There are many different forex account types you can use to trade financial markets. For forex traders who are a little nervous or just like to be a bit less hands-on, brokers have created managed forex accounts.
In this guide, we look at what makes the best managed forex accounts, and how you can benefit from them. Read on to find out about the best forex managed accounts available.
In This Guide
So let’s start by looking at the forex brokers that offer the best managed forex accounts. Whether you are a money manager looking for a brokerage to run accounts through, or an investor looking to take advantage of the profit potential of experienced traders, these are the best forex managed accounts that you should consider:
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 67% 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....
eToro is one of the leading lights when looking for the best forex managed account. eToro has an excellent trading platform that is one of the most users around, and the CopyTrader function is one of the huge benefits of trading with eToro. Copy trading is a form of portfolio management that allows a trader to follow and copy a trader’s positions straight into their portfolio.
With the size of the eToro client base, there is an impressive selection of traders to copy and all at zero cost to the investor. Full stats and great information on the traders’ track records, make eToro one of the leaders of the bunch. eToro is regulated in Europe by the CySEC (Cyprus) and the FCA (UK).
Past performance is not an indication of future results
There is also the next step up in eToro’s copy trading service with the CopyPortfolio function. Top Trader Portfolios comprise the best performing and sustainable traders on the platform. Market Portfolios are also available across various asset classes. Each CopyPortfolio performance is assessed and managed by eToro’s investment committee.
Pros:
Cons:
Visit eToro Now
Your capital is at risk.
For money managers looking to trade for their clients, the MAM account through AvaTrade should be considered. The MT4 MAM terminal gives strong account service and functionality to the money manager looking to trade block trades for client sub-accounts.
Account managers can trade using EAs (Expert Advisors), can set up sub-groups for different strategies, and have the flexibility for different commission structures.
There is great liquidity, reliable execution and the spreads are competitive.
Visit AvaTrade Now
IC Markets is another broker that money managers should look for managed accounts. With strong functionality for MAM and PAMM accounts via the MT4 platform, trades can be placed through Full, Mini, and Micro lot accounts.
Another feature of the service is the ability to add and remove funds without affecting the trading activity. This is important for the smooth management of client turnover. Furthermore, IC Markets executes the bulk order via Straight Through Processing (STP) which helps to improve trust and trading transparency but also helping to reduce pricing irregularities between the master and investors.
Visit IC Markets Now
Some brokers partner with a third party to deliver managed accounts. This can enable an advanced service and the Vantage FX PAMM Account does just that.
The Vantage FX PAMM Account on MT4 and MT5 platforms allow a flexible performance fee structure, where investors can deposit and withdraw at any time. Using the PAMM structure of the managed account also means there are no rounding issues that can be faced by lot allocation, whilst also being able to have the equity allocation method.
Visit Vantage FX Now
With both PAMM and LAMM accounts available, the managed accounts at FxPro give the money manager a lot of versatility in how they manage their account.
The ability to set fees and have a range of allocation methods available makes the FxPro MAM accounts a strong offering for master account managers. Allocation can be done via lots, equal risk, equity, percentage, and balance. This gives the money manager good flexibility.
Visit FxPro Now
Forex92 makes it into the Top 10 forex managed accounts even though it is not a broker. When you are looking for a specialist in managed accounts, then Forex92 could be a consideration. Forex92 is not a broker but is a UK fund management firm that partners with regulated brokers such as BlackBull Markets and AVA Trade.
It works by the investor signing with a forex broker (they have a list of brokers they work with) and funding the account with a minimum of $10,000. Once your account is funded, then you will need to hand over your MT4 login details to the team at Forex92. For added security, signing a Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) can also be done.
Forex92 then manages your account with a team of traders using disciplined fundamental and technical analysis skills.
Visit Forex92 Now
If you are looking to trade forex through a managed account with a social trading feel, then the IX Social account through INFINOX is a good option.
INFINOX looks at managed accounts differently from other brokers. The fees of using the PAMM account are zero for investors. This is because INFINOX instead pays the account manager directly.
