Overall, Ardu Prime is considered low risk, with an overall Trust Score of 97 out of 100. Ardu Prime is licensed by one Tier-1 Regulator (high trust), two Tier-2 Regulator (average trust), and zero Tier-3 Regulators (low trust). Ardu Prime offers three retail accounts namely a Standard, Premium, and Institutional Account.
Investor Warning: Foreign currency trading on margin is associated with an elevated risk and may not be appropriate for all South African investors. Before engaging in foreign currency or Contract for Difference (CFD) trading, you must evaluate your investing goals, expertise, appetite for risk, and willingness to be exposed to risk. In addition, you should not start investing capital that you cannot afford to lose because you could incur a loss of part or your entire original investment.
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Rank
Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
Ardu Prime at a glance
ℹ️ Ardu Prime at a glance | ℹ️ Info |
🏛️ Headquarters | Greece |
🌐 Global Offices | Greece, United Kingdom |
🇿🇦 Local Market Regulators in South Africa | FSCA |
🇿🇦 Foreign Direct Investment in South Africa | 10309.28 billion ZAR |
🇿🇦 Foreign Exchange Reserves in South Africa | 46.3 billion ZAR |
🇿🇦 Local office in South Africa? | No |
🇿🇦 Accepts South African Traders? | Yes |
📅 Year Founded | 1999 |
🇿🇦 South African Office Contact Number | None |
🌐 Social Media Platforms | Facebook |
⚖️ Regulation | HCMC, FCA, BaFin |
🥇 Tier-1 Licenses | FCA |
🥈 Tier-2 Licenses | HCMC, BaFin |
🥉 Tier-3 Licenses | None |
⚖️ License Number | Greece 4/164/20.7.1999 United Kingdom 725166 Germany 10146106 |
⚖️ FSCA Regulation | No |
🌐 Regional Restrictions | United States, Syria, Iran, North Korea |
☪️ Islamic Account | Yes |
📒 Demo Account | Yes |
📒 Retail Investor Accounts | 3 |
📒 PAMM Accounts | No |
📊 Liquidity Providers | Tier 1 interbank markets and providers |
💰 Affiliate Program | Yes |
📊 Order Execution | Market Execution |
📊 Starting spread | From 0.5 USD |
💰 Minimum Commission per Trade | 5 USD |
🔣 Decimal Pricing | 5th Decimals after the comma |
🗨️ Margin Call | MT5: 100% DLA: 100% |
🛑 Stop-Out | MT5: 50% DLA: 120% |
📉 Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 lots |
📈 Maximum Trade Size | Not Indicated |
₿ Crypto trading offered? | Yes |
🇿🇦 Offers a ZAR Account? | No |
🇿🇦 Dedicated South African Account Manager? | No |
📊 Maximum Leverage | 1:30 |
🇿🇦 Leverage Restrictions for South Africa? | No |
💰 Minimum Deposit (ZAR) | R4,750 ZAR (250 USD) |
🇿🇦 South African Rand Deposits Allowed? | No, only USD, EUR, or GBP |
🇿🇦 Active South African Trader Stats | 200,000+ |
🇿🇦 Active South African based Ardu Prime customers | Unknown |
🇿🇦 South African Daily Forex Turnover | 13.1 billion USD |
💰 Deposit and Withdrawal Options | Credit/Debit Card Crypto Bank Transfer |
⌛ Minimum Withdrawal Time | 4 to 5 days |
⌛ Maximum Estimated Withdrawal Time | 4 to 5 days |
💰 Instant Deposits and Instant Withdrawals? | None |
🇿🇦 Segregated Accounts with South African Banks? | No |
📊 Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 5 |
📊 Tradable Assets | Forex Indices Commodities Cryptocurrency US Equities Specialty CFDs |
💱 Offers USD/ZAR currency pair? | Yes |
📊 USD/ZAR Average Spread | Variable |
🇿🇦 Offers South African Stocks and CFDs | No |
🗨️ Languages supported on the Website | English |
🗨️ Customer Support Languages | English |
👨💻 Copy Trading Support | No |
☎️ Customer Service Hours | 24/5 |
🇿🇦 South African-based customer support? | No |
🇿🇦 Bonuses and Promotions for South Africans? | None |
🇿🇦 Education for South African beginners? | Yes |
💽 Proprietary trading software | No |
🇿🇦 Is Ardu Prime a safe broker for South Africans? | Yes |
🇿🇦 Rating for Ardu Prime South Africa | 8/10 |
🇿🇦 Trust score for Ardu Prime South Africa | 87% |
Ardu Prime Review – 34 Key Point Quick Overview
- ✅ Ardu Prime at a glance
- ✅ Overall
- ✅ Analysis of Ardu Prime’s Main Features
- ✅ Top 3 Ardu Prime User Reviews
- ✅ Latest Existing/Previous Customer Comments on Ardu Prime
- ✅ Detailed Summary of Ardu Prime
- ✅ Advantages that Ardu Prime has over competitors
- ✅ Ardu Prime Geographic Reach and Limitations
- ✅ Ardu Prime Regulation and Safety of Funds
- ✅ Ardu Prime Awards and Recognition
- ✅ Ardu Prime Account Types and Features
- ✅ How to open an Account with Ardu Prime
- ✅ Ardu Prime MAM / PAMM Features
- ✅ Social Trading with Ardu Prime
- ✅ Ardu Prime vs FBS vs Axi Broker Comparison
- ✅ Ardu Prime Trading Platforms
- ✅ Ardu Prime Investment Programs
- ✅ Which Markets Can You Trade with Ardu Prime?
