FBS

FBS is an online trading firm that offers financial speculation on a range of popular markets, including forex and stocks. The broker operates under oversight from several reputable regulators and provides secure access to two of the world’s top trading platforms. This 2024 FBS review explores the full range of features on offer, from leverage and assets to Islamic trading and deposit methods. Find out whether to open an account today.

What is FBS?

Company Details

FBS is an STP brokerage that supports more than 17 million traders across 150 countries. 48% of its clients consider trading their primary source of income and 80% of users have not closed their accounts.

FBS is split into two key branches: Europe and global. The European branch is owned and operated by Tradestone Ltd., whereas the global branch is run by FBS Markets Inc.

History

Aaron Johnson, the current owner, founded FBS in 2009. The firm has since grown substantially, with 7,000 new accounts opened every day and a profit withdrawal request every 20 seconds. The firm has also won multiple international awards for the quality of its trading services. Moreover, FBS is a proud sponsor of Leicester City Football Club and is the official trading partner of FC Barcelona.

Markets

Clients can choose from a broad range of assets, including:

• Forex – 44 major, minor and exotic currency pairs
• Stocks – More than 100 shares on American companies
• Indices – 11 cash-based equity indices from across the world
• Commodities – Five hard commodities, encompassing precious metals and energies
• Cryptocurrencies – 35 crypto tokens paired with the USD and each other, including big names like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ripple

Trading Platforms

MetaTrader 4

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a widely popular trading platform. While best known for its forex and automated trading features, MT4 also offers extensive customisation, comprehensive analysis tools, advanced charts and an intuitive user experience.

Key features include:

• Nine timeframes
• Hedging support
• One-click execution
• Multilingual interface
• Advanced charting tools
• Integrated client support
• Four pending order types
• Automated trading via EAs
• 30+ built-in technical indicators

MetaTrader 4

MetaTrader 5

FBS also offers the successor to MT4, MetaTrader 5 (MT5). The platform demonstrates greater versatility, intuitiveness and trading efficiency.

Key features include:

• 21 timeframes
• One-click execution
• Multilingual interface
• Six pending order types
• Advanced charting tools
• Integrated client support
• Hedging and netting support
• 38+ built-in technical indicators

MetaTrader 5

Both MT4 and MT5 are available for desktop client download or use through a web browser. The WebTrader solution supports most major trading terminals, while the desktop versions integrate with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Mobile Trading

Both the MT4 and MT5 platforms are also available as mobile apps. The applications support many of the key features of their desktop counterparts. However, the added convenience of swing trading on the go means that some of the more advanced systems are not available, such as indicator customisation and automated trading development.

The broker also offers its own proprietary mobile trading application: FBS Trader. This all-in-one app supports the most popular forex pairs and metals for 24/7 trading, alongside real-time price charts, simple management interfaces and instant deposit systems. The broker’s application is available for Apple (iOS) and Android (APK) download.

FBS Trader

Trading Accounts

Clients can choose between several account types, each of which serves different capital levels and investment goals. European and global accounts also display different trading conditions.

FBS EU Standard Account

• MT4 & MT5
• No commission
• $100 initial deposit
• Spreads from 1.0 pips
• Leverage 1:30 retail, 1:500 pro
• Major, minor & exotic forex, commodities and indices

FBS EU Cent Account

• MT4 & MT5
• No commission
• $10 initial deposit
• Orders in cent lots
• Spreads from 1.0 pips
• Leverage 1:30 retail, 1:500 pro
• Major & minor forex, commodities and indices

FBS EU Crypto Account

• FBS Trader
• Leverage 1:2
• No commission
• $1 initial deposit
• Cryptocurrencies
• Spreads from 1.0 pips

FBS Global Standard Account

• MT4 & MT5
• No commission
• Leverage 1:3000
• $100 initial deposit
• Spreads from 0.5 pips
• Forex, indices, commodities and stocks

FBS Global Cent Account

• MT4 & MT5
• No commission
• $1 initial deposit
• Leverage 1:1000
• Orders in cent lots
• Spreads from 1.0 pips
• Forex, indices, commodities and stocks

FBS Global Micro Account

• MT4
• No commission
• $5 initial deposit
• Leverage 1:3000
• Forex and metals
• Fixed spreads from 3.0 pips

FBS Global Zero Spread Account

• MT4
• Leverage 1:3000
• Forex and metals
• Fixed zero spreads
• $500 initial deposit
• Commission from $20 per lot

FBS Global ECN Account

• MT4
• Leverage 1:500
• Major forex pairs
• $1,000 initial deposit
• ECN execution model
• Spreads from 0.0 pips
• Commission $6 per lot

FBS Global Crypto Account

• MT5
• Leverage 1:5
• $1 initial deposit
• Cryptocurrencies
• Commission 0.05%
• Spreads from 1.0 pips

FBS also offers Islamic accounts with swap-free trading.

