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The QualeBroker.com evaluation methodology uses a combination of 148 qualitative and quantitative metrics to assign a final judgment to over 20 banks and online brokers.
Each metric is converted into a score based upon a series of well-defined criteria. QualeBroker.com analyzes and evaluates only the brokers authorized to operate in the United Kingdom by FCA. Therefore, unauthorized companies have been excluded and to collect data we are in direct contact with the brokers to be evaluated. We open live accounts to test trading platforms and apps.

Every investor has different needs. Novice investors may need a user-friendly platform and educational material. Conversely, options traders may need sophisticated tools. We are confident that our methodology for reviewing and ranking brokers meets the needs of all types of investors at any level, saving them valuable hours of research and study.

How does it work

The scores for each category were aggregated to generate a cumulative total score. The maximum score is 100.
The ranking of brokers is defined by the following components and their relative weightings.

01
Safety - max. score: 20%
  • Regulatory body
  • Investor Protection Scheme
  • Client liquidity management
  • Client asset segregation
  • Negative Balance Protection
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Hacker attacks in the last 12 months
  • Website Safety Certificate
02
Fees and Costs - max. score: 18%
  • Trading fees
  • Account maintenance costs
  • Financing rates (margining)
  • Platform fees
  • Real-time quotes
  • Currency Conversion Costs
  • Inactivity Fees
  • Spreads
  • Swap rates
  • Phone orders
03
Platforms - max. score: 12%
  • Web-based platform
  • Desktop platform
  • Research and analysis tools
  • Trading from charts
  • Technical and fundamental analysis tools
  • Customisation of platforms
  • Order execution speed
  • Crash detected
  • Available order types
  • Automated trading
  • Additional tools
  • Connecting external software and APIs
04
Products and Markets - max. score: 12%
  • Number of financial instruments offered
  • Number of available markets
  • Trading hours
  • Access to non-regulated markets
  • Access to exotic markets
  • Pre-market and after-hours trading
05
Tax Management - max. score: 10%
  • Types of tax regimes offered
  • Quality of tax forms
  • Taxation of dividends
  • ISA account
  • Junior ISA account
  • SIPP account
06
Ease of Use - max. score: 8%
  • Is it suitable for beginners?
  • Intuitiveness of platforms
  • Are the conditions and costs clearly explained?
  • Is the account opening process smooth?
  • Is the website user-friendly and does it contain all the necessary information?
08
Customer Service - max. score: 6%
  • Channels through which customer service is offered
  • Quality of client assistance
  • Speed of problem solving
  • Waiting times
  • 24/7 active support
  • Presence of a FAQ section on the website
07
Mobile Trading - max. score: 6%
  • Proprietary app
  • Mobile experience
  • Research and analysis
  • Technical and fundamental analysis tools
  • Customisation
  • Order types available
  • Charts
10
Banking Services - max. score: 4%
  • Offering a bank account and credit cards
  • Financial advisory services
  • Salary/pension credit
  • Wealth management
  • Loans/mortgages
09
Education - max. score: 4%
  • Learning material on the website
  • Organisation of events and seminars
  • Tutorials on the use of platforms

The final score is then converted into stars (from 0 to 5) within the reviews.

Category Maximum score
Safety 20
Fees and Costs 18
Products and Markets 12
Platforms and research 12
Mobile Trading 6
Ease of Use 8
Tax Management 10
Customer Service 6
Education 4
Banking Services 4
Total cumulative score 100

 

Final score Grade
Above 95

85-95

75-85

60-75

50-60

40-50

30-40

20-30

15-20

10-15

<10

 

Categoria Punteggio massimo
Sicurezza 20
Commissioni e Costi 18
Offerta di prodotti e mercati 12
Piattaforme e ricerca 12
Trading da mobile 6
Facilità d’uso 8
Gestione fiscale 10
Servizio Clienti 6
Formazione 4
Servizi bancari 4
Punteggio cumulativo totale 100

 

Punteggio finale Voto
Sopra 95

85-95

75-85

60-75

50-60

40-50

30-40

20-30

15-20

10-15

<10

 

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Disclaimer: The main mission of Qualebroker.com is to provide objective and unbiased reviews, comparisons, opinions and analysis. Qualebroker.com does not provide any advice or solicitation for investments. The trading of financial instruments represents a high level of risk in which all the capital invested can potentially be lost. Only those who are aware of this risk should trade in the financial markets. Operating from an online business perspective, Qualebroker.com may be remunerated by third-party advertisers. This remuneration should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation by Qualebroker.com, nor will it affect our reviews, analyzes or opinions in any way. For more information please consult our disclaimer. 
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.