Equiti Review

Company Background & Regulation

Founded in 2014, Equiti is an innovative brokerage firm with its headquarters in Amman, Jordan. The company has rapidly established itself within the financial markets, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Equiti is known for providing a robust trading environment with an emphasis on technology and customer service. The firm has expanded its operations strategically and is now a noteworthy entity in the online trading landscape.

Equiti is owned by Equiti Group Limited, a company that has built a reputable presence in the financial industry. The group comprises several subsidiaries operating under the Equiti brand, each focusing on different aspects of the financial markets. This ownership structure allows Equiti to leverage a wide range of expertise and resources, contributing to its strong market position.

Regulation is a cornerstone of Equiti’s operational ethos. The broker is regulated by multiple authorities, ensuring compliance and trustworthiness. Equiti Capital UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under registration number 528328, providing assurance of stringent oversight and adherence to high operational standards. Additionally, Equiti Group Limited is regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) under licence number 190005, further cementing its credibility.

Client fund protection is a priority for Equiti. As part of its regulatory obligations, client funds are held in segregated accounts, ensuring that they are kept separate from the company’s own funds. This segregation provides an additional layer of security, safeguarding clients’ financial interests. Furthermore, Equiti's FCA regulation means that clients are potentially eligible for compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which offers up to £85,000 per person in the event of broker insolvency.

Trading Fees & Spreads

Equiti offers competitive trading fees, although they vary depending on the asset class and account type. Forex traders, for instance, can benefit from spreads starting as low as 0.5 pips for major currency pairs, positioning Equiti favourably against many competitors in the industry. The broker employs a variable spread model, which means that spreads can fluctuate based on market conditions.

When it comes to the commission structure, Equiti employs a commission-free model for most of its standard accounts, which can be appealing to traders who prefer to avoid additional trading costs. However, for ECN accounts, commissions are charged in addition to tight spreads, offering a more transparent cost structure for traders who require direct market access. The exact commission rates for ECN accounts depend on the trading volume, providing flexibility based on the trader's activities.

Overnight swap rates, applicable to positions held overnight, are another consideration for traders using Equiti. These rates can vary depending on the asset and direction of the trade (long or short). While Equiti does not publicly disclose specific swap rates on their website, these are typically competitive with industry standards and available upon request or directly through their trading platforms, such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

Equiti's policy on deposit and withdrawal fees is relatively straightforward. The broker does not charge fees for most deposit methods, which include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and various online payment systems. However, withdrawal fees may apply depending on the method chosen. For example, bank withdrawals might incur a small processing fee. Inactivity fees are another important consideration; Equiti charges a fee after a period of account inactivity, which aligns with industry practices aimed at encouraging active trading. When comparing these fees to competitors, Equiti's structure is competitive, particularly for active traders who can avoid inactivity charges and benefit from the broker's favourable spread and commission models.

Trading Platforms & Tools

Web Platform

Equiti offers a robust web-based trading platform that leverages the powerful MetaTrader 4 (MT4) interface. This platform is accessible directly from any web browser, eliminating the need for software downloads. The MT4 WebTrader provides a user-friendly interface while maintaining all the essential features of the desktop version. Traders can access real-time quotes, execute trades, and manage their accounts efficiently. The platform supports various order types, including market, limit, stop, and trailing stop orders, which cater to different trading strategies. Additionally, it offers customisable alerts to ensure traders are informed of market movements.

Desktop Platform

For those who prefer a more comprehensive trading experience, Equiti provides the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) desktop platform. MT5 is renowned for its advanced charting capabilities, featuring over 80 technical indicators and analytical tools. Traders can open up to 100 charts simultaneously, allowing for multifaceted market analysis. The platform supports a wide array of order types, including pending orders and partial fills, offering greater control over trading strategies. Moreover, MT5 facilitates algorithmic trading through its MQL5 programming language, enabling users to develop, test, and implement trading robots or scripts to automate trading activities.

Mobile Platform

Equiti ensures that traders can access markets at their fingertips with its mobile trading solutions. Both MT4 and MT5 are available as mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. These apps provide a seamless user experience, offering functionality similar to their desktop counterparts. Users can view real-time quotes, execute trades, manage their portfolio, and conduct technical analysis using a variety of charting tools. The mobile platforms also allow for customisable push notifications, ensuring traders can react promptly to market changes, no matter where they are.

Additional Tools and Integrations

Equiti supports API trading, which allows traders to connect their own applications to the platform for a more personalised trading experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for algorithmic traders who require a bespoke solution for their automated trading strategies. The broker also offers third-party integrations with trading tools such as Autochartist and Trading Central, providing additional market analysis and trading signals. These integrations enhance the trading experience by offering insights and data that can support more informed decision-making.

