With such a diverse selection, picking a reliable broker is a daunting task, but there are some universal tips which will help to make the right decision.

A broker is a firm or a person serving as an intermediary during the conclusion of deals at a foreign exchange and acting on behalf of the clients. Generally, an individual person or an organization can play at the stock market only through a broker’s mediation since it is obligatory to have a trading place on the stock exchange, and only professional participants of the securities market can buy it.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) states that there are nearly 4000 brokers which have already made their online presence. With such a diverse selection, picking a reliable one is a daunting task. When you do your online research looking for a broker to trade at the Forex market, pay attention to the following moments.

Things to bear in mind when selecting a broker

• Broker’s reliability. Many banks and investment companies offer brokerage services, as well. Such financial organizations are better regulated compared to individual broker firms but their services do not come cheap.
• Membership with authoritative organizations like the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation indicates that the broker is conscious about reputation and compliance.
• Trading software. A trustworthy broker provides comprehensive trading software to analyze price charts and sign deals. There are a number of computer programs offered by brokers for free to access the exchange. Generally, these programs are Quik or Metatrader available for both desktop and mobile. Some brokers may also have proprietary trading terminals.
• Service charge. Legitimate brokers have a clear fee structure with fixed commissions so that traders fully understand what they are paying for. Most brokerage firms offer a month of free services and generally do not deduct a percent from deposits and withdrawals. However, if the commission rates seem to low to be true, check real broker reviews and ratings on popular Forex forums to make sure the broker does not impose hidden commissions.
• The presence of educative materials. Most broker websites come with a knowledge database, a FAQs section, and a trader’s glossary for free use. However, a professional consultation with an experienced trader generally cannot be free. Pay attention to the cost of EA as well.
• Availability of demo accounts. Many brokerage companies offer training accounts where you can try out the service and evaluate how it suits your trading style. These accounts reflect the same market conditions and allow you to conclude deals, but without risking your real money. You should definitely take advantage of this opportunity before entering into a contract and transferring real money to a broker.

Conclusion

There are several factors to take into consideration when deciding in favor of a broker, especially for the first time. Choosing the right broker to trust your money will save you from both frustration and financial loses and let you enjoy all the advantages which the Forex trading has behind.