Hirose Financial UK is a binary and forex broker offering margin trading via a simpler online platform (using MetaTrader4), as well as binary options trading via LION Trader. The firm offers attractive propositions for anyone trading forex or binary. Our review will detail the benefits but also the potential drawbacks. We explore fees, trading platforms, mobile apps, regulations, and more.
The forex brand is one of the world’s largest over the counter providers, boasting more than 200,000 customers worldwide. This international success saw the opening of Hirose UK in 2010, and several other subsidiaries – but LION binary options is operated by Hirose Financial.
Hirose does not provide a dealing desk (NDD) or a straight processor (STP). Instead, orders from traders are routed directly to liquidity providers, such as banks. The company is also not a market benchmark.
Our platform is floating floating. This varies according to the type of account used (Gold and VIP accounts see the smallest spreads). The EUR/USD pair can see a spread of 1.9 on the MetaTrader platform. This model also ensures that trading is commission free.
Key Details
• Demo Account – Yes
• Signal – Yes
• Minimum deposit – $20 (Some deposit methods will carry a higher minimum)
• Minimum Trade – $1
• Bonus Details – Yes, offers vary by region and account type but include a deposit bonus of 50 %
• Mobile application – Yes. iOS, Android and Windows
Trading Platform
There are two platforms offered, depending on the instrument used: LION Trader and the industry standard MetaTrader 4 system.
LION Trader
The LION trading platform has seen many developments and improvements, shaping the business. However, the system is based on the ‘Act Forex’ system, making trading available on many terminals.
User feedback is generally positive in terms of usability and speed of execution. There are 50+ built-in custom technical indicators, and an automated trading ‘bot’. Oracle Coherence is an in-memory data grid that firms use to improve trade execution performance.
The trading area is smooth and simple, which makes it easy for beginners or novices to pick up. There are also various strategies provided by LION to give new traders a starting point. Trail orders can also be opened and left to run when the platform is closed. Scalping or hedging strategies can be implemented in an uncomplicated way on the LION platform.
The trading area represents a solid choice for traders of all experience levels. Hirose delivers a desktop version (via download) and a web-based version. The company suggests the desktop version provides faster execution, but web merchants also perform well.
Using LION
Trader LION Hirose presents a familiar toolbar system. The option facilitates market analysis and order placement. High / Low buttons open or close trades as desired. Any open positions are listed in the ‘open trade’ window. There is also a ‘Close’ button to close any option – either lock in profits or cut losses.
There are also Stop or limit entry order setup options. Likewise, trailing stops can be added to open positions. Using the Modify button opens the option to change the price. Hit Delete to cancel the current order. If you want to activate an alert, press Alert Price. A confirmation pop-up will explain any changes.
Lion also delivers a comprehensive platform education package that can be accessed at any time.
MT4
For forex traders, the MetaTrader4 platform offers experienced traders the option of using advanced chart markers and technical analysis. There is also the ability to test strategies or handle trades. Since MetaTrader4 is a widely used platform, there are various resources online to help traders get the most out of the platform.
Using MetaTrader 4
The order window allows for the opening and closing of trades. Select the required asset, and the desired trade size and direction and intuitive design will lead naturally to each step.
Alternatively, right-click on any price action chart, click Trade and use the New Order button to walk through the same steps.
The terminal window shows open trades. It also shows other account information such as balance and current profit and loss. Margin levels, stop loss and take profit levels can also be found in this section.
Mobile Application
Mobile trading apps are available on iOS, android and Windows. They can be downloaded at any time, but you need to have an open account with Hirose Financial (LION binary options) before you can login.
LION Trader App Features
The mobile application delivers customizable charts and account management amounts. Micro lots can be traded on mobile platforms and mobile accounts sync to any desktop web-based version in real time. The full list of assets and markets is available in the mobile version and customer support can also be contacted via the app.
MT4 App
The MetaTrader application does not require a login, but does need to be associated with a broker of some sort to actually place trades. It can be downloaded from the regular app store.
The mobile version includes + 30+ technical indicators, and customized watch lists – to make booking easier. Trade history is available, as are recent price quotes. All trading options are available through the mobile platform, including the ability to trade directly from the price chart. Trading volume – a key element predicting price movements – is also available in the app.
Moving charts are an obvious strength. Each chart can be zoomed or scrolled or the date range modified. Likewise, various time periods are available and can be switched on easily (1,5,15,30 minute intervals, or 1 or 4 hours and of course daily).
LION Binary Options
The binaries offered at LION are limited to the traditional High / Low. Expiration is offered between 30 seconds (turbo) and 60 minutes. Payout can reach 90% but will vary according to trading volume and assets. Options can also be closed early if desired.
Forex pairs are the asset class with the greatest coverage, with over 40 available. Trading hours will reflect the market of the asset being traded, or in the case of forex, one of the major markets (Sydney, New York, London etc) that are open for trading.
Withdrawal & Deposit Options
LION Binary offers several deposit and withdrawal options, but there are different minimum deposits with several methods:
Debit / credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro) and bank wire transfer both require a minimum of $50
Popular e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller is both options, with a minimum deposit of $ 20
UnionPay (minimum deposit 100 CNY)
Fasapay carries a minimum requirement of only $ 10
The customer support team can deal with financing queries if they arise. As always, it’s a good idea to meet the identification requirements before requesting the first withdrawal. This avoids delays and disputes.
Education
The LIET educational area includes some general trading guidance, as well as advice on strategy. A ticker help guide is also provided – this can be useful when trying to navigate the wealth of technical analysis indicators available. These resources are all provided free of charge. Remember any broker is interested in owning their client’s trades, so be wary of any advice that looks like it might lead to higher trades.
There are also various video tutorials that can be a good way to familiarize yourself with the platform. One is included below.
Bonus / Promotion
Hirose Financial offers several bonus offers and promotions:
• $20 no deposit bonus
• Welcome bonus (deposit) up to $500
• $10 ‘refer a friend scheme’
Bonus terms and conditions change, and are often region specific, so check before signing up if bonuses are an important part of your reason for joining Hirose.