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Trading & relationships: Octa broker’s guide to red flags

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1 year ago

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2025 – By noticing alarming patterns in other people’s behaviour, we can preemptively avoid them and spare ourselves a lot of stress. But wouldn’t we profit from applying this principle in other areas of life – the experts at Octa, a global broker since 2011, highlight some major broker red flags to avoid at all costs. If one can spot and read those, it becomes easier to choose a trustworthy broker to trade with.

Red flags are signs that the person you are dealing with has one or several personal traits that can—and most likely will—make your potential relationship very troublesome. The concept of red flags and various theories on how to spot them is an immensely popular subject in relationship-related books, digital content, and even casual talks. The wide popularity of this topic is well-deserved since knowing and spotting red flags in other people can save us a lot of trouble throughout life.
But there is much more to red flags than just spotting a potentially unpleasant person. The idea of noticing dangerous signs before going any further can easily be applied to many areas of life, including personal wealth management. Below are three red flags that apply to both people and financial brokers.

No transparency
When one first meets someone and they trying to get to know each other before starting a new romantic relationship or friendship, they naturally want to share some personal information to establish a common ground and start building a bond.
If one notices that a new acquaintance is either strongly unwilling to open up or shares details that seem highly improbable based on what is already known about them, it’s definitely not a good sign. It means the person is either scared to reveal unflattering information or creates a fake, dressed-up version of their life. In either case, it would be better to watch out.
The same is true about brokers. Trustworthy brokers always disclose their trading conditions and transactional information to their clients, building trust and establishing long-term relations with clients from day one. If a broker charges hidden fees or displays inconsistency regarding withdrawals—this is a major red flag, and such a broker is better avoided.
As a regulated and trusted broker, Octa uses its global reach to offer superior trading conditions, which are fully reflected in terms and conditions. These are some of Octa’s key competitive advantages, along with fast and efficient withdrawals. However, nothing beats hands-on experience. Octa nudges traders to ‘try and trust’—in other words, test the broker’s trustworthiness for themselves instead of believing in hearsay.
Lack of Boundaries
When a person disregards others’ personal time and space, tries to jump to a new level in the relationship way too soon, or reveals some highly personal information and expects the other side to do the same—that means they may lack a sense of personal boundaries. That is an obvious red flag in a new relationship since without mutual respect and care, this interaction will not turn out to be mutually satisfying.
The same is true about brokers. Some of them demand excessive personal data from prospective clients. Others fail to implement the necessary information security practices to keep precious user data safe. In either case, the broker disrespects their clients and cannot establish healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with them. Another essential sign of a broker properly handling clients’ boundaries would be having segregated client accounts. This means that clients’ funds are kept separately from the broker’s own capital. This mechanic serves as a financial firewall, ensuring that brokers cannot use traders’ funds for operational expenses or speculative investments, thus enhancing fund security.
Manipulative Behavior
When getting to know someone and this new acquaintance starts applying pressure to do things that feel uncomfortable, it can be a sign of manipulation—a major red flag. In such situations, the manipulator is likely acting with only their interests in mind, without regard for others’ psychological comfort. But when people feel pressured or manipulated into actions they are uneasy with, it can lead to growing resentment over time.
Brokers can be manipulative, just like people. For example, they can pressure the clients to deposit using unregulated communication channels. They can also apply hidden fees and commissions without informing the client, thus breaking the rules before the business transaction even begins.
Trustworthy brokers clearly communicate their conditions and are always transparent about their offerings. They follow industry benchmarks regarding personal information security and build client relationships for the long term, respecting their interests and creating optimal conditions for mutual benefits.
Starting a trading journey is similar to starting a relationship: trust in a broker—or a partner—and a clear understanding of their core values are essential. For a future relationship to be rewarding, a partner or friend must care about the other side and respect the boundaries. Likewise, a reliable broker respects clients’ interests and maintains transparency regarding its trading conditions while creating an empowering environment for thriving.
To determine if a broker is trustworthy, it is advisable to try its services first-hand and see if it delivers on its promises.
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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

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.

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SkinLab The Medical Spa Recognised at the 2026 Singapore Retailers Association Awards (SRA) for Excellence in Beauty and Cosmetics

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12 hours ago

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31/07/2026

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – SkinLab The Medical Spa has been named runner-up in the Beauty and Cosmetics Retailer category at the 2026 Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) Awards, one of the most established recognition programmes in the industry. The award recognises retailers who demonstrate strength across three main criteria: commitment to customer-centric experiences, a cohesive brand presence through a diverse product range, and innovative use of technology and strategy to drive measurable business impact.