- ✅ Ardu Prime vs FBS vs Axi Range of Markets Comparison
- ✅ Ardu Prime Trading and Non-Trading Fees
- ✅ Ardu Prime Deposits and Withdrawals
- ✅ How to Deposit Funds with Ardu Prime
- ✅ Ardu Prime Fund Withdrawal Process
- ✅ Ardu Prime Education and Research
- ✅ Ardu Prime Bonuses and Promotions
- ✅ How to open an Affiliate Account with Ardu Prime
- ✅ Ardu Prime Affiliate Program Features
- ✅ Ardu Prime Customer Support
- ✅ Ardu Prime Corporate Social Responsibility
- ✅ Additional Features of Ardu Prime
- ✅ Our Final Verdict on Ardu Prime
- ✅ Ardu Prime Alternatives
- ✅ Frequently asked questions
- ✅ Conclusion
Overall
Ardu Prime accepts South African clients and has an average spread from 0.5 pips with commissions of 5 USD minimum on shares. In addition, Ardu Prime has a maximum leverage ratio of up to 1:30, and a demo and Islamic account are available.
Ardu Prime platforms are supported. Ardu Prime is headquartered in Greece and regulated by the FCA, BaFin, and HCMC.
Analysis of Ardu Prime’s Main Features
ℹ️ Ardu Prime main features | ℹ️ Info |
⭐ Order Execution | 4/5 |
⭐ Commissions and Fees | 2/5 |
⭐ Range of Markets | 2/5 |
⭐ Variety of Markets | 4/5 |
⭐ Withdrawal Speed | 2/5 |
⭐ Customer Support | 4/5 |
⭐ Trading Platform | 4/5 |
⭐ Education | 2/5 |
⭐ Research | 2/5 |
⭐ Regulation | 5/5 |
⭐ Mobile Trading | 5/5 |
💯 Trust Score | 97% |
Top 3 Ardu Prime User Reviews
Ardu Prime has an overall score of 3.5/5 on Trustpilot with 3 reviews. Research also shows that Ardu Prime actively comments on reviews left by clients.
Both Finance Mandates and forexlive.com have compiled reviews on Ardu Prime, indicated verbatim below, highlighting the trust that traders and independent parties have in Ardu Prime as a CFD and forex provider.
Finance Magnates – “Ardu Prime is unique amongst retail CFD brokers since they come to the market with extensive experience in the broker industry through their institutional and high-net-worth client offerings. Based on the demanding needs of this group you can imagine Ardu Prime does everything possible to satisfy its clients’ needs.” (Quoted verbatim from Ardu Prime)
com – “You might think Ardu Prime is a fairly new broker until you learn that they have been providing broker services to elite clients since 1999. That is a long time, and it certainly contributes an air of excellence around the broker.” (Quoted verbatim from Ardu Prime)
Viktoras Georgas (October 26, 2025) – “It’s a legit company, but the signals that they give you are totally wrong. They were calling me for more than 3 months just to get in, telling me they were doing great with high returns, etc. In one month Lost almost 90% of my investment from the signals found on their site (trading central)” (Quoted Verbatim from Trustpilot)
Latest Existing/Previous Customer Comments on Ardu Prime
Nikos (September 15, 2025) – “Regulated broker. Offers dedicated support, premium tools from trading central and perfect access to the global market! Very easy platform! (Quoted Verbatim from Trustpilot)
MrFoxTrading (September 5, 2025) – “Best investment services with excellent support.” (Quoted Verbatim from Trustpilot)
Detailed Summary of Ardu Prime
Ardu Prime is a Greek foreign exchange and CFD broker that has been around since 1999 but did not start accepting retail clients until 2025.
They have a strong history of providing exceptional service and accommodating their newly acquired retail customers. In addition, they have adopted the MetaTrader 5 trading platform and continue providing Direct Liquidity Access for its institutional customers.
They are used to dealing with picky customers; therefore, it is not surprising that their customer service is top-notch.
The broker complies with European MiFID II and all Anti-Money Laundering Directives thanks to its regulation and authorization by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission. The Financial Conduct Authority has also approved them to provide its services to customers in the United Kingdom.
Despite its commission-free Forex pricing structure, Ardu Prime provides STP/NDD execution for its customers.
Ardu Prime has also introduced Ardu Crypto, a specialized and regulated cryptocurrency service that offers storage and custodial services. As a result, Ardu Prime accepts cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals.
Advantages that Ardu Prime has over competitors
⭐ Advantages that Ardu Prime has over competitors |
✅ Ardu Prime has been operating since 1999 and opened its doors to retail traders in 2025. |
✅ Ardu Prime is one of few brokers who boast regulation and authorization from the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC). |
✅ Ardu Prime is well-regulated and has a prominent presence on platforms such as Trustpilot, where the broker replies to comments from existing and previous users. |
✅ While Ardu Prime is an NDD broker, there is a commission-free structure on Forex. |
Who will Benefit from Trading with Ardu Prime?
