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.

A Unified Global Brand: IAS ANALYSIS
As part of IAS Global Co., Ltd., the Company now operates under the globally recognized brand name IAS ANALYSIS (IAS), which reflects core expertise in providing personalized and intelligent spectral analysis technology terminal products and services through technological and product innovation. The IAS brand represents precision, agility, and a forward-thinking approach, unifying all subsidiaries under a single identity to strengthen international presence and client-centric business philosophy.

Enhanced Brand Identity and Logo
IAS Global Pte. Ltd. will adopt the global IAS ANALYSIS logo, harmonized across all regions to signify the Company’s alignment with the group’s strategic vision and technological excellence. The refreshed logo embodies innovation, connectivity, and commitment to a borderless future.

Consistency in Excellence
While the Company’s name and visual identity evolve, the foundational values, leadership, and dedication to client success remain unchanged. Clients and partners will continue to receive the same high-quality services, now amplified by IAS ANALYSIS’s global network, advanced spectral analytics capabilities, and collaborative resources.

Following the brand refresh and upgrade, both the old and new logos will coexist in the international market during the transition period. Both old and new packaging are authentic and certified products of the company.

Looking Forward
The Company is excited to embark on this new chapter as IAS Global Pte. Ltd., and extend gratitude to clients, partners, and employees for the steadfast support. Together, the Company will continue to uphold its mission of ‘Illuminating Intelligence’ collaborating with global partners to jointly build a new intelligent analysis ecosystem and promote the sustainable development of society through spectral analysis technology.

For inquiries, contact [service@ias-glb.com] or visit [www.ias-glb.com].

IAS Global Pte. Ltd.
A subsidiary of IAS Global Co., Ltd. | Unified Brand: IAS ANALYSIS (IAS)
Tel: +65-91995851
Website: www.ias-glb.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iasglb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iasglb
Uniting local expertise with global vision – the future is IAS ANALYSIS.
Hashtag: #IASGlobal #IASANALYSIS

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

In collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Group has transformed the Lambeth Walk Rest Garden into the Art Garden, an outdoor space adjacent to The Henderson—the Group’s super Grade-A commercial development. This Art Garden seamlessly blends art, innovation and sustainability. The Art Garden officially opened its doors to the public, showcasing a collection of nature-inspired artworks by renowned local and international artists. Amongst which, the artwork created by local artist group resonates with the design philosophy of The Henderson and incorporates conservation elements. This artwork will be on display until 31 May.

An artistic sanctuary showcasing international and local artists

The Art Garden and The Henderson share a strong connection. Also designed by the world-leading Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), the Art Garden’s elegant curves echo and extend the architectural vision and innovative spirit of The Henderson, making it the first sculpture garden by ZHA in Asia.

Inside the garden, a collection of nature-inspired artworks by renowned international artists is on view. They include Breathing Tree, the first zero-carbon kinetic sculpture shown by American environmental artist Ned Kahn in Hong Kong, which is permanently exhibited. This approximately 7-meter-high art installation combines elements of wind, water and mist, visualizing the power of nature, dynamism and energy.

The world’s first permanently installed digital light artwork created by German digital artist Philipp Frank, Hypnotic Dream, translates a tree’s inner frequencies into abstract light projections on the 200-year-old Chorisia tree in the Art Garden, complemented by immersive soundscapes.

Besides, the Group has continuously supported local young artists and specially invited the local art group STICKYLINE x Leanna Lee to create a limited-time artwork for the Art Garden. The sculpture, The Fractal Forest, marks the first use of fractal geometry and the golden ratio in an art form, echoing the design philosophy of The Henderson while incorporating conservation elements to promote biodiversity. As much as these creations help raise public awareness about the importance of sustainability, they foster a stronger community spirit by drawing people together.

Creating an environment where butterflies can thrive

In addition to the arts, the Group attaches great importance to sustainable development. Thorough consideration was given to maintaining the ecological balance of the Art Garden and its surrounding area during the design process. Since Central and Admiralty are important habitats for various species of butterflies in Hong Kong, the Group worked closely with ecologists and other experts to incorporate a variety of nectar-rich plants in the art garden to create a butterfly-friendly ecological environment, proving that it is possible to balance development and conservation.

Art Garden@The Henderson

Address: Lambeth Walk Rest Garden, Central, Hong Kong

Website: https://www.thehenderson.com.hk/art/

Remarks: The Fractal Forest is on display up to 31 May 2025.

Hashtag: #HendersonArtGarden #HendersonLand

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