Ando Securities · 安藤証券

In my experience as a trader who prioritizes safety and regulatory oversight, Ando Securities presents itself as a legitimate entity, primarily due to its regulation by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. This level of supervision is significant, as the FSA is known for its stringent standards and regular audits, making it unlikely for outright fraud to persist within its regulatory net. The company has been established since 1998 and has held its current license since 2007, adding to its longevity and credibility in the Japanese market. However, I have some reservations. The inability to access the official website raises concerns about ongoing operational issues or possible technical disruptions. Such issues are worth noting, as they can impact accessibility and support, particularly for non-local or remote investors. The user reviews are mixed: one client accused the platform of being a scam due to an account freeze and inaccessibility, while another praised the effectiveness of their customer service. As a rule, a single negative exposure cannot be definitive, but it does underline the importance of vigilance and risk management. For me, the high minimum deposit—especially for face-to-face trading—and the absence of mainstream forex or CFD offerings place Ando Securities more in the traditional securities broker category than in a globally competitive online forex broker space. While its regulatory status reassures me of basic legitimacy, the service limitations and isolated exposure complaints mean I would approach it with careful due diligence and perhaps seek more transparent, readily accessible alternatives for forex or derivatives trading.

From my experience reviewing Ando Securities, I approached their customer support and platform stability with caution, as I do with any broker, especially those with complex service models. Ando Securities is regulated by Japan’s FSA, which is generally a reassuring sign, but regulation alone does not guarantee a flawless user experience. As someone who values consistent access to my trading account, I find it concerning that their official website has had accessibility issues. This functional instability weighs heavily for me, since being unable to access the platform—especially in volatile markets—can result in missed opportunities or an inability to manage risk effectively. On the customer support side, my interactions and research suggest their team is available only during limited weekday hours. While some traders might find face-to-face or phone support reassuring, the lack of 24/7 online availability could pose a problem when urgent technical issues arise outside of Japanese business hours. I did come across mixed user feedback: one account praised the customer service for dedication during a technical problem, while another reported a negative experience involving an account freeze and subsequent website inaccessibility. I always prioritize brokers with consistently accessible platforms and reliable, swift support. For me, these mixed reports and limited service windows are important drawbacks to weigh, especially considering the serious risks that can arise if urgent help is required and is not immediately available.

When I reviewed Ando Securities as part of my own due diligence, I noticed that their fee structure is quite different from typical forex brokers advertising ECN or raw spread accounts. First, Ando Securities primarily offers access to Japanese stocks, investment trusts, bonds, futures/options, and insurance products; forex and commodities trading are not available through their platform, so the concepts of "ECN" or "raw spread" accounts in the context of forex simply do not apply here. Instead, the brokerage charges commissions on domestic stock trades based on a percentage of the contract value, specifically ranging from 0.08536% to 0.6325%, with a minimum of 2,750 yen. These are not fees per lot, but rather are based on the overall transaction value. Other applicable fees could include purchase or lending interest. In my experience, this is fairly standard in Japanese securities trading, where fees are not structured by “lot” the way they often are in forex markets. For anyone considering Ando Securities, it’s important to be aware that their business focus and cost structure are not suited for typical forex trading practices. The terminology and fee models are aligned with local regulatory requirements and traditional Japanese brokerage services, rather than the international retail forex scene. For me, this underlines the importance of carefully reading the fine print and ensuring my trading objectives and asset choices align with what the broker actually provides.

From my research and direct experiences analyzing Ando Securities, it’s clear that this broker does not offer forex trading for major currency pairs. Despite being regulated in Japan by the FSA and possessing a Retail Forex License, the primary tradable products available through Ando Securities are limited to stocks, investment trusts, bonds, futures/options, and insurance instruments. On their official materials and disclosures, there is no mention of forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, or ETFs being available for client trading. For the asset classes they do provide, margin trading is relevant mainly to equities—Ando Securities stipulates a consignment deposit rate of 40% for margin accounts, but there are no details about leverage ratios typically seen in forex trading. In practice, this means leverage is present for certain equity trades, but far more conservatively than forex brokers who cater to currency traders. I would caution anyone, as always, to ensure you have absolute clarity about a broker’s specific product offering and risk parameters before depositing funds. In my view, if forex leverage and a wide range of currency pairs are your priorities, Ando Securities would not be suitable, as their platform simply doesn’t support these products. It remains best suited for those seeking a regulated Japanese broker for traditional securities, not for leveraged FX trading.