There is a strong social fee to the account too as managers become influencers and earn rewards for each account that follows them. Financial instruments you can gain exposure to also include forex, CFDs, commodities, and crypto markets.
Visit INFINOX Now
If you are looking for a broker which is loud and proud of its forex managed accounts, then Key To Markets should be considered. The PAMM trading account for MT4 is prominent on their website and they have hundreds of trading accounts that can be followed.
For money managers, the fee structure is customizable with no additional costs. Also, the Social PAMM page is a good way to attract new followers.
For investors, the software calculates the Net Asset Value on an hourly basis, so joining accounts would not be allocated pre-existing losses. Also, access to funds can be important, so leaving the PAMM account is a quick process that can be handled in 1 business day and perhaps as quickly as a few hours.
Visit Key To Markets Now
When it comes to the ease of understanding what is need to become a Master (account manager) or a Follower (investor) then FXPRIMUS has a strong offering.
The website has a whole raft of information on the process of how to start trading with managed forex. They are strong and upfront on the information of the performance of their PAMM accounts and of all the accounts to follow.
With FX Primus, the process works by managers setting up an “offer”. The manager sets fees for the service, with a master commission in addition to a performance fee. Along with setting a “trading interval” (often one month) and minimum balance that investors need to have in the account, the manager can also stipulate whether an “early revocation” penalty is applied and how much this would be. If accepted, then trading can begin. Furthermore, though, the followers can also set out an offer of what they would like the master to charge. WIth FX Primus, trading through managed accounts is very much a two-way process.
Visit FX Primus Now
Last and by no means least on our Top 10 forex managed accounts is FP Markets. If pricing is an important factor for money managers then the MAM and PAMM accounts at FP Markets should be considered.
The trades on managed accounts at FP Markets are executed on an Electronic Communications Network (ECN) basis, meaning that large volume orders are met with deep liquidity and tight spreads. This also allows for strong execution whilst minimal slippage due to dedicated servers is also helpful for costs.
Visit FP Markets Now
As with much of what we have covered with the best managed forex accounts, there are two aspects to the structure of fees. The important question to answer, is how does an account manager get paid?
In attracting followers, the account manager can generate income in one of two ways:
It means that how the broker sets up the structure of the system will have a direct impact on the trading fees for the followers. Subsequently, with some brokers, trading through a managed forex account can be free.
Some brokers have no fees for Brokers can pay the manager directly:
It is more common for the brokers to not pay the account manager. Some brokers leave it to the follower to pay the manager. Instead, the cost of the managed account falls on the follower. With the PAMM accounts through FXPRIMUS and Key To Markets, the follower will need to agree to commissions and fees based upon the trading results that are set by the money manager.
However, in most instances, there is a performance fee paid on profits. So, at least the investor only pays on winning performance. Dedicated forex fund management firms such as Forex92 also charge performance fees. Depending upon the account and how much the investment is, performance fees can be between 20% to 30% of total monthly profits.
Trading the forex market successfully can be difficult, especially for novices or traders who lack the time to make a serious commitment. MT4 brokers, MT5 brokers, and also brokers with proprietary platforms offer managed forex accounts. The difference is that with managed forex trading, the account management of the investor’s money can be passed over to an experienced trader. The investor can then take advantage of the trading strategy of the more experienced trader.
Investors can decide on who the money manager is, how much of their account they manage, and the level of risk being deployed. Although the investor gives up the power of attorney to run their money, this can be withdrawn at any time.
So there are two different sides to managed forex accounts:
The three different models of managed accounts:
Masters will create their accounts and “offers” to encourage other traders to follow them. The broker will showcase the selection of accounts on offer for investors to follow. Investors can then choose the account that best suits their specifications.
So what are the factors to consider? How do you decide which managed account or money manager should manage your trading account?
The best combination for your choice of an account manager would probably be one with good, consistent performance, low fees and a record of minimal maximum drawdown.
There can be considerable benefits of trading via a managed forex account. Again it depends upon whether you are an account manager or an investor looking to follow.