Ardu Prime is an ideal broker for South African traders of all experience levels despite their unique trading styles. The broker offers competitive trading conditions that suit different traders. However, the marked-up spreads might not be ideal for fast-paced traders such as scalpers.
Ardu Prime Pros and Cons
✅ Ardu Prime Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Cons |
Ardu Prime has Tier-1 and Tier-2 regulations. | There is currently no information on contract specifications. |
MetaTrader 5 is supported. | Only one trading platform. |
Decent selection between trading accounts. | All three accounts have commission charges. |
Reliable payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. | Only three payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. |
Range of asset classes that can be traded. | |
There are trading tools offered and some education. |
Ardu Prime Geographic Reach and Limitations
🗺️ Ardu Prime Geographic Reach | 📈 Percentage |
🇬🇷 Greece | 61.75% |
🇮🇳 India | 26.31% |
🇮🇱 Israel | 11.94% |
Ardu Prime Current Expansion Focus
Ardu Prime is a Greek broker operating since 1999 and is currently focused on Greek and United Kingdom clients.
Countries not accepted by Ardu Prime
❌ Countries not accepted by Ardu Prime |
🇺🇸 United States |
🇺🇸 Syria |
🇮🇷 Iran |
🇰🇵 North Korea |
Popularity among South African traders who choose Ardu Prime
While Ardu Prime welcomes South African traders, the broker does not yet have a substantial market share in the country.
However, because of its overall offering, regulation, and high trust score, Ardu Prime is one of the top 150 brokers for South Africans.
Ardu Prime Regulation and Safety of Funds
Ardu Prime Regulation in South Africa
Ardu Prime is not regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. However, Ardu Prime is regulated by three other reputable regulatory entities.
Ardu Prime Global Regulations
Ardu Prime is well-regulated as follows:
- Ardu Prime SA is authorized and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Tier-1 regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), under FCA reference 725166.
- Ardu Prime SA is regulated in Germany by the Tier-2 entity BaFin to provide trading solutions and financial products in Germany under BaFin ID 10146106.
- In Greece, Ardu Prime SA is authorized and regulated by the Tier-2 regulator, the Hellenic Capital Market Commission (HCMC), under license number 4/164/20.7.1999.
How Ardu Prime Protects Traders and Client Funds
Because Ardu Prime is based in Greece and subsequently regulated by the HCMC and because of Greece’s membership in the European Union, it implies that Ardu Prime abides by all European Union Anti-Money Laundering and MiFID II regulations.
This makes them a suitable option for South African investors seeking a reputable broker with a strong reputation in the industry.
Ardu Prime participates in the Greek Investment Guarantee Fund, which operates according to Directive 97/9/EC. Individual Bank Accounts Client monies are maintained in segregated, highly secure accounts with EU or United Kingdom banks with the best credit ratings.
Security while Trading
Ardu Prime takes extensive precautions to guarantee that your personal information remains confidential. For example, your passwords and personal information are encrypted and kept on inaccessible, highly secure servers.
According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Ardu Prime implements robust safeguards for your data.
Pros and Cons Regulation and Safety of Funds
✅ Ardu Prime Regulation and Safety of Funds Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Regulation and Safety of Funds Cons |
Ardu Prime is well-regulated, and its licenses can be verified on the official websites of FCA, BaFin, and HCMC | Ardu Prime might not provide compensation to South African traders |
Ardu Prime provides negative balance protection to retail accounts | Because of its regulation in Europe, there might be leverage restrictions |
The broker is part of a compensation fund | |
Ardu Prime keeps all funds in segregated accounts with top financial institutions | |
Ardu Prime complies with the General Data Protection Regulation |
Ardu Prime Awards and Recognition
Ardu Prime is an award-winning and transparent broker trusted by many traders globally. To prove that it is a market leader in forex and CFD trading, Ardu Prime publishes information on the following awards on the official website:
- Most reliable Forex and CFD Broker in Greece (2022), awarded during the 2025 PAN Finance Awards.
- Most Trusted Broker in Europe, awarded during the 2025 UFAWARDS.
- Best Investment Services Provider in Greece, awarded during the 2025 PAN Finance Awards.
- Most Innovative Broker, awarded during the 2025 UFAWARDS.
- Trading House of the Year in Greece, awarded during the 2025 PAN Finance Awards.
- Best Trading Conditions in 2025, awarded during the UFAWARDS.
Ardu Prime Account Types and Features
📒 Ardu Prime Account Type | 💰 Minimum Deposit | 📊 Average Spread | 💰 Commissions | 📊 Average Trading Cost |
📒 Standard | R4,750 ZAR / $250 USD | 1.6 pips | $10 USD on Shares | $26 USD |
📒 Premium | R475,000 ZAR / $25,000 USD | 0.5 pips | $5 USD on Shares | $10 USD |
📒 Institutional | R1.9 million ZAR / $100K USD | Tailored | Tailored | Tailored |
Ardu Prime offers three retail trading accounts that accommodate different traders. Ardu Prime operates according to an NDD model with full STP execution on trades.