To register for an account you will need to first verify your identity. The process is straightforward but make sure that you have the relevant documentation handy.

Demo Account

FBS offers clients the opportunity to trial the Cent and Standard accounts using free paper trading accounts. These are risk-free swing trading environments that work via both MT4 and MT5. You do not need to deposit to use these brokerage accounts, simply trade with digital funds.

Fees

Spread charges vary between accounts and client regions. While the raw values remain the same, the markups and execution models change. For example, the global ECN account boasts raw spreads, whereas the global Micro account fixes them at a minimum of 3.0 pips. European accounts all display floating spreads from 1.0 pip.

The firm also charges commissions for the Zero Spread and ECN accounts, at a rate of $20 and $6 per lot, respectively. Clients will also incur a $3 charge on any stocks and a $25 commission on commodity CFDs. Global crypto trading involves a 0.05% commission charge.

FBS also charges a $5 per month inactivity fee for dormant accounts. Additionally, there is a rollover swap fee of 1% and a cancellation charge of $5.

FBS Payments

Deposits

There are several account funding options available:

• Visa
• Skrill
• Neteller
• Maestro
• Debit Card
• Mastercard
• Credit Card
• Wire Transfer

All deposits with the broker are free and most will appear instantly in your account. With that said, wire transfer payments can take between three and five business days to appear. The minimum deposit is $1, though this is higher for some accounts.

Withdrawals

FBS clients can withdraw profits via the same methods that are available for deposits. No commissions apply, though withdrawals are not instant. Most methods are normally processed in 15-20 minutes, though can take up to two working days, whereas wire transfers are normally processed in 48 hours but may take seven working days. This review found no minimum withdrawal limit.

FBS Regulation

Several regulatory agencies license and oversee the broker’s activities and services. These firms also regularly evaluate FBS to ensure it meets industry requirements. The agencies responsible for overseeing the broker in each of its jurisdictions are:

• EU – Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). License number CySEC 331/17.
• Global Branch – International Financial Services Commission of Belize (IFSC). License number IFSC/000102/198.
• Australia & South Africa – Australian Securities and Investments Commission. License number ASIC 426359.

All retail clients in the EU also receive negative balance protection. Unfortunately, FBS is not available to clients based in the US, though it does serve Canada, India and Nigeria.

Security

FBS holds client funds in segregated banking accounts with major US banks. This serves to protect your capital from misuse or insolvency. The broker’s platforms also require two-factor authentication (2FA) for login and protect personal data via industry-standard security protocols.

Customer Service

FBS traders can contact the customer support team via telephone number, email or live chat. The team was knowledgeable and responsive upon testing.

• Email: info@fbs.eu
• Phone: +357 25313540
• Address: Vasileos Georgiou A 89, Office 101, Potamos Germasogeias 4048, Limassol, Cyprus

Educational Content & Analysis

FBS offers a range of educational resources for free. On the broker’s website, you can find an ‘Education and Analytics’ section. Resources there include forex and economic calendars, market analysis and integrated news channels. The training features are extensive and clients can choose between guidebooks, webinars and courses. There is also a useful glossary available.

Promotions

FBS runs regular promotional offers for clients that trade via its global branch. For example, the broker offers a Level Up welcome bonus that credits your Personal Area App with up to $140, plus $70 directly into your trading account. There is also a Quick Start $100 deposit bonus and a free $50 sign up bonus.

Be sure to check out the terms and conditions for each promotional deal, as there may be wagering requirements that restrict your ability to withdraw money.

Note, due to EU regulation, clients trading under the CySEC branch cannot access these offers.

Advantages

There are several pros of trading with FBS:

• Free VPS
• Tight spreads
• Demo account
• Multi-regulated
• Islamic account
• MT4 & MT5 access
• Cryptocurrency trading
• Bonuses for global clients
• Free deposits and withdrawals

Disadvantages

There are also drawbacks to consider:

• No crypto demo account
• Service limitations in Europe

Trading Hours

FBS follows the Eastern European timezone (EET) that the MetaTrader servers use. As such, trading begins at 00:00 on Monday and ends at 23:59 on Friday. FBS also outlines the different forex trading sessions, each lasting around eight hours, with the Tokyo session kicking off at 02:00, the European session at 09:00, the New York session at 15:30 and the Pacific session at 23:00.

Bear in mind that instruments based on equities and commodities have varying trading hours that are dependent on their respective markets and exchanges. Additionally, crypto trading is available 24/7.

FBS Verdict

FBS is an established international broker that offers a decent range of derivatives assets, trading platforms and account options. Moreover, clients enjoy a competitive fee structure, access to MT4 and MT5, plus cryptocurrency trading. Services are slightly restricted in the EU, but international clients can access ECN execution models, multiple account solutions and leverage rates as high as 1:3000. Those that are still unsure can trial the broker’s services using its free demo account.

FAQ