My forex account

Photographer is my life / getty images the other way to avoid inadvertently connecting with a fraudulent broker is to proceed very carefully when considering a specialized forex brokerage.

Only open an account with a U.S. Broker with a membership in the national futures association (NFA). Use the NFA's background affiliation information center to verify the brokerage and its compliance record.

Why you need a forex account to trade

Photographer is my life / getty images

A foreign exchange account, or forex account, is used to hold and trade foreign currencies. Typically, you open an account, deposit money denominated in your home country currency, and then buy and sell currency pairs.

Your purpose, of course, is to make money on your trades. Unfortunately, the majority of beginning forex traders lose money; they generally spend less than four months reaching the point where they have lost so much that they will close their trading account.

It doesn't mean that the forex market is a scam, as some critics have maintained, but forex scams do abound. Making money on highly leveraged currency trades is harder than it looks and, at a minimum, requires developing expertise that many novice traders fail to acquire.

How you open a forex trading account

The requirements for opening a forex account have become simpler since the growth of online forex trading. Today, opening a forex account is almost as simple as opening a bank account.

First, of course, you'll need to find a forex broker. All retail forex trading goes through and is managed by a brokerage. Some may be specialized forex brokers, or they might be the same brokerage you use for stock market investing and trading.

You'll need to fill out a brief questionnaire about your financial knowledge and trading intentions. You'll also need to provide an ID, and the minimum deposit your forex account institution requires. That's it. You're now free to trade.

Incidentally, many forex brokers will take your credit or debit card in lieu of cash. So, you really don't need to deposit any money at all—not that this is a good idea. If you don't have the cash now, how will you pay for losses later? Credit card debt carries high-interest rates.

Forex brokers

One of the aspects of currency trading that makes it riskier than trading in the stock market is that the entire currency trading industry is either lightly regulated or—as with some trades—not regulated at all. A consequence of that is that unless you look carefully into the reputation of the forex broker you select, you may be defrauded. There are two ways of avoiding this.

The first is to avoid specialized forex traders entirely and to trade with a general stock brokerage active in the U.S. And therefore regulated by the U.S. Securities and exchange commission (SEC).

The other way to avoid inadvertently connecting with a fraudulent broker is to proceed very carefully when considering a specialized forex brokerage. Only open an account with a U.S. Broker with a membership in the national futures association (NFA). Use the NFA's background affiliation information center to verify the brokerage and its compliance record.

Even then, it's a good idea to choose a large, well-known forex broker like forex capital markets (FXCM). FXCM—like almost all of the largest U.S. Forex brokers—offers a free practice account where you can try out potential trades without risking your capital. Some other well-known U.S. Forex brokers are citifx PRO, an affiliate of citibank, and thinkorswim. Don't be put off by the cute name, thinkorswim is a division of tdameritrade.

Before finalizing your search, compare commission rates between brokers. Transaction costs are an important factor in the profitability of trading activity.

My forex account

Cfds are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading cfds with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how cfds work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

CFD and forex trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.

FOREX.Com is a trading name of GAIN capital UK limited. GAIN capital UK ltd is a company incorporated in england and wales with UK companies house number 1761813 and with its registered office at devon house, 58 st katharine’s way, london, E1W 1JP. GAIN capital UK ltd is authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority in the UK, with FCA register number 113942. GAIN capital UK ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of stonex group inc.

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DOWNLOAD by clicking download, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the software license agreement. -->

Mobile platforms

Stay connected to the markets with our powerful and easy to use, FOREX.Com iphone and android apps.

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*based on CFD spreads and financing competitor comparison, 28/06/2019 and 25/07/2019.

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FOREX.Com is a trademark of GAIN capital UK ltd.

FOREX.Com products and services are not intended for belgium residents.

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FOREX trading accounts

Choose an account type that best suits your trading style.

FOREX.Com account

Advanced trading platforms with customizable interfaces

Trade forex, equities and more, all on one account

Fast, reliable trade executions

Metatrader account

Dedicated FX trading platform

Exclusive in-platform market news and analysis

Trades execute at the best available price

DMA account

Trade on prices as low as 0.1 on all major FX pairs

Get commission discounts as low as $20/m traded

Split the spread and place orders within the top of book spreads

What information do I need when opening an account?

We will need you to provide us with your name and address to establish your identity. Typically, we can verify your identity instantly. For more information, see our account document faqs.

What markets does FOREX.Com offer?

