CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% 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.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% 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.

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Professional account

Join the pro Club.
*Only available to eligible participants. Supporting documents are required.
 

Retail vs. Professional account explained

 

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has introduced a new regulation that caps leverage available to retail traders. The new rule came into effect on 1st August 2018 and it requires from retail traders to add more funds, should they wish to retain their current trading style. You could avoid this limitation by becoming a professional client.
 
A retail trader is an individual or corporate trader who falls under the MiFid Retail Client category. Retail traders have access to a maximum of 30:1 leverage and hence receive the most protection. The regulatory rules and principles require for retail traders to receive maximum transparency in terms of communications and full disclosure in terms of trading risk involved. To get access to higher leverage in accordance with FCA, a retail trader has to qualify as an Elective Professional trader (EPC).

How to become a professional client?

I am an existing client. How do I become a professional client?

 

Not eligible for a Professional client? No problem!

 

If you don’t satisfy the EPC requirements, you can continue using your ThinkMarkets account as a retail client and the relevant leverage restrictions will apply. For more information, please contact our customer service team. 

  • New to ThinkMarkets? Start your application now.

  • Apply now

image/svg+xml Retail Account Professional Account Maximum leverage up to 30:1 up to 500:1 Eligible for all loyalty rewards and benefits Senior trader direct line Client money remains segregated from our funds Best Execution remains unchanged Eligible for the FSCS Rights to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service Mandatory margin close-out rule Negative balance protection


Frequently asked questions

 


Why is leverage being limited?

In March 2018, ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, announced that they will be restricting leverage to a maximum of 30:1 in an attempt to strengthen financial trading and protect retail traders from high risk.



When does the new regulation come into effect?

The new regulation comes into effect on 1st August on 2018.

 

I am not eligible. What now?

 If you don’t satisfy the EPC requirements, you can continue using your ThinkMarkets account as a retail client and the relevant leverage restrictions will apply.

 

What is included in a “financial instrument portfolio”?

A financial instrument portfolio includes cash deposits, savings, shares, options and fund investments. Please note that property portfolios are not included.

 

How much experience do I need in the financial sector in order to qualify?

You work or have worked in the financial sector for at least 12 months in a position that requires knowledge of CFDs and/or spread betting transactions.



Are there any tax implications?

No changes apply to the tax status of the products we provide to our clients.

 

Do I have to provide proof of meeting the criteria?

In accordance with the FCA regulations, elective professional account holders might be required to provide proof of meeting the criteria.

 

 

What protections does the elective professional trader lose?

Elective professional traders are not protected by negative balance protection and therefore may lose more than they deposit. ThinkMarkets will assume that an EPC client has a certain level of knowledge of the financial markets and we can therefore use sophisticated language in our communications.





 
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