AI risk analysis - RaiseFX (2025-04-29 17:35:30)

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Below is a detailed analysis of RaiseFX, operated by Raise Global SA (Pty) Ltd, based on the requested criteria, using available information and critical evaluation. The analysis covers online complaints, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting, social media, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, potential brand confusion, and website content, with a focus on the official website https://raisefx.com/.

1. Online Complaint Information

Findings:

  • Trustpilot Reviews: RaiseFX has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot with 672 reviews as of November 13, 2024. Positive feedback highlights smooth transactions, competitive spreads, fast execution, user-friendly platforms (MetaTrader 5), and responsive customer support (e.g., praise for support staff like Melissa). However, negative reviews include accusations of scams, with one user claiming RaiseFX rejected their partnership request without clear reasons, and another reporting fraudulent transaction allegations followed by threats of legal action after public complaints.
  • WikiFX Complaints: Users reported issues such as platform inconsistency, slow withdrawal times, unclear trading signals, and accusations of fraudulent transaction claims without prior warning. One user described RaiseFX as manipulative, citing threats after posting complaints online.
  • General Sentiment: Mixed reviews suggest a polarized experience. Positive reviews emphasize transparency and support, while negative ones point to potential issues with withdrawals, platform reliability, and customer dispute handling. Analysis:
  • The presence of both positive and negative reviews is typical for forex brokers, but the severity of complaints (e.g., fraud allegations, withdrawal delays, and threats) raises concerns. The accusations of manipulation and inconsistent platform performance suggest operational or transparency issues for some users.
  • The positive reviews may indicate a functional service for many, but the negative ones warrant caution, especially given the high-risk nature of CFD trading.

2. Risk Level Assessment

Findings:

  • WikiFX Risk Rating: RaiseFX is flagged with a high potential risk due to a suspicious regulatory license, suspicious scope of business, and suspected overrun. The “General Registration” status with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is noted as less secure than full regulation.
  • Trading Risks: RaiseFX offers up to 500:1 leverage, which significantly amplifies both gains and losses, posing a high risk, especially for inexperienced traders. The broker’s risk warnings acknowledge that CFD and forex trading may not suit all investors.
  • User Feedback: Complaints about slow withdrawals and platform issues increase perceived risk, as these are common pain points in less reliable brokers. Analysis:
  • The high leverage and lack of robust regulation contribute to a high-risk profile. The FSCA’s “General Registration” status, combined with WikiFX’s warnings, suggests that RaiseFX may not offer the same level of investor protection as brokers regulated by top-tier authorities (e.g., FCA, ASIC).
  • The mixed user feedback, particularly regarding withdrawals, indicates operational risks that could affect fund accessibility.

3. Website Security Tools

Findings:

  • SSL/TLS Encryption: The website https://raisefx.com/ uses HTTPS, indicating SSL/TLS encryption, which is standard for securing data transmission.
  • Security Headers: No detailed analysis of security headers (e.g., Content Security Policy, X-Frame-Options) is available from the provided data, but modern websites typically include these to prevent attacks like XSS or clickjacking.
  • Gridinsoft Warning: The subdomain live.raisefx.com was flagged as suspicious by Gridinsoft Anti-Malware, citing potential reliability issues, deceptive practices, or malware risks. The domain was blocked due to its classification as a suspicious website.
  • Privacy Policy: RaiseFX’s privacy policy outlines data protection measures but acknowledges that no system is 100% secure, with a commitment to notify users in case of breaches. Analysis:
  • The use of HTTPS is a basic security measure, but the suspicious flagging of live.raisefx.com raises significant concerns about the platform’s overall security. This could indicate vulnerabilities or deceptive practices on specific subdomains.
  • Without specific data on advanced security headers or penetration testing, it’s unclear how robust the site’s defenses are against sophisticated attacks. The Gridinsoft warning suggests users exercise caution, especially when interacting with login or trading portals.

