With so many online trading platforms available these days, it can be hard to know which ones to trust. You have likely come across Expert Option in your research and are wondering, is this platform legitimate or a scam I should avoid? There are several key factors to consider when evaluating the validity of Expert Option as an investment service. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the background, features, fees, and reviews of Expert Option to help you determine if it is a real and reliable trading platform or one that raises red flags. With the right information and perspective, you can make an informed decision about whether Expert Option is right for your investment needs or if you are better off looking elsewhere. Carefully weighing the evidence provided here will empower you to invest wisely.
What Is Expert Option?
Expert Option is a binary options broker that allows traders to speculate on the price movements of various assets. Founded in 2014, Expert Option is operated by Expert Option Ltd, located in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Regulation and Security
Expert Option is regulated by the Financial Market Relations Regulation Center (FMRRC), an independent regulatory body overseeing brokerages in Russia and CIS countries. The broker uses SSL encryption to protect traders’ personal information and funds. However, Expert Option is not regulated by any major regulatory agencies like CySEC or FCA.
Account Types
Expert Option offers four types of trading accounts: Demo, Micro, Mini, and Standard. The Demo account provides $10,000 in virtual funds for practice trading. The Micro, Mini and Standard accounts require a minimum deposit of $10, $50 and $200 respectively. Account holders receive additional benefits like personal managers, trading signals and bonuses based on their account type.
Trading Platform and Assets
Expert Option’s proprietary web-based trading platform provides an easy to use interface with advanced charting tools and indicators. The platform offers over 100 assets including currencies, commodities, stocks and indices. Traders can speculate on price movements using options like Up/Down, Ladder, One Touch and Range.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Expert Option supports several payment methods for deposits and withdrawals including credit/debit cards, wire transfers, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. The minimum deposit amount is $10 while the minimum withdrawal amount is $10 for e-wallets and $50 for wire transfers. Withdrawals are processed within 1 to 7 business days.
In summary, while Expert Option appears to offer a range of assets and account types for traders, the lack of regulation from major agencies means funds may be at higher risk. Traders should conduct thorough due diligence before opening an account.
Is Expert Option Real or Fake? Analyzing the Facts
Licensing and Regulation
Expert Option is owned and operated by Exotrade Holding Ltd, a company registered in Vanuatu. They are regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission. While Vanuatu is an offshore regulatory jurisdiction, the VFSC does require registered brokers to maintain segregated client accounts and a minimum operating capital. However, Vanuatu is not considered a “tier-1” regulator, so protections may be more limited. It is prudent for traders to fully understand the regulatory framework before depositing funds.
Trading Platform
Expert Option offers a proprietary web-based trading platform with mobile apps available. The platform is relatively easy to use but lacks advanced technical analysis tools. They offer 60+ assets including currency pairs, stocks, indices, and commodities. However, there are some concerns about price latency and slippage at times. Traders should consider using limit orders instead of market orders when possible.
Account Types and Spreads
Expert Option offers several account types with minimum deposits ranging from $50 to $3,000. Spreads are variable but average around 1-3 pips for major FX pairs which is fairly standard. For indices and commodities, spreads are slightly higher. Overall, their spread offering is competitive. One downside is that Expert Option does not offer spread rebates or reductions for higher volume traders.
In summary, while Expert Option appears to be a legitimate broker, traders should exercise caution due to their offshore regulation and limited platform features. For new traders, it may be better to start with a more established broker with stricter regulation and better trading conditions. However, for the casual trader, Expert Option can be a viable choice if you go in with realistic expectations.
Expert Option Trading Platform Features and Tools
Expert Option provides traders with an array of useful features and tools to facilitate successful trading. The platform offers over 100 assets to trade, including currencies, commodities, stocks, and indices. Traders can execute deals on Expert Option’s website or mobile applications for Android and iOS.
Comprehensive Trading Options:
Expert Option offers traders the ability to execute binary options, digital options, and classic options deals. Binary options have a fixed return and expiration, while digital options allow traders to speculate on the overall trend of an asset. Classic options provide flexibility in setting expiration dates and returns. These options provide traders opportunities in both bullish and bearish markets.
Advanced Charting and Analysis Tools:
Expert Option’s platform includes advanced charting functions with multiple indicators like Bollinger Bands, moving averages, and oscillators to identify trends and entry/exit points. Traders can easily conduct technical analysis to develop effective trading strategies.