You can trade over 80 currency pairs at FOREX.Com. View our full range of markets.

When is forex market open for trading?

You can trade forex at FOREX.Com 24 hours a day, five days a week. For details, read our forex trading times article.

Is there a charge for central clearing?

We provide central counterparty clearing through an omnibus segregated clearing account (OSCA) free of charge as standard to all clients. If you wish to open an individual segregated clearing account (ISCA), fees apply:

For an individual these charges are: £13,000 account opening fee, plus account maintenance and transaction charges

For a corporate entity these charges are: £200,000 account opening fee, plus account maintenance and transaction charges

Try a demo account

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Try a demo account

Your form is being processed.

By opening this demo account you confirm your acceptance of our demo account terms and conditions, privacy policy and disclosures.

It's your world. Trade it.

I would like to learn about

FOREX.Com is a trademark of GAIN capital UK ltd.

FOREX.Com products and services are not intended for belgium residents.

We use cookies, and by continuing to use this site or clicking "agree" you agree to their use. Full details are in our cookie policy.

Welcome to forex.Com

Securely access and manage your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don't already have an account? Open one now.

Q4 tech earnings: keep ahead of volatility

Take a position as major US tech stocks report Q4 results this earnings season. Keep up with all the latest by visiting our tech stock hub.

Trade on our other platforms

Desktop platform

The FOREX.Com desktop platform is our most advanced platform designed for active currency traders.

DOWNLOAD by clicking download, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the software license agreement. -->

Mobile platforms

Stay connected to the markets with our powerful and easy to use, FOREX.Com iphone and android apps.

Have questions? We’ve got answers.

Why do I receive an “authorization failed” message when trying to log in?

Can I download FOREX.Com desktop on a mac?

Can I download metatrader on a mac?

Get started with FOREX.Com today

*based on CFD spreads and financing competitor comparison, 28/06/2019 and 25/07/2019.

Try a demo account

Your form is being processed.

By opening this demo account you confirm your acceptance of our demo account terms and conditions, privacy policy and disclosures.

It's your world. Trade it.

I would like to learn about

FOREX.Com is a trademark of GAIN capital UK ltd.

FOREX.Com products and services are not intended for belgium residents.

We use cookies, and by continuing to use this site or clicking "agree" you agree to their use. Full details are in our cookie policy.

Policies & regulation

FXTM brand is authorized and regulated in various jurisdictions.

Forextime limited (www.Forextime.Com/eu) is regulated by the cyprus securities and exchange commission with CIF license number 185/12, licensed by the financial sector conduct authority (FSCA) of south africa, with FSP no. 46614. The company is also registered with the financial conduct authority of the UK with number 600475.

Forextime (www.Forextime.Com/uk) is authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority with license number 777911.

Exinity limited (www.Forextime.Com) is regulated by the financial services commission of the republic of mauritius with an investment dealer license bearing license number C113012295.

Risk warning: cfds are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading cfds with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how cfds work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Regional restrictions: FXTM brand does not provide services to residents of the USA, mauritius, japan, canada, haiti, suriname, the democratic republic of korea, puerto rico, brazil, the occupied area of cyprus and hong kong. Find out more in the regulations section of our faqs.

Fund your forex account

More and more traders often end up complaining when they request a withdrawal and the forex broker refuses to pay the trader. If you have been a victim of such scams, or if you are unsure what is the right way to fund your trading account then read this article which will help you to avoid making costly mistakes that could literally cost you your money.

F orex broker funding methods

In a bid to attract traders of all kinds, forex brokers now-a-days offer a wide choice of payment methods which include both deposit and withdrawal methods. They are mainly categorized into the following different payment methods.

Offline payments

Offline payment methods involve traditional means of funding your account which includes:

Bank WIRE

Check

Western union

Local deposit

These methods are best used when you want to trade huge amount of money to fund your trading account. However, before you transfer a large amount of trading capital make sure that you know the broker well enough and that they have earned your trust. Payment via bank WIRE and other methods listed are more expensive and take at least 5 days or more. There are additional fees such as bank transaction fees as well as currency exchange services fees that are levied when you make a payment.

The disadvantage with using the above methods is that if you sniff a scam, it would be hard to get your money back. The bank at best will only provide you with the payment proof which is the only thing you will have as proof of payment.