4. WHOIS Lookup

Findings:

  • Domain: raisefx.com
  • Registrar: SAV.COM, LLC
  • Registration Date: Approximately 5 years ago (circa 2019, based on live.raisefx.com data).
  • Owner: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY, a common practice to protect registrant details.
  • Contact: Complaints can be directed to abuse@dynadot.com or +1.8885808790 (based on live.raisefx.com data). Analysis:
  • The redacted WHOIS data is standard for privacy but limits transparency about the entity behind the domain. The use of SAV.COM, LLC as a registrar is not inherently problematic, but less reputable registrars can sometimes be associated with questionable sites.
  • The domain’s age (5 years) suggests some longevity, which is positive, but the suspicious flagging of a subdomain indicates potential issues with how the domain or its subdomains are managed.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis

Findings:

  • Hosting Provider: No specific hosting provider is mentioned in the provided data for raisefx.com. However, the website’s global accessibility suggests a reputable content delivery network (CDN) or hosting service, likely with servers in multiple regions.
  • IP Geolocation: The physical offices are listed in South Africa (Johannesburg and Cape Town), and a payment agent is registered in Cyprus, suggesting servers may be hosted in or near these regions for latency optimization.
  • Subdomain Issues: The live.raisefx.com subdomain’s suspicious status may indicate hosting or configuration issues specific to that server. Analysis:
  • Without precise IP or hosting data, it’s challenging to assess server security or reliability. The subdomain’s flagged status suggests potential misconfiguration or malicious activity on specific servers, which could affect user trust.
  • The presence of offices in South Africa and Cyprus implies a distributed infrastructure, but users should verify server security (e.g., through tools like Qualys SSL Labs) before engaging with the platform.

6. Social Media Presence

Findings:

  • LinkedIn: Raise Global SA (Pty) Ltd does not have a prominent LinkedIn presence under its name, but related entities like RAISE Global Services and RAISE Global focus on social innovation and fund management, respectively. These are distinct from RaiseFX’s forex operations.
  • Other Platforms: RaiseFX promotes community engagement through Discord and Kick for its prop firm, RaiseMyFunds, indicating an active social media strategy targeting traders.
  • User Feedback: Social media feedback is limited in the provided data, but Trustpilot reviews mention positive interactions with support, suggesting some social media or community engagement. Analysis:
  • The limited social media presence for Raise Global SA (Pty) Ltd specifically is a potential red flag, as reputable brokers often maintain active, transparent profiles on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
  • The focus on Discord and Kick for RaiseMyFunds suggests a niche, trader-focused community, but these platforms are less regulated and may expose users to unverified advice or scams. The lack of a strong, centralized social media presence for RaiseFX itself reduces transparency.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators

Identified Red Flags:

  • Suspicious Subdomain: The live.raisefx.com subdomain’s classification as suspicious by Gridinsoft is a major concern, suggesting potential malware or deceptive practices.
  • Regulatory Concerns: The FSCA’s “General Registration” status is less robust than full regulation, and RaiseFX is not regulated by top-tier authorities like FCA or ASIC. WikiFX flags suspicious regulatory licenses and business scope.
  • Complaint Severity: Allegations of fraudulent transaction claims, withdrawal delays, and threats after public complaints indicate potential operational or ethical issues.
  • High Leverage: Offering 500:1 leverage is risky and may attract inexperienced traders unaware of the potential for significant losses.
  • Brand Confusion Risk: The name “Raise” is associated with multiple unrelated entities (e.g., Raise.com, RAISE Global Services), which could confuse users.
  • Inconsistent User Experiences: Polarized reviews (excellent vs. scam accusations) suggest inconsistent service quality or selective customer treatment. Analysis:
  • The combination of a suspicious subdomain, regulatory weaknesses, and serious user complaints forms a pattern of concern. These red flags suggest that RaiseFX may not prioritize user safety or transparency to the extent expected from top-tier brokers.
  • The high leverage and lack of robust regulation amplify financial risks, while the potential for brand confusion could lead to users engaging with the wrong entity.

8. Website Content Analysis

Findings:

  • Content Overview: The website (https://raisefx.com/) promotes RaiseFX as “more than a broker, your trading partner,” offering CFD trading on 500+ assets, MetaTrader 5, tight spreads, and 500:1 leverage. It emphasizes FSCA regulation and modern offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
  • Transparency: The site provides legal details, including the company number (2018/616118/07) and FSCA license (50506). It also lists a Cyprus-based payment agent (Raise EU Services D.B. Limited). Risk warnings are present, acknowledging the high risk of CFD trading.
  • Intellectual Property: The site strictly prohibits unauthorized use of its content, logos, or documents, with threats of litigation for violations.
  • Regional Restrictions: The website notes that its services are not intended for residents of jurisdictions like the EU, US, North Korea, Singapore, or Australia, indicating compliance with local laws.
  • Prop Firm (RaiseMyFunds): The site promotes RaiseMyFunds, a prop trading environment with demo accounts and simulated trading, emphasizing control over trading conditions. Analysis:
  • The website is professionally designed and provides essential information, such as regulatory details and risk warnings, which is positive for transparency. However, the emphasis on high leverage and the aggressive stance on intellectual property may deter cautious users.
  • The regional restrictions suggest compliance with international regulations, but the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight limits its appeal in highly regulated markets.
  • The RaiseMyFunds section targets traders seeking prop trading, but the focus on demo accounts with fictitious funds may mislead inexperienced users about real-world risks.

