Below is a detailed analysis of DirektBroker-FX, operated by Leverate Financial Services Limited, based on the requested criteria. The official website is https://www.direktbroker-fx.de/. The analysis covers online complaints, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting, social media, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, brand confusion, and website content.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Sources Checked: Limited specific user complaints were found in the provided references. One review on ForexBrokerz.com (2017) highlighted slow execution speeds on the Sirix platform demo account, which could lead to slippage issues.
• General Sentiment: There are no widespread reports of scams or fraud in the provided data. However, the lack of recent user reviews or complaints on platforms like TraderKnows or WikiFX makes it difficult to assess current user sentiment. The slow execution issue is a concern for active traders but not necessarily indicative of systemic problems.
• Termination Notice: Leverate Financial Services Limited announced the termination of its activities and renunciation of its CySEC license (No. 160/11) in August 2023. Clients were asked to close positions and withdraw balances by August 28, 2023, with trading accounts automatically terminated thereafter. This could lead to user dissatisfaction if not handled transparently. Risk Indicator: Moderate. The termination of operations is a significant concern, but no explicit fraud complaints were identified. Lack of recent reviews limits clarity.

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2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• High Leverage Risks: DirektBroker-FX offered leverage up to 1:400 for professional clients and 1:30 for retail accounts, which is standard but risky for inexperienced traders. The website repeatedly warns that 58.06% to 87.44% of retail investor accounts lose money due to leverage and CFD complexity.
• Account Types: Four account types (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Prof. Client) require minimum deposits from €500 to €25,000. High deposit thresholds for better conditions (e.g., Platinum or Prof. Client) may pressure users to invest more than they can afford.
• Market Risks: Trading forex, CFDs, indices, and commodities carries inherent market volatility risks, as noted in the broker’s risk disclosure statements.
• Operational Risks: The broker’s cessation of operations in 2023 increases risk for any remaining clients or new users unaware of the termination. Risk Level: High. The combination of high leverage, significant deposit requirements, and the broker’s closure elevates risk, especially for retail investors.

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3. Website Security Tools ¶

• SSL/TLS Encryption: The website (https://www.direktbroker-fx.de/) uses HTTPS, indicating SSL/TLS encryption for secure data transmission. This is standard for financial websites.
• Cookie Policy: The site uses cookies to enhance user experience but explicitly states compliance with its Privacy Policy, which aligns with GDPR requirements.
• Security Protocols: Leverate Financial Services Ltd. claims to use “cutting-edge technology” to maintain strict security protocols and ensure data protection. Funds are segregated in major global banks, separate from company funds, reducing the risk of misuse.
• Potential Vulnerabilities: No specific security breaches or vulnerabilities were reported in the provided data. However, the site’s termination of services may reduce ongoing maintenance, potentially leaving it vulnerable to future exploits. Security Rating: Moderate. Standard security measures are in place, but the cessation of operations raises concerns about long-term website maintenance.

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4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain Registration: The domain direktbroker-fx.de was registered on August 20, 2020, according to TraderKnows.
• Registrar and Ownership: WHOIS data typically includes the registrar and registrant details, but specific information was not provided in the references. Leverate Financial Services Limited, headquartered in Cyprus, is the operating entity.
• Domain Age: The domain is relatively recent (registered in 2020), which is not unusual for broker brands but could be a red flag if paired with other concerns. Given the broker’s establishment in 2011, the newer domain likely reflects a rebranding or website update.
• Privacy Protection: No mention of WHOIS privacy protection, suggesting registrant details may be publicly available, which is common for regulated entities. Risk Indicator: Low. The domain age aligns with the broker’s operations, and no suspicious WHOIS issues were noted.

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5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Provider: Specific IP and hosting details were not provided in the references. Financial brokers typically use reputable hosting providers with high uptime and security, but this cannot be confirmed without further data.
• Server Location: Likely hosted in or near Cyprus, given Leverate’s headquarters in Limassol. Some brokers use cloud services (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) for redundancy, but no evidence confirms this.
• Potential Risks: Without IP or hosting data, it’s unclear if the site is protected against DDoS attacks or other cyber threats. The termination of operations may also mean reduced hosting maintenance. Risk Indicator: Moderate. Lack of specific hosting information and the broker’s closure introduce uncertainty.

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6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Activity: No specific mention of DirektBroker-FX’s social media accounts (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) in the provided data. This is unusual for a broker targeting German-speaking clients, as social media is a common marketing tool.
• Engagement: The Sirix platform, developed by Leverate, includes social trading features, allowing users to copy trades via a “Social Stream.” This suggests some focus on community engagement, but it’s platform-specific rather than broad social media outreach.
• Red Flags: A lack of visible social media presence could indicate limited marketing or transparency, especially post-2023 termination. Legitimate brokers typically maintain active social media to build trust. Risk Indicator: Moderate. The absence of social media activity is concerning, particularly for a broker that has ceased operations.