Ewallet payments

Ewallet payments are growing in popularity now a days due to their relative ease of use, lower transaction costs and faster processing times. In fact most forex brokers offer instant deposits and withdrawals via ewallets. Some of the well used ewallet funding methods include:

Paypal

Moneybookers/skrill

Neteller

Cashu

Webmoney

Using a ewallet payment is often better than using any other funding methods. Reputable ewallet service providers such as paypal and skrill offer you the ‘protection’ meaning that in the event you want a refund of your deposit because the forex broker is not paying you, your ewallet can help by intervening between the merchant (the forex broker) and the customer (you, the trader). Ewallets are also popular as most forex brokers offer special bonuses when you deposit using any of the ewallet methods mentioned above.

Credit/debit cards

Funding your trading account using credit or debit cards is also another popular way for traders who want to deposit instantly. However, the amount you can deposit will depend on the limits enforced by your bank, so traders need to check this first. Secondly, in the event that you want to request a refund because the forex broker is a scam, you can simply chargeback. However, there are costs involved including having to explain to your bank manager on the transaction. Note that by requesting a chargeback it does not guarantee you your money back, therefore traders need to be extra cautious when funding their accounts with credit or debit cards. There is also the risk that the forex broker you use could save your credit card data, which if falls into the wrong hands can create a lot of trouble for you.

What is the best way to fund your trading account?

From the above three main methods, without a doubt using ewallet payments are the best option for the following reasons:

Cheaper transaction costs: most forex brokers do not charge any fee. In other words, the transaction costs when you make a deposit are covered by the forex broker. Also any withdrawals you request also carry a smaller transaction fee than other methods

Safe to use: using ewallets can help to safeguard your money. It is easy to request or dispute your transaction if you genuinely find that the forex broker has scammed you. Ewallets are known to arbitrate on your behalf and the service comes at no extra cost

Quick processing times: depositing (and withdrawals) is usually faster when requested via ewallets as it is almost instant in most cases. The best part is that you can actually link your credit or debit card or even your bank account to your ewallet and use it.

Best forex managed accounts 2021

A managed forex account is where a money manager handles the investments and trading of the client’s account on their behalf. They manage the client’s account by seeking trading opportunities, adjusting the risk, implementing their own strategies, or even taking input from the client on what they would like to trade on and how.

The world’s most popular FX platforms, the MT4 and the MT5 both feature the possibility of having a money manager manage accounts through them. This is often called a MAMM account.

The brokers below represent the best forex managed accounts brokers.

82% of retail CFD accounts lose money

"all financial products traded on margin carry a high degree of risk to your capital. They are not suited to all investors, please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved, and seek independent advice if necessary. Activtrades corp is authorised and regulated by the securities commission of the bahamas. Activtrades corp is an international business company registered in the commonwealth of the bahamas, registration number 199667 B. Activtrades corp is a subsidiary of activtrades PLC, authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority, registration number 434413. Activtrades PLC is a company registered in england & wales, registration number 05367727."

ECN, market maker, no dealing desk

Your capital is at risk

IRESS, MT4, MT5, webtrader

Your capital is at risk

Here’s a list of the best forex managed accounts brokers.

Regulated by: cysec, FCA, FSC

Headquarters : 30 churchill place, london, E14 5EU, UK

82% of retail CFD accounts lose money

FXTM is also known as forextime, and commenced operations in 2011 from its de facto headquarters in limassol, cyprus. Since then, FXTM has achieved rapid global expansion, driven primarily by its desire to serve specific local markets with strong FX demand.

The MT4 and MT5 are the platforms provided by FXTM. These platforms, however, come in various versions built for the web, for desktops and for mobile devices. The FXTM MT5 is an improvement on the MT4 and can be downloaded from the myfxtm members’ area.

Activtrades

Headquarters : 1 thomas more square london E1W 1YN united kingdom

Activtrades was founded in 2001 and was recognised by the sunday times fast track 100 as the 90th fastest growing company in the UK for 2017. The company is regulated by the UK financial conduct authority (FCA), as well as the securities commission of the bahamas and offers CFD and spread betting trading accounts with direct execution (non-dealing desk).

FP markets

Regulated by: ASIC, cysec

Headquarters : level 5, exchange house 10 bridge st sydney NSW 2000, australia

Your capital is at risk

This brokerage offers a massive range of tradable assets through forex, CFD, and share trading accounts. FP markets supports the MT4, MT5, and IRESS platforms and offers leverage up to 500:1. You can trade 45 currency pairs with competitive spread or commission pricing.

FP markets was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in sydney, australia. It is regulated by the ASIC in australia. Demo accounts are available. While it is suitable for beginners, education resources are limited.

