Below is a detailed analysis of CTRL Investments based on the requested criteria, including online complaint information, risk level assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, and potential brand confusion. The analysis draws on available information from the web, critically evaluated to provide an objective assessment.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Sources of Complaints:
• WikiFX (2022): Reports user complaints about CTRL Investments, including issues with withdrawals. One user alleged the platform flagged their account for suspected money laundering, demanded a $1,000 USDT deposit, and requested bank statements before ignoring further communication. This suggests potential issues with withdrawal processes or scam tactics.
• Trustpilot (2023): Limited feedback with only one review, which is positive, praising CTRL Investments for training and platform reliability. However, the single review raises concerns about authenticity, as it could be manipulated or insufficient to gauge overall user experience.
• BrokersView (2023): Mixed reviews. Some users report satisfaction with competitive conditions and security, while others complain about high slippage (orders closing at worse-than-expected prices) and lack of transparency in automated/copy trading information, which confuses novice traders.
• Complaint Patterns:
• Withdrawal issues, including accusations of fabricated reasons for delays or additional deposits.
• Lack of transparency in trading conditions, particularly for automated trading.
• Limited volume of reviews, which may indicate either low user engagement or selective review moderation.
• Risk Level from Complaints:
• Moderate to High: The withdrawal complaints and lack of transparency are significant red flags. However, positive reviews suggest some users have had satisfactory experiences, though these could be outliers or promotional.

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2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Trading Risks:
• CTRL Investments offers Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which are high-risk financial products due to leverage (up to 1:400) and market volatility. The company acknowledges that most retail clients lose money trading CFDs, aligning with industry warnings.
• Lack of clarity on automated trading and slippage issues increases risk for inexperienced traders.
• Operational Risks:
• Complaints about withdrawal delays and additional deposit demands suggest potential operational or ethical issues.
• The FCA (UK Financial Conduct Authority) warning that CTRL Investments is not authorized or registered in the UK is a critical risk indicator, as it implies investors lack access to UK regulatory protections like the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
• Overall Risk Level:
• High: The combination of regulatory concerns, withdrawal issues, and high-risk CFD trading makes CTRL Investments a risky choice, particularly for investors in jurisdictions where it lacks authorization (e.g., UK).

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3. Website Security Tools ¶

• SSL/TLS Encryption:
• The website (https://www.ctrlinvestments.com/) uses HTTPS, indicating SSL/TLS encryption, which is standard for securing data transmission. No specific issues (e.g., expired certificates) were noted in available data.
• Security Claims:
• CTRL Investments claims to prioritize the “safety and privacy of data, funds, and transactions” using encrypted platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4).
• No independent audits or certifications (e.g., ISO 27001) are mentioned, which would strengthen trust in their security practices.
• Potential Vulnerabilities:
• No reports of hacked websites or malware were found, but the lack of transparency about security protocols (e.g., penetration testing, two-factor authentication) is a gap.
• General advice from sources like ActiveComply suggests checking for vulnerabilities in website software that could allow hackers to redirect traffic or install malware.
• Assessment:
• Moderate Security: The use of HTTPS and MT4 encryption is positive, but the absence of detailed security policies or third-party validations raises concerns. Users should verify login pages and avoid sharing sensitive information without confirming the site’s legitimacy.

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4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain Information:
• Domain: ctrlinvestments.com
• Registrar: Not explicitly listed in provided data, but WHOIS lookup tools (e.g., WhoisHostingThis.com) could identify the registrar and hosting provider.
• Registration Details: No specific WHOIS data (e.g., registrant name, creation date) was provided in the sources. However, CTRL Investments is linked to a New Zealand-incorporated company (CTRL Investments Limited, Company No. 2446590, NZBN 9429031595070).
• Red Flags:
• Lack of transparent WHOIS data in the provided sources is concerning, as legitimate brokers typically have verifiable domain ownership.
• Complaints about a potentially fraudulent domain (http://www.ctrlinvestmentwss.com/) with a similar name suggest possible phishing or impersonation attempts, which could confuse users.
• Assessment:
• Incomplete: Without direct WHOIS data, it’s challenging to verify domain legitimacy. Users should perform a WHOIS lookup via trusted tools (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) to confirm ownership and check for discrepancies (e.g., fake contact information).

