STO Forex Broker

Sto Forex Broker - Complete Information Guide

1. Broker Overview

Sto, officially known as AFX Capital Markets Ltd, was established in 2009. The broker is headquartered in Cyprus, with additional offices located in major financial centers including the United Kingdom, Italy, China, and New York. Sto operates as a private entity under the AFX Group, providing a variety of financial services primarily targeting retail and institutional clients.

Since its inception, Sto has focused on delivering optimal trading conditions for its clients. The company has achieved significant milestones, including partnerships with financial technology firms like Quantic, which enhance its portfolio management capabilities. Throughout its growth, Sto has expanded its service offerings to include a wide range of trading instruments, educational resources, and market analysis tools.

The business model of Sto encompasses retail forex trading, offering clients access to over 300 trading instruments, including forex pairs, CFDs on commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. This diverse range of products allows traders of varying experience levels to engage in the financial markets effectively.

2. Regulation and Compliance Information

Sto is regulated by two prominent authorities: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). The specific regulatory numbers are as follows:

• FCA: 560872 (currently suspended)
• CySEC: 119/10

The licenses held by Sto cover a wide range of financial services, including the provision of trading and investment services under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), allowing them to operate across EU borders. However, it is essential to note that both the FCA and CySEC have suspended Sto's licenses as of August 2019 due to regulatory concerns.

Sto adheres to strict client fund segregation policies, ensuring that clients' funds are kept separate from the company's operational funds. Additionally, the broker participates in investor compensation schemes, providing a layer of protection for client funds in the event of insolvency.

The broker implements robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance measures to ensure the integrity of its operations and to safeguard against fraudulent activities.

3. Trading Products and Services

Sto offers a broad selection of trading products, catering to various market needs. The broker provides access to a significant number of forex currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. The exact number of forex pairs available is not specified, but the broker is known to support a wide range of options.

In addition to forex trading, Sto offers CFD products across several categories:

• Indices: Access to major global indices.
• Commodities: Trading options on various commodities, including oil and metals.
• Stocks: More than 100 CFDs on shares from leading markets, including the US, German, and Italian exchanges.
• Cryptocurrencies: CFDs on popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Sto continually updates its product offerings, reflecting changes in market demand and introducing new instruments as necessary. The broker provides tailored services for both retail and institutional clients, including white-label solutions and asset management services.

4. Trading Platforms and Technology

Sto supports the widely recognized MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is favored by many traders for its comprehensive trading capabilities and user-friendly interface. Additionally, Sto has developed its proprietary platform called AFX Fast, designed for low-latency trading and enhanced execution speeds.

The trading platforms are accessible through various devices, including desktop and mobile applications, ensuring that traders can manage their accounts and execute trades conveniently. Sto offers a web-based trading platform as well, allowing for seamless access without the need for downloads.

The broker operates on an ECN/STP execution model, which minimizes issues such as slippage and re-quotes, providing a more reliable trading environment. The technical infrastructure is robust, with servers located strategically to support fast order execution.

Sto also provides API access for automated trading, catering to traders who utilize algorithmic strategies or require custom trading solutions.

5. Account Types and Trading Conditions

Sto offers a variety of account types to accommodate different trading styles and experience levels. The account options include:

• Classic Account: Minimum deposit of $100, spreads starting from 1.6 pips, and high leverage of up to 1:500.
• Premium Account: Requires a minimum deposit of $2,000, offering spreads from 0.4 pips and access to additional trading tools.
• Pro Account: Designed for experienced traders, requiring a deposit of $10,000 with lower spreads of 0.3 pips and leverage of up to 1:200.
• VIP Account: For high-volume traders, requiring a deposit of $50,000 with spreads starting at 0.0 pips and enhanced trading tools.
• AFX Fast Account: Accessible via the AFX Fast platform, requiring a minimum deposit of $2,000 and offering spreads from 0.4 pips.

Each account type is designed to cater to specific trading needs, and all account holders can access educational resources, trading signals, and market analysis. A demo account is also available for traders to practice their strategies without financial risk.

6. Fund Management

Sto provides multiple funding methods for clients to deposit and withdraw funds easily. The supported deposit methods include:

• Bank Transfers
• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard)
• E-wallets (Neteller, Skrill, Webmoney, CashU, Qiwi)

The minimum deposit requirement varies by account type, with the Classic Account starting at $100. Deposits are typically processed quickly, allowing clients to begin trading almost immediately.

Withdrawals can be made using the same methods as deposits, and Sto covers all withdrawal fees. The processing time for withdrawals may vary depending on the method used, but the broker strives to ensure a smooth and efficient withdrawal process.

7. Customer Support and Educational Resources

Sto offers comprehensive customer support through various channels, including:

• Phone Support
• Email Support
• Live Chat
• Social Media

Customer service is available 24/5, aligned with the operating hours of the forex market. The support team is multilingual, catering to clients in English, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Polish, Russian, and Farsi.

In addition to customer support, Sto provides a range of educational resources to assist traders in enhancing their skills. These resources include:

• Webinars
• Video Tutorials
• E-books

Sto also offers daily market analysis and research reports to keep clients informed about market trends and developments. Various trading tools, such as calculators and economic calendars, are available to help traders make informed decisions.

8. Regional Coverage and Restrictions

Sto primarily serves clients in Europe, with its regulatory framework allowing operations across EU countries. The broker has offices in major financial centers, which enhances its service delivery to clients.

However, Sto does not accept clients from certain countries, including the United States, due to regulatory restrictions. The brokers services are tailored to comply with the regulations of the regions in which it operates, ensuring that it adheres to local laws and requirements.

In summary, Sto is a well-established forex broker that offers a diverse range of trading products and services. With its robust regulatory framework, advanced trading platforms, and commitment to customer support, Sto aims to provide a comprehensive trading experience for both retail and institutional clients.