What is a forex managed accounts?

A managed forex account is where a professional trader/money manager manages the trading on the clients’ behalf. The account is made up of a personalized portfolio owned by a single investor. The portfolio and account is handled accordingly to the investors needs.

An investor may advise the money manager on strategies and signals to look for while trading on his behalf. An investor may do this to take themselves out of the equation and trade without the psychology and emotions that come with wins and losses. On the other hand, some clients simply choose to let the brokerage/money manager trade the account based on their own systems and strategies.

Forex managed accounts can be compared to traditional investment accounts of equities and bonds, in the way that an investment manager handles the trading logistics. In no instance can a money manager withdraw or add funds to the account, they are granted trade only access to the account, and the investor has full control over their account. Money managers charge a fee or commission for managed accounts, so it is important to research a variety of options, as their prices can vary greatly.

How does a managed forex account work?

For an investor to have a managed trading account, they must first open a trading account at a reputable brokerage firm of their choice. Then allocate the necessary amount of funds for a managed account. The money manager has limited access to the account and operates on a trade only basis. The investor remains in full control of the account and its deposits and withdrawal processes.

Now, if a money manager does not have any control over the investors money, how can they conduct trades? Well, upon setting up a managed account, both the investor and money manager must sign a document called a limited power of attorney agreement (LPOA). This is an agreement for both parties, allowing the trader to trade on an investors account on their behalf, without needing to transfer the investors funds to the traders account. This agreement provides a high level of security, control, and transparency that’s comfortable for the investor.

With the signing of this agreement, the managed account gets placed in what’s called a “master block”, and as stated before, the investor continues to have full control of their account. They can check the balance, deposit or withdraw funds, monitor trade activity, and even revoke the LPOA agreement at any time if they are not happy with the money manager. One thing they can not do is conduct their own trading on the account, unless they revoke the LPOA agreement.

Regarding the money managers aspect of managed forex accounts. They may trade for many investors all from a single master account using PAMM, LAMM, or MAM software and technology. These technical procedures are integrated into most reputable brokerages and various online trading platforms, making it possible for traders to manage investor accounts.

Account types

Investing through a managed account has been around for a long time. In fact, it’s been around for as long as investing. With that in mind, there have generally been 3 types of managed forex accounts that prevail- individual, pooled, and more recently; varieties of PAMM accounts.

Individual account

This type of account is the most simple and standard type of account when you think of a managed account. The account managed is a segregated account where the money manager makes all the trades on your behalf. The traders’ decisions are based solely on your instruction or desire, he/she is trading for you and only you.

Their decisions will be based on your risk level and whether you provide any specific strategy or guidance. Since there are no additional traders’ funds involved in this account, the minimum deposit may be quite high- exceeding $10,000. For this reason, and the fact the manager is trading this account individually for you, you will want to ensure a professional and competent money manager is chosen. A great deal of research and client testimonials will be beneficial when going this route.

Pooled account

This type of account is very similar too mutual funds, in where many investors pool their money together in a separate account and share the profits after fees and expenses. With pooled accounts, there are often a variety of pools to choose from. Each may be offering different risk levels, minimum deposits, investment strategies, currencies traded, and fees and expenses. These types of accounts are managed for a variety of investors, requiring you to choose or be advised on which pool suits your needs.

Unlike individual accounts, the manager is trading for numerous investor desires. To help determine an account for you, each fund will have years of past performance for review. A main benefit of pooled accounts is the lower minimum deposit required to enter, being as low as $2000. Although, there are often minimum participation requirements upon entering a pool fund. These are all factors you need to consider before diving in.

PAMM, LAMM, & MAMM accounts

These types of accounts use sophisticated technology to distribute profits, losses, and fees based on percentages of funds each investor has involved in the master account used for trading. These account methods are relatively new in comparison with the other two listed here, and offer the satisfaction of dealing directly with the broker of your choice in a secure and transparent way.

It’s similar to the mirror and copy trading features some brokers offer, because of the automation and technicality. Although, it still has more similarities to a managed account. All these types of accounts are basically pool accounts, in the sense that numerous investors pool their money together and reap the profits or losses of the money manager.

What should you look for in a managed forex account?

There are numerous things to consider when opening a managed forex account and you must always be careful when selecting a money manager. You need to use due diligence ensuring the money manager is reputable and trustworthy. The forex industry is known to have some notable scammers in the past, so extra precautions must be made to guarantee safe and secure management.