- Standard Account
- Premium Account
- Institutional Account
Ardu Prime Live Trading Account Details
Ardu Prime Standard Account
ℹ️ Ardu Prime Standard Account features | ℹ️ Info |
💰 Account Currency | USD, GBP, EUR |
💰 Minimum Deposit | R4,500 ZAR / 250 USD |
📊 Execution Conditions | NDD – STP Execution |
💰 Commissions on Forex | None |
💰 Commissions on CFDs | None |
💰 Commissions on US Equities | $0.02 USD per Share or a minimum or $10 USD |
📊 Spreads on Forex | Variable from 1.6 pips |
📊 Spreads on CFDs | Variable from $2 USD |
🧰 Trading Central Premium Tools | Only Analyst Reviews |
🧑💻 Dedicated Support | Yes |
📊 Daily Swaps | Applicable |
☪️ Islamic Account Conversion | Yes |
💰 Administrative Fees on the Islamic Account | Tailored Fees |
📊 Platforms | MetaTrader 5 |
📊 Market Access | NA |
💬 Margin Call | 100% |
🛑 Stop-Out | 50% |
🧑💻 Support for Algorithmic trading Supported | Yes, MT5 Expert Advisors |
🧑💻 Support for Desktop Trading? | Yes |
🧑💻 Support for Mobile Trading? | Yes |
🌐 Client Portal Access? | Yes |
The Standard Account is the typical account type for casual traders. Using this account, South Africans can expect unlimited access to several markets using Ardu Prime’s powerful MetaTrader 5 platform.
In addition, South Africans can easily connect to direct liquidity pools and providers using FIX API protocols.
The accounts’ spreads are marked up to offset the absence of forex and CFD commissions. However, commissions are still charged on US Equities.
Premium Account
ℹ️ Ardu Prime Premium Account features | ℹ️ Info |
💰 Account Currency | USD, GBP, EUR |
💰 Minimum Deposit | R475,000 ZAR / 25000 USD |
📊 Execution Conditions | NDD – STP Execution |
💰 Commissions on Forex | None |
💰 Commissions on CFDs | None |
💰 Commissions on US Equities | $0.02 USD per Share or a minimum or $5 USD |
📊 Spreads on Forex | Variable from 0.8 pips |
📊 Spreads on CFDs | Variable from $0.5 USD |
🧰 Trading Central Premium Tools | Full Access |
🧑💻 Dedicated Support | Yes |
📊 Daily Swaps | Applicable |
☪️ Islamic Account Conversion | Yes |
💰 Administrative Fees on the Islamic Account | Tailored Fees |
📊 Platforms | MetaTrader 5 |
📊 Market Access | NA |
💬 Margin Call | 100% |
🛑 Stop-Out | 50% |
🧑💻 Support for Algorithmic trading Supported | Yes, MT5 Expert Advisors |
🧑💻 Support for Desktop Trading? | Yes |
🧑💻 Support for Mobile Trading? | Yes |
🌐 Client Portal Access? | Yes |
The Premium Account is ideal for experienced traders who have the knowledge and skills to navigate competitive financial markets, who understand the risks involved, and who can mitigate and minimize the inherent risks of trading.
The Premium Account offers NDD and STP execution on trades, and South Africans can expect additional features from Trading Central. In addition, the spreads on this account are much tighter, and the commission fees on US Equities are much lower.
Institutional Account
ℹ️ Ardu Prime Institutional Account features | ℹ️ Info |
💰 Account Currency | USD, GBP, EUR |
💰 Minimum Deposit | R1.9 million ZAR / 25000 USD |
📊 Execution Conditions | NDD – STP Execution |
💰 Commissions on Forex | Tailored |
💰 Commissions on CFDs | Tailored |
💰 Commissions on US Equities | Tailored |
📊 Spreads on Forex | Tailored |
📊 Spreads on CFDs | Tailored |
🧰 Trading Central Premium Tools | Full Access |
🧑💻 Dedicated Support | Yes |
📊 Daily Swaps | Applicable |
☪️ Islamic Account Conversion | Yes |
💰 Administrative Fees on the Islamic Account | Tailored Fees |
📊 Platforms | MetaTrader 5 |
📊 Market Access | Direct Liquidity Access |
💬 Margin Call | MT5: 100% DLA: 100% |
🛑 Stop-Out | MT5: 50% DLA: 120% |
🧑💻 Support for Algorithmic trading Supported | Yes, MT5 Expert Advisors and FIX API |
🧑💻 Support for Desktop Trading? | Yes |
🧑💻 Support for Mobile Trading? | Yes |
🌐 Client Portal Access? | Yes |
As an institutional investor, you can take advantage of flexible trading terms and conditions designed just for you.
The benefits of Direct Liquidity Access include ultra-fast execution, little slippage, and a streamlined interface designed specifically for institutional traders.
Ardu Prime Demo Account
South African traders can easily get an Ardu Prime demo account by downloading and enrolling on the MT5 trading platform.
Registrations for demo accounts demand verification of an email address and cell phone number, which is standard for most forex and CFD brokers to protect their clients.
