KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA  - 1 August 2025 - For those trading in the financial markets, choosing an online broker is the foundation of their future success. So, when seasoned traders emphasise the importance of this choice, they really mean it. Outlined below are key issues that can - and likely will - occur when choosing a broker with questionable regulation and unclear conditions.

By its nature, trading encourages a systematic, data-driven approach - not limited to placing orders or planning sessions. To succeed in trading, it is also instrumental to be careful and thorough when choosing a financial broker. The nonchalant approach of some emerging traders who ask, 'What can go wrong?' and start trading with a broker without checking their licences, reviews, and conditions often leads to bitter disappointment and regret. Here is why.

Problematic withdrawals

One of the most common issues with unregulated brokers is the inefficient fund withdrawal process. More often than not, traders who choose to trade with such a broker are unaware of the risks they expose themselves to. Meanwhile, the unpleasant surprise can lurk around the corner and pounce when they least expect it.

While depositing is usually instant, withdrawals can be delayed under various pretexts. In some cases, traders are asked to provide extraneous documentation or are told they must trade a certain volume before they can access their own money. Legitimate brokers process a vast majority of withdrawal requests within a fixed timeframe and do not impose arbitrary conditions once the necessary know-your-customer checks have been successfully completed.

As a globally regulated broker, Octa follows the best international practices and partners with the most trusted and popular payments providers. The broker boasts a fast and efficient withdrawal process that many satisfied clients highlight in their reviews.

Manipulating trading conditions

When traders go for a less regulated or otherwise questionable broker, they can encounter shifting trading conditions. In this case, the broker's clients often find out their profits were significantly eroded by the additional charges not reflected in the terms and conditions.

Manipulating conditions can include artificially widening the spread or introducing a price slippage that consistently works against the trader. In more extreme cases, such brokers may use platform-side price manipulation, where the prices on their trading platform do not reflect the real market. These tricks can disrupt traders' ability to open and close trades at fair levels, destroying the effect of even the most sound strategy.

On the other hand, trusted and regulated brokers detail all the necessary information in their terms and conditions. Experienced companies like Octa and other globally operating brokers aim for long-term and mutually beneficial client relationships. They value transparency and full disclosure to create a friendly, supportive trading environment for their clients.

Unsegregated clients' funds

All regulated brokers are required to keep client funds in segregated accounts. This means that the company's operating capital never overlaps with the clients' funds, avoiding any potential risks in case of a market contingency. However, brokers operating without proper licenses are not required to stick to this practice. This means the clients' deposited money could be used to cover the broker's expenses or be at risk if the broker goes bankrupt.

Transparency and regulation are not the default qualities of every broker. On the contrary, these crucial attributes distinguish shady companies from trusted, client-oriented brokers who aim to minimise their clients' risks.

With this goal in mind, reliable brokers choose their own approaches tailored to their strengths. For example, Octa broker strives to empower traders by providing them with all the most accessible modern tools and thus equipping them for success. This also includes an efficient withdrawal process and a reliable, regulated trading environment, which enables Octa's clients to reach positive long-term outcomes.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.