Not only do you need to take precaution when choosing your money manager, but also in the type of account that’s suitable for your needs. Below are some things to look for when choosing a managed forex account.

The risk level of an account or manager is something to consider. When trading with an individual account, you want to choose a money manager who’s trading style and history is at the level of risk you’re comfortable with. You can advise your money manager on how to trade, but by choosing one that trades with your level of risk already can make all the difference. As well, with trading accounts, you want to choose a pool with your appropriate risk level and trading method.

Another important factor are the fees, expenses, and minimum deposits involved with a trading account. Many firms will charge performance fees to your account. These fees can vary greatly based on the account type, and risk level of such an account. These rates can range from anywhere between 10%-35% and some cases even higher. These rates are in accordance to a principle called the “high water mark”. This protocol is applied to your account if at the end of each month your net balance is higher than a certain percentage. If this is the case, your account will be deducted the performance fee which is a certain percentage. Some brokerages may also charge an account management fee on top of the other fees for following a specific formula. Also in some cases, there can be a fee for the termination of account in the event of transferring all funds.

An important factor when choosing a reputable managed forex account is the availability of past performance history. Past performance may not be an indicative factor of future results, but at least the history shows experience of the forex account. There should be published history of at least a few years for a reputable brokerage managed account.

How to open a managed forex account?

Opening a managed forex account is more complicated than you might think. That is why we’ve created a detailed list pertaining to the necessary steps involved. Discover the intricate process in great detail below;

Before you make the necessary steps to opening an account, you must first determine your risk tolerance. You need to know this so you know who to look for in a money manager, you can view their track record and overall risk score. Another point that goes along with this are your goals. If you want to make higher profits in a short amount of time, high risk managed account might be the option for you.

Spend time networking and searching for the right forex trader. There are lots of options out there, but not everyone is right for you. Use your due diligence and research, reach out, and network to find the best possible forex brokerage.

Once you have narrowed down your list of forex traders, you need to go over each contract. Make sure you feel comfortable with everything and understand the max drawdowns, liability coverage, fees and expenses, and so on. Your due diligence is key in obtaining a successfully managed forex account.

Again, ensure everything is up to spec with the trader your interested in. View past performance reports, client testimonials, reviews, and anything you can dig up on the internet.

Once you have completed the steps above you are ready to select a forex trader to manage your account. You’ll need to complete and sign the necessary documents, and contracts including the signing of a limited power of attorney agreement (LPOA).

The next step is to receive your account number and transfer funds into the account. The account number is tied to your name, information, and your segregated trading account. Once everything is in order you can go ahead and transfer the funds, knowing you’re with a trusted and secure forex trader by following the steps above.

Finally, you wait for the money to be transferred, and it’s complete. It really is a simple process. You can have a managed forex account up and running within a few days. Now, you can analyze your account and even learn from the trades that are being made.

Recommended forex account managers

Choosing the right forex account manager can be a daunting task. How do you assess integrity and trust, especially in a genre where fraudsters can easily prevail? How do you determine if your professional has what it takes to make consistent gains in the forex market on your account? There are no industry benchmarks that can be used as a helpful barometer. Trading results are always the result of good timing, leverage, and market conditions. So, how do you choose wisely? Hopefully, the recommendations below will help guide you to making a decision that will match up with your personal requirements, but that decision is just a beginning. There are decisions to make regarding your type of account, your risk tolerance, how your trades will be executed, what performance fees you will be asked to pay, and what terms and conditions apply to your account.

For the following list, we have received good feedback on each of the recommended managers depicted below. Hopefully, these recommendations will help guide you to the manager of your choice. As always, previous performance is no guarantee of future success, the reason why you must continue to review and monitor the results of your chosen manager over time. Remember that you are the one in charge, and you have the power to change, if and when a manger does not live up to your expectations.

– 40% new member bonus
– MIFID, ASIC, FSA & FSCA regulated
– free online trading coach

– FCA & ASIC authorized and regulated
– 24 hour support
– negative balance protection

– cysec, FSCA, FSA, DFSA, FCA regulated
– metatrader4 & 5 platform
– proprietary debit card for quick withdrawal applications!

The good news is that forex account management is not something new. The concept is as old as investing in various currency pairs for profit, an activity that certainly preceded the advent of retail forex trading in the nineties. Forex brokers have a diversity of clients that keep them on their toes and that expect and get a higher level of service. Large institutional investors with millions to invest will typically devote a portion of their portfolios to foreign exchange. Individual account managers may also participate, as well, looking to diversify their funds under management. Lastly, professional fund managers, the most experienced of this group, will invest primarily in the hope of making substantial returns for their pool of investors. The point is that, like other forms of investment management, forex account managers with expertise in the field have existed for some time and are very experienced at what they do.

