ACM Forex Broker

ACM Forex Broker - Complete Information Guide

1. Broker Overview

　　ACM, or Advanced Currency Markets SA, was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Initially, ACM operated as a private company, offering a range of forex trading services to retail and institutional clients. The broker primarily catered to the foreign exchange market, providing trading solutions to both individual traders and larger institutional clients.

　　ACM began its online operations in 2002, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a forex broker. Over the years, it developed a reputation for providing a variety of trading accounts and platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4. However, in 2010, ACM was acquired by Swissquote Bank SA, which led to the dissolution of ACM as an independent entity. Following this acquisition, ACM ceased to exist as a standalone broker, and its operations were integrated into Swissquote, a well-established financial services provider.

　　The business model of ACM included retail forex trading, institutional services, and managed accounts, which allowed clients to benefit from professional trading strategies. Despite its eventual closure, ACM's legacy continues through Swissquote, which maintains many of the trading services and technologies initially offered by ACM.

2. Regulatory and Compliance Information

　　ACM was primarily regulated by the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) and the NFA (National Futures Association) during its operational years. The broker held the regulatory number 0388715, which provided a level of assurance to its clients regarding compliance with U.S. trading standards.

　　However, after the acquisition by Swissquote in 2010, ACM no longer operated under its own regulatory framework. Instead, Swissquote is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), ensuring compliance with strict financial regulations in Switzerland.

　　Client funds were typically held in segregated accounts, providing an additional layer of security. ACM, while operational, adhered to KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, ensuring that client identities were verified and suspicious activities monitored.

3. Trading Products and Services

　　ACM offered a diverse range of trading products, primarily focusing on forex currency pairs. The broker provided access to a total of 64 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. This extensive selection allowed traders to engage in various strategies, from day trading to long-term investments.

　　In addition to forex, ACM also facilitated trading in CFDs (Contracts for Difference), covering a variety of asset classes such as indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This broad spectrum of products enabled clients to diversify their trading portfolios effectively.

　　The broker was known for its competitive spreads, with fixed spreads on major currency pairs starting at 1.5 pips. ACM's trading services were designed to accommodate both retail traders and institutional clients, offering tailored solutions to meet their specific trading needs.

4. Trading Platforms and Technology

　　ACM primarily supported the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is renowned for its user-friendly interface and robust trading capabilities. The platform allowed traders to implement automated trading strategies through Expert Advisors (EAs), enhancing their trading experience.

　　In addition to MT4, ACM developed a proprietary web-based trading platform that was noted for its speed and ease of use. This platform enabled clients to trade without the need for software installation, making it accessible from various devices.

　　Mobile trading was also supported, with applications available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing traders to manage their accounts and execute trades on the go. ACM employed a market execution model, ensuring that trades were executed quickly and efficiently.

　　The broker's servers were strategically located to optimize trading performance, providing clients with reliable access to the markets. Additionally, ACM offered API access for traders interested in automated trading solutions.

5. Account Types and Trading Conditions

　　ACM provided several account types tailored to meet the needs of different traders. The primary account offerings included:

• Mini Account: Minimum deposit of $1,000, with fixed spreads starting at 4 pips.
• Standard Account: Minimum deposit of $5,000, with fixed spreads as low as 2.8 pips.
• Premium Account: Minimum deposit of $50,000, offering competitive spreads starting at 1.8 pips.
• Professional Account: Minimum deposit of $100,000, with spreads starting at 1.5 pips.

　　ACM allowed a maximum leverage of 1:100, which is standard for many forex brokers, providing traders with the ability to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. The minimum trade size was set at 0.1 lot, accommodating both novice and experienced traders.

　　The broker also offered a demo account option, allowing potential clients to practice trading without financial risk. Overnight fees and margin call levels were clearly defined, ensuring transparency in trading conditions.

6. Fund Management

　　ACM supported various deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and electronic wallets. The minimum deposit requirements varied by account type, with the lowest set at $1,000 for the Mini Account.

　　Deposits were typically processed promptly, allowing clients to start trading quickly. However, specific processing times were not disclosed in the available information. ACM did not impose deposit fees, making it easier for clients to fund their accounts.

　　Withdrawal methods included bank transfers and credit cards, with specific withdrawal limits and processing times depending on the method chosen. However, clients reported that withdrawal processing could sometimes be slow, which is an important consideration for prospective traders.

7. Customer Support and Educational Resources

　　ACM offered customer support through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. The support team was available in multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, and French, ensuring accessibility for a diverse client base.

　　The broker provided educational resources such as webinars, tutorials, and market analysis reports to help traders improve their skills and market understanding. Daily market analysis and news updates were also part of the service, assisting clients in making informed trading decisions.

　　Additionally, ACM offered trading tools like calculators and economic calendars to further support traders in their activities.

8. Regional Coverage and Restrictions

　　ACM primarily served clients in North America, particularly in the United States, where it was regulated by the NFA and CFTC. The broker had a strong presence in the Canadian market as well.

　　However, after the acquisition by Swissquote, ACM's operations were ultimately integrated, and it ceased to accept new clients. The broker was not authorized to serve clients in the European Union due to regulatory restrictions, limiting its operational reach.

　　In conclusion, while ACM broker provided a range of trading services and products during its operational years, it has since been absorbed by Swissquote. Traders looking for similar services may now consider Swissquote, which continues to offer a robust trading platform and a wide array of financial products.