IFA
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Regulated by Labuan FSA
- Offers forex, spot metals, and commodities trading
- Platform: MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Customer support via email and phone
- Accessible trading hours for various instruments
Cons
- No valid regulation in major jurisdictions
- Limited trading instruments (no stocks or ETFs)
- High withdrawal fees
- Lack of educational resources and market analysis
- Customer support restricted to email and phone
Basic Information
User Reviews
IFA Overview
International Finance Asia (IFA), founded in 2023 and headquartered in Malaysia, operates under regulatory oversight from the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA) and previously under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Although it is currently licensed by Labuan FSA, it is important to note that IFA’s Australian license has been revoked, raising concerns about its regulatory compliance. This regulatory status is crucial for establishing trust with potential traders, as it ensures adherence to established financial standards and practices.
Is IFA Safe? Regulation Analysis
Regulatory Information
| Regulatory Authority | Country/Region | Fund Protection Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA) | Malaysia | Segregated Accounts |
Is IFA Regulated and How Are Client Funds Protected?
International Finance Asia (IFA) is regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA) in Malaysia. This regulatory framework requires brokers to adhere to strict guidelines designed to protect investor interests. Client funds are safeguarded through the use of segregated accounts, which means that client money is kept separate from the broker’s operational funds. Although IFA is regulated by Labuan FSA, it is important to note that it previously held a license from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which has since been revoked. This highlights the necessity for potential clients to conduct thorough research and consider regulatory status carefully before engaging in trading activities with IFA. Overall, while IFA is regulated, the revocation of its ASIC license raises questions about its operational integrity. Thus, clients should proceed with caution.
Trading Products and Services
What trading instruments does IFA offer?
| Asset Category | Available Products | Total Count (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, Major & Minor Pairs | 50+ |
| Commodities | Gold, Silver, Crude Oil, Natural Gas | Many |
| Indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100 | Varies |
| Stocks | US (e.g. Apple, Tesla), UK (e.g. BP, Vodafone) | Many |
| Cryptocurrencies | BTC, ETH, XRP | Many |
International Finance Asia (IFA) offers a diverse selection of trading instruments that cater to various trading styles and preferences. With a robust range of forex pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, traders can build a well-rounded portfolio that aligns with their investment strategies. This variety not only supports beginners who may want to explore different markets but also experienced traders seeking to implement complex strategies. The flexibility of IFA’s offerings allows users to adapt their trading approaches, enhancing their potential for success in the dynamic trading environment.
Account Types and Trading Conditions
What Account Types and Fees Does IFA Offer?
| Account Type | Target User Group | Essential Characteristics | Applicability Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Account | Beginners and experienced retail traders | Low spreads, access to all trading instruments | Suitable for small to medium capital investments |
| Professional Account | Experienced traders with substantial capital | Higher leverage, tighter spreads, advanced trading tools | Requires trading volume qualifications |
| Corporate Account | Corporate clients and institutions | Customizable services, dedicated support | Requires corporate documentation and verification |
| Islamic Account | Traders needing Sharia-compliant services | Swap-free trading options | Available to clients who adhere to Islamic finance principles |
| Demo Account | New traders and those testing strategies | Practice trading with virtual funds | No financial commitment required, ideal for skill development |
Account Opening Process
To open an account with IFA, prospective clients should follow a structured process:
1. Submit personal information including name, email, and phone number.
2. Provide employment and financial information to assess suitability for trading.
3. Complete identity verification by providing a valid ID and proof of address.
4. Clients have the option to upgrade to a professional account later, based on their trading activity and qualifications.
Trading Fees
| Product | Spread (pips) | Commission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex (EUR/USD) | 0.8 | $0 (ECN: $3.5/lot) | Tight spreads for major pairs |
| Forex (GBP/USD) | 1.0 | $0 (ECN: $3.5/lot) | Competitive rates for most trades |
| CFDs (Gold) | 0.2 | $0 (ECN: $2/lot) | Low spreads on commodities |
| CFDs (Oil) | 0.03 | $0 (ECN: $2/lot) | Excellent liquidity for oil trades |
| Cryptos (BTC/USD) | 1.0% | 0.1% | Variable spread depending on volatility |
Other Fees
In addition to trading fees, clients should be aware of other costs associated with their accounts:
– Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: May vary based on the payment method used.
– Inactivity Fees: Charged if the account remains dormant for an extended period.
– Platform Usage Fees: Not applicable; IFA offers free access to the trading platform.
