Scope Markets Forex Broker

SM-Invest Forex Broker - Complete Information Guide

1. Broker Overview

SM-Invest, officially known as Scope Markets Ltd, is a forex broker established in 1997. The company is headquartered at 6160 Park Avenue, Buttonwood Bay, Lower Flat Office Space Front, Belize City, Belize. As a private entity, SM-Invest primarily serves retail clients in the forex and CFD markets, offering a variety of trading options and financial instruments.

Over the years, SM-Invest has developed a reputation for providing trading solutions across various asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. The company's journey began in the late 1990s, and it has since made significant strides in expanding its services and client base. A notable milestone in its history is its partnership with the Premier League football club West Ham United, which highlights its commitment to brand visibility and market engagement.

The business model of SM-Invest focuses on retail forex trading, providing clients with access to various financial markets through advanced trading platforms. The broker aims to facilitate trading by offering competitive spreads, high leverage, and a user-friendly trading environment. As a result, the SM-Invest broker has positioned itself as a viable option for traders looking to enter the forex market.

2. Regulatory and Compliance Information

SM-Invest claims to be regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize. The regulatory numbers associated with the broker include 000274/222 and 000274/221. However, there have been inconsistencies reported regarding these regulatory numbers, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the regulation.

The IFSC oversees the operations of SM-Invest, but it is essential to note that regulation in Belize is often considered less stringent than in major financial centers like the UK or the US. As a result, the protection offered to investors may not be as robust.

In terms of compliance, SM-Invest follows standard Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of financial transactions. The broker implements policies to ensure that client funds are kept in segregated accounts, thereby safeguarding them from operational risks.

Despite these measures, potential clients should be cautious, as the lack of a strong regulatory framework increases the risks associated with trading with the SM-Invest broker.

3. Trading Products and Services

SM-Invest offers a diverse range of trading products, catering to various investor preferences. The broker provides access to over 40 forex currency pairs, including major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. Additionally, clients can trade a variety of CFD products, which encompass indices, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

The CFD offerings include popular indices such as the S&P 500 and commodities like gold and oil. Furthermore, SM-Invest facilitates trading in cryptocurrencies, allowing clients to invest in digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

The broker is committed to updating its product offerings regularly to meet market demands. However, the specific frequency and nature of product updates are not detailed in the available information.

For retail clients, SM-Invest provides trading services through its advanced trading platforms, while institutional clients can benefit from tailored solutions. The SM-Invest broker also offers white-label solutions for financial institutions seeking to enter the trading market.

4. Trading Platforms and Technology

SM-Invest primarily utilizes the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is renowned for its user-friendly interface and advanced trading capabilities. The MT4 platform supports both desktop and mobile trading, making it accessible for traders on various devices, including iOS and Android.

In addition to MT4, the broker does not appear to offer a proprietary trading platform, focusing instead on the robust features of MT4. The platform provides essential tools for technical analysis, including over 50 indicators and charting options, enabling traders to make informed decisions.

SM-Invest operates on a Market Maker execution model, which can influence the trading experience in terms of spreads and order execution speed. The broker's servers are located in secure data centers, ensuring reliable connectivity and minimal downtime for traders.

For clients interested in automated trading, SM-Invest supports API access, allowing traders to implement algorithmic trading strategies effectively. This feature is particularly beneficial for experienced traders seeking to optimize their trading performance.

5. Account Types and Trading Conditions

SM-Invest offers several account types to accommodate different trading needs. The primary account options include:

• Bronze Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $500. This account provides basic features suitable for novice traders.
• Silver Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $5,000. It includes additional benefits such as risk management training and access to market analysis.
• Gold Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $10,000. This account features more comprehensive services, including free account management.
• Platinum Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $50,000. It offers premium services, including central trading, lower spreads, and free withdrawals.

The leverage offered by SM-Invest can go up to 1:500, allowing traders to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. The minimum trade size is 0.01 lots, providing flexibility for both new and experienced traders.

Additionally, the broker implements overnight fees, which are applied to positions held beyond the trading day. These fees may vary depending on the asset class and trading conditions.

6. Fund Management

SM-Invest supports multiple deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, and e-wallets such as Skrill. The minimum deposit requirement varies by account type, starting as low as $500 for the Bronze Account.

Deposits are processed swiftly, typically credited to the trading account instantly, with no additional fees for deposits. However, clients should be aware of potential processing times for certain methods, especially bank transfers.

Withdrawals can be made using the same methods as deposits, with a minimum withdrawal amount set at $50. The processing time for withdrawals usually ranges from 1 to 3 business days, depending on the chosen method. While SM-Invest allows one free withdrawal per day, additional withdrawals within the same week may incur a fee.

The broker emphasizes the security of client funds, maintaining that all client deposits are kept in segregated accounts to prevent any misuse of funds.

7. Customer Support and Educational Resources

SM-Invest provides customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and online chat. The support team operates from Monday to Friday, covering major time zones to assist clients effectively.

The broker offers support primarily in English, catering to a global clientele. Educational resources include webinars, tutorials, and market analysis reports, aimed at enhancing the trading skills of both novice and experienced traders.

Market analysis services are provided daily, keeping clients informed about market trends and potential trading opportunities. Additionally, the broker offers various trading tools, including calculators and calendars, to assist traders in their decision-making processes.

8. Regional Coverage and Restrictions

SM-Invest primarily serves clients in various regions globally, with a significant presence in Europe and other international markets. The broker has regional offices in Belize and Bulgaria, enhancing its operational capabilities.

However, certain countries are restricted from accessing SM-Invest's services. These include regions where regulatory compliance poses challenges or where the broker is prohibited from operating due to local laws.

In conclusion, while SM-Invest presents a range of trading options and services, potential clients should exercise caution due to the regulatory environment and the inherent risks associated with trading with an offshore broker. The SM-Invest broker offers various tools and resources to support traders, but thorough research is essential before engaging with the platform.