in compliance with regulatory requirements, holding them in a separate account at Barclays Bank PLC.
In terms of compliance, 1St Contact adheres to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This involves verifying the identity of clients and monitoring transactions to prevent illicit activities. The brokers commitment to compliance reflects its dedication to maintaining a secure trading environment for its clients.
The 1St Contact broker offers a wide array of trading products, primarily focusing on forex trading. The company provides access to a variety of currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs, catering to different trading preferences. The exact number of forex pairs available is not specified, but the broker supports a comprehensive selection to meet diverse trading strategies.
In addition to forex, 1St Contact also offers Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on various asset classes, including:
The broker is known for its competitive trading conditions, although specific details regarding spreads and commissions are not extensively disclosed. The product lineup is regularly updated to include new financial instruments, ensuring that clients have access to the latest market opportunities.
For retail clients, 1St Contact broker provides tailored trading services, while institutional clients can benefit from specialized services, including white-label solutions and asset management options. This dual approach allows the broker to cater to a broad spectrum of clients, from individual traders to larger financial institutions.
1St Contact does not support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) or MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are commonly used in the forex trading industry. Instead, the broker offers a proprietary trading platform that is designed to provide a user-friendly trading experience. This platform is accessible via web browsers, ensuring that clients can trade from various devices without the need for software downloads.
While there is currently no dedicated mobile application for trading, the web platform is optimized for mobile use, allowing clients to manage their accounts and execute trades on the go. The execution model employed by 1St Contact broker is primarily Market Making, which is important for clients to consider as it can impact trade execution and pricing.
The broker maintains a robust technological infrastructure, with servers located in secure data centers to ensure fast execution speeds. Additionally, 1St Contact provides API access for automated trading, allowing clients to integrate their trading strategies seamlessly with the brokers platform.
1St Contact offers several account types to cater to different trading preferences and experience levels. The key account features include:
Standard Account:
Minimum Deposit: Not specified
Spreads: Competitive spreads applicable
Commission: Not specified
Advanced Account Types:
VIP Accounts: Tailored for high-net-worth individuals and experienced traders, offering enhanced features and lower trading costs.
Islamic Accounts: Available for clients who require Sharia-compliant trading options.
Demo Account: A demo account is available for clients to practice trading strategies without risking real capital.
The leverage offered by 1St Contact broker varies depending on the financial instrument, with typical leverage ratios ranging from 1:50 to 1:200. The minimum trade size and overnight fees are not explicitly detailed, and potential clients are encouraged to inquire directly for specific conditions.
1St Contact supports multiple deposit methods to facilitate client transactions. The accepted methods include:
The minimum deposit requirements vary by account type, but specific amounts are not disclosed. Deposits are processed promptly, although exact processing times are not specified.
Withdrawal methods are also available, with clients typically able to withdraw funds via the same methods used for deposits. The withdrawal processing times can range from 1 to 3 business days, depending on the method chosen. Withdrawal fees may apply, but specific details are not clearly outlined.
1St Contact provides a range of customer support channels to assist clients effectively. These include:
The support team operates during standard UK business hours, ensuring that clients can receive assistance when needed. Additionally, 1St Contact offers multilingual support, catering to clients from various backgrounds.
The broker also emphasizes education, providing resources such as webinars, tutorials, and eBooks to help clients enhance their trading skills. Market analysis services, including daily reports and research updates, are available to keep clients informed about market trends and opportunities.
1St Contact primarily serves clients in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, with regional offices located in these countries. The brokers services are designed to cater specifically to expatriates and individuals relocating to the UK.
However, 1St Contact does not accept clients from certain jurisdictions, including the United States and other regions where local regulations may restrict its operations. Specific limitations regarding client acceptance are not exhaustively detailed, and potential clients are advised to confirm their eligibility directly with the broker.
In summary, 1St Contact broker presents a multifaceted platform designed to meet the needs of its diverse clientele, offering a range of services and products while maintaining a focus on compliance and customer support.
FX1263196471
Australia
Very helpful and professional customer support service. Highly recommended! The exchange rate offered by them is excellent! So I’m very pleased to give them 5 stars.
Positive
2023-02-23