Media OutReach
Decisive factors: Octa carried out a global survey about brokers’ red flags
Every experienced trader knows a handful of tell-tale signs indicating an unreliable broker. This awareness can come from personal experience, common sense, or secondhand accounts. In any case, these red flags define traders’ choices. They are essential knowledge for those starting their journey in the financial markets or seeking an opportunity to engage with a new broker.
As a trusted broker focusing on building long-term, mutually beneficial client relations, Octa regularly researches traders’ behaviours. Here’s what traders think about brokers’ red flags.
Realistic expectations
First and foremost, Octa’s survey revealed a strong interest in brokers’ promises. It turns out traders are highly unappreciative of murky, evasive, and overly optimistic messages. This kind of false assurance and misleading self-positioning on the part of a broker can turn them off even before their trading journey begins.
When asked about major red flags in brokers’ advertising and positioning, South African and Malaysian traders indicated the most concern about companies that promise easy and unrealistic gains: 62% and 60%, respectively. 36% of Indonesian traders also said this type of misrepresentation was enough to scare them off.
Guaranteed profits declared by the broker are also a major red flag for traders in various regions. This is especially true about South Africa, where 40% of survey participants said they wouldn’t engage with a broker promising bulletproof positive outcomes.
Chart manipulations: a universal red flag
Unsurprisingly, more than half of the respondents in all countries indicated that trading chart manipulations like creating artificial gaps or manipulating candlesticks would be a major concern and would most probably lead to saying goodbye to a broker, regardless of other factors.
There is almost no discrepancy between different survey countries regarding this red flag: between 54% and 61% of traders stay away from brokers that allow such malpractices.
As a regulated and trusted broker, Octa works with independent, third-party liquidity providers to offer its clients non-distorted market prices. Octa also provides access to historical chart data so that traders can verify that the broker’s prices align with actual market conditions and that there were no chart manipulations or price slippages at any given time.
Fast withdrawals as a recognised sign of reliability
A surprisingly high percentage of participants said they had encountered serious fund withdrawal issues in their trading careers. As many as 27% of respondents in South Africa indicated they had had this problem at some point in their trading journey.
21% of Indonesian and 19% of Malaysian traders also had insoluble problems with the cash withdrawal process when engaging with various financial brokers. Nigerian traders were less exposed to this negative side of the trading experience, with only 14% reporting unsolved withdrawal issues.
Octa recommends testing a broker first-hand and forming your own opinion instead of mindlessly believing optimistic promises. Among other advantages, the broker offers a fast and efficient withdrawal procedure that can easily be tested by any trader who engages with Octa, regardless of the country.
High fees can be a deal-breaker
When asked what broker’s flaw is most likely to stop them from becoming the broker’s client, most survey participants highlighted the following two main reasons:
- high spreads and hidden trading commissions (from 29% in South Africa to 39% in Indonesia)
- slow, non-transparent, or unfavourable cash withdrawal procedures and rules (from 13% to 29%, depending on the country).
These results show that traders highly value full transparency and fair trading conditions in addition to fast and efficient withdrawals. Indeed, when it comes to intraday trading, high spreads or hidden fees can turn a profitable trading session into a losing one. Such an outcome can come as a shock to a trader if the real-life commissions and fees differ from those indicated by a broker in terms and conditions.
Wrong moves
The Octa’s survey was not limited to brokers’ red flags and made a foray into traders’ self-reflection. When asked what trading mistakes led them to significant losses, survey participants indicated the following reasons as the most prevalent:
- trading when affected by strong emotions
- forgetting about management tools
- placing orders intuitively, without any specific strategy in mind
- executing strategies without trying them on the demo account first.
Other reasons for making bad trading decisions include trading when feeling fatigued. Overall, it is safe to say that emotional behaviours are among the most dangerous negative factors affecting traders’ performance.
The research established that Indonesian, Malaysian, South African, and Nigerian traders prefer to work with brokers that provide a sense of security and transparency. They look for clear, predictable, and honest procedures that avoid hidden fees or complex withdrawal conditions, which can help establish long-term relationships with brokers based on mutual respect and clarity.