Flexible Expiration:
Expert Option provides short-term expirations ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes as well as long-term expirations up to 5 months. This range of expirations gives traders flexibility to implement strategies for both short- and long-term time horizons.
Training and Education:
Expert Option offers comprehensive resources for traders to develop their skills. These include video tutorials, ebooks, a glossary, trading strategies, and risk management tips. The platform also provides a demo account with $10,000 in virtual funds for traders to practice before using real money.
In summary, Expert Option provides a full set of tools and features for traders of all experience levels. The platform’s combination of trading options, analysis tools, expiration flexibility, and educational resources empowers traders to make informed decisions and build effective trading strategies. With practice and experience, traders can take advantage of all Expert Option has to offer.
Expert Option Regulation and Licensing
To determine if Expert Option is a legitimate broker, it is important to consider their regulation and licensing. As an international broker, Expert Option is regulated by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) and licensed to operate as a securities dealer. ### Vanuatu Regulation
Vanuatu is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean that is known for offshore financial services and low taxes. The VFSC serves as Vanuatu’s single integrated regulator for financial institutions and aims to protect consumers and ensure the stability of Vanuatu’s financial system.
Expert Option holds a Securities Dealer License issued by the VFSC, which requires them to maintain a minimum level of operational capital, implement proper risk management procedures, and conduct business in a transparent and fair manner. However, Vanuatu is considered an offshore regulatory jurisdiction, so their regulations may be less stringent than major financial centers like the UK or Australia.
Additional Regulation
Expert Option is not regulated by any major regulatory agencies like the FCA in the UK or CySEC in Cyprus. Some consider this a disadvantage, as offshore brokers can be riskier to trade with. That said, Expert Option does claim to operate according to the standards of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) in the European Union. They also belong to the Financial Commission, an independent external dispute resolution organization, which provides some additional oversight and consumer protection.
In summary, while Expert Option is licensed and regulated, their offshore regulation may be a concern for some traders. It is best to fully understand the risks of trading with an offshore broker before opening an account. Doing thorough due diligence can help determine if Expert Option’s regulation and consumer protections meet your needs.
FAQs – Answering the Question: Is Expert Option Real or Fake?
Is Expert Option a regulated broker?
Expert Option is a regulated broker under the jurisdiction of the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC). They hold a license to operate as a securities dealer. While Vanuatu is an offshore regulatory jurisdiction, the VFSC aims to uphold high standards for brokers under its purview. Expert Option is also a member of the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission and has been in operation since 2014.
Does Expert Option offer a secure trading environment?
Expert Option uses SSL encryption to protect all sensitive data on their platform. They also keep client funds in segregated accounts at reputable banks. These measures follow industry best practices to ensure the security of traders’ information, accounts, and funds. Expert Option’s services have not had any major security breaches reported. However, traders should always enable two-factor authentication on their account and practice good online security habits.
What assets are offered for trading on Expert Option?
Expert Option offers over 100 different assets for trading on their platform, including:
- Currency pairs (forex): EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, etc.
- Commodities: Gold, silver, oil, natural gas, etc.
- Stocks: Facebook, Tesla, Alibaba, etc.
- Indices: Nasdaq, S&P 500, DAX, Nikkei, etc.
Expert Option aims to offer a wide range of assets to suit different trading strategies and interests. They continue to expand their offerings to give traders more opportunities.
In summary, while there are risks with any broker, Expert Option shows signs of being a legitimate broker that offers a secure trading environment and a variety of assets for trading. However, as with any broker, traders should exercise caution and fully understand the risks before using their services.
Conclusion
In closing, you have carefully weighed the evidence regarding Expert Option in this analysis. By examining key factors like regulation, fees, and customer feedback, you have drawn an informed conclusion on the legitimacy and trustworthiness of this trading platform. While no investment carries zero risk, you can now make a decision on whether Expert Option suits your trading needs with significantly more insight. However, it is always wise to continue performing due diligence on any broker before depositing funds. Stay vigilant in your research, diversify your capital across multiple platforms, and implement strong risk management to grow your portfolio. With knowledge, experience and prudent strategies, your trading journey can unfold profitably.