There are generally three types of account in this managed forex arena – individual, pooled, and recently added “PAMM” varieties.

Individual account

This account is exactly what it sounds like – a separate account in your name where a professional trader makes all of the buy/sell decisions on your behalf. His decisions will be based on the level of risk that you feel comfortable with, a topic that will be discussed at the outset. The one drawback for this type of account is that you have to make your business worthwhile for the expert to devote his time to it. For this reason, there may be a minimum deposit requirement that exceeds $10,000. If this level of commitment is a problem for you, then you may want to consider the other two account types. Fees will be customized, but assessing performance expertise will be difficult. Prior returns will be cited, but there will be no way to confirm them. Client testimonials may help.

Pooled account

In this case, you want to think in terms of a mutual fund, where many investors pool their capital together in a separate fund and then share in the profits after fees and expenses. Brokers that offer these pooled funds will generally have several funds to choose from, each with its own risk/reward profile, fee demographics, and terms and conditions. It is best to read each individual fund prospectus to determine the right fit for your own individual objectives. As for performance, each fund will have a published history for several prior years, but, as always, past performance is never a perfect indicator of what will transpire in the future. The benefit of a pooled fund is that you may enter for less money than for an individual account. Your initial deposit may be as low as $2,000, but there may be a required period for participation before a withdrawal can be made. Check the rules of the fund before jumping in with both feet.

Percent allocation management module (PAMM)

This approach to account management may go by the name of PAMM, LAMM, or even MAM, but each approach uses sophisticated software to allocate gains, losses and fees on an equal percentage basis to each client. These concepts are relatively new and offer another level of fraud protection since you are still dealing directly with your traditional forex broker of choice. Your broker enlists the professional trader, and you execute a limited power of attorney agreement with the trader, which allows him to trade on your behalf. If you are unhappy with performance at any time, then you may terminate the arrangement. There are no “lock up” periods, so to speak. LAMM software also allows leverage to vary by account, and MAM software combines the benefits of both approaches. Prior to the advent of this software, brokers offered (many still do) systems that allow you to “mirror” trades of a chosen expert or select traders to replicate from a “social network” provided by your broker. In all cases, you are dealing through your broker in a transparent mode of operation.

Risk profiles and modes of operation

For an individual account, you will have a dedicated fund manager by choice, but in a pooled approach, there may be a team of experts that manage the trades. Do you want to depend on one expert or a group of experts? There are advantages and some disadvantages to each approach, but you will have to specify the degree of risk that you are willing to tolerate to obtain a specified level of return. These risk options may be defined by ranges of expected results, and performance fees may also vary by level of risk. The manager or fund may also employ specially programmed “robots” to achieve its objectives, as opposed to manual trade driven practices. If you want aggressively high returns, you may have a better chance at those with a single manager. Groupthink tends to offer more conservative and consistent returns over the long haul.

A word about fees

Forex account managers tend to manage large amounts of capital and avail themselves of the most efficient ways to access the market. As a result, their transaction fees and spreads may be extremely low and tight, a benefit that most firms will pass along to your account in deference to what are called “performance fees”. These fees can vary across the map, depending on the type and risk profile of the chosen fund. The range could be as great as 10% up to 35% and higher. These rates are applied according to a principle known as the “high water mark” protocol or “HWM”. Each month, your beginning balance is your HWM. If your balance at the end of the month is higher, then the rate, say 30% for example, is applied to the profit and deducted. The remaining “net” balance becomes your new HWM for the following month. If you incurred a loss, then your previous HWM remains until the loss is recovered. Some managers may also charge an account management fee or a “claw back” fee based on some agreed-to formula. You should also check the small print related to distributions. “lock up” periods may apply, or distributions may only be processed as of the end of each month. These forced delays are necessary for the manager to unwind any positions in an effective manner. There may also be termination fees, if you decide to transfer your entire balance at any point in time.

