Trading on COVID-19 – A warning from the FSCA

The FSCA has warned the public that even though online trading platforms offer “demo accounts”, these accounts are set up to simulate “normal” market conditions that typically lead to favourable outcomes. The FSCA warns further that these demo accounts may not necessarily simulate the high volatility which the financial markets are currently experiencing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant global lockdowns.

Clients have been warned to consider the complexity and high-risk nature of foreign currency trading products and have been reminded to check whether the online trading platforms are provided by entities which are licensed as financial services providers under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 (FAIS) and where applicable in the case of forex derivatives, whether the providers of the foreign currency derivative instruments (sometimes offered in the form of contracts for difference), are licensed as over-the-counter derivatives providers under the Financial Markets Act 19 of 2012 (FMA).

Speculating during times of high market volatility may be attractive to those seeking to profit off market uncertainty, however unlisted derivatives such as contracts for difference are often highly leveraged financial products that could result in significant losses (including loss of a client’s entire initial investment).

A copy of the FSCAs Press Release can be found at the following link www.fsca.co.za - FSCA Press Release Public warning against Forex trading platforms 15 April 2020.