Unfortunately, Ardu Prime limits demo accounts to 30 days, making them helpful exclusively for beginner traders who seek to get acquainted with the MT5 trading platform.
Ardu Prime Islamic Account
Ardu Prime offers an account conversion from a live account to Islamic on the Standard, Premium, and Institutional Accounts. According to the Account Specifications, an administrative fee is charged and tailored. However, there is no indication of what precisely Muslim traders can expect.
Ardu Prime Professional Account
Requesting to be regarded as a Professional Traders is available to retail and individual traders. However, to receive this status, two of the following conditions must be met:
- The client’s portfolio of financial instruments, comprising cash deposits and financial instruments, exceeds €500,000.
- The customer has made at least ten substantial transactions on the relevant market each quarter on average over the preceding four quarters.
- The client must have worked for at least a year in a professional capacity within the financial industry, whereby familiarity with the transactions or services in question is essential.
Suppose the Client wants to be handled differently from retail customers, either overall or relating to a specific investment service, transaction, or kind of transaction or product. In that case, they must notify Ardu Prime in writing.
In addition, eligible South African traders must acknowledge in writing that they know the risks of losing such safeguards and that Ardu Prime has provided them with a clear written notice of the protections and investor compensation rights they could lose.
Ardu Prime Spread Betting Account
Ardu Prime does not currently offer a spread betting account.
Ardu Prime Base Account Currencies
Ardu Prime only accepts EUR, USD, and GBP as default currencies for the Standard, Premium, and Institutional Accounts. Therefore, when South African traders make deposits or withdrawals in ZAR, they can expect currency conversion fees.
Ardu Prime Basic Order Types
Ardu Prime allows basic orders such as Stop-Loss, Take Profit, Pending Orders, Limit Orders, and more.
Pros and Cons Ardu Prime Account Types and Features
✅ Ardu Prime Account Types and Features Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Account Types and Features Cons |
Ardu Prime is transparent about trading fees, such as commissions and spreads | There is an extremely high minimum deposit requirement |
Islamic Account offered | There are fees charged on the Islamic Account |
Traders can expect some of the best liquidity and commission-free CFD and Forex options | There are commissions charged on all three accounts when trading US Equities |
Traders can convert their live account to an Islamic Account | The spreads are marked-up |
There is a demo account offered | There is no ZAR-denominated account for South Africans |
How to open an Account with Ardu Prime
- To apply for a live trading account, South Africans can click the “Open Account” button on the site and complete the sign-up procedure as directed.
- Traders will instantly get an email with your login credentials for the MetaTrader 5 portal.
- Through the MT5 Portal, the “Client Application” must be submitted.
- Once the “Client Application” and all relevant papers have been received, Ardu Prime’s Compliance team will contact you to finish the onboarding process.
- Ardu Prime will open your real account swiftly. However, account approval depends on how fast you supply the broker with supporting documentation
- Typically, the approval procedure often takes a few days. However, Ardu Prime might need extra paperwork in certain instances. After satisfying all regulatory criteria, the broker can authorize your account.
Ardu Prime MAM / PAMM Features
Ardu Prime does not indicate that MAM or PAMM options are available.
Social Trading with Ardu Prime
Ardu Prime does not currently support social or copy trading.
Ardu Prime vs FBS vs Axi Broker Comparison
ℹ️ Broker Comparison | 🏛️ Ardu Prime | 🏛️ FBS | 🏛️ Axi |
⚖️ Regulation | HCMC, FCA, BaFin | IFSC, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA | ASIC, SVG FSA, FCA, FMA, DFSA |
🌐 Trading Platform | MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 FBS Trader CopyTrade | MetaTrader 4 |
💰 Withdrawal Fee | No | Yes | Yes |
📒 Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes |
💰 Minimum Deposit | R4,500 ZAR / $250 USD | R19 ZAR / $1 USD | R0 ZAR / $0 USD |
📊 Leverage | 1:30 | Up to 1:3000 | 1:500 |
📊 Spread | From 0.5 USD | From 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
💰 Commissions | From $5 USD | From $6 USD | From $3.50 USD |
🛑 Margin Call / Stop-Out | MT5: 100% MC DLA: 100% MC MT5: 50% SO DLA: 120% SO | 40% MC 20% SO | From 90% MC From 50% SO |
📊 Order Execution | Market | Market | Market |
💰 No-Deposit Bonus | No | Yes | None |
📒 Cent Accounts | No | Yes | No |
📒 Account Types | Standard Account Premium Account Institutional Account | Cent Account Micro Account Standard Account Zero Account ECN Account Crypto Account | Standard Account Pro Account Elite Account |
⚖️ FSCA Regulation | No | No | None |
🇿🇦 ZAR Deposits | No | Yes | Yes |
🇿🇦 ZAR Account | No | No | No |
☎️ Customer Service Hours | 24/5 | 24/7 | 24/5 |
📒 Retail Investor Accounts | 3 | 6 | 3 |
☪️ Islamic Account | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📉 Minimum Trade Size | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots |
📈 Maximum Trade Size | Not Indicated | 500 lots | 1,000 (US500) |
⏳ Minimum Withdrawal Time | 4 to 5 days | 15 to 20 minutes (maximum 48 hours) | |
⏳ Maximum Estimated Withdrawal Time | 4 to 5 days | Up to 7 days | Between 1 to 3 Days |
💰 Instant Deposits and Instant Withdrawals | None | Instant Deposits | Yes |
Ardu Prime Trading Platforms
Ardu Prime offers South African traders the use of MetaTrader 5 on Desktop, Web, and Mobile Devices.