Review and monitoring issues

A managed forex account has many advantages, but do not think for a moment that you do not have to understand the forex market and all of its nuances. In order to review ongoing performance, you, too, will need to monitor market conditions. When volatility is high, fund managers tend to make better gains. If central bankers are having a high degree of influence on the market, then returns may be mixed across the board. Luck may have a lot more to do with both success and failure under these circumstances. The general rule of thumb when assessing the performance of a forex account manager is to use a two-year time horizon for comparative purposes. Volatility, political turmoil, and economic events typically average out over two years. When you do have review meetings with your account manager or receive your reports from the pooled fund, you will want to appraise them with a critical eye, aided by your own knowledge of the market and what fair expectations might be. If you are not satisfied, do not waste any more time. Make a change. After all, it is your money. You have the final say in all matters.

Concluding remarks

Using a forex managed account can be an effective way to reap gains in this very fickle market. Having professional traders in your corner is a great benefit, especially if you do not have the knowledge, experience, and time to devote to this trading activity. This approach is also a good alternative for those of us that just do not have the emotional control necessary to weather stormy markets or pull the trigger when a disciplined approach dictates. There are also fraud issues that must be overcome with due diligence at the outset, as well, but the time necessary will be well invested.

Best managed forex accounts

Jay hawk

Contributor, benzinga

Want to jump straight to the answer? The best forex broker for most people is definitely FOREX.Com

Some knowledge of the forex market’s intricacies is necessary before you can successfully operate as a trader.

Even with the best forex broker for beginners and access to the best forex trading courses, it could take an extended period of time of study and preparation to develop a viable and consistently profitable trading strategy.

You can participate in the forex market without actively trading by funding a managed forex account, similar to how you might invest in mutual funds to gain access to the stock market.

A managed forex account allows you to indirectly take part in the forex market by employing market professionals to trade your money for you.

Best managed forex accounts:

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What’s a managed forex account?

Unlike a regular forex trading account, where you make all the trading decisions and actively buy and sell currency pairs, a managed forex account consists of a trading account where a trader or money manager trades on your behalf.

This type of account has higher costs and fees than a standard forex trading account and requires a higher minimum deposit in most cases.

A money manager deals with market logistics very similarly in a forex managed account compared to traditional equity and bond investment accounts. Nevertheless, the account remains completely under your control, and the money manager’s only access to your account is the ability to trade in it.

The money manager cannot make deposits or withdraw funds from the account. Remember, making a profit in a managed account is not guaranteed due to the volatility in the forex market, so all managed accounts should provide a disclaimer stating that you can lose money.

Most clients give their money manager complete control over transactions made in their managed forex account, although you can often instruct the money manager on the strategies and trading signals you would like them to consider as they trade on your behalf. This effectively takes you out of the trading picture so you can avoid the emotions and psychological issues that accompany winning and losing trades.

Remember, not all forex brokers are created equal, so carefully consider your needs and broker features before you open an account. Furthermore, if you wish to have someone else manage your forex trading account, be sure they have adequate training and infrastructure at their disposal as well as a respectable track record as a trader.

Keep in mind that once you open a managed account, account managers will generally have minimum time and deposit requirements and sometimes charge penalties for early fund withdrawal. Minimum deposits for these accounts can also be considerably higher than for a standard forex account.

Is a managed forex account right for me?

How involved do you want to be in the forex market? If you want full personal involvement and complete control over your forex positions and capital, then a managed account might not be for you.

On the other hand, if you prefer to have a professional trade for you and risk your money according to their established trading methods and/or software, then a managed forex account may be best. When you open your managed account, the trader you hire should screen you to determine your risk tolerance level and take note of specific strategy instructions you may have.

Managed forex accounts are great for you if…

Many people simply don’t have the time, experience or disposition to trade in the forex market. Paying attention is a full-time commitment, but career or family obligations can distract and divert your attention. A managed forex account gives you the freedom to pursue other activities that you otherwise might not be able to.

Prefer to let someone else do the trading

If you have ever traded in the forex market, you have an idea of the directional uncertainty most traders suffer and the notable volatility currency pairs can exhibit. Know your limitations if you have a problem taking losses and opt to employ a trading professional instead.

Don’t have the psychological make-up of a trader

Some people lack the psychological personality types best suited for trading. For example, if you can never admit when you’re wrong, holding onto a losing position could wipe out your entire trading account. Another example would be a predisposition to overtrading because you find trading exciting. However, trading excess can also take its toll financially, physically and mentally. Rather than risk trading yourself, you may want to find a good account manager.

They might not be a fit if…

If you have trading experience and prefer to stay in complete control of your trading account and the allocation of your assets, then you would probably not be happy with a managed forex account.