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5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Provider:
• No specific IP address or hosting provider details were provided in the sources. Tools like WhoisHostingThis.com could identify the hosting provider by analyzing nameservers in the WHOIS record.
• Potential Risks:
• If the hosting provider is obscure or located in a jurisdiction with lax regulations, it could indicate higher risk of fraudulent activity.
• ActiveComply notes that fraudulent websites may use separate hosting providers from their domain registrar, complicating takedown efforts.
• Assessment:
• Unknown: Lack of IP/hosting data prevents a definitive assessment. Users should use tools like WhoisHostingThis.com to verify the hosting provider and check for red flags (e.g., hosting in high-risk jurisdictions).

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6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Official Accounts:
• No specific social media accounts (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram) for CTRL Investments were mentioned in the provided sources.
• The website (https://www.ctrlinvestments.com/) does not prominently link to social media profiles, which is unusual for a modern broker aiming to build trust.
• Risk Indicators:
• FINRA and SEC warn that fraudsters often use social media to promote fake investments, impersonate legitimate brokers, or post misleading testimonials.
• The absence of a verifiable social media presence could indicate either a lack of marketing effort or an attempt to avoid scrutiny. Conversely, the presence of unverified accounts mimicking CTRL Investments could signal impersonation scams.
• Assessment:
• Low Presence: The lack of confirmed social media activity is a red flag, as legitimate brokers typically maintain active, verifiable profiles. Users should be cautious of any social media accounts claiming to represent CTRL Investments and verify them against the official website.

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7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Regulatory Concerns:
• FCA Warning: The FCA explicitly states that CTRL Investments is not authorized in the UK, posing risks for UK investors (no access to Financial Ombudsman or FSCS).
• Mixed Regulatory Status: While CTRL Investments claims regulation by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA, FSPR No. FSP197465) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC, AFSL No. 414198), WikiFX reports it “currently has no valid regulation,” suggesting potential discrepancies or lapses.
• Withdrawal Issues:
• Complaints about withdrawal delays, additional deposit demands, and accusations of money laundering flags are serious concerns.
• Transparency Issues:
• Lack of detailed information about automated trading, slippage, and sustainability initiatives.
• Limited user reviews and potential for manipulated testimonials (e.g., single Trustpilot review).
• Brand Confusion:
• A reported fraudulent domain (http://www.ctrlinvestmentwss.com/) with a similar name suggests potential phishing or impersonation attempts.
• Similarity to other firms (e.g., CTRL-IT Limited, Investcorp) could cause confusion, especially if scammers exploit these similarities.
• High-Risk Products:
• Offering CFDs with high leverage (1:400) increases financial risk, especially for inexperienced traders.
• Assessment:
• Multiple Red Flags: The FCA warning, withdrawal complaints, and potential brand confusion are significant concerns. While some users report positive experiences, these could be exceptions or promotional.

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8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview:
• The website (https://www.ctrlinvestments.com/) emphasizes CFD trading, offering access to forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, shares, and ETFs via the MT4 platform.
• Claims to prioritize client fund and data security, offering a mobile app and web-based trading.
• Provides contact details (phone: +64 9 302 0798, email: info@ctrlinvestments.com, address: Level 13, 1 Albert Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand).
• Claims and Promises:
• Highlights an “optimum trading environment” and “award-winning” MT4 platform, but no evidence of awards is provided.
• Acknowledges CFD risks, stating most retail clients lose money and advising against borrowing to trade.
• Transparency:
• Regulatory licenses (FMA, ASIC) are listed with verifiable details, but the FCA warning contradicts claims of universal legitimacy.
• No sustainability or CSR information is provided, which is a gap for a firm claiming to be client-focused.
• Assessment:
• Mixed: The website provides standard broker information and risk disclosures, but lacks transparency in areas like security protocols, awards, and sustainability. The FCA warning undermines its regulatory claims.

