BCM, also known as Basel Capital Markets, is a financial services provider that was established in 2011. The company is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, specifically located at Zavos City Center, 4th Floor, 88 Agias Fylaxeos, 3025 Limassol. BCM operates as a private entity, focusing primarily on retail forex trading services.
The broker serves a diverse clientele, catering to both novice and experienced traders. BCM offers a wide range of trading options, including currency pairs, commodities, indices, and stocks. Over the years, the firm has developed its services to accommodate various trading preferences and has established itself in the competitive forex market.
BCM has faced some challenges, particularly regarding its regulatory status. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) had previously issued a license to BCM, but this license has since been revoked. This revocation raises concerns about the regulatory oversight of the broker and its adherence to industry standards. Despite these challenges, BCM continues to provide trading services through popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and Sirix Web Trader.
The business model of BCM primarily revolves around retail forex trading, offering clients access to a variety of financial instruments and trading platforms. The firm aims to provide a user-friendly trading environment while ensuring that clients have access to the necessary tools and resources for successful trading.
BCM was previously regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), holding the license number 160/11. However, it is important to note that this license has been revoked, indicating a significant regulatory concern. The revocation of the license raises questions about the broker's compliance with regulatory standards and its ability to protect client investments.
Due to the revocation, BCM currently operates without valid regulation, which poses a risk for potential investors. The lack of regulatory oversight means that clients may not have access to the same protections that regulated brokers provide. Additionally, BCM has not participated in any investor compensation schemes, which further exacerbates the risk for clients.
The broker is expected to adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance measures, though the effectiveness of these measures may be in question given the current regulatory status. Clients are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with BCM, as the absence of regulation can lead to potential risks and uncertainties in trading.
BCM offers a wide range of trading products across various asset classes. The broker provides access to numerous currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. This allows traders to engage in forex trading with flexibility and options that suit their trading strategies.
In addition to forex, BCM also facilitates trading in Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which encompass categories such as indices, commodities, and stocks. This diversity in product offerings enables clients to diversify their investment portfolios and capitalize on various market opportunities.
The broker's trading services are designed to cater primarily to retail clients, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the markets effectively. While BCM does not explicitly mention offering institutional services or white-label solutions, its focus remains on retail forex trading.
As the market evolves, BCM is expected to update its product offerings regularly. However, specific details regarding the frequency of updates and the introduction of new products are not readily available. Clients interested in trading with BCM should stay informed about any changes to the product lineup and any new offerings that may arise.
BCM supports two primary trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and Sirix Web Trader.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is widely recognized in the financial trading industry for its advanced charting tools, technical analysis capabilities, and automated trading features. MT4 provides a comprehensive trading environment suitable for both novice and experienced traders.
Sirix Web Trader is a web-based platform developed by Leverate, designed for accessibility and convenience. This platform allows traders to access their accounts from any web browser without the need for software downloads, making it ideal for those who prefer to trade on-the-go.
BCM does not currently mention having a proprietary trading platform, which may limit customization options for advanced traders. The broker employs a Market Making execution model, which allows for competitive spreads and efficient order execution.
The broker's server infrastructure is located in Cyprus, ensuring that clients experience low latency and reliable trading conditions. Additionally, BCM provides support for API access and automated trading, which is beneficial for algorithmic traders looking to implement their strategies seamlessly.
BCM offers several account types tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. The main account types include:
Silver Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $500, with spreads starting at 1.1 pips. This account is suitable for novice traders looking to enter the forex market.
Gold Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $10,000, offering tighter spreads of 0.8 pips. This account type is designed for intermediate traders seeking enhanced trading conditions.
Platinum Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $50,000, providing even tighter spreads of 0.5 pips. This account is aimed at experienced traders who require comprehensive trading features.
VIP Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $150,000, offering the lowest spreads of 0.2 pips. This account type is tailored for high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients seeking premium services.
BCM provides a maximum leverage of 1:30 across all account types, in line with regulatory standards. The minimum trade size varies depending on the account type, with clients able to manage their risk effectively.
Overnight fees may apply, and clients are advised to review the specific terms and conditions associated with each account type before opening an account with BCM.
BCM supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods to facilitate client transactions. Clients can fund their accounts using options such as bank transfers, credit cards, and electronic wallets.
The minimum deposit requirement is set at $500 for the Silver Account, while the processing time for deposits is generally quick, allowing clients to start trading promptly.
However, it is important to note that BCM imposes a 1.5% withdrawal fee for debit and credit card transactions, which may deter some traders who prefer fee-free transactions. The minimum withdrawal amount is set at $5, allowing for flexibility in managing funds.
Withdrawal processing times vary depending on the method chosen, with bank transfers potentially taking longer than electronic payment methods. Clients should be aware of these fees and processing times when managing their accounts with BCM.
BCM offers various customer support channels to assist clients with their trading needs. Clients can reach out to the support team via:
Customer support is available during business hours, but specific service times and time zone coverage are not detailed. BCM provides support primarily in English and German, catering to a diverse clientele.
In terms of educational resources, BCM offers a range of materials, including webinars, tutorials, and a FAQ section on their website. Market analysis services are also available, providing clients with daily updates, news, and research reports to help inform their trading decisions.
The broker aims to equip clients with the necessary knowledge and tools to enhance their trading experience, though the depth and variety of educational resources may vary.
BCM primarily serves clients in Europe, with a focus on the Cypriot and Vietnamese markets. The broker has established itself as a player in the forex trading landscape, catering to a wide range of traders.
While BCM aims to provide services to a broad clientele, it is essential to note that certain countries may have restrictions on trading with unregulated brokers. As such, clients from regions with stringent regulatory requirements may not be able to open accounts with BCM.
The broker's services are not available to clients in jurisdictions where trading with unregulated entities is prohibited. Potential clients should review their local regulations to ensure compliance before engaging with BCM.
In conclusion, BCM presents a mixed picture for potential clients. While it offers support for the widely used MetaTrader 4 platform and multiple account types catering to various trading preferences, the revocation of its CySEC license introduces regulatory uncertainty. Individuals considering BCM should carefully weigh these factors and conduct thorough research before proceeding.