In this review, we delve into Windsor Brokers, a long-standing online trading provider specializing in Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Established in 1988, Windsor Brokers has built a reputation over decades, offering its services to a global clientele.

Introduction to Windsor Brokers

Windsor Brokers is a veteran in the online trading industry, having operated for over three decades. It provides traders access to a diverse range of financial instruments, including Forex, commodities, indices, shares, and cryptocurrencies, all via CFDs. Regulated by multiple authorities, notably the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, Windsor Brokers aims to offer a secure and compliant trading environment. This review will explore its key features, advantages, disadvantages, and pricing structure to help potential traders make an informed decision.

Key Features

• Regulatory Compliance: Regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and FSC (Mauritius), providing oversight and client protection.
• Diverse Asset Portfolio: Offers trading on over 60 Forex pairs, major indices, various commodities (metals, energies, agriculture), global shares, and popular cryptocurrencies (as CFDs).
• Multiple Trading Platforms: Supports the globally recognized MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, available on desktop, web, and mobile, alongside its proprietary Windsor Brokers Trade App for a streamlined mobile experience.
• Account Types: Provides several account options, including Prime, Zero, and VIP accounts, catering to different trading styles and capital sizes with varying spreads, commissions, and minimum deposits.
• Educational Resources: A comprehensive section featuring market analysis, economic calendars, webinars, and educational articles to support traders of all experience levels.
• Customer Support: Dedicated multi-lingual customer service available 24/5 via live chat, email, and phone, ensuring prompt assistance.
• Risk Management Tools: Standard features like stop-loss, take-profit, and margin call levels are available on platforms to help manage trading risks.

Pros

• Long-Standing Reputation: With over 30 years in operation, Windsor Brokers has a significant history and established trust in the industry.
• Strong Regulatory Framework: Regulation by CySEC offers a degree of investor protection under European directives.
• Extensive Range of Instruments: Traders can diversify their portfolios across a broad spectrum of asset classes.
• Reliable Trading Platforms: The inclusion of MT4, a industry standard, ensures a familiar and robust trading experience.
• Competitive Spreads: Especially on Zero and VIP accounts, offering tight spreads for more cost-effective trading (though commissions apply).
• Comprehensive Educational Content: Valuable resources for both novice and experienced traders to enhance their market knowledge and trading skills.
• Dedicated Customer Service: Responsive and multilingual support available throughout the trading week.

Cons

• Limited Advanced Tools: While MT4 is solid, it lacks some of the more advanced proprietary tools or social trading features found with some newer brokers.
• Jurisdictional Nuances: While regulated, the FSC (Mauritius) regulation might be perceived as less stringent compared to top-tier global regulators.
• CFD-Only Cryptocurrency Trading: Traders cannot own the underlying cryptocurrency assets; they are speculating on price movements.
• Inactivity Fees: Accounts may be subject to inactivity fees after a specified period of dormancy.
• No US Clients: Like many CySEC-regulated brokers, Windsor Brokers does not accept clients from the United States.

Pricing

• Spreads:
  • Prime Account: Spreads start from 1.0 pips on major Forex pairs, commission-free.
  • Zero Account: Spreads start from 0.0 pips on major Forex pairs, with a commission charged per lot traded.
  • VIP Account: Tailored for high-volume traders, offering even tighter spreads and potentially lower commissions.
• Commissions: Applicable on Zero and VIP accounts for Forex and certain other CFD instruments, charged per standard lot per round turn.
• Swaps/Overnight Fees: Standard fees apply for positions held overnight, varying based on the instrument and market conditions.
• Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: Windsor Brokers generally does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals, though third-party payment providers (e.g., banks) may levy their own charges.
• Minimum Deposit: Varies by account type (e.g., typically $100 for Prime, higher for Zero and VIP accounts).
• Inactivity Fee: An inactivity fee may be charged after a specified period (e.g., 6 months or 1 year) of no trading activity, typically a monthly charge until activity resumes or the balance is depleted.