Deriv, a rebranding of Binary.com, is a well-established forex and CFD broker known for its innovative trading platforms, diverse range of trading instruments, and competitive trading conditions. Founded in 1999, Deriv has a long history in the online trading industry, evolving from a binary options broker to a comprehensive platform offering forex, CFDs, and other trading products. This detailed review will cover various aspects of Deriv, including its history, regulatory status, trading platforms, account types, fees, customer support, educational resources, and overall trading experience.

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Deriv offers complex derivatives instruments, such as options and contracts for difference (“CFDs”). These products may not be suitable for all customers and trading them puts you at your own risk. Please ensure that you understand the following risks before trading Deriv products:
a) you may lose some or all of the amount invested in the transaction,
b) if your transaction involves conversion currency, exchange rates will affect your profits and losses. You should never trade with borrowed money or with money that you cannot afford to lose.

1. History and Background

Establishment and Growth

Deriv was originally founded as Binary.com in 1999, focusing primarily on binary options trading. Over the years, the company expanded its product offerings and rebranded as Deriv in 2020 to reflect its broader range of trading instruments and services. The rebranding marked a significant milestone in the company’s evolution, emphasizing its commitment to providing a comprehensive trading experience.

Key Milestones

• 1999: Binary.com was founded, offering binary options trading.
• 2013: The company introduced its first proprietary trading platform.
• 2016: Binary.com received its first regulatory license from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).
• 2020: Binary.com rebranded as Deriv, expanding its product offerings to include forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies.
• 2021: Deriv launched its synthetic indices, providing unique trading opportunities.

2. Regulatory Status

Overview of Regulatory Bodies

Deriv is regulated by several reputable financial authorities, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment for its clients. These regulatory bodies include:

Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) – Malta

Deriv is authorized and regulated by the MFSA, which oversees financial services firms in Malta. The MFSA’s regulatory framework includes measures to protect client funds, promote transparency, and ensure fair trading practices.

Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) – Vanuatu

Deriv is also regulated by the VFSC, which supervises financial services firms operating in Vanuatu. The VFSC’s regulatory requirements ensure that Deriv maintains adequate capital reserves and follows best execution practices.

Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA) – Malaysia

Deriv’s Labuan entity is regulated by the LFSA in Malaysia. The LFSA oversees financial services firms in the Labuan jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with local regulations and protecting client interests.

Importance of Regulation

Being regulated by multiple reputable authorities underscores Deriv’s commitment to providing a safe and transparent trading environment. Regulatory oversight ensures that the broker follows strict guidelines, including maintaining sufficient capital reserves, segregating client funds, and adhering to best execution practices.

3. Trading Platforms

DTrader

DTrader is Deriv’s proprietary trading platform, designed for simplicity and ease of use. The platform offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and synthetic indices. Key features of DTrader include:

• User-Friendly Interface: DTrader offers a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for traders to navigate and execute trades.
• Customizable Charts: The platform provides a variety of charting tools and indicators, allowing traders to customize their trading environment.
• Flexible Trade Types: Traders can choose from multiple trade types, including multipliers, options, and spreads.
• Risk Management Tools: DTrader includes features such as stop-loss and take-profit orders to help traders manage their risk.

MT5 (MetaTrader 5)

Deriv offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform, known for its advanced trading features and capabilities. MT5 is popular among experienced traders for its comprehensive tools and functionalities. Key features of MT5 include:

• Advanced Charting and Analysis: MT5 provides advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and analytical objects.
• Automated Trading: Traders can use Expert Advisors (EAs) to automate their trading strategies.
• Multiple Order Types: MT5 supports various order types, including market orders, limit orders, and stop orders.
• Depth of Market (DOM): The platform offers depth of market information, providing insights into market liquidity.

DBot

DBot is Deriv’s automated trading platform, allowing traders to create and deploy their trading bots without any coding knowledge. Key features of DBot include:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: DBot offers a visual, drag-and-drop interface for creating trading bots.
• Pre-Built Strategies: Traders can choose from pre-built trading strategies or customize their own.
• Backtesting: DBot allows traders to backtest their strategies using historical data.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Traders can monitor their bots in real-time and make adjustments as needed.

SmartTrader

SmartTrader is another proprietary platform offered by Deriv, designed for binary options trading. Key features of SmartTrader include:

• User-Friendly Interface: SmartTrader offers a straightforward interface, making it easy for traders to place and manage trades.
• Range of Trade Types: The platform supports various binary options trade types, including up/down, touch/no-touch, and in/out.
• Risk Management Tools: SmartTrader includes features such as stop-loss and take-profit orders to help traders manage their risk.

4. Account Types

Standard Account

The Standard Account is Deriv’s most popular account type, suitable for both novice and experienced traders. Key features of the Standard Account include:

• Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit for a Standard Account is $5.
• Leverage: Traders can access leverage up to 1:1000, depending on their location and regulatory restrictions.
• Spreads: Deriv offers competitive spreads, with major currency pairs typically having lower spreads.
• No Commission: The Standard Account operates on a spread-only model, with no additional commission fees.

