Profile
This Monex Group review outlines the company’s regulatory strength, global trading platforms, instrument diversity, account types, and client security. Monex Group is a Japanese financial conglomerate offering brokerage services through subsidiaries in Asia, the US, and Europe, with a strong focus on regulated, exchange-based trading.
Regulation and Safety
Monex Group is a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Ticker: 8698) and operates under multiple regulatory frameworks via its subsidiaries:
- Monex, Inc. (Japan): Regulated by the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA)
- TradeStation Group (US): Regulated by SEC, FINRA, CFTC, and NFA
- Monex Europe (UK): FCA-authorised, Firm Reference Number: 463951
Client funds are protected via segregated accounts, and investor compensation schemes (such as FSCS in the UK and SIPC in the US) apply depending on jurisdiction.
Execution Model and Trading Platforms
Monex Group operates across multiple execution models depending on the subsidiary:
- Monex Japan: Exchange-based stock and options trading
- TradeStation (US): Direct Market Access (DMA), STP routing for equities and futures
- Monex Europe: Institutional FX and hedging execution
Platform availability includes:
- TradeStation platform (desktop, mobile, web)
- Monex proprietary platforms in Japan
- No MT4 or MT5 support
Markets and Instruments
Through its various entities, Monex Group provides access to:
- Equities (Japan, US, Asia-Pacific, EU)
- Options and futures
- ETFs and investment trusts
- Cryptocurrencies via Coincheck (Japan)
- Institutional FX via Monex Europe
Retail forex and CFD trading are not core offerings of Monex Group but are available via select subsidiaries.
Accounts, Spreads and Leverage
Account conditions vary widely by jurisdiction:
- Monex Japan: Low-cost equities trading with fixed and variable fee structures
- TradeStation US: Commission-free stock trading, low-cost futures and options
- Monex Europe: Institutional FX accounts with tight interbank spreads
Leverage is tightly regulated. Japanese clients face a 1:25 leverage cap, while US clients trade unleveraged securities or regulated futures contracts.
Funding and Base Currencies
Funding methods include:
- Domestic bank transfers (Japan, US, UK)
- International SWIFT transfers
- No crypto or e-wallet deposits (except for Coincheck)
Base currencies include JPY, USD, GBP, EUR depending on the entity. Processing times vary: most deposits take 1–2 business days.
Client Protections and Features
- Segregated funds under regulatory mandates
- FSCS protection (UK), SIPC protection (US), Investor Protection Fund (Japan)
- Publicly listed parent company transparency
- Biometric login and multi-factor authentication supported
- Regular audits and published financials
Institutional and Retail Offering
Monex Group supports both institutional and retail clients:
- Monex Europe provides FX solutions for corporates and financial institutions
- TradeStation supports retail active traders, advisors, and hedge funds
- No FIX API or white-label offering publicly listed
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Globally regulated with strong investor protections
- Publicly listed parent company (Tokyo Stock Exchange)
- Advanced trading platforms like TradeStation
- Access to global stocks, futures, and options
- Coincheck integration for crypto access (Japan)
Cons
- No MetaTrader support
- Retail CFD/forex trading limited outside Japan
- No unified global account across all platforms
- Complex structure across subsidiaries
- Limited leverage for retail clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monex Group regulated?
Yes, Monex Group is regulated in Japan, the US, and the UK via its subsidiaries, including JFSA, SEC, FCA, and other authorities.
What platforms does Monex Group offer?
Clients can use TradeStation in the US, Monex platforms in Japan, and institutional FX platforms in the UK. MT4/MT5 are not supported.
Can I trade forex with Monex Group?
Yes, but retail forex trading is limited to Japan and institutional FX is handled via Monex Europe.
Does Monex offer cryptocurrency trading?
Yes, via its Japanese subsidiary Coincheck, which offers crypto trading and staking services to Japanese residents.
Is my money safe with Monex Group?
Yes, client funds are held in segregated accounts and protected by compensation schemes like FSCS (UK) and SIPC (US) where applicable.