Ardu Prime provides its retail clientele access to the popular MetaTrader 5 trading platform. This amazingly effective platform makes it a prime choice among CFD trading platforms.
MetaTrader 5 is an option for beginner and institutional customers. Ardu Prime also provides Direct Liquidity Access (DLA) via an API or bridge connection. Because of its enhanced trading features and technical analysis tools, MetaTrader 5 is one of the best platforms in the industry.
MetaTrader 5 allows traders of all experience levels to make better market and trading choices. In addition, a robust strategy tester is integrated into the platform, and automated trading is supported.
Traders with experience with MetaTrader 4 will be glad to learn that the same coding language can be used to create Expert Advisors and Indicators in MetaTrader 5.
In addition, these tools can be used for automated market analysis, signal generation, and trading. Ardu Prime supports using MT5 on desktops, mobile devices, and internet browsers.
Ardu Prime Trading Platforms Pros and Cons
✅ Ardu Prime Trading Platforms Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Trading Platforms Cons |
Ardu Prime offers MT5 across devices | Ardu Prime does not offer any other trading platforms or a native app |
Traders can access Direct Liquidity via MT5 | |
MetaTrader 5 suits all types of traders despite their trading styles or experience | |
Traders can use MT5's EAs for sophisticated algorithmic trading |
Ardu Prime Investment Programs
Ardu Prime does not currently offer investment programs.
Which Markets Can You Trade with Ardu Prime?
South African traders can expect the following range of markets from Ardu Prime:
- Forex, including major, minor, and exotic pairs.
- Indices spread across several major global exchanges.
- Commodities such as energies, metals, and agricultural instruments.
- Cryptocurrency CFDs include LINK, Litecoin, Bitcoin, and many more.
- US Equities, including Apple, Google, Netflix, and many other popular companies.
- Specialty CFDs, including Volatility 75, Treasuries, US Dollar Index, and more.
Ardu Prime Range of Markets Pros and Cons
✅ Ardu Prime Range of Markets Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Range of Markets Cons |
Ardu Prime offers a decent variety of financial instruments | Commissions are charged on US Equities |
South Africans can gain access to US Markets through share and index CFDs | There are only 150 CFDs that can be traded |
Forex and CFDs can be traded commission-free | Ardu Prime does not currently have a functioning contract specifications page on the official website |
Ardu Prime vs FBS vs Axi Range of Markets Comparison
ℹ️ Broker Comparison | 🏛️ Ardu Prime | 🏛️ FBS | 🏛️ Axi |
📊 Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📊 Precious Metals | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📊 ETFs | No | No | No |
📊 CFDs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📊 Indices | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📊 Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📊 Cryptocurrency | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📊 Options | No | No | No |
📊 Energies | Yes | Yes | Yes |
📊 Bonds | No | No | No |
Ardu Prime Trading and Non-Trading Fees
Spreads
Ardu Prime is an NDD and STP broker that charges variable spreads. The typical spreads that traders expect will depend on their trading account, the financial instrument, and overall market conditions.
Typical spreads that South Africans can expect according to the account type they choose are as follows:
Standard Account
Forex – from 1.6 pips
CFDs – from 2 USD
Premium Account
Forex – from 0.8 pips
CFDs – from 0.5 USD
Institutional Account
Tailored
Commissions
Ardu Prime offers commission-free trading on both Forex and CFDs. However, Ardu Prime charges the following commission fees on US Equities according to the account type that South Africans use:
- Standard Account – 0.02 USD per share at a minimum of 10 USD.
- Premium Account – 0.02 USD per share at a minimum of 5 USD.
- Institutional Account – Tailored
Overnight Fees, Rollovers, or Swaps
Ardu Prime, like most forex and CFD brokers, charges or pays overnight fees according to the trader’s financial instrument, position size, and whether they hold a buy (long) or sell (short) position.
According to Ardu Prime, traders can expect typical overnight fees on EUR/USD of -1% on long (buy) Swaps and -0.8% on short (Sell) swaps.
Deposit and Withdrawal Fees
Ardu Prime does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees.
Inactivity Fees
Ardu Prime does not charge any inactivity fees on inactive or dormant trading accounts.
Currency Conversion Fees
Because Ardu Prime does not offer a ZAR-denominated account, South African traders can expect currency conversion fees.
