Analyzing Aspide Financial Limited, associated with the website ‘https://www.probusfx.com/’, involves a comprehensive review based on online complaints, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS data, IP and hosting details, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, potential brand confusion, and website content. Below is a detailed analysis addressing each aspect, incorporating relevant information from available sources and critical evaluation.

1. Background and Context ¶

• Official Website: The website ‘https://www.probusfx.com/’ is linked to Aspide Financial Limited, which has been identified as the operator of ProbusFX, a forex broker.
• Rebranding Information: ProbusFX rebranded to SquaredDirect in November 2018, and the ProbusFX website is reportedly defunct. The current status of the website and operations under Aspide Financial Limited requires scrutiny, as the rebranding and potential inactivity raise concerns about continuity and legitimacy.

2. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Sources of Complaints: There is limited specific information on user complaints directly tied to ProbusFX or Aspide Financial Limited in the provided references. However, general trends in the forex industry suggest common complaints include withdrawal issues, misleading marketing, and poor customer service.
• WikiFX Review: WikiFX, a forex broker review platform, rates ProbusFX at a low score of 1.46/10, citing a “Suspected Fake Clone” regulatory status. This suggests potential issues with transparency or legitimacy, which could align with user dissatisfaction or complaints about regulatory compliance.
• Critical Evaluation: The absence of detailed complaint data may indicate low user engagement post-rebranding or suppression of negative feedback. Users should search platforms like Trustpilot, Forex Peace Army, or Reddit for anecdotal evidence, as these may reveal patterns of issues not captured in the provided sources.

3. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Operational Risks: The rebranding from ProbusFX to SquaredDirect and the reported defunct status of the ProbusFX website suggest operational instability. Frequent name changes can be a red flag for rebranding to evade negative reputation or regulatory scrutiny.
• Financial Risks: WikiFX notes that online trading with ProbusFX involves significant risk, with potential for complete capital loss, a standard warning for forex trading but amplified by the broker’s low trust score.
• Regulatory Risks: The “Suspected Fake Clone” status on WikiFX indicates that ProbusFX may be misrepresenting its regulatory license, increasing the risk of operating with an unregulated or fraudulent entity.
• Risk Level: High. The combination of rebranding, low trust scores, and questionable regulatory status suggests elevated risk for users engaging with Aspide Financial Limited or its associated brands.

4. Website Security Tools ¶

• Website Accessibility: The ProbusFX website is reported as inaccessible, which prevents direct analysis of security features like SSL certificates, HTTPS implementation, or security headers.
• General Security Concerns: Inaccessible websites can indicate abandonment, poor maintenance, or deliberate obfuscation. If the site were active, key security checks would include:
• SSL/TLS: Ensuring the site uses a valid, up-to-date SSL certificate from a trusted authority.
• Security Headers: Presence of headers like Content-Security-Policy (CSP) or X-Frame-Options to prevent attacks like clickjacking.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Tools like Sucuri or Qualys SSL Labs could reveal weaknesses if the site were operational.
• Critical Evaluation: The inability to access the website is a significant red flag, as it prevents verification of security practices. Users should avoid interacting with any revived or mirrored versions of the site without thorough vetting.

5. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain Information: The provided references do not include specific WHOIS data for ‘probusfx.com’. A typical WHOIS lookup would reveal:
• Registrant: The entity or individual owning the domain (e.g., Aspide Financial Limited or a proxy).
• Registration Date: To assess the domain’s age and stability.
• Registrar: The company managing the domain (e.g., NameSilo, GoDaddy).
• Privacy Protection: Use of services like PrivacyGuardian.org, as seen in similar suspicious domains, can obscure ownership and raise concerns.
• Critical Evaluation: Without direct WHOIS data, assumptions are limited. The reported defunct status suggests the domain may be expired or redirected. Users can perform a WHOIS lookup via tools like ICANN Lookup or Who.is to verify current status, but the lack of transparency in ownership is a potential risk indicator.

6. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Details: No specific IP or hosting information is provided for ‘probusfx.com’. If active, hosting analysis would involve:
• Hosting Provider: Identifying the provider (e.g., Cloudflare, AWS) to assess reliability and security.
• Geolocation: Determining the server’s location to check for discrepancies with the broker’s claimed jurisdiction (Cyprus).
• Shared Hosting Risks: Shared hosting environments can increase vulnerability to attacks or association with malicious sites.
• Critical Evaluation: The inaccessible website prevents IP and hosting analysis. If the site is hosted in a jurisdiction inconsistent with its regulatory claims (e.g., outside Cyprus), it could indicate operational discrepancies. Tools like VirusTotal or MXToolbox can provide insights if the site becomes active.

7. Social Media Presence ¶

• Available Information: The references do not detail ProbusFX’s social media activity. Forex brokers typically use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn for marketing and client engagement.
• FINRA Warnings: FINRA has noted fraudulent “investment groups” on social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, which could apply to brokers with questionable practices. ProbusFX’s low trust score suggests potential for misleading social media promotions.
• Critical Evaluation: Without specific social media data, it’s unclear if Aspide Financial Limited maintains active profiles. Users should check for official accounts and verify their authenticity, as fake profiles or exaggerated claims are common in the forex industry. Red flags include unsolicited investment pitches or encrypted chat group invitations.

8. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Rebranding and Name Changes: The transition from ProbusFX to SquaredDirect (and later SquaredFinancial) is a significant red flag, as frequent name changes can indicate attempts to distance from negative feedback or regulatory issues.
• Inaccessible Website: The defunct status of ‘probusfx.com’ suggests abandonment or intentional closure, raising concerns about operational legitimacy.
• Suspicious Regulatory Status: The “Suspected Fake Clone” CYSEC license status on WikiFX indicates potential misrepresentation of regulatory credentials, a critical risk indicator.
• Low Trust Score: WikiFX’s 1.46/10 rating reflects poor industry reputation and potential user issues.
• Lack of Transparency: Limited information on trading assets, leverage, spreads, or other operational details, as noted by WikiFX, suggests opacity.
• Critical Evaluation: These red flags collectively point to a high-risk broker. The combination of regulatory concerns, rebranding, and website inaccessibility strongly suggests caution.

9. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Availability: The inaccessible website prevents direct content analysis. WikiFX notes that ProbusFX offered the MetaTrader5 (MT5) platform, known for its functionality and automated trading features, but specific details about trading conditions (e.g., spreads, leverage) are unavailable.
• Expected Content: If active, the website would likely include:
• Trading Platforms: Details on MT5 and supported assets (forex, CFDs, metals).
• Account Types: Information on minimum deposits (e.g., $200) and account options.
• Regulatory Claims: Statements about CYSEC licensing or other credentials.
• Risk Disclosures: Mandatory warnings about trading risks, as required by regulators.
• Critical Evaluation: The lack of accessible content hinders evaluation of marketing claims or compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., FINRA Rule 2210 for fair and balanced communications). If the site is revived, users should scrutinize for exaggerated claims or missing risk disclosures, common in fraudulent brokers.

10. Regulatory Status ¶

• Claimed Regulation: ProbusFX, under Aspide Financial Limited, claims to be registered in Cyprus and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC).
• WikiFX Findings: The CYSEC license is listed as a “Suspected Fake Clone,” suggesting the broker may be falsely claiming regulation or using a cloned license number. This is a severe regulatory red flag.
• SquaredFinancial Context: The rebranded entity, SquaredFinancial, is authorized by CYSEC (registration number 329/17) and the FSA in Seychelles (SD024), indicating legitimate regulation for the new brand. However, this does not retroactively validate ProbusFX’s status.
• Critical Evaluation: The “Suspected Fake Clone” status is a critical concern, as it suggests potential fraud or misrepresentation. Users should verify any CYSEC license directly on the CYSEC website (www.cysec.gov.cy) using the broker’s registration number. The rebranding to a regulated entity may indicate an attempt to legitimize operations, but ProbusFX’s historical status remains dubious.

11. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when dealing with Aspide Financial Limited or its associated brands, users should:

• Verify Regulatory Status: Check CYSEC’s official register for license validity. Avoid brokers with unverified or cloned licenses.
• Research Rebranding: Investigate SquaredFinancial’s current operations and user reviews, as it is the successor to ProbusFX.
• Avoid Inaccessible Platforms: Do not engage with ‘probusfx.com’ or related sites if they remain inaccessible or lack transparency.
• Use Secure Channels: If interacting with the broker, ensure communications occur via verified email (e.g., [email protected]) or phone (+35725260333), and avoid unapproved channels like WhatsApp.
• Monitor Social Media: Be cautious of unsolicited social media promotions, especially on platforms like Instagram or encrypted chats.
• Start Small: If trading with SquaredFinancial, begin with a minimum deposit and test withdrawal processes to assess reliability.
• Secure Accounts: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid sharing sensitive information on public forums.
• Critical Evaluation: These precautions align with FINRA and FDIC guidance on protecting against fraud and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

12. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Similar Names: The name “Aspide” may be confused with other entities, such as:
• Aspida (www.aspida.com): A U.S.-based company offering annuities and life insurance, unrelated to forex trading.
• Aspida Group (www.aspidagroup.com): A compliance and risk management firm in Guernsey and Malta, focused on governance and regulatory solutions.
• Aspides (www.aspides.com): A media and entertainment cybersecurity firm, unrelated to financial services.
• Aspida Life Insurance: A young annuity provider founded in 2021, backed by Ares Management.
• Rebranding Confusion: The shift from ProbusFX to SquaredDirect and then SquaredFinancial creates potential confusion, as users may encounter outdated references to ProbusFX or assume continuity with the new brand.
• Critical Evaluation: Brand confusion increases the risk of users engaging with the wrong entity or falling for phishing attempts exploiting similar names. The FDIC notes that links to third parties with similar names can cause customer confusion, particularly if regulatory protections are misrepresented. Users should verify the exact entity and website (e.g., ‘squaredfinancial.com’ for the current brand) before proceeding.

13. Critical Evaluation and Recommendations ¶

• Overall Assessment: Aspide Financial Limited, as the operator of ProbusFX, presents significant risks due to its defunct website, questionable regulatory status, frequent rebranding, and low industry trust score. While the rebranded SquaredFinancial appears regulated, the historical concerns with ProbusFX suggest caution.
• Key Risks:
• Potential misrepresentation of CYSEC regulation.
• Operational instability from rebranding and website inaccessibility.
• Lack of transparency in trading conditions and user feedback.
• Risk of brand confusion with unrelated entities.
• Recommendations:
• Avoid ProbusFX: Given the defunct status and regulatory concerns, users should not engage with ‘probusfx.com’ or related services.
• Investigate SquaredFinancial: If considering the rebranded entity, verify its CYSEC license (329/17) and review user feedback on platforms like Trustpilot or Forex Peace Army.
• Conduct Due Diligence: Use tools like CYSEC’s register, WHOIS lookup, and security scanners to validate any broker’s credentials before investing.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If encountering fraudulent behavior, report to CYSEC, FINRA, or ASIC, depending on jurisdiction.
• Skeptical Perspective: The forex industry is rife with brokers using rebranding and questionable licensing to exploit users. Aspide Financial Limited’s history aligns with these patterns, and the lack of accessible data reinforces skepticism. Always prioritize regulated, transparent brokers with strong user reviews.

14. Sources ¶

The analysis draws on the provided web results, specifically: -: Aspida (unrelated annuity provider). -,: Aspida Group (compliance services). -: FINRA social media fraud warnings. -: Aspides (cybersecurity firm). -,: ProbusFX rebranding and regulatory status. -: FINRA advertising compliance. -: Aspida Life Insurance. -: FINRA cybersecurity guidance. -: FINRA customer protection. -: Suspicious website example. -: FDIC on brand confusion. Additional insights are based on general industry knowledge and regulatory guidelines from FINRA, CYSEC, and ASIC, critically evaluated to avoid uncritical acceptance of source data.

If you need further details, such as a specific WHOIS lookup, social media profile analysis, or deeper investigation into SquaredFinancial, please let me know!