Profile
FXTF Japan review covers a domestically regulated forex broker operating under the name “GMO Financial Holdings Inc.” and offering services via its platform Forex Trading Finance (FXTF). Headquartered in Tokyo, FXTF specialises in USD/JPY and other yen crosses, appealing primarily to retail Japanese traders through low-cost trading and advanced tools.
Regulation and Safety
FXTF is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan, one of the most stringent regulatory bodies in Asia. The broker operates under license number 000117, with full compliance to Japan’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. Client funds are fully segregated and protected through trust accounting with Mizuho Trust & Banking Co. Ltd. FXTF also participates in the Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ), offering further oversight and transparency.
Execution Model and Trading Platforms
FXTF provides an NDD/STP execution model, focusing on low latency execution without dealing desk intervention. It offers both retail and high-frequency traders access to:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4 – desktop and mobile)
- FXTF proprietary web trading platform
The MT4 version is customised for Japanese traders with built-in economic news and spread indicators. VPS hosting is available through partnered services. FIX API is not publicly offered.
Markets and Instruments
FXTF Japan focuses on spot forex trading, particularly:
- Major pairs: USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, AUD/JPY, EUR/USD
- Minor and exotic JPY crosses (e.g., ZAR/JPY, TRY/JPY)
CFDs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies are not offered. The broker’s niche is strictly forex-based, tailored to the domestic Japanese retail market.
Accounts, Spreads and Leverage
FXTF offers a single standard account structure with the following trading conditions:
- Spreads: As low as 0.1 pips on USD/JPY (variable)
- Leverage: Maximum 1:25 (as per Japanese FSA regulation)
- Minimum deposit: No minimum requirement
- Stop-out level: 100% margin call / 50% stop-out
All accounts are JPY-denominated. Islamic/swap-free accounts are not offered. Commission-free structure with spreads as the only cost.
Funding and Base Currencies
FXTF supports funding via:
- Japanese domestic bank transfers
- Online payment gateways (Rakuten Bank, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, etc.)
All deposits and withdrawals are processed in JPY. Most bank transfers are processed within the same business day. No fees are charged by FXTF for funding, but intermediary bank fees may apply.
Client Protections and Features
FXTF ensures client fund protection via trust segregation and audits under FSA supervision. Additional features include:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Biometric login for mobile apps
- SSL encryption and daily risk exposure disclosures
- Free MT4 indicators and autochartist access
No investor compensation scheme is available, but clients benefit from FSA-mandated safety measures and regular financial reporting.
Institutional and Retail Offering
FXTF is a retail-only broker targeting Japanese individuals. It does not offer white-label solutions, FIX API, or prime brokerage services. Institutional tools such as volume analytics, advanced liquidity aggregation, or custom feeds are not provided. However, MT4 expert advisors (EAs) are fully supported, and educational content is available in Japanese.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- FSA-regulated and fully Japanese-compliant
- Low spreads, especially on JPY pairs
- MT4 with Japanese customisation and local indicators
- JPY-denominated account with domestic funding methods
- Trust-based fund segregation with top-tier Japanese banks
Cons
- Only available to Japanese residents
- No CFDs, crypto, or non-forex instruments
- No institutional-grade features like FIX API or white-label
- Leverage capped at 1:25 due to regulation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FXTF regulated in Japan?
Yes, FXTF is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan under license number 000117.
What trading platforms does FXTF support?
FXTF supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and a proprietary Japanese-language web platform for browser-based trading.
Can non-Japanese residents open accounts with FXTF?
No, FXTF only accepts residents of Japan and does not onboard international clients.
What is the maximum leverage offered by FXTF?
As per FSA regulation, FXTF offers a maximum leverage of 1:25 for retail clients.
Does FXTF offer CFD or crypto trading?
No, FXTF is a forex-only broker and does not offer CFDs or cryptocurrency instruments.