Ardu Prime Trading and Non-Trading Fees Pros and Cons
✅ Ardu Prime Trading and Non-Trading Fees Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Trading and Non-Trading Fees Cons |
Ardu Prime offers commission-free Forex and CFD trading | Ardu Prime does not have a transparent fee schedule available on the website for individual instruments |
Ardu Prime does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees | The spreads are marked-up and much wider than that of competitors |
Ardu Prime does not charge any inactivity fees on dormant accounts | |
There are competitive spreads charged according to the account level of the trader | |
Ardu Prime offers tailored solutions to institutional traders |
Ardu Prime Deposits and Withdrawals
Ardu Prime offers South African traders the following deposit and withdrawal methods:
- Credit/Debit Card
- Crypto
- Bank Transfer
Ardu Prime vs FBS vs Axi Deposit and Withdrawals Broker Comparison
ℹ️ Broker Comparison | 🏛️ Ardu Prime | 🏛️ FBS | 🏛️ Axi |
⏳ Minimum Withdrawal Time | 4 to 5 days | 15 to 20 minutes (maximum 48 hours) | Instant |
⏳ Maximum Estimated Withdrawal Time | 4 to 5 days | Up to 7 days | Between 1 to 3 Days |
💰 Instant Deposits and Instant Withdrawals | No | Instant Deposits | Yes |
Ardu Prime Deposit Currencies, Deposit and Withdrawal Processing Times
ℹ️ Payment Method | 💰 Deposit Currencies | ⏳ Deposit Processing | ⏳ Withdrawal Processing |
💳 Credit/Debit Card | EUR, USD, GBP | 24 to 48 hours | - |
₿ Crypto | EUR, USD, GBP | 30 minutes to 48 hours | - |
🏦 Bank Transfer | EUR, USD, GBP | 3 to 5 days | 4 to 5 days |
Ardu Prime Deposits and Withdrawals Pros and Cons
✅ Ardu Prime Deposits and Withdrawals Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Deposits and Withdrawals Cons |
Ardu Prime offers some of the best client fund security | There are only three options for deposits and withdrawals |
Investor protection is guaranteed | There are only three accepted deposit/withdrawal currencies |
Ardu Prime offers reliable and secure deposit and withdrawal methods | There is no in-depth information available on deposits and withdrawals |
Non-Greek bank withdrawals can take up to 5 days |
How to Deposit Funds with Ardu Prime
To deposit funds to an account with Ardu Prime, South African traders can follow these steps:
- Once traders have verified their information and provided Ardu Prime with all requested documentation, traders can deposit funds by logging into their trading accounts.
- Next, South Africans can select “Transfers.”
- Next, traders can make a deposit request by selecting a payment option, providing a deposit currency, entering the amount, and following any additional steps required to verify the deposit.
Ardu Prime Fund Withdrawal Process
To withdraw funds from an account with Ardu Prime, South African traders can follow these steps:
- Traders can log into their client portal and select “Transfers.”
- From here, South Africans can select the option to Withdraw funds.
- Next, traders can complete the withdrawal request and any additional steps according to their chosen payment method.
Ardu Prime Education and Research
Education
Ardu Prime offers the following Educational Materials to South African traders:
- Glossary
- Market Insights
Ardu Prime vs FBS vs Axi Research and Trading Tool Comparison
ℹ️ Broker Comparison | 🏛️ Ardu Prime | 🏛️ FBS | 🏛️ Axi |
📅 Economic Calendar | No | Yes | Yes |
🌐 VPS | No | Yes | Yes |
📊 AutoChartist | No | No | Yes |
📊 Trading View | No | No | No |
📊 Trading Central | Yes | No | No |
📊 Market Analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes |
🌐 News Feed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
🌐 Blog | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ardu Prime also offers South African traders the following additional Research and Trading Tools:
- Trading Central
- Market Insights
- News Feed
- Trader’s blog
Ardu Prime Education and Research Pros and Cons
✅ Ardu Prime Education and Research Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Education and Research Cons |
Ardu Prime offers different levels of Trading Central according to the trading account that traders use | There is an extremely limited educational section, and the trading tools are lacking |
Traders can access an updated news feed for fundamental analysis |
Ardu Prime Bonuses and Promotions
Because of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), Ardu Prime prohibits offering any bonuses or incentives to traders.
How to open an Affiliate Account with Ardu Prime
To register an Affiliate Account, South African traders can contact Ardu Prime directly to find out how they can become an affiliate or an Introducing Broker.
Unfortunately, no dedicated section on Ardu Prime’s official website currently provides information on the broker’s Affiliate Program.
Ardu Prime Affiliate Program Features
The features relating to the Ardu Prime program are currently not available on the broker’s official website. To find out more, traders must contact Ardu Prime’s customer support directly.
Ardu Prime Customer Support
☎️ Ardu Prime Customer Support | ℹ️ Info |
🕰️ Operating Hours | 24/5 |
🗨️ Support Languages | English |
🗨️ Live Chat | No |
Yes | |
☎️ Telephonic Support | Yes |
⭐ Overall quality of Ardu Prime Support | 3/5 |
Ardu Prime offers customer support in English, 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Traders can contact Ardu Prime via the online web form, which will send an email request to the broker, allowing customer support to correspond promptly within business hours.
Ardu Prime Customer Support Pros and Cons
✅ Ardu Prime Customer Support Pros | ❌ Ardu Prime Customer Support Cons |
Traders can contact Ardu Prime 24 hours a day, 5 days a week | There is no live chat function offered on the Ardu Prime website for instantaneous conversations in real-time |
Traders can expect superb customer support from a dedicated team | |
Ardu Prime's email support is both responsive and helpful despite conversations via email correspondence |
Ardu Prime Corporate Social Responsibility
Ardu Prime offers no information on current or prospective CSR projects or initiatives.
