FBS Review 2024: Regulation, Trading Platforms, Fees, and Support

Introduction

Founded in 2009, FBS has grown into a globally recognized forex and CFD broker, regulated by several reputable authorities, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize. With over 15 years of experience, FBS serves clients in more than 150 countries, offering competitive trading conditions and a secure trading environment.

This review provides a detailed analysis of FBS's regulatory framework, trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, fee structures, and 24/7 customer support. Whether you're a novice or an experienced trader, our review will help you assess whether FBS meets your trading needs.

FBS Regulation

FBS operates under the regulation of three key financial authorities: the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize. These regulatory bodies ensure FBS complies with international financial standards, including client fund segregation, transparency, and anti-money laundering (AML) policies.

• Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) – License No. 331/17

• Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) – License No. 426359

• Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Belize – License No. IFSC/000102/124

CySEC’s regulation aligns FBS with European Union’s MiFID II directives, which enhance investor protection through measures like negative balance protection and investor compensation schemes. This ensures that FBS meets strict standards for transparency and customer protection, especially for European traders.

The ASIC regulation ensures compliance with Australia’s rigorous financial laws, providing added credibility in the Asia-Pacific region. The FSC in Belize offers more flexible requirements but still mandates adherence to international best practices, including safeguarding client funds and preventing fraudulent activities.

This multi-regulatory framework strengthens FBS’s reputation for trustworthiness, security, and transparency, offering traders confidence across various global markets. However, FBS does not provide services to residents in certain countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Japan, due to local regulatory restrictions.

FBS Trading Conditions

FBS provides a range of trading conditions aimed at accommodating traders with varying levels of experience. Spreads start from 0.7 pips, offering a potentially cost-effective option for those looking to trade with competitive pricing. The leverage offered by FBS can go up to 1:3000, which enables traders to manage larger positions relative to their initial capital, though it also increases the potential for both gains and losses.

Trade execution speed is listed as 0.01 seconds, which may reduce slippage, a factor important in fast-moving markets. The platform allows traders to manage up to 500 open positions, including 200 pending orders, providing flexibility in managing multiple trades or strategies at once.

FBS offers a lot size range starting from 0.01 lots and going up to 500 lots, which provides options for both lower-risk trading and higher-volume strategies. These conditions indicate that FBS provides a variety of options designed to support different trading styles and approaches, although each trader should carefully consider their own risk tolerance and trading goals.

FBS Fees and Spreads

FBS offers floating spreads starting from 0.7 pips, with no commission charged for opening or closing positions on forex trades. The broker provides access to swap-free accounts, which are available for traders following Islamic finance principles. Leverage goes up to 1:3000, allowing for significant market exposure.

While FBS does not impose fees on deposits, withdrawal fees may apply depending on the payment method. Conditions can differ across other instruments like metals, indices, and stocks.

FBS Deposits and Withdrawals

FBS offers a variety of convenient deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, and Sticpay. Deposits are usually processed instantly, ensuring traders can start trading without delays. Withdrawals typically take between 15 minutes to 48 hours, though both the available methods and processing times can vary depending on your country of residence.

Fees and Limits

FBS offers over 200 payment methods for both deposits and withdrawals, ensuring flexibility for traders across different regions. Available options include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller.

Deposit and Withdrawal Times

• Deposits: Processed instantly for most methods, allowing immediate trading access.

• Withdrawals: Typically processed within 15 minutes to 48 hours, depending on the method.

Fees and Minimum Deposit

• Minimum deposit: $5, accessible for all traders.

• Fees: FBS does not charge for deposits, but withdrawal fees may apply based on the method selected.

Supported Currencies

FBS supports several base currencies, including USD, EUR, JPY, and USF, to minimize conversion fees and simplify transactions.

FBS Trading Platforms

FBS offers a range of trading platforms, catering to traders of all experience levels. The broker supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), two of the most widely used platforms in the forex industry. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile devices, allowing for flexibility and convenience in trading.

Additionally, FBS provides its proprietary FBS App, designed for quick and simplified trading on the go. Let's break down the key features of these platforms:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): A favorite for forex traders, MT4 offers advanced charting tools, automated trading with Expert Advisors (EAs), and multiple order types. The platform supports one-click trading and detailed technical analysis with over 50 built-in indicators.

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): A more advanced version of MT4, MT5 comes with enhanced charting tools, more order types, and an economic calendar. It is ideal for traders who want more detailed market analysis and multi-asset trading.

