Profile
FinmaxFX review evaluates a forex and CFD broker offering a broad asset range and high leverage via MetaTrader 5. FinmaxFX is registered offshore and operates without Tier-1 regulatory oversight, raising serious concerns about investor protection and transparency. Despite marketing to international traders, several warnings have been issued by European regulators regarding its unauthorised activities.
Regulation and Safety
FinmaxFX is operated by Max Capital Limited, registered in Vanuatu under license number 41072 by the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC). However, VFSC is not considered a strong regulator and does not enforce client fund segregation or investor compensation schemes.
Additionally, FinmaxFX has been blacklisted by multiple regulators, including:
- CNMV (Spain)
- FCA (UK)
- AMF (France)
These warnings highlight the risks of using unregulated services in Europe and the lack of recourse for affected clients.
Execution Model and Trading Platforms
FinmaxFX offers a Market Maker (MM) execution model, with the broker acting as the counterparty to trades. There’s limited transparency over order routing or liquidity sources.
The broker supports:
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5) – available for desktop, web, and mobile
There is no FIX API or VPS service for algorithmic traders, though MT5 EAs are permitted. The platform includes standard features like pending orders, custom indicators, and multi-asset trading.
Markets and Instruments
FinmaxFX offers CFD trading on a wide selection of instruments:
- Forex – 50+ major, minor, and exotic pairs
- Indices – including S&P 500, DAX, FTSE 100
- Commodities – crude oil, gold, silver, natural gas
- Stocks – U.S., EU, and Asian equities
- Cryptocurrencies – BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, and others
The total asset offering is competitive, though real-time pricing, swap rates, and execution statistics are not publicly disclosed.
Accounts, Spreads and Leverage
FinmaxFX offers five account types:
- Micro: Min deposit $250, spreads from 3.0 pips
- Mini: $1,000+, spreads from 2.5 pips
- Standard: $5,000+, spreads from 2.0 pips
- Premium: $25,000+, tighter spreads
- VIP: $100,000+, custom spreads & conditions
Additional conditions:
- Leverage: up to 1:200 for retail, up to 1:500 claimed
- Stop-out level: 30%
- Commission-free on most accounts
- Islamic accounts available upon request
Funding and Base Currencies
FinmaxFX accepts deposits in USD, EUR, and GBP through:
- Credit/debit cards
- Bank transfers
- Bitcoin
- Skrill and Neteller (may vary)
Withdrawal delays have been widely reported. The broker enforces verification before processing and may apply charges depending on the method and account type.
Client Protections and Features
FinmaxFX provides minimal protection mechanisms due to its offshore registration. Notable absences include:
- No negative balance protection
- No fund segregation guarantees
- No investor compensation scheme
- No public audits or financial disclosures
Account security is basic, with no 2FA or advanced encryption stated in public disclosures.
Institutional and Retail Offering
FinmaxFX primarily targets retail clients and does not provide institutional-grade services. There is no FIX API, MAM/PAMM setup, or white-label program. Educational tools include simple tutorials and market news but lack depth for professional traders.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- MT5 access with wide asset range
- Crypto CFDs available
- High leverage for non-EU clients
- Islamic accounts offered
Cons
- Offshore regulation (VFSC) only
- Blacklisted by several EU regulators
- Withdrawal issues reported
- Spreads wider than ECN brokers
- No institutional services or FIX access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FinmaxFX regulated?
FinmaxFX is registered with the VFSC in Vanuatu but is not regulated by any Tier-1 authority. It has been blacklisted by FCA, CNMV, and AMF.
Which platform does FinmaxFX use?
FinmaxFX provides MetaTrader 5 (MT5) across desktop, web, and mobile devices.
What is the minimum deposit to trade?
The minimum deposit for a Micro account is $250. Higher-tier accounts require more substantial capital.
Does FinmaxFX offer cryptocurrency trading?
Yes, FinmaxFX offers CFDs on major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple.
Is FinmaxFX safe for traders?
No. The lack of Tier-1 regulation and repeated regulatory warnings make FinmaxFX a high-risk broker with limited investor safeguards.