CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 78.23% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
PROFESSIONAL CLIENTS
Experienced traders who meet at least two of the criteria can qualify as Professional Clients – waiving regulatory protections designed for retail traders.
Eligibility criteria
Maximum flexibility
- Professional leverage
Leverage up to 1:400 - Low stop-out level
Trade at a 30% stop-out level
The Swissquote edge
- No restrictions on Expert Advisors and algo trading – Enjoy complete freedom to build or purchase algorithms, high-frequency trading allowed
- Superior liquidity and execution – guaranteed with our network of Tier 1 banks and regional non-bank liquidity providers
- Stability and security of a listed Swiss banking group (SIX:SQN)
We set new standards for speed and reliability*
*All metrics based on forex orders executed between 01/06/2024 – 31/12/2024
Find out more about our execution statistics and our order execution policy here.
Private vs Professional Clients
| Account Features | Retail Clients (Premium/Prime/Elite) | Professional Clients |
|---|---|---|
| Stop-out level | 50% | 30% |
| Negative balance protection | ✓ | Losses can substantially exceed the initial investment |
| Best execution principle | ✓ | ✓ |
| FSCS deposit protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Client money segregation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Switch to account type with higher protection at any time | ✓ | ✓ |
| Risk warnings | ✓ | You may not receive standardised risk warnings |
| Client support | ✓ | We may use more sophisticated, technical language |
Professional Clients are assumed to understand the risks involved with leverage and margin trading and to have sufficient experience and knowledge to protect themselves. Professional Clients will waive certain client protections and can therefore incur losses that substantially exceed their initial investment.
To qualify as a Professional Client, you need to meet at least two of the following criteria:
- You have traded derivatives (CFDs, Forex, Spreadbets of Futures) of a significant size on an average frequency of 10 times per quarter over the last four quarters.
- You own a portfolio of cash and investments worth EUR 500,000 or more.
- You have worked for at least one year in the financial sector in a professional position that requires knowledge of derivatives trading.
In case your application as elective Professional Client is accepted, you will receive a letter with more details on the protections you will no longer benefit from.
Do you meet at least two of the eligibility criteria?
More on Forex and CFD trading
A complete summary of all Swissquote Forex and CFD products with their corresponding trading conditions.
Our commitment to you: fair dealing and price execution. We provide full transparency on all trading costs – no hidden fees.
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