1. Legal entity and regulation
We identify the company named in official materials and check relevant regulator information. For South Africa, we distinguish an authorised financial services provider, an OTC derivatives provider, an intermediary and a product supplier where the available evidence permits.
2. Accounts and costs
We record published account types, minimum funding information, spreads, commissions, overnight financing and other disclosed fees. Variable or region-specific information is labelled and readers are told to verify the terms shown during registration.
3. Platforms and products
We check the platforms, markets and contract information published for the relevant entity. Platform availability does not prove that every global product is available to a South African client.
4. Funding and support
We examine disclosed deposit, withdrawal, verification and complaint processes. We do not claim to have completed a live withdrawal unless it was genuinely tested and documented.
5. Final assessment
The conclusion weighs regulation clarity, total cost, platform suitability, account limitations and risk. Popularity, bonuses and affiliate payments do not decide the result.