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Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
Media OutReach
From PolyU Research to Geneva Global Debut: GOOD Vision oka³y! ™ Redefines Precision in Freeform Orthokeratology
Beyond Traditional Toric Lenses: The Future of Freeform Orthokeratology
With myopia expected to affect 50% of the world’s population by 2050, demand for effective management is high. While Ortho-K is a highly effective strategy, traditional symmetric and spherical/ toric designs often underestimate corneal shape complexity, causing lens decentration and poor visual outcomes.
The oka³y!™ freeform technology, incorporating the company’s proprietary FAST-360 and CORe Technology, surpasses traditional lens design. AI-based FAST-360 reconstructs missing corneal data for faster scans, while CORe ensures precise alignment with the visual axis, leading to 3.1 times greater stability.
Precision Myopia Correction and Control for High Astigmatism and Asymmetric Corneas
For optometrists and clinic owners, oka³y!™’s key benefit is improving workflow by automating complex mathematics, cutting chair time by 64%. This boosts myopia management capacity without extra staff or lengthy training. “As a registered optometrist in Hong Kong and a researcher in one of the world’s leading optometric institutes, I witnessed a growing gap between the number of patients seeking Ortho-K and the limited range of conventional products available to treat them,” says Dr. Kin Ho Chan, Ken, the lead inventor of oka³y!™. “By focusing on the ‘3A’: AI-guided, Astigmatism, and Asymmetry, and working alongside The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Poly U), we have developed a design that not only delivers superior vision but also enhances safety by reducing corneal staining. We are turning a frustrating, manual trial-and-error process into a predictable one-click adjustment.”
From Niche Specialty to Global Enterprise: Scaling the Future of Eye Care
As myopia rates reach epidemic levels, GOOD Vision partners with PolyU, harnessing its research strengths and support from its startup ecosystem PolyVentures, to redefine primary eye care by transforming a niche specialty into a scalable global enterprise. By replacing manual OK lens design with oka³y!™, the company has created a technology bridging clinical complexity and scalability. This transition enables practitioners to manage myopia, high astigmatism, and asymmetrical cases precisely, removing barriers to modern refractive error management.
“By embedding and automating the complex mathematics of lens design, we provide clinicians with the tools to treat ‘difficult’ patients who were previously considered unsuitable for Ortho-K,” added Professor Chea-su Kee, Founder of GOOD Vision. “This is about elevating the global standard of care and ensuring that precision myopia management is accessible to the next generation on a global scale.”
Experience the Future of Myopia Control
GOOD Vision invites investors, distributors, and practitioners to a live demonstration of the oka³y!™ at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva:
- Location: PolyU Delegation Booth, Hall 2, Palexpo, CP 112, Route François-Peyrot 30, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland
- Dates: 11–15 March 2026
Hashtag: #GOODVision
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About GOOD Vision Technologies Co., Limited
GOOD Vision, a Hong Kong-based startup nurtured by PolyU, is dedicated to advancing the field of corneal reshaping technologies. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and affordability, the company develops innovative solutions to empower eye practitioners and enhance the quality of eye care worldwide.
For additional details about GOOD Vision and their innovative offerings, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodvisiontech
Central Landmark Set for Revitalization with International Expertise
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2026 – In a vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s vibrant and enduring business environment, Nexxus Building, a landmark Grade‑A commercial property in Central’s prestigious CBD, has been acquired by a leading figure in the technology sector. Trivium Asset Management (“Trivium”), an Asian real estate investment and asset management firm, has been appointed as Nexxus Building’s Asset Manager (“AMC” or Asset Management Company), taking charge of the asset’s comprehensive management and operations.
Under new ownership, Nexxus Building is set to undergo a forward‑looking transformation integrating next‑generation technologies with world‑class professional management. The revitalization aims to redefine the building’s market positioning, enhance its tenant experience, and reinforce its status as an iconic and premier Grade‑A property in the heart of Hong Kong’s CBD.
