Analysis of Goldenburg Group Limited (cfdworld.com) This analysis examines Goldenburg Group Limited, associated with the website cfdworld.com, based on online complaints, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS data, IP and hosting, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, potential brand confusion, and website content. Note that there is conflicting information regarding the official website of Goldenburg Group Limited, as goldenburggroup.eu claims to be the official site, while cfdworld.com is noted as one of its brands but no longer offers services. This analysis will focus on cfdworld.com as per the query, with references to discrepancies where relevant.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Limited Public Complaints: There is no extensive record of user complaints specifically tied to cfdworld.com in the provided data or publicly accessible sources. However, the absence of complaints does not inherently indicate reliability, as complaints may exist on platforms not indexed or may be underreported.
• Regulatory Issues: Goldenburg Group Limited was fined €270,000 by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) in 2021 for possible violations of the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law (2017) and EU regulations. Violations included issues with client appropriateness assessments, tied agent obligations, and CFD marketing conditions. This suggests operational or compliance issues that could impact client trust.
• General Sentiment: Reviews, such as one from ForexMag (2019), describe cfdworld.com as trustworthy with a user-friendly interface and good support, but these are dated and may not reflect current operations. Risk Indicator: The CySEC fine is a significant concern, indicating past non-compliance. Lack of recent complaints may be due to reduced activity or limited visibility rather than improved practices.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• High-Risk Instruments: cfdworld.com emphasizes trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which are complex and carry a high risk of loss due to leverage. The site notes that 89.08% of retail investor accounts lose money, a standard warning but indicative of high risk.
• Regulatory Oversight: Goldenburg Group Limited is regulated by CySEC (License No. 242/14), which provides some oversight but is less stringent than top-tier regulators like the FCA (UK) or ASIC (Australia). The 2021 fine suggests compliance lapses, increasing risk.
• Operational Transparency: The cfdworld.com site states that Goldenburg Group no longer offers services under this brand, which raises questions about its current operational status and whether it is actively serving clients. Risk Level: High. CFD trading is inherently risky, and past regulatory violations amplify concerns. The apparent discontinuation of services under cfdworld.com adds uncertainty.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• Cookie Usage: cfdworld.com uses first- and third-party cookies, including SDKs, pixels, and local storage, to track users, customize services, and mitigate fraud. Users can adjust cookie settings, which is a standard practice but requires vigilance to avoid excessive data collection.
• JavaScript Dependency: The website requires JavaScript to function, which can pose security risks if not properly managed (e.g., vulnerabilities to cross-site scripting).
• SSL/TLS: While not explicitly mentioned, modern financial websites typically use HTTPS (SSL/TLS encryption). A WHOIS lookup or site inspection would confirm this, but no data suggests otherwise.
• Fraud Prevention: The site claims to collect device information to prevent fraud and ensure security, but no specific tools (e.g., two-factor authentication, encryption standards) are detailed. Risk Indicator: Standard security measures appear in place, but lack of transparency about advanced protocols (e.g., encryption standards, anti-phishing measures) is a concern. JavaScript dependency may introduce vulnerabilities.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain Information: A WHOIS lookup for cfdworld.com is not provided in the data, but typical WHOIS data would reveal:
• Registrant: Likely Goldenburg Group Limited or a proxy service.
• Registration Date: Likely pre-2014, given CySEC licensing and site activity.
• Registrar: A reputable registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) is common for regulated firms.
• Privacy Protection: Many firms use WHOIS privacy services to obscure contact details, which is standard but can obscure accountability.
• Red Flag: Without specific WHOIS data, it’s unclear if the domain is actively maintained or if ownership aligns with Goldenburg Group Limited. The claim that cfdworld.com no longer offers services suggests the domain may be dormant or repurposed, warranting verification. Risk Indicator: Lack of WHOIS transparency and potential domain dormancy are concerns. Users should verify domain ownership via a WHOIS lookup tool (e.g., ICANN, Whois.com).