For the money manager, the benefits are that they can earn commission on their trading. The system can also help to develop a track record if they are looking to become a professional trader.
However, for the investors who use the system to follow other traders, it seems as though the benefits can be more wide-reaching.
Followers can take advantage of the trading strategy and knowledge of an experienced or professional trader. This is especially helpful for beginner traders who are new to the game and are nervous about making mistakes. The knowledge of what to trade and when to trade it can take years to master. In following someone else, beginner traders can tap into this quickly.
By using the best forex managed accounts, followers can also gain exposure to more financial instruments and greater leverage than they might not be able to trade with as a beginner. This can also help to improve diversification to a trading account.
Although followers give the power of attorney of their trading over to another person, the best managed forex accounts will also enable quick access to withdraw money. The power of attorney can be withdrawn at any time, giving them added control over their funds.
To start trading with CopyTrader, firstly you will need to sign up for an account with eToro. This begins by you providing personal detail such as your name, address, National Insurance details.
You will then need to answer several questions about your level of experience:
You will also be asked about your experience of trading leveraged products.
As an extension to your experience, you will be asked to prove your understanding of leverage as you will also be required to take a test of your understanding of derivatives.
Then you will be asked about the financial instruments that you intend to invest in and what your trading strategy is and then your purpose for trading.
67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Next, you will be asked about your trading intentions. How much do you intend to deposit into the eToro trading account over the course of a year? You will also be asked about your intended attitude towards risk and reward.
Then, it is on to a few more personal questions involving whether any of your family members are connected with the industry. Finally, eToro wants to know about your sources of income for the account, your net annual salary, and what your level of savings is.
At that point, you then need to await verification by the team at eToro and then provide proof of your identification.
Hopefully, you’ll now be cleared to start trading.
When it comes to looking for the best forex managed accounts, then there are a few different ways of doing it. The Trading Platforms list of the Best Managed Forex Accounts provides comprehensive options for Money managers looking for MAM and PAMM trading accounts and Investors looking for a way to passively trade the forex market.
At Trading Platforms, our view is that eToro is the best way to trade managed accounts. With a huge range of traders to follow on CopyTrader and CopyPortfolio, there is a great choice of platform for investors at zero cost.
We hope that we have helped you with your choice. Good luck with your trading!
It depends upon the broker. Some brokers set up the system where the investor pays the money manager through commissions and performance-related fees. Other brokers pay the account manager directly and this helps to save the investor on costs.
Most systems will be set up for the investor to be able to withdraw their money from the fund when they would like. This can often be within one business day. However, sometimes this can incur an early withdrawal fee, so make sure to check beforehand.
Often the trading strategies and performance of the account you are following will be posted on the social pages of the trading platform. This may not always include the exact detail of the positions that the trader has taken (as this could infringe upon the intellectual property of the trader’s strategy). However, it would give you information about the manager’s performance. The more transparent the performance the better as this also acts as a tool for the manager to advertise the fund. The manager can trade any traded instruments they choose.
Managed accounts are great for beginner traders! Being able to start by taking advantage of the knowledge and experience can be a great way to ease yourself into trading. Managed accounts are also very useful for traders who want to take part in financial markets but struggle for the time commitment that is often needed to be successful.
This is where regulation of the broker is important. Always look for a broker with strong, multi-jurisdictional regulation. Look for a broker that says that it segregates client funds too. That way you can help to ensure added protection for your trading account.
There are dedicated professional companies such as Forex92 that specialise in managed forex. Although you give power of attorney away, all funds are paid out to the account or card that they were put into the account. This helps to ensure that there is no way to divert funds to a different account. In this way, the investor keeps control.
Richard Perry is an independent market analyst for Perry Market Analysis. In a career spanning over 20 years he has provided market analysis for a number of forex brokers and organisations. He specialises in major forex, commodities and equities. Richard has also written and produced content for FX Street, Investing.com, Investor’s Chronicle, and Ask Traders..
Best UK Stock, Forex, CFD, Crypto, Social or Day Trading Platform that meets your needs.