– Overnight Interest (Swap Rates): Applicable based on positions held overnight.
– Currency Conversion Fees: May apply when trading in currencies different from the account base currency.
Trading Platforms and Apps
What Trading Platforms and Apps Does IFA Offer for Traders?
| Platform | Device Support | Key Features | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Two-factor authentication, multiple order types, technical indicators, economic calendar | Demo accounts, VPS, API access |
| Web Version | Any device with a web browser | Login security via encryption, symbol lookup, one-click trading | Demo accounts |
| Mobile App | iOS, Android | Biometric login, price alerts, push notifications | Demo accounts |
The MetaTrader 5 platform is ideal for advanced users, offering extensive analytical tools and automated trading features. The web version ensures accessibility from any browser, supporting users who prefer not to download software. The mobile app provides convenient trading capabilities, including secure logins and real-time alerts, making it suitable for on-the-go traders. IFA emphasizes secure trading via robust login mechanisms, fast order execution, and efficient market search tools across all platforms.
Deposit and Withdrawal
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fees | Limits | Base Currency Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEPA Transfer | 1–2 business days | No platform fee, 0.5% for third-party bank fees | Min 100, Max 50k/day | EUR |
| GrabPay | Instant | No platform fee, 1.5% e-wallet charge | Min 50, Max 20k/day | SGD, MYR |
| SPEI | Instant | No platform fee | Min 200, Max 25k/day | MXN |
| Credit/Debit Card | Instant | No platform fee, 2% for credit card payments | Min 50, Max 10k/day | USD, EUR |
| Cryptocurrency | Instant | No platform fee | Min 0.01 BTC, Max 5 BTC/day | BTC, ETH |
Minimum Deposit
IFA requires a minimum deposit of $50 for standard accounts. This amount may vary based on the payment method chosen; for example, cryptocurrency deposits have a minimum requirement of 0.01 BTC. Additionally, different account types may have varying minimums, particularly for VIP accounts which may have higher thresholds.
How to Withdraw
To withdraw funds from your IFA account, follow these steps:
- Log in to your IFA trading account.
- Navigate to the ‘Withdrawal’ section in your account dashboard.
- Select your preferred withdrawal method from the available options.
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw, ensuring it meets the specified limits.
- Confirm your details and submit the withdrawal request.
- You will receive a confirmation email once your request is processed.
Customer Support
IFA Customer Support Overview
Support Channels
IFA offers multiple contact methods to ensure customers receive the help they need promptly. Clients can reach out via:
- Email: Support is available through account@internationalfinanceasia.com, where inquiries are addressed efficiently.
- Live Chat: Currently, IFA does not provide a live chat option, but they are responsive via email.
- Telephone: Customers can contact IFA directly at +60 8 759 3828 for immediate assistance.
- Social Media: IFA maintains a presence on various social media platforms, providing updates and general support.
Service Availability
IFA’s customer service operates 24 hours a day, six days a week, ensuring support is available when needed. Multilingual support is also provided, catering to clients in English, Mandarin, and Malay, among other languages.
Additional Resources
To enhance the trading experience, IFA offers educational resources such as video tutorials and market analysis. These resources are designed to help traders improve their skills and make informed decisions. Additionally, clients can access trading signals to aid in their trading strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, IFA is regulated by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA). However, it is important to note that its regulatory status with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has been revoked. Clients should exercise caution and be aware of the implications of trading with a broker that has a revoked license.
IFA offers a range of trading products including forex instruments, spot metals, and commodities like energy and oil. Trading is facilitated through the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, which is known for its user-friendly interface and advanced features. Specific trading conditions, such as spreads and leverage, may vary, so it’s advisable to check the latest details on their website or contact customer support for more information.
While IFA is regulated by Labuan FSA, which requires brokers to adhere to certain financial standards, it is crucial to recognize that the revoked ASIC license raises some concerns regarding fund security. Clients are recommended to verify the current regulatory status and exercise caution when depositing funds, as the lack of a valid forex regulation can carry higher risks.
IFA provides customer support via email at account@internationalfinanceasia.com and by phone at +608 759 3828. Support is available 24 hours a day, six days a week. However, clients should be aware that immediate assistance may be limited due to the available support channels.
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Risk Disclosure
Trading forex/CFDs via brokers carries high risks, including potential total loss. For any data changes, please refer to the latest information on the brokers' official websites. Trade with caution and seek independent advice.