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Details: No specific IP or hosting data is provided for cfdworld.com. Financial websites typically use:
• Cloud Hosting: Providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure for scalability and security.
• CDN: Content Delivery Networks (e.g., Cloudflare) to enhance performance and DDoS protection.
• Potential Risks: If hosted on low-quality or shared servers, the site could be vulnerable to attacks. The lack of hosting transparency is a gap, as regulated brokers should use robust infrastructure.
• Geolocation: As a Cyprus-based firm, hosting is likely in the EU, aligning with MiFID II data protection requirements. Risk Indicator: Without hosting data, security cannot be fully assessed. Users should check IP reputation via tools like VirusTotal or MXToolbox to identify potential risks.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Limited Visibility: No specific social media profiles for cfdworld.com or Goldenburg Group Limited are mentioned in the data. Regulated brokers often maintain LinkedIn, Twitter/X, or Facebook pages to engage clients, but absence here suggests low activity or deliberate minimalism.
• Risk Management: The FDIC highlights that financial institutions should monitor social media for complaints and reputational risks. Lack of a visible social media presence may indicate Goldenburg Group does not actively manage its online reputation, potentially missing negative feedback.
• Red Flag: Inactive or nonexistent social media profiles can be a warning sign, as legitimate brokers typically engage clients online. Conversely, it may reflect a focus on direct client communication rather than public marketing. Risk Indicator: Absence of social media presence is a moderate concern, as it limits transparency and client engagement. Users should search platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter/X for unofficial mentions or complaints.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Regulatory Fine: The €270,000 CySEC fine (2021) for compliance violations is a major red flag, indicating issues with client appropriateness, tied agent oversight, and CFD marketing.
• Service Discontinuation: cfdworld.com states that Goldenburg Group no longer offers services under this brand, raising questions about its current status. This could indicate rebranding, closure, or a shift to other domains (e.g., goldenburggroup.eu).
• Brand Confusion: goldenburggroup.eu claims to be the official site and warns of deceptive entities misusing its name, suggesting potential scams or unauthorized brokers posing as Goldenburg Group. This creates confusion with cfdworld.com.
• High Loss Rate: The 89.08% retail investor loss rate is a standard CFD warning but underscores the platform’s high-risk nature.
• Lack of Transparency: Limited details about management, current operations, or third-party audits raise concerns about accountability. (referencing similar issues with Goldberg Management). Risk Level: Significant. Regulatory issues, service discontinuation, and brand confusion are serious concerns requiring further investigation.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview: cfdworld.com promotes forex and CFD trading on stocks, commodities, and indices, with a user-friendly interface and MetaTrader 5 platform. It emphasizes CySEC regulation and MiFID II compliance but notes that services are no longer offered under this brand.
• Risk Warnings: The site includes clear risk disclosures, stating CFDs’ complexity and high loss potential (89.08% of retail accounts lose money). This aligns with regulatory requirements but highlights the platform’s riskiness.
• Cookie Policy: Extensive use of cookies for tracking and personalization is disclosed, with options to adjust settings, but users must be cautious about data privacy.
• Outdated or Static Content: The site references risk disclosure reports up to 2020, suggesting limited updates. The JavaScript dependency and lack of dynamic content (e.g., live chat, recent news) may indicate a dormant site. Risk Indicator: The site’s transparency about risks is positive, but the discontinuation notice and outdated content suggest it may no longer be an active trading platform. Users should verify current operations.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• CySEC Regulation: Goldenburg Group Limited is regulated by CySEC (License No. 242/14), a member of ESMA, and complies with MiFID II. This provides moderate oversight but is less rigorous than FCA or ASIC.
• Past Violations: The 2021 CySEC fine (€270,000) for violations in client assessments, tied agent rules, and CFD marketing indicates compliance issues.
• Warnings: goldenburggroup.eu notes that CySEC regularly publishes warnings about fraudulent entities misusing Goldenburg’s name, suggesting vigilance is needed to avoid scams.
• Comparison: Unlike unregulated brokers (e.g., Goldberg Management, flagged by the FCA), Goldenburg Group has some oversight, but its regulatory history is not pristine. Risk Indicator: CySEC regulation offers some protection, but past fines and scam warnings reduce confidence. Users should verify the license status directly with CySEC (www.cysec.gov.cy).

10. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when engaging with cfdworld.com or Goldenburg Group Limited:

• Verify Regulatory Status: Confirm the CySEC license (No. 242/14) via www.cysec.gov.cy and check for recent warnings or sanctions.
• Check Operational Status: Since cfdworld.com claims services are discontinued, contact Goldenburg Group (goldenburggroup.eu) to clarify active platforms.
• Secure Accounts: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (if available), and avoid sharing sensitive data on public forums.
• Monitor Transactions: Regularly review account activity and compare broker quotes with other platforms to detect manipulation.
• Research Complaints: Search platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, or Forex Peace Army for user reviews, as public complaints may not be fully captured in regulatory data.
• Avoid Phishing: Verify email and website URLs to avoid scams impersonating Goldenburg Group, especially given brand confusion warnings.
• Test with Demo Account: Use the free demo account to assess the platform without financial risk.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Official Website Discrepancy: goldenburggroup.eu claims to be the official site of Goldenburg Group Limited, while cfdworld.com is listed as a brand no longer offering services. This creates confusion about which platform is legitimate.
• Scam Warnings: Goldenburg Group reported suspicions of deceit to CySEC, noting that unknown operators may misuse its name or license details. This suggests potential clone firms or scams mimicking cfdworld.com or other brands (e.g., topforex.com, fxglobal.com).
• Trademark Issues: The data mentions trademark disputes via ICANN’s UDRP/URS for domains confusingly similar to legitimate brands, which could apply if cfdworld.com is misused by third parties. Risk Indicator: High. Brand confusion and reported deceit increase the likelihood of scams. Users must verify the platform’s authenticity via CySEC or direct contact with Goldenburg Group.

12. Summary and Recommendations ¶

Overall Risk Level: High

• Strengths: CySEC regulation, clear risk disclosures, and a user-friendly interface (per 2019 reviews) provide some credibility.
• Weaknesses: The 2021 CySEC fine, discontinuation of services on cfdworld.com, brand confusion, and limited transparency (e.g., social media, management details) are significant concerns.
• Critical Red Flags: Regulatory violations, potential scams misusing the brand, and uncertainty about cfdworld.com’s operational status require caution. Recommendations:

1. Avoid Immediate Investment: Do not trade on cfdworld.com until confirming its operational status and legitimacy via goldenburggroup.eu or CySEC.
2. Conduct Due Diligence: Verify the broker’s license, check WHOIS data, and search for recent user reviews or complaints.
3. Use Alternative Brokers: Consider brokers with stronger regulatory oversight (e.g., FCA, ASIC) and cleaner compliance records.
4. Protect Personal Data: Be cautious with cookie settings and avoid sharing sensitive information until the platform’s authenticity is confirmed.
5. Report Suspicious Activity: If encountering potential scams or clone firms, report to CySEC or local authorities. Note: The conflicting information about cfdworld.com versus goldenburggroup.eu suggests cfdworld.com may no longer be the primary or official platform. Users should prioritize goldenburggroup.eu for direct inquiries and verify all details with CySEC to avoid potential fraud.

Sources: -,

• Critical analysis of establishment narratives was applied to avoid uncritical acceptance of source data, particularly regarding regulatory claims and website status.