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9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Claimed Regulation:
• New Zealand FMA: FSPR No. FSP197465, member of Financial Dispute Resolution Service (FDR, FM1028).
• Australia ASIC: AFSL No. 414198, member of Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA, member number 28606).
• Services are not available to US citizens/residents, aligning with regulatory restrictions.
• Regulatory Concerns:
• FCA (UK): CTRL Investments is not authorized, meaning UK investors lack regulatory protections.
• WikiFX: Claims CTRL Investments has no valid regulation, contradicting its FMA/ASIC claims. This could indicate lapsed licenses, misrepresentations, or jurisdictional limitations.
• Verification:
• FMA and ASIC licenses are verifiable via their respective websites, but users should confirm current status, as regulatory standings can change.
• Membership in FDR and AFCA provides dispute resolution options, which is positive but insufficient without UK authorization for UK clients.
• Assessment:
• Partially Regulated: Valid FMA and ASIC licenses are positive, but the FCA warning and WikiFX claim of no valid regulation suggest significant risks, especially for non-NZ/AU investors.

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10. User Precautions ¶

• Verification Steps:
• Check regulatory status directly with FMA (https://www.fma.govt.nz/) and ASIC (https://asic.gov.au/) before investing.
• Use FINRA BrokerCheck (https://brokercheck.finra.org/) or SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/) to verify any US-related claims, though CTRL Investments does not serve US clients.
• Perform a WHOIS lookup to confirm domain ownership and hosting details.
• Investment Caution:
• Avoid investing more than you can afford to lose, given the high-risk nature of CFDs and leverage.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers or social media promotions, which could be scams.
• Test withdrawals with small amounts to verify reliability before committing larger sums.
• Security Practices:
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (if offered) for trading accounts.
• Verify the website URL (https://www.ctrlinvestments.com/) to avoid phishing sites like http://www.ctrlinvestmentwss.com/.
• Research:
• Search for independent reviews using terms like “CTRL Investments scam” or “CTRL Investments complaint” on multiple platforms.
• Consult a financial advisor to assess suitability, especially given the FCA warning.

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11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Similar Entities:
• CTRL-IT Limited: A UK-registered company listed on Companies House, unrelated to CTRL Investments but with a similar name, could cause confusion.
• Investcorp: A global investment firm warned about scammers misusing its brand. Similarities in financial services and the “invest” keyword could lead to mistaken identity.
• Fraudulent Domain: The reported domain http://www.ctrlinvestmentwss.com/ mimics CTRL Investments, likely for phishing or scams.
• Risks:
• Scammers could exploit name similarities to impersonate CTRL Investments, tricking users into sharing personal/financial information.
• The FCA warning increases the likelihood of CTRL Investments being targeted by impersonators, as unauthorized status attracts fraudulent activity.
• Assessment:
• High Risk of Confusion: The existence of similar names and a reported fraudulent domain heightens the risk of brand misuse. Users must verify the exact website and contact details.

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12. Overall Assessment ¶

• Strengths:
• Licensed by FMA and ASIC, with verifiable details and dispute resolution membership (FDR, AFCA).
• Uses industry-standard MT4 platform with claimed encryption.
• Some positive user reviews highlight competitive conditions and support.
• Weaknesses:
• FCA warning indicates no UK authorization, posing risks for UK investors.
• Complaints about withdrawals and transparency issues suggest operational concerns.
• Limited social media presence and review volume reduce transparency.
• Potential brand confusion and a reported fraudulent domain increase scam risks.
• Risk Level: High
• The combination of regulatory concerns, withdrawal issues, and potential impersonation makes CTRL Investments a high-risk broker, particularly for investors outside NZ/AU.
• Recommendation:
• Proceed with Extreme Caution: Only experienced traders with surplus funds should consider CTRL Investments, after verifying regulatory status and testing withdrawals. UK investors should avoid it due to the FCA warning. Always use the official website (https://www.ctrlinvestments.com/) and consult independent financial advice.

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13. Additional Notes ¶

• Critical Evaluation: The FCA warning and WikiFX’s claim of no valid regulation contradict CTRL Investments’ claims, suggesting possible misrepresentations or jurisdictional limitations. Positive reviews may be biased or insufficient to counter these concerns.
• Further Research: Users should check recent regulatory updates, perform WHOIS/IP lookups, and monitor platforms like Trustpilot or Forex Peace Army for new complaints.
• Reporting Fraud: If you suspect fraud, report to:
• NZ FMA: https://www.fma.govt.nz/
• ASIC: https://asic.gov.au/
• SEC: https://www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml
• FCA: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam This analysis is based on available data as of April 21, 2025, and should be supplemented with real-time checks due to the dynamic nature of financial regulation and online scams.