For SkinLab, this reflects two decades of building a holistic beauty ecosystem spanning medical aesthetics, skin health, and wellness, under Dr Kelvin Chua, Senior Medical Director and Founder of SL Aesthetic Group. Treatments are personally developed by Dr Chua to address different skin concerns, such as acne, pigmentation, sensitivity, rosacea, dryness, and ageing. The medical spa also offers a range of skincare products formulated for Singapore’s humid climate and to support long-term skin health.

With 10 outlets islandwide, SkinLab has cared for more than 100,000 customers through this model of doctor-designed care. As no two skin conditions present the same way, each treatment can be customised to individual needs and preferences.

SkinLab has also been recognised by Harper’s BAZAAR, HerWorld, and Singapore Women’s Weekly for treatments targeting deep hydration, rejuvenation, and complexion correction. Behind these treatment outcomes are medical-grade technologies, including the LDM Triple, a triple-frequency ultrasound that targets multiple skin depths simultaneously; FDA-approved Lumenis M22 IPL system for photorejuvenation and pigmentation; Onda Pro with Coolwaves™ technology for body contouring; and the globally-recognised HydraFacial.

The medical spa continuously invests in technology that improves the customer experience, including using AI-assisted skin analysis to support consultations alongside chatbot-based scheduling to reduce waiting time and streamline appointment bookings.

SkinLab’s commitment to holistic care extends beyond treatment sessions, promoting skin health literacy educational content and workshops with doctors from sister brand SL Aesthetic Clinic.

“This award is a valuable milestone that reflects how far SkinLab The Medical Spa has grown as a brand,” says Dr Chua. “From the very start, our brand was designed with the customer at the centre, and that principle continues to guide every treatment developed and every experience delivered moving forward. The brand remains committed to advancing medical-led facial treatments that address a wide range of skin concerns more effectively.”

Looking ahead, SkinLab The Medical Spa remains committed to advancing its medical-led approach to skin health, continuing to explore and adopt clinically validated technologies to deliver more individualised care while reinforcing its commitment to clinical excellence across all its outlets.

To learn more, visit: www.skinlabmedspa.com

Hashtag: #SkinLabTheMedicalSpa #SLAestheticGroup #SingaporeRetailersAssociation

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

About SkinLab The Medical Spa

SkinLab The Medical Spa brings together the attentive, understated service of a world-class spa with medically grounded aesthetic science. As the dedicated medical spa brand of SL Aesthetic Group, SkinLab focuses on non-invasive facial treatments for acne, pigmentation, sensitive skin, and overall skin rejuvenation, delivering evidence-based care that supports long-term skin health.

Founded in the 2000s, is a healthcare and aesthetics group specialising in skin and hair health, women’s wellness, and holistic medicine. Its portfolio includes SL Aesthetic Clinic, a doctor-led medical aesthetics practice; SkinLab The Medical Spa; TrichoLab, a specialist hair and scalp centre; PROLOGUE, a women’s wellness and lifestyle medical clinic; and Euphie Skin Solutions in Malaysia. Across its network of clinics and outlets, the Group offers a comprehensive range of FDA-approved aesthetic and medical treatments, all supervised by trained and certified healthcare professionals holding Certificates of Competency (COC) recognised by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (APOC).

SkinLab The Medical Spa operates 10 locations across Singapore, including its flagship medical spa at Wheelock Place, while SL Aesthetic Group has a network of more than 20 clinics and outlets across Singapore and Malaysia.

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Green SM Officially Launches Fully Electric Taxi Service in Denmark

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23 hours ago

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30/07/2026

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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – Green SM today officially launched its fully electric taxi service in Copenhagen, marking the company’s first entry into the European market. The launch represents an important milestone in Green SM’s international expansion, following the successful rollout and operation of its services across Vietnam and several Asian markets.

The launch ceremony was attended by Mr. Do Quang Thai, First Secretary of the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the Kingdom of Denmark, together with representatives from leading Danish organizations, including 3F, Dansk Erhverv, DPT and Carnegie Investment Bank, alongside strategic partners and industry stakeholders from the transport, technology, energy, finance and infrastructure sectors.

As one of the world’s leading cities in sustainable urban mobility, Copenhagen was chosen as Green SM’s first European market. Here, the company aims to complement the city’s existing transport network by offering another reliable, fully electric mobility option for residents and visitors alike.