Additional Features of Ardu Prime
There are currently no additional features of Ardu Prime that have not already been covered in this comprehensive review.
Financial Reports
Ardu Prime does not currently publish any financial statements or reports on the official website.
Ardu Prime Future Vision
According to Sotiris Probonas, the CEO and Director of Ardu Prime, because of the world’s rapid evolution, Ardu Prime had to evolve.
As a result, Ardu Prime’s new cryptocurrency trading and exchange services were developed with the needs of both seasoned investors and novice crypto fans in mind.
In addition, these platforms include features like the ability to diversify holdings across several of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, access to substantial liquidity, and more.
In addition, Ardu Prime changed its name. While the broker will continue to provide all its products and services under the “Ardu Prime” brand, they have updated the official website and logo to reflect expanded offerings better.
Ardu Prime traders will have a more pleasurable experience thanks to the improved color scheme, sleeker design interface, and easy navigation on both desktop and mobile platforms.
In addition, to better compete with other worldwide leaders in their field, Ardu Prime has become the Premium Partner of two major athletic events: the Turkish Airlines Euro League and the 7Days Euro Cup.
With the opening of its new offices in both Athens and central London, Ardu Prime can better serve its growing number of international customers. According to Ardu Prime’s CEO, London is still Europe’s most important financial center.
Subsequently, the dedicated team behind Ardu Prime was overjoyed to establish offices in the financial and commercial hub.
Ardu Prime Risk Warning and Disclaimer for Traders
Leveraged products like foreign exchange and contracts for difference (CFDs) are very risky. You run the risk of losing everything.
Because of the potential dangers associated with these items, they might not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, if South African traders need guidance, they should seek the services of a third party.
Our Final Verdict on Ardu Prime
Ardu Prime stands out from other retail CFD brokers because of its long background serving institutional and high-net-worth clients. South Africans can rest assured that Ardu Prime will stop at nothing to ensure that its customers’ demands are met, no matter how specific or unusual.
However, the broker seemed more suited to those with more trading expertise. Regardless of this observation, however, beginners will not have any problem learning and developing with the help of Trading Central’s resources and the devoted customer assistance that Ardu Prime provides.
Ardu Prime Alternatives
- FXTM is a broker that has been in operation for nearly 12 years. FXTM offers South Africans a choice between three retail accounts and MAM options through MetaTrader 4. FXTM is also one of the best brokers for beginners based on its educational materials.
- eToro is the best social trading platform that offers CFD and Forex to South Africans via its powerful proprietary trading platform. South Africans can access over 3,000 CFDs using a standard retail account with commission-free trading and spread from 1 pip EUR/USD.
- XM offers services in over 190 countries and provides South Africans with over 1,000 CFDs that can be traded using a Micro, Standard, Ultra-Low, and Shares Account. In addition, South Africans can choose between MT4, MT5, and the XM Trading Point app to manage their trading activities.
10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025
Rank
Broker
Review
Regulators
Min Deposit
Official Site
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a Cent Account with Ardu Prime?
Ardu Prime does not offer a Cent Account but a Standard, Premium, and Institutional Account.
What does Ardu Prime do with my funds?
Ardu Prime keeps all client funds in segregated accounts with top-tier European banks.
Is Ardu Prime Safe or a Scam?
Ardu Prime is a safe broker with a trust score of 97%. In addition, Ardu Prime guarantees client fund protection and offers investor protection.
Does Ardu Prime offer Negative Balance Protection?
Ardu Prime offers negative balance protection on all trading accounts. However, if traders become professional traders with the broker, they will forfeit this protection.
How long does it take to withdraw from Ardu Prime?
It can take up to several days to withdraw funds from Ardu Prime, depending on your chosen payment method.
Is Ardu Prime regulated?
Ardu Prime is well-regulated by HCMC in Greece, the FCA in the United Kingdom, and BaFin in Germany.
Does Ardu Prime have Nasdaq 100?
Ardu Prime offers South Africans access to Nasdaq 100 as a CFD on Indices.
Does Ardu Prime have VIX 75?
Ardu Prime offers VIX under its portfolio of specialty CFDs.
Conclusion
Our Review Methodology
For each of our broker evaluations, we investigate, evaluate, analyze, and compare what we feel to be the most crucial criteria to consider when selecting a broker.
This evaluation comprises positives, disadvantages, and an overall score based on our findings. We want to assist you in locating the ideal broker for your requirements.
Our broker review should not be considered financial advice. However, traders are urged to seek professional financial advice before making any investment or trading decisions.
Now it is your turn to participate:
- Do you have any prior experience with Ardu Prime?
- What was the determining factor in your decision to engage with Ardu Prime?
- Was it because of the minimum deposit, regulation, retail trading accounts, or other factors?
- Have you experienced issues with Ardu Prime, such as difficulty withdrawing funds, inability to verify regulations, irresponsive customer support, etc.?
Regardless, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Addendum/Disclosure
No matter how diligently we strive to maintain accuracy, the forex market is a volatile environment that may change at any time, even if the information supplied is correct at the time of going live..
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