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7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Termination of Operations: The most significant red flag is Leverate Financial Services Limited’s decision to terminate activities and renounce its CySEC license in August 2023. This renders the broker non-operational, posing risks for any remaining clients or new users.
• Slow Execution: User feedback noted slow execution on the Sirix platform, which could affect trading performance.
• High Deposit Requirements: The €25,000 minimum for Platinum and Prof. Client accounts may pressure users to over-invest, a common tactic in less reputable brokers.
• Lack of Recent Reviews: The scarcity of recent user feedback or complaints makes it hard to gauge current reliability, especially post-termination.
• Regulatory Status Change: The CySEC license (No. 160/11) was revoked or renounced, and WikiFX notes the broker’s regulatory status as “abnormal.”
• No Third-Party Deposits: The broker prohibits third-party deposits, which is a positive control but may inconvenience some users. Risk Level: High. The termination of operations, regulatory status change, and lack of recent transparency are major concerns.

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8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview: The website promotes forex, CFDs, indices, and commodity trading with platforms like MetaTrader 4 and DirektBroker-FX Mobile & Tablet Trader. It emphasizes tight spreads (e.g., 0.1 pips on EUR/USD), no requotes, and ECN/STP execution.
• Risk Warnings: Prominent warnings about CFD risks and high loss rates (58.06% to 87.44%) are displayed, complying with regulatory requirements.
• Educational Offerings: The site offers a demo account with €50,000 virtual funds and a “free trader camp” with personal coaching, targeting German-speaking clients.
• Transparency: The site provides legal documents (e.g., Privacy Policy, Risk Disclosure, Complaints Handling Policy) and details Leverate’s CySEC regulation (pre-2023). However, the termination notice is not prominently displayed, which could mislead users.
• Potential Misleading Elements: Claims of “leading in the German-speaking region since 1998” are questionable, as Leverate was established in 2011. This may be a marketing exaggeration. Risk Indicator: Moderate. The website is professional but lacks clear communication about the 2023 termination, and some claims may exaggerate the broker’s history.

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9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Historical Regulation: Leverate Financial Services Limited was regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license No. 160/11 until August 2023. It was also registered with Germany’s BaFin and the UK’s FCA for cross-border services under MiFID II.
• Current Status: The CySEC license was renounced in August 2023, and WikiFX reports the regulatory status as “abnormal” and revoked. The Bank of Lithuania (LBE) is mentioned as a regulator, but this is unconfirmed post-2023.
• Investor Protection: Pre-2023, client funds were protected up to €20,000 via the Investor Compensation Fund for Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs). This protection likely ceased with the license revocation.
• BaFin Registration: Leverate was registered with BaFin for German services, and trading-house Broker GmbH, a BaFin-regulated partner, handled German customer support (ID: 134461). This adds some credibility but is irrelevant post-termination. Risk Indicator: High. The loss of regulatory oversight eliminates a key layer of protection for users.

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10. User Precautions ¶

• Due Diligence: Avoid engaging with DirektBroker-FX, as it is no longer operational. Verify any broker’s regulatory status via CySEC, BaFin, or other authorities before investing.
• Demo Account: Use demo accounts to test platforms without financial risk, as offered by DirektBroker-FX pre-2023.
• Risk Awareness: Understand CFD and forex risks, as highlighted by the broker’s warnings (58.06%–87.44% loss rates). Only invest what you can afford to lose.
• Fund Security: Ensure funds are deposited in segregated accounts with reputable banks, as was the case with Leverate pre-2023.
• Avoid High Deposits: Be cautious of brokers requiring high minimum deposits (e.g., €25,000) for premium accounts, as this can signal pressure tactics.
• Contact Verification: If considering a broker, verify contact details (e.g., +357 25 249944, [email protected]) and test responsiveness. Recommendation: Do not use DirektBroker-FX due to its non-operational status. Seek actively regulated brokers with transparent operations.

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11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• DirektBroker vs. Directa: The name “DirektBroker” may be confused with “Directa,” an Italian day-trading broker operating in Germany and other EU countries. Directa has no relation to Leverate and focuses on different markets (e.g., Milan Stock Exchange, NYSE).
• Other Leverate Brands: Leverate operates other brands like Vinci Capital Markets, which could cause confusion among traders unaware of the parent company.
• Trading-House Connection: DirektBroker-FX is linked to trading-house.net AG and trading-house Broker GmbH, which may confuse users about the entity handling their funds. The distinction between the broker and its German partner is not always clear.
• Marketing Claims: The claim of being “leading since 1998” may mislead users, as Leverate was founded in 2011. This could be confused with older, established brokers. Risk Indicator: Moderate. Brand confusion is possible, particularly with Directa or Leverate’s other brands, but not a primary concern given the broker’s closure.

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12. Summary and Recommendations ¶

• Overall Risk: High. DirektBroker-FX, operated by Leverate Financial Services Limited, ceased operations in August 2023, renounced its CySEC license, and lacks current regulatory oversight. Slow execution issues, high deposit requirements, and limited recent reviews add to concerns.
• Key Red Flags: Termination of operations, revoked regulatory status, lack of social media presence, and potential exaggeration in marketing claims.
• User Action: Avoid using DirektBroker-FX. Research alternative brokers with active licenses from CySEC, BaFin, or other reputable regulators. Use demo accounts and verify fund segregation before investing.
• Website Status: The website remains online but may not reflect the broker’s non-operational status clearly, posing risks for unaware users. Final Note: Always conduct thorough due diligence when selecting a broker. Check regulatory databases (e.g., CySEC, BaFin), read recent user reviews, and test customer support responsiveness. For forex trading, consider established brokers with transparent operations and active regulatory compliance. If you need further analysis or assistance with alternative brokers, please let me know!