Valutrades is a technically focused online broker that has built its reputation around execution quality, regulatory compliance, and structural simplicity. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles, Valutrades operates with a clear emphasis on providing a direct, no-frills trading environment designed primarily for experienced and execution-driven traders. Its offering is intentionally narrow, concentrating exclusively on CFD trading across forex, commodities, and equity CFDs.
Between 60 to 80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
| Regulators | FSA FCA |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Leverage | Between 1:10 and 1:500 | Payment Methods | Bank Transfer Visa Mastercard |
At first glance, Valutrades positions itself very differently from brokers that compete on breadth of products or marketing features. There are no bonuses, no social trading tools, and no expansive educational ecosystem. Instead, the broker prioritizes fast execution, transparent pricing models, and professional-grade platforms. This positioning aligns well with Asian traders who already understand market mechanics and value efficiency over auxiliary services.
The absence of a minimum deposit requirement is another defining characteristic of Valutrades. While this lowers the barrier to entry, it does not indicate a beginner-oriented approach. On the contrary, the broker’s overall structure suggests a target audience of technically proficient traders who prefer direct market access, ECN-style pricing, and minimal operational distractions.
Regulation
Valutrades operates under a dual regulatory framework that combines strong top-tier oversight with offshore flexibility. The broker is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles.
- United Kingdom — Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- Seychelles — Financial Services Authority (FSA)
FCA regulation provides Valutrades with a high level of institutional credibility. Under this framework, the broker is required to segregate client funds, maintain adequate capital reserves, and comply with strict reporting and conduct standards. For Asian traders, FCA oversight significantly reduces counterparty risk and reinforces confidence in operational integrity.
The FSA Seychelles license allows Valutrades to offer more flexible trading conditions, including higher leverage, while still operating within a regulated environment. Although this offshore regulation does not provide the same level of investor protection as the FCA, the combination of both licenses creates a balanced structure that appeals to traders seeking flexibility without fully sacrificing regulatory accountability.
Opening an Account — Our Experience
The account opening process at Valutrades is streamlined and entirely digital. Registration requires basic personal information followed by standard identity verification in line with KYC and AML requirements. During testing, verification was completed within one business day, reflecting an efficient onboarding workflow.
One notable advantage is the absence of a minimum deposit requirement. Traders can open an account and access live market conditions without committing a predefined amount of capital. Funding options are limited to bank transfers and major credit and debit cards, which reinforces the broker’s conservative and utilitarian approach.
Withdrawals follow standard compliance procedures and are processed using the same payment method used for deposits. While the broker does not offer a wide range of local payment solutions, the process itself is transparent and free from unnecessary administrative friction.
Account Types
Valutrades offers a simple account structure focused on pricing transparency and execution efficiency. Instead of multiple complex tiers, the broker provides two core account types that differ primarily in how trading costs are applied.
The Standard account features wider spreads with no additional commissions, making it suitable for traders who prefer all-in pricing simplicity. The ECN account, by contrast, offers significantly tighter spreads combined with a fixed commission per traded lot, appealing to high-frequency traders, scalpers, and algorithmic strategies.
| Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Spreads | Commission | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $0 | From ~0.7 pips | No | Traders seeking simple, spread-only pricing |
| ECN | $0 | From ~0.04 pips | Yes (per lot) | Scalpers and execution-focused traders |
This straightforward structure reflects Valutrades’ philosophy: fewer options, clearer conditions, and no hidden complexity. For Asian traders who already operate with defined strategies, this simplicity can be a meaningful advantage.
Platforms
Valutrades supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, two of the most widely used professional trading platforms in the industry. Both platforms are available to all account types without restriction.
MetaTrader 4 remains a popular choice for forex-focused traders due to its stability, extensive indicator library, and compatibility with expert advisors. MetaTrader 5 expands on this foundation by offering additional order types, improved backtesting capabilities, and broader asset handling.
The broker does not offer a proprietary platform, which reinforces its execution-first philosophy. For Asian traders who already rely on MetaTrader-based workflows, this ensures immediate familiarity and compatibility with existing tools, scripts, and automated strategies.
Assets
Valutrades offers a limited but focused range of CFD instruments.