You lack enough risk capital

Minimum deposits for a pooled managed account usually start at $2,000 and individually-managed accounts start with a $10,000 deposit. This could deter some traders from opting for a managed account.

You don’t want to go through the process required for opening a managed forex account

Getting a decent account manager requires some research and considerably more paperwork than trading your own account. It also involves signing a limited power of attorney agreement (LPOA) that is a legal document and shows that you have authorized the account manager to trade on your behalf.

Keep in mind that you can still lose money in a managed account, depending on the money manager, risk level, market activity and other conditions of your agreement. You should, therefore, check track records and testimonials for any account managers you consider and make sure that they have a good reputation within the trading community.

Features of a great managed forex account

A great managed forex trading account will show consistent overall profitability, as well as a low maximum drawdown level. The maximum drawdown level indicates the maximum loss of capital experienced in the trading account from its peak over the history of the account.

The maximum drawdown formula

(equity high net value – equity low net value) / equity high net value

As an example of maximum drawdown, let’s assume you begin your account with $10,000, which then increases to $20,000, decreases to $9,000, increases to $21,000, falls to $6,000 and then increases to $22,000.

In this case, the equity high net value would be $22,000, while the equity low net value would be $6,000. This would give you a maximum drawdown of: ($22,000 – $6,000) / $22,000 = 72%, which would be considered high. The wide swings in the account’s value reflect the high maximum drawdown and suggest a risky investment.

The lower the maximum drawdown over time, the less risk the funds in the account have been exposed to. When you consider different account managers, the maximum drawdown level of the account statements they provide as evidence of their track record carries considerable weight.

Ideally, a time frame of three to five years for an account under management would give you a clear indication of the managed account’s maximum drawdown.

Other features of managed accounts

What kind of return on investment (ROI) can you expect on your money?

The type of managed account model to be used:
- Percentage allocation management module (PAMM),
- Lot allocation management module (LAMM), or
- Multi-account management module (MAMM)

The type of trading and trading system the manager employs

Are derivatives part of the trading strategy?

Which type of signal or automated trading software will be used, if any, and what risk parameters does the software employ?

The way to find the best forex broker for managed accounts is to find an account manager you want to work with and then ask them which well-regulated broker he prefers to use.

If you already have a broker in mind, he may even have account managers they can recommend. Look over the account management agreement, past account statements showing an acceptable performance and the manager’s prospectus for their managed accounts, if any.

Get a sense of minimum deposit, drawdown policy, withdrawal limitations and penalties, profit-sharing parameters and risk levels for their different managed accounts. A prospectus should also include contact and background information for the manager who oversees your account.

The best forex brokers with managed accounts

To keep your money safe, decide on an established forex broker to open a managed forex account and look for an individual account manager or group you feel is qualified to trade your account.

The brokers listed below all permit managed accounts, though doing your own research makes sense if you want to get a good return from their manager’s activities.

Based in cyprus, FXTM is regulated by the cyprus securities and exchange commission (cysec), the U.K. Financial conduct authority (FCA) and the international financial services commission (IFSC) in belize. FXTM offers clients a PAMM managed account and also offers copy trading.

Hotforex

Headquartered in mauritius, hotforex is regulated by cysec, the FCA, the south african financial conduct services authority (FSCA) and the dubai financial services authority. Hotforex offers clients a PAMM account with a search engine to customize your managed accounts’ performance by filtering strategies, current ranking, PAMM strategy name, maximum drawdown and minimum deposit.

Alpari international

One of the largest brands in the industry, mauritius-based alpari has oversight from cysec and the belize international financial services commission.

This broker has over 20 years of experience and offers a long list of PAMM accounts that you can choose from. Alpari’s list of PAMM accounts has both conservative and aggressive account managers and includes both maximum drawdown and capitalization information for each manager.

Final thoughts

If you want to participate and make money in the forex market but you don’t want to trade yourself, then a managed forex account could be a perfect fit.

Keep in mind that, in addition to significantly higher minimum deposit requirements, you can be charged anywhere from 15% to 40% (or more) of your profits. You may also have to pay brokerage and additional manager fees, depending on the account specifics.

On the other hand, if you lack sufficient risk capital for a managed account or prefer to trade your own money, then you may be better off trading in a regular forex trading account, especially if you already have a viable trading strategy.

In addition to privacy, trading in a standard forex account gives you much more flexibility and has significantly lower costs than a managed forex account.

So, let's see, what we have: trading foreign currency in the forex market can be risky. Here is what you need to get started and open an account. At my forex account