Leveraging Trivium’s extensive expertise, the enhancement programme will incorporate smart‑building management systems and sustainability‑driven upgrades designed to meet the evolving needs of global tenants. The reimagined Nexxus Building aims to attract financial institutions, fintech platforms, and technology enterprises, reaffirming Central’s position as Asia’s dynamic financial and innovation hub.
Mr. Wilfred Ma, Managing Partner of Trivium Asset Management, said, “Trivium is honored to be entrusted with the role of Asset Manager (“AMC” or Asset Management Company) for Nexxus Building, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic commercial landmarks. Drawing on our track record in real estate investment and operations across Hong Kong and Japan, we are committed to implementing forward‑thinking strategies that enhance tenant value, optimize building performance, and unlock Nexxus Building’s full potential as a commercial anchor in the city’s core.”
Originally built in 1962 as the former headquarters of Hang Seng Bank, Nexxus Building has been a witness to Hong Kong’s rise as a global financial centre. Following a major renovation in 2008 and the addition of a direct footbridge to IFC and the Airport Express in 2020, the building continues to host multinational corporations, leading financial institutions and professional services firms, and premium retail tenants – including the iconic Hong Kong Bankers Club – reinforcing its status as one of Central’s most distinguished Grade‑A office towers.
Hashtag: #TriviumAssetManagement
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Trivium Asset Management
Founded in 2022, Trivium Asset Management is a Hong Kong‑based real estate investment and asset management firm overseeing assets valued at over US$900 million across Asia. Trivium serves institutional investors, financial institutions, and family offices through integrated investment and asset management, value‑creation strategies, and technology integration. The firm’s mission is to maximize long‑term value and promote sustainable growth for clients and communities alike.
Media OutReach
HOFA Announces the Second Edition of the Digital Art Awards, in Collaboration with Exhibition Partner PhillipsX in Hong Kong, proudly backed by Lightyear
The awards ceremony will take place on 24 March 2026, featuring the four key categories of Still Image, Moving Image, Innovation and Experiential and followed by a private sale exhibition hosted by Phillips in Hong Kong, from 25–28 March 2026.
As a highlight of Hong Kong’s spring art calendar, the awards celebrate the growing cultural significance of digital art and spotlights the visionary artists redefining visual culture through cutting-edge technologies.
Thirty two international finalists will be selected for their work pushing the boundaries of digital creativity. Each of the four category winners will receive a $10,000 USDC commission towards a new artwork.
The thirty two finalists include several prominent figures in digital and generative art, such as Erick Calderon (Snowfro) Founder of Art Blocks, Botto, Sarah Meyohas, William Mapan, Sasha Stiles and Mario Klingemann – underscoring the calibre of talent the awards are already attracting with over two hundred applications across more than fifty countries.
Refik Anadol is nominated for the Honorary Career Award for Sense of Healing, an AI Data Sculpture that emerges from Refik Anadol Studio’s long-term research into creating meditative art based on neurological data.
Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of leading experts in art, hospitality and technology, including Irini Mirena Papadimitriou, Exhibitions Director at Diriyah Art Futures, Thomas Heyne, Co-Founder and CEO at Scorpios, Dorothy di Stefano, Art Curator and Creative Strategist at Molten Immersive Art, Danielle So, Hong Kong Head of Auction, Modern & Contemporary Art, Phillips, Sebastien Borget, Co-Founder & Global of The Sandbox, SANDchain, President of Blockchain Game Alliance and Co-Founder of Artverse, Jean-Michel Pailhon, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Grailcapital, Simonida Pavicevic, Co-Founder and Curator at HOFA, Justin Gilanyi, Founder of WhereArt.Works and Curator at SILK, and Matt Zhang, Founder and Managing Partner at Hivemind Capital.
The Digital Art Awards are proudly backed by Lightyear, a subsidiary of Hivemind Digital Group. A full-stack digital culture partner, Lightyear provides infrastructure, liquidity and market expertise, and hands-on delivery for digital ownership and engagement across physical and digital experiences. Lightyear is committed to championing artists and organizations pushing the boundaries of digital culture.
Hashtag: #HOFA #PhillipsX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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