• FBS App: A proprietary app tailored for fast mobile trading, FBS App offers access to over 550+ trading instruments, including forex, commodities, and indices. The app is user-friendly, ideal for beginners who want to trade on the go.

All these platforms are equipped with real-time quotes, customizable interfaces, and advanced security features to ensure secure and efficient trading.

FBS Account Types

FBS provides a single versatile account type to meet the needs of its traders. This approach simplifies choices and ensures consistent trading conditions. In addition to the live account, FBS offers a demo account for traders to practice and refine their strategies with virtual funds before trading live.

Standard Account

The primary account type at FBS is designed for a variety of trading styles. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, the standard account offers competitive spreads and access to a wide range of financial instruments. The account requires a minimum deposit of $5, making it accessible for all types of traders. Key features of the standard account include:

• Spreads starting from 0.7 pips for major forex pairs.

• Leverage up to 1:3000, depending on the trader's location and asset class.

• Zero deposit fees, though some withdrawal methods may incur charges.

This account supports all major trading instruments available at FBS, including forex, stocks, indices, metals, and energy markets. The platform also allows access to trading via MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the FBS App, providing traders with the flexibility to operate across different devices and environments​.

FBS also caters to Islamic traders by offering a swap-free option for those who follow Sharia law. This ensures that no overnight interest is charged on positions held for extended periods

FBS Available Trading Instruments

FBS offers a broad range of financial instruments, catering to various trading preferences. Here's a breakdown of the key markets available:

Forex

FBS provides over 72 Forex pairs for trading. This allows traders to capitalize on currency fluctuations across global markets. Popular pairs include EUR/USD, GBP/JPY and USD/JPY.

Commodities

Traders can invest in hard and soft commodities like gold, silver, and oil, which are well-known for their volatility and potential for hedging during inflationary periods. With commodities, traders can diversify their portfolios beyond forex.

Indices

For those interested in broader market trends, FBS offers CFDs on global indices such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and FTSE 100. Indices trading allows you to speculate on the performance of entire stock markets rather than individual companies.

Stocks

Through Contracts for Difference (CFDs), traders can trade shares of major companies like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla without actually owning the stocks. This allows flexibility in trading with leverage and the ability to short-sell stocks during market declines.

Cryptocurrencies

FBS provides access to some crypto CFDs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. Crypto trading offers high volatility, which can result in significant profits or losses. Crypto CFDs allow traders to speculate on price movements without holding the actual digital assets.

Metals and Energies

FBS also supports trading in metals like gold and silver, often seen as safe-haven assets. Additionally, energy markets such as Brent Crude and WTI Crude Oil are available, giving traders exposure to the highly volatile energy sector.

With a variety of instruments across forex, commodities, indices, stocks, cryptos, and metals, FBS allows traders to build diverse portfolios and explore multiple market opportunities under one platform.

FBS Leverage

FBS offers flexible leverage options that cater to traders with varying risk appetites and strategies. The maximum leverage available is 1:3000 for forex trading, making FBS one of the brokers with the highest leverage in the industry. Leverage options depend on the specific instruments and trader's account balance, offering the ability to adjust exposure based on individual risk management needs.

Leverage by Asset Class

• Forex: Up to 1:3000 for currency trading, allowing traders to control large positions with a relatively small initial investment.

• Metals: Leverage for metal instruments like gold and silver is available up to 1:500.

• Energies: Leverage for energy markets, such as Brent Crude Oil and WTI Crude Oil, is capped at 1:200.

• Stocks: Leverage for stock CFDs is set at 1:100.

• Indices: Major indices can be traded with leverage up to 1:500, providing a range of opportunities to speculate on global stock market performance.

Risk Considerations

While high leverage allows for significant potential profits, it also increases the risk of large losses. FBS provides negative balance protection to safeguard traders, ensuring they do not lose more than their account balance. Traders are encouraged to employ proper risk management strategies when using high leverage to mitigate potential downsides.

FBS Trading Tools

FBS offers a variety of trading tools that support both fundamental and technical analysis, as well as assist traders in optimizing their strategies.

Economic Calendar

The Economic Calendar provides timely updates on significant global economic events, enabling traders to anticipate market movements and adjust their strategies accordingly. It is a crucial tool for traders focused on fundamental analysis.

Trading Calculator

The Trading Calculator helps traders compute essential parameters such as margin, profit, and pips, based on their chosen instrument and leverage. This tool aids in managing risk and planning trades effectively.