Advanced Account

The Advanced Account is designed for more experienced traders who require lower spreads and direct access to the interbank market. Key features of the Advanced Account include:

• Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit for an Advanced Account is $500.
• Lower Spreads: Advanced Accounts benefit from lower spreads, starting from 0.0 pips.
• Commission: A commission is charged per trade, depending on the trading instrument.
• Higher Leverage: Traders can access higher leverage, depending on their location and regulatory restrictions.

Islamic Account

Deriv offers Islamic accounts for traders who adhere to Sharia law. These accounts are swap-free, meaning they do not incur or pay interest on overnight positions. Key features of the Islamic Account include:

• Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit for an Islamic Account is $5.
• Swap-Free: The account is swap-free, in compliance with Sharia law.
• Competitive Spreads: Islamic Accounts benefit from the same competitive spreads as other account types.
• No Commission: Depending on the account type, the Islamic Account may operate on a spread-only model or incur commissions.

Demo Account

Deriv offers a free demo account for traders who want to practice their strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform without risking real money. Key features of the Demo Account include:

• Virtual Funds: The demo account is funded with virtual money, allowing traders to practice without financial risk.
• Real-Time Market Data: Traders have access to real-time market data, providing a realistic trading experience.
• Unlimited Access: The demo account is available for an unlimited period, giving traders ample time to practice and refine their strategies.

5. Fees and Costs

Spreads

Deriv offers competitive spreads across its range of trading instruments. The spreads vary depending on the account type and the specific instrument being traded. Major currency pairs typically have lower spreads, while exotic pairs and CFDs may have higher spreads.

Commissions

While the Standard Account operates on a spread-only model with no additional commission fees, the Advanced Account involves commissions. However, the lower spreads offered to Advanced Account clients often offset these commissions, providing overall cost savings for traders.

Swap Rates

Swap rates, also known as overnight financing or rollover fees, are charged or credited when a position is held overnight. The rates vary depending on the currency pair and the direction of the trade. Deriv provides transparent information about swap rates on its website and trading platforms.

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

Deriv does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, traders should check with their payment provider for any applicable fees. The broker supports a variety of payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic payment systems.

6. Customer Support

Availability

Deriv offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring that traders can receive assistance at any time. The support team is available via live chat, phone, and email, providing timely and efficient support for any issues or inquiries.

Multilingual Support

Deriv provides multilingual support, catering to its global client base. The support team can assist traders in various languages, ensuring effective communication and support.

Educational Resources

Deriv offers a wealth of educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. These resources include webinars, video tutorials, trading guides, and market analysis. By providing comprehensive educational materials, Deriv empowers traders to make informed trading decisions.

7. Educational Resources

Webinars and Seminars

Deriv regularly hosts webinars and seminars covering various trading topics, from basic forex concepts to advanced trading strategies. These events are conducted by experienced traders and market analysts, providing valuable insights and education for traders of all levels.

Video Tutorials

Deriv offers a library of video tutorials that cover platform navigation, trading strategies, technical analysis, and more. These tutorials provide step-by-step guidance, helping traders understand complex concepts and improve their trading skills.

Trading Guides

Deriv provides a range of trading guides that cover essential topics such as risk management, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and trading psychology. These guides are designed to help traders develop a solid foundation in forex trading and enhance their overall trading experience.

Market Analysis

Deriv’s team of market analysts provides regular market updates, analysis, and forecasts. These insights help traders stay informed about market developments and identify potential trading opportunities.

8. Overall Trading Experience

User-Friendly Platforms

Deriv offers a range of user-friendly trading platforms, catering to different trading styles and preferences. Whether traders prefer the simplicity of DTrader, the advanced features of MT5, or the automation capabilities of DBot, the broker provides a platform that meets their needs.

Competitive Trading Conditions

With competitive spreads, flexible leverage options, and a variety of account types, Deriv offers trading conditions that cater to both novice and experienced traders. The broker’s commitment to transparency and fair pricing enhances the overall trading experience.

Robust Customer Support

Deriv’s dedicated customer support team ensures that traders receive timely and efficient assistance whenever needed. The availability of multilingual support and comprehensive educational resources further enhances the trading experience, providing traders with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

Regulation and Security

Deriv’s regulation by multiple reputable financial authorities provides traders with confidence in the broker’s integrity and reliability. The enforcement of strict regulatory standards ensures that traders’ funds are protected, and the trading environment is secure.

Conclusion

Deriv is a well-established and reputable forex broker that offers a comprehensive range of trading services and platforms. With its strong regulatory status, competitive trading conditions, robust customer support, and extensive educational resources, Deriv provides a reliable and secure trading environment for traders of all levels.

Whether you are a novice trader looking to learn the basics or an experienced trader seeking advanced tools and features, Deriv offers the resources and support needed to achieve your trading goals. By continuously innovating and adapting to the evolving needs of traders, Deriv remains a leading choice for forex and CFD trading.