Wales is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in the UK. The weather is not too gloomy, the people are friendly, and there is more than enough for you to start thinking about investing. However, finding the best trading platforms to meet your needs and trust with your money can be challenging if you’re new to the online market. 

Online trading platforms allow you to invest in forex, commodities, stocks, and crypto markets. They come in all shapes and sizes, and different platforms cater to different needs. You might also not know or know what exactly you want to invest in, and the trading platform you choose will play a significant role in helping you achieve your goals. This piece will explore online trading platforms and how to find one if you’re in Wales.

What are Online Trading Platforms?

Online trading platforms are computer programs or software designed by a broker to give you access to financial instruments such as stocks, forex, commodities and cryptocurrencies. The platforms allow you to participate in the buying and selling of the instruments to come out on top. 

Furthermore, online trading platforms enable you to monitor and analyse the markets. This helps you track how different companies and securities perform and allows you to make investment decisions based on your trading strategy. Trading platforms are also how you make trading deposits and withdraw your earnings using your preferred payment method. 

But most importantly, online trading platforms are how you enter and exit trading positions on the instruments offered. As a trader, the online trading platform you pick will significantly impact your performance and is your first crucial step to investing successfully.

What to Look for in a Trading Platform

1. Licencing

The first thing to look for from a trading platform is its trading licence. All platforms must be registered and licenced by Financial Conduct Authority to operate in Wales or any other part of the country. This ensures your investments are safe as the broker has to follow certain set protocols that protect you and your money. 

2. Fees

One of the most significant recurring expenses are your broker’s fee and commissions. You need to ensure the costs of the trading platform you settle on align with your investment goals and budgets. Remember, capital gives you skin in the trading industry, and you want to maximise your profit potential while keeping your overheads as low as possible. 

3. Payment Options

Today there are many payment methods, of which we are confident you have some of your most preferred. Furthermore, there is no shortage of trading platforms, and there is no reason to pick one with payment methods you don’t like. Prioritise your convenience to help you stay motivated and invest for longer. In addition, find out if there are any minimum deposit requirements and if they make sense with the services offered and your trading objectives.

4. User Interface

The user interface is how you interact with a trading platform and helps you navigate different features and aspects of the brokerage. However, all user interfaces are not made equal. Some are complex and cater to a more advanced investor and trader, while others are user-friendly and excellent for a beginner. Balance usability with helpful features depending on your knowledge of your trading instruments. 

5. Customer Service

Another essential aspect to look for in trading platforms is the quality of their customer service. How fast can you get assistance when you have a query or issue with your account? How long are they open, and how many channels can you reach them on? In addition, read other user reviews of their experiences with the customer service. 

6. Know Your Goals

This seems easy, but you will be surprised by the number of people who start trading without a clear objective. Knowing where you’re going makes you more likely to get there. So before anything else, have a clear goal and a strategy to help you reach it. 

For instance, you could say you’re investing £20,000 in the currency markets to help you raise £50,000 for your pension. In addition, you will only be trading the euro and dollar pair for the next six months. Now that you have a clear goal and a how-to, enjoy using your newly found trading platform to invest.