VPS Hosting

FBS offers VPS Hosting services, allowing traders to run their platforms 24/7 without interruptions. This is ideal for those who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or automated trading strategies and need seamless operation regardless of internet or power issues.

Swap-Free Account

FBS provides Swap-Free Accounts (Islamic accounts) for traders who follow Sharia law. This account type allows traders to hold positions overnight without incurring swap or rollover charges, ensuring they remain compliant with their religious beliefs.

Fixed Exchange Rate

FBS also offers a Fixed Rate option for certain currencies, providing traders with a stable exchange rate when depositing or withdrawing funds. This feature is particularly beneficial in volatile markets, where fluctuations in currency values could otherwise affect transaction amounts

FBS Analytics and Education

FBS offers an extensive range of educational and analytical tools aimed at helping traders enhance their skills and make informed decisions.

FBS Academy

The FBS Academy serves as a hub for traders to learn everything from the basics of forex to advanced trading strategies. It includes video tutorials, articles, and webinars. The Trader’s Blog provides insights into market trends and trading strategies, with a special focus on real-world applications.

Market Analytics

FBS provides comprehensive market analytics, featuring daily news updates, economic calendars, and technical analysis. The VIP Analytics service offers premium access to in-depth market reports, personalized signals, and priority support, making it ideal for advanced traders.

Glossary

For beginners, the Glossary offers an extensive collection of trading and financial terms, helping traders familiarize themselves with essential concepts.

Webinars and Seminars

FBS hosts live webinars and occasionally conducts in-person seminars in key regions. These sessions are designed to be interactive, allowing participants to ask questions and get expert insights on topics ranging from technical analysis to trading psychology.

FBS Partnership Program

The FBS Partnership Program offers individuals and businesses the opportunity to earn commissions by referring new clients to FBS. With over 700,000 partners globally, the program is designed to help partners grow their business while receiving competitive commissions.

Key Features of the FBS Partnership Program

• High Commissions: Partners can earn up to 43% of the spread from their clients' trades, making it one of the most competitive partner programs in the industry.

• Rebate Option: Partners have the option to share a portion of their commission with clients as a rebate, encouraging loyalty and increased trading activity.

• Educational and Marketing Support: FBS provides extensive resources, including marketing materials, webinars, and seminars, to help partners educate and engage their clients. This support helps partners grow their client base under the trusted FBS brand.

• Personal Manager: Starting from a certain partner grade, partners gain access to a personal manager who provides additional support for growing their business.

Partner Grades and Commissions

Partners earn commissions based on the spreads from their clients' trades. The specific percentage depends on the partner’s Grade, which is determined by performance over a three-month period and includes an experience bonus. Partners can increase their earnings by progressing through different grades.

Global Reach

FBS supports partners in over 150 countries, providing local and global methods for commission withdrawals, including local banks. This flexibility allows partners from various regions to easily participate in the program.

FBS Customer Support

FBS offers 24/7 customer support to ensure that traders get help whenever needed. Support is available through live chat, phone, and email, with response times typically within a minute through live chat. Support is offered in multiple languages, making it accessible to traders worldwide.

• Live chat: Available 24/7 for instant responses.

• Phone and email: For more detailed assistance, you can also reach FBS via phone or email.

• Knowledge base: The Help Center provides extensive resources for self-service support, including FAQs and guides.

Conclusion

FBS provides traders with a reliable, user-friendly platform offering a variety of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, metals, and cryptocurrencies. The broker supports diverse trading needs with its flexible leverage options, ranging up to 1:3000, and more than 200 payment methods.

With robust customer support available 24/7 and in multiple languages, FBS ensures that traders from all experience levels are well-supported. Additionally, the educational tools and resources make it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders seeking consistent growth.

FAQs

Is FBS a regulated broker?

Yes, FBS is regulated by CySEC, FSC Belize, and ASIC.

What is the minimum deposit at FBS?

The minimum deposit starts at $5.

Does FBS offer a demo account?

Yes, FBS provides a free demo account for practicing with virtual funds.

What trading platforms does FBS support?

FBS supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the proprietary FBS App.

What leverage does FBS offer?

FBS offers leverage up to 1:3000.

Does FBS charge withdrawal fees?

Yes, withdrawal fees may apply based on the payment method.

Does FBS provide swap-free accounts?

Yes, FBS offers swap-free (Islamic) accounts.

How can I contact FBS customer support?

FBS support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, phone, and the Help Center.

What payment methods does FBS accept?

FBS accepts credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets like Skrill.

What trading instruments are available at FBS?

FBS offers forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.