Account Types & Minimum Deposit

Account Tiers

Equiti offers multiple account types to accommodate a variety of trading needs and expertise levels. The primary accounts are the Standard and the Professional account. The Standard account is designed for retail traders and offers competitive spreads starting from 1.6 pips with a maximum leverage of 1:500. The Professional account, tailored for more experienced traders, provides tighter spreads starting from 0.5 pips and also offers leverage up to 1:500. Both account types allow trading across all available markets including forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Features Per Tier

The Standard and Professional accounts both feature a comprehensive suite of trading tools and access to both MT4 and MT5 platforms. They support multiple order types, advanced charting options, and have access to all of Equiti's educational and research resources. The Professional account also offers additional benefits such as higher liquidity and priority service, which can be advantageous for high-frequency traders. Additionally, Equiti caters to traders who require Sharia-compliant services by offering Islamic accounts, which retain all the features of the Standard and Professional accounts but operate without swap fees.

Minimum Deposit and Supported Methods

The minimum deposit for opening an account with Equiti is $500, which is somewhat higher than the industry average. This requirement ensures that traders have sufficient capital to effectively manage their positions, especially when utilising leverage options up to 1:500. Equiti supports a variety of deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller. These options provide flexibility and convenience for traders looking to fund their accounts. The broker also offers a demo account for those wishing to test the platform and refine their trading strategies without financial risk.

Markets & Instruments

Equiti offers a diverse range of markets and instruments, catering to a broad spectrum of traders. The broker provides access to Forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This extensive array ensures that traders have ample opportunities to diversify their portfolios and tailor their trading strategies to various market conditions. With over 60 currency pairs in the Forex market, Equiti covers majors, minors, and exotic pairs, providing a comprehensive suite for currency trading enthusiasts.

In addition to Forex, Equiti's CFD offerings include a substantial number of stocks and indices. Traders can access CFDs on more than 100 global stocks, allowing exposure to major companies from the US, Europe, and other international markets. The indices category includes key benchmarks such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 30, offering traders the chance to speculate on broader market movements. Commodities are also well-represented, with energy products like crude oil and natural gas, as well as metals such as gold and silver, available for trading.

Although the cryptocurrency offering at Equiti is more limited compared to its other markets, it does include popular digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This limited range may not satisfy all cryptocurrency traders, but it provides a starting point for those looking to explore crypto markets alongside traditional asset classes. Notable offerings also include Islamic accounts, which comply with Sharia law, catering to clients in the MENA region where Equiti has a strong presence.

Safety & Security

Equiti places a significant emphasis on safety and security, implementing a robust fund segregation policy to protect client funds. Client funds are kept in segregated accounts, separate from the broker's operational funds, ensuring that clients' money is safeguarded in the event of the company's financial difficulties. Furthermore, Equiti offers negative balance protection, which prevents traders from losing more than their initial investment, a crucial feature for those employing high-leverage strategies.

Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in the UAE, Equiti adheres to stringent regulatory standards, providing clients with an additional layer of security and peace of mind. The broker has also invested in advanced cybersecurity measures, utilising encryption protocols and two-factor authentication to protect clients' personal and financial data from potential cyber threats. This focus on security reflects Equiti's commitment to maintaining a safe trading environment for its clients.

Who Is Equiti Best For?

Equiti is particularly well-suited for traders who value high leverage and a wide variety of asset classes. The broker's maximum leverage of 1:500 is attractive for experienced traders looking to maximise their trading potential with relatively small capital. Moreover, the extensive range of markets, including Forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and a limited selection of cryptocurrencies, makes Equiti an excellent choice for investors seeking diversification.

Traders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region will find Equiti appealing due to its strong presence and tailored offerings, such as Islamic accounts. The broker's adherence to Sharia-compliant trading practices ensures that Muslim traders can engage in financial markets without contravening their religious beliefs. Additionally, those who prefer using the MetaTrader platforms will appreciate Equiti's support for both MT4 and MT5, which are renowned for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities.

However, Equiti may not be the best choice for beginner traders or those who prefer to trade primarily in cryptocurrencies. The relatively high minimum deposit requirement of $500 might deter novices or those with limited starting capital. Similarly, the limited cryptocurrency range might not meet the needs of traders looking to focus extensively on digital assets. That said, Equiti's robust educational resources and customer support can help new traders build their skills and confidence.

• Ideal for: Experienced traders seeking high leverage.
• Ideal for: Traders in the MENA region looking for Sharia-compliant accounts.
• Ideal for: Investors seeking portfolio diversification across multiple asset classes.
• Ideal for: Traders who prefer using MetaTrader platforms (MT4, MT5).
• Not ideal for: Beginner traders due to the higher minimum deposit.
• Not ideal for: Cryptocurrency-focused traders due to the limited crypto offerings.