Standard 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know
In this review, we delve into the performance and reputation of the forex broker Standard, as of 2025. The overall consensus from various sources indicates a mix of opportunities and risks associated with trading through this platform, particularly concerning its regulatory status and customer service. Many users have reported both positive experiences with the trading tools provided and significant concerns regarding the broker's legitimacy and customer support responsiveness.
Note: It is crucial to understand that the Standard broker operates under different entities across regions, which can impact its regulatory status and user experiences. This review synthesizes information from multiple sources to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Ratings Overview
How We Rated the Broker: Ratings are based on user feedback, expert opinions, and factual data gathered from various reviews.
Broker Overview
Founded in 2019, Standard operates as a forex and CFD broker under the regulatory oversight of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, with the license number 26691. However, the regulatory status is marked as "exceeded," raising concerns about its safety and reliability. Standard offers a proprietary trading platform accessible via web, tablet, and mobile devices, but does not support popular platforms like MT4 or MT5. The broker provides access to a range of financial instruments, including shares, futures, and contracts for difference (CFDs).
Detailed Analysis
Regulated Regions:
Standard is primarily regulated in South Africa by the FSCA. However, its "exceeded" status suggests that it may be operating beyond its authorized scope, which could pose risks to traders. Users should exercise caution and evaluate the broker's legitimacy, especially if considering trading from outside South Africa.
Deposit/Withdrawal Options:
The broker does not specify the currencies or cryptocurrencies accepted for deposits and withdrawals. However, it charges a transaction fee of 4.56 yuan for withdrawals from bank accounts. Users have reported difficulties in withdrawing funds, which is a common concern with brokers that have a questionable reputation.
Minimum Deposit:
The minimum deposit requirement is not explicitly stated in the available reviews, which raises questions about transparency. This lack of clarity can be a red flag for potential traders looking for straightforward conditions.
Bonuses/Promotions:
No specific bonuses or promotional offers have been mentioned in the reviews, which may indicate a lack of competitive incentives for attracting new traders.
Tradeable Asset Classes:
Standard provides a variety of trading products, including shares, warrants, futures, CFDs, and exchange-traded products. This diversity allows traders to explore different markets, but the quality and execution of these trades remain under scrutiny.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions):
Details regarding spreads and commissions are not clearly outlined, which can create uncertainty for traders. Users have expressed frustration with hidden fees and unclear pricing structures, which can significantly impact trading profitability.
Leverage:
The reviews do not specify the leverage options available, which is a critical factor for traders looking to maximize their potential returns. The absence of this information can deter potential clients who rely on leverage for their trading strategies.
Allowed Trading Platforms:
Standard utilizes its proprietary platform, which is available on various devices, but lacks compatibility with widely used platforms like MT4 or MT5. This limitation may affect the user experience, especially for those accustomed to advanced trading tools.
Restricted Regions:
While the reviews do not specify restricted regions, it is essential for potential users to check local regulations and restrictions that may apply to their trading activities with Standard.
Available Customer Service Languages:
Standard offers customer support primarily in English, with limited availability during weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Users have reported slow response times and a lack of comprehensive support, which can be a significant drawback for traders requiring timely assistance.
Repeated Ratings Overview
Detailed Breakdown
Account Conditions:
The lack of transparency regarding minimum deposits and trading fees raises concerns. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with unclear account conditions, which can lead to confusion and mistrust.
Tools and Resources:
While Standard offers a variety of trading products, the absence of popular trading platforms like MT4 or MT5 limits traders' access to advanced tools and resources. Users seeking comprehensive trading functionalities may find this a significant disadvantage.
Customer Service and Support:
Customer service has been a notable pain point, with users reporting slow response times and unhelpful support. The limited operating hours further exacerbate these issues, making it difficult for traders to get assistance when needed.
Trading Setup (Experience):
The proprietary trading platform, while functional, lacks the advanced features found in more established platforms. Users have noted that the trading experience could be improved with better tools and resources.
Trustworthiness:
The "exceeded" regulatory status raises red flags about the broker's legitimacy. Users are advised to conduct thorough research and consider the potential risks before engaging with Standard.
User Experience:
Overall user experiences vary, with some appreciating the range of products offered, while others express frustration over withdrawal issues and customer support. This mixed feedback highlights the need for potential traders to weigh their options carefully.
In conclusion, the Standard review indicates that while there are opportunities for trading various financial instruments, potential users should approach with caution due to concerns about regulatory status, customer support, and overall transparency.