In Denmark, the company operates a fully electric fleet of VinFast VF 6 and VF 8 vehicles, serving a wide range of everyday urban travel needs. Unlike many ride-hailing platforms that primarily connect passengers with independent drivers, Green SM directly owns and manages its fleet and oversees driver operations to help ensure consistent service quality and customer experience. During the initial phase of operations, Green SM will focus on establishing a reliable local operation, ensuring full compliance with Danish regulations, and continuously improving its service based on feedback from customers, drivers, and other stakeholders.

Delivering a safe, professional, and consistent customer experience begins with Green SM’s drivers. Before serving customers, every driver completes comprehensive training in road safety, customer service, operating procedures, and electric vehicle operation. Together with ongoing training and a robust local operations system, this helps ensure every journey reflects the high standards Green SM is committed to delivering.

Customers can book rides through the Green SM app, available on the App Store and Google Play. Fares are displayed before each trip is confirmed, and electronic receipts are issued automatically at the end of every journey. To mark its launch in Copenhagen, Green SM is offering new customers five (5) vouchers worth 25% off each trip, up to a maximum discount of 100 DKK per ride throughout the Grand Launch period from July 30 to September 30, 2026.

Richard Nabil Chahine, CEO of Green SM Europe, said: “Cities shape the future of mobility long before companies do. Copenhagen is one of those cities. That is why beginning our European journey here carries special meaning for Green SM. We come with deep respect for the standards already established here, drawing on what we have learned from serving millions of journeys across Asia. Our ambition is simple: to become a trusted mobility partner by delivering safe, professional and fully electric journeys that people can rely on every day. If we earn that trust, growth will naturally follow.”

Green SM’s expansion into Europe reflects the company’s long-term approach to international growth. Rather than prioritising rapid expansion, Green SM focuses on building well-structured local operations, adapting its services to local market needs, and earning trust through consistently reliable service.

With its fully electric fleet and low-emission operating model, Green SM hopes to contribute to Denmark’s long-standing ambitions for more sustainable mobility while providing another practical transport choice for everyday journeys.

Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India and Kazakhstan. Through its fully electric fleet, technology platform and consistent operating standards, the company is steadily expanding internationally while adapting its services to local market needs.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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

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Taiwan’s TVBS captures Sagrada Família historic ceremony

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1 day ago

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30/07/2026

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TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – The Sagrada Família in Barcelona reached a historic milestone last month with the blessing and inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ. The ceremony completed the central spire of architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterwork after 144 years of construction. TVBS partnered with Japan’s NHK to provide live coverage, becoming the only Taiwanese media organization granted access to report from inside the basilica.

TVBS, NHK, HTC together documented a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família’s history. TVBS cultural ambassador Lin Chi-ling joined the reporting team in Barcelona.

The collaboration marks a significant moment for Taiwan’s international media presence, as the completion of Gaudí’s vision draws global attention to one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks. NHK has documented the construction of the Sagrada Família for decades, building a relationship of trust with the basilica’s team that enabled joint coverage.

TVBS crews filmed in areas rarely accessible to media, including the crypt where Gaudí is buried, architectural workshops, and key structural sections of the basilica. The team conducted interviews with architects and experts involved in the project during preparations for the inauguration ceremony. Construction on the church began in 1882, one year before Gaudí took over as chief architect.

Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling joined the reporting team in Barcelona as a cultural ambassador for the project. Lin met with architects and experts to explore the basilica through the perspectives of architecture, aesthetics, and cultural heritage. Her involvement added a cultural dimension to the coverage beyond conventional architectural reporting.

The coverage brought together partners from Taiwan’s technology and financial sectors. HTC, through its VIVE Arts initiative, contributed its immersive experience “Gaudí, the Atelier of the Divine.” The virtual reality program allows audiences to explore Gaudí’s architectural world in new ways, transcending geographical and physical boundaries.

TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., which has long supported arts and cultural exchange, sponsored the live broadcast. The company cited values of integrity, innovation, and sustainability in joining the project. The cross-sector collaboration extended Taiwan’s cultural advocacy onto the international stage, connecting the 144-year architectural endeavor to audiences in Taiwan and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.

TVBS integrated AI-powered real-time translation technology throughout the live coverage, facilitating multilingual communication across international production teams. The project showcased Taiwan’s ability to connect industries and communities across borders. TVBS, NHK, HTC, and TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., together documented a defining milestone in the Sagrada Família’s history.

Hashtag: #TVBS

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

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