The Big Problem
If you’ve been around the trading world, you’ve probably seen ads and messages promising “guaranteed profits” or “easy withdrawals.” Sounds tempting, right? But here’s the reality: many of these so-called brokers aren’t licensed.
Just take a look at the list for this week alone—20 names were flagged by regulators like the FCA (UK) and ASIC (Australia). Some of them even pretend to be clones of legit companies (like EBC Financial Group or Anzo Capital).
When you see names like Alchemy Investment, Phronimos Group, Elevate Trade, Trader Markets, Nivi Finserv, Premium Capital FX, Primarkets, Traderspaying, Grimbix, Vlex Global, and more, all slapped with the word “Unregulated,” that should set off alarm bells.
The Pandemic Lesson
During the pandemic, millions of people tried online trading for the first time. Sadly, this was the same time unregulated brokers exploded globally. Social media was flooded with promises of quick profits, and many people deposited their savings into these platforms.
The result? Countless traders lost money they could never recover. To this day, a lot of people are still scared of trading because of those bad experiences. And the truth is—unregulated brokers haven’t gone away. They’re still out there, just using new names and new tricks.
Why Unregulated Brokers Are So Dangerous
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Your money isn’t safe – No compensation schemes, no fund protection. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
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No one is watching them – No regulator, no audits, no transparency. They can manipulate platforms however they want.
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Withdrawal nightmares – Many traders find they can deposit easily, but withdrawing feels like pulling teeth. Some brokers even ask for “extra fees” before you can take your own money out.
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Clones are common – They’ll copy the name, logo, or license number of a real broker, tricking you into thinking they’re legit.
So, Who Can You Trust?
This is where multi-regulated brokers like Tickmill come in. Tickmill isn’t just licensed in one country—it’s authorised across multiple respected financial watchdogs:
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UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
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Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
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Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (FSA)
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Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA)
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Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) South Africa
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Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
That’s a pretty solid safety net.
Tickmill’s Safety of Funds – Why It Matters
When you trade with a regulated broker like Tickmill, you get protections that unregulated firms simply cannot offer:
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Segregated funds – Your money is kept separate from the broker’s own operating funds.
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Compensation schemes – Eligible clients in the UK are covered up to £85,000 (FSCS), and EU clients up to €20,000 (ICF).
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Negative balance protection – You can’t lose more than what you deposit.
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Extra insurance – Tickmill even holds indemnity insurance underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.
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Trusted banking partners – Funds are held only in secure, top-tier banks.
How to Spot a Legit Broker (Quick Guide)
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Check the regulator’s register – Always verify the license number on the regulator’s official site (like FCA or CySEC).
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Look for clear fund protection policies – If they don’t mention segregated funds or compensation schemes, that’s a red flag.
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Watch the funding methods – If it’s crypto-only deposits or shady payment processors, stay away.
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Test withdrawals – A legit broker will let you withdraw smoothly, without “extra clearance fees.”
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Do a quick search – Regulators like IOSCO and FCA ScamSmart regularly publish warning lists.
Final Word
The list of 20 unregulated brokers this week is a strong reminder: the danger is still real. If you don’t want to risk your hard-earned money, don’t just fall for flashy ads or promises. Do your due diligence, check regulation, and stick with brokers that are actually recognised by top financial authorities.
Because at the end of the day, trading is already risky—don’t add the risk of losing your money to a scam.
Choose safety. Choose regulation. Choose brokers like Tickmill.