Available Assets
Below you can see which assets are available for trading with Valutrades:
| Asset | Availability |
|---|---|
| Currencies | 40 |
| Real Stocks | ✗ |
| Stock CFDs | ✓ |
| Commodities | ✓ |
| Indices | ✗ |
| Real ETFs | ✗ |
| ETFs CFDs | ✗ |
| Futures | ✗ |
| Options | ✗ |
| Bonds | ✗ |
| Cryptocurrency CFDs | ✗ |
| Real Cryptocurrencies | ✗ |
*Availability of certain assets may vary based on account type, platform, or region.
The asset catalog includes forex pairs, commodities, and equity CFDs. Notably, Valutrades does not provide access to cryptocurrencies, ETFs, or real shares. This constrained selection may be insufficient for traders seeking broad diversification, but it aligns with the broker’s emphasis on core, liquid markets.
For Asian traders whose strategies revolve primarily around forex and major commodities, the available instruments are sufficient. However, those looking for exposure to emerging asset classes or thematic investing will likely find the offering restrictive.
Spreads
Valutrades’ pricing model is built around transparency and execution quality. The ECN account delivers very tight raw spreads, often starting near zero on major forex pairs, with commissions applied per lot traded. The Standard account incorporates costs directly into the spread, eliminating commission calculations.
Spreads Offered
Below a visual representation of Valutrades's spreads across several currency pairs:
*Spreads are variable and may change based on market conditions, account types and trading volumes.
This dual pricing approach allows traders to choose between simplicity and precision. For Asian traders employing short-term or high-frequency strategies, the ECN structure offers clear cost efficiency, while longer-term traders may prefer the simplicity of spread-only pricing.
Other Trading Costs
Valutrades does not charge account maintenance fees or inactivity fees, which is consistent with its low-friction operating model. Deposits are free, while withdrawals may be subject to third-party banking fees depending on the payment method used.
Swap rates apply to positions held overnight and are clearly displayed within the trading platform. These rates are aligned with prevailing interbank benchmarks, ensuring predictable carrying costs for longer-term positions.
Trading Conditions
Valutrades operates a no-dealing-desk execution model, providing direct market access and minimizing potential conflicts of interest. Order execution is fast and stable, particularly on the ECN account, where pricing is sourced directly from liquidity providers.
The broker offers leverage of up to 1:500 under its offshore entity, giving traders significant flexibility in position sizing. While this level of leverage carries inherent risk, it remains optional and best suited to experienced traders with robust risk management frameworks.
Execution reliability and platform stability remain consistent across sessions, which is particularly important for Asian traders operating during both Asian and overlapping European market hours.
Is Valutrades a Good Option for Asian Traders?
Valutrades is well-suited for Asian traders who already understand trading mechanics and prioritize execution quality over product variety. Its strong FCA regulation, combined with ECN pricing and MetaTrader support, makes it an attractive option for technically oriented traders.
However, the limited asset range and lack of educational resources mean it is not an ideal choice for beginners or investors seeking diversification beyond core CFD markets.
Our Verdict
Valutrades delivers a focused and execution-driven trading environment backed by credible regulation. Its ECN pricing, absence of minimum deposit requirements, and reliance on professional platforms make it a compelling choice for experienced traders.
For Asian traders seeking a clean, no-distraction broker with strong execution and transparent costs, Valutrades stands out as a practical and reliable option. Its simplicity is not a limitation, but a deliberate design choice aimed at traders who know exactly what they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valutrades regulated and safe?
Yes. Valutrades is regulated by the FCA in the UK and the FSA in Seychelles.
Does Valutrades have a minimum deposit?
No. Valutrades does not require a minimum deposit to open an account.
What platforms does Valutrades offer?
Valutrades supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.
Does Valutrades offer real stocks or cryptocurrencies?
No. Valutrades only offers CFDs on forex, commodities, and equities.
What type of trader is Valutrades best suited for?
Valutrades is best suited for experienced traders who prioritize execution speed, tight spreads, and regulatory oversight.
Note: Any opinions expressed in this article are not to be considered investment advice and are solely those of the authors. Singapore Forex Club is not responsible for any financial decisions based on this article's contents. Readers may use this data for information and educational purposes only.