9. Regulatory Status

Findings:

  • FSCA Regulation: Raise Global SA (Pty) Ltd is an authorized Financial Service Provider (FSP) under the FSCA in South Africa, license number 50506. However, the “General Registration” status is noted as less secure than full regulation.
  • Kazakhstan Regulation: RaiseFX claims regulation by the Financial Supervision Committee of Kazakhstan (license KZ12UWX00001735) through RaiseGroup LLP.
  • No Top-Tier Regulation: RaiseFX is not regulated by authorities like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), or CySEC (Cyprus), which are considered stricter and more investor-friendly.
  • Multi-Regulated Claims: RaiseFX promotes its multi-regulated status as a trust factor, but the jurisdictions (South Africa, Kazakhstan) are not top-tier, and WikiFX flags suspicious regulatory licenses. Analysis:
  • The FSCA regulation provides some legitimacy, but the “General Registration” status and lack of top-tier oversight (e.g., FCA, ASIC) reduce investor protection. Kazakhstan’s regulation is less recognized globally, further weakening the regulatory profile.
  • The emphasis on multi-regulation may be a marketing tactic to instill confidence, but the jurisdictions involved do not inspire the same trust as major financial hubs. Users in highly regulated markets (e.g., EU, US) are explicitly excluded, limiting the broker’s global credibility.

10. User Precautions

Recommended Precautions:

  1. Verify Regulatory Status: Check the FSCA license (50506) directly on the FSCA website and confirm Kazakhstan’s license with the Financial Supervision Committee. Be wary of the “General Registration” status.
  2. Test with Demo Account: Use RaiseFX’s demo account to evaluate platform performance and trading conditions before depositing real funds.
  3. Start Small: Deposit the minimum amount (€200) initially to test withdrawal processes, given complaints about delays.
  4. Avoid High Leverage: Be cautious with 500:1 leverage, as it can lead to significant losses. Set strict risk management rules.
  5. Secure Interactions: Ensure you’re accessing https://raisefx.com/ and avoid suspicious subdomains like live.raisefx.com. Use antivirus software and verify URLs.
  6. Monitor Reviews: Regularly check platforms like Trustpilot and WikiFX for new complaints or updates on RaiseFX’s performance.
  7. Understand Risks: Acknowledge the high-risk nature of CFD trading and only invest what you can afford to lose. Read all risk warnings.
  8. Contact Support: Engage with customer support (e.g., support.africa@raisefx.com) to test responsiveness before committing significant funds. Analysis:
  • These precautions are critical given the red flags (suspicious subdomain, regulatory concerns, and complaint severity). Testing the platform and starting with minimal investment can mitigate risks, while verifying regulatory claims ensures legitimacy.

11. Potential Brand Confusion

Findings:

  • Raise.com: An e-commerce platform for gift cards, based in Chicago, unrelated to forex trading.
  • RAISE Global Services: A social enterprise focused on environmental and humanitarian solutions, with no connection to RaiseFX.
  • RAISE Global: A community for fund managers and limited partners, distinct from RaiseFX’s forex operations.
  • RaiseMyFunds: A prop trading arm of RaiseFX, which could confuse users due to its separate branding but shared regulatory entity (Raise Global SA).
  • Global RAIS: A privacy policy reference with no clear connection to RaiseFX, potentially adding to confusion. Analysis:
  • The name “Raise” is used by multiple unrelated entities, increasing the risk of brand confusion. Users may mistakenly associate RaiseFX with Raise.com (gift cards) or RAISE Global Services (social enterprise), leading to misplaced trust or engagement with the wrong platform.
  • RaiseMyFunds, while part of RaiseFX, uses distinct branding that could confuse users about its relationship to the main broker. Clearer differentiation on the website and marketing materials is needed to avoid misidentification.

12. Recent Developments (2024–2025)

Findings:

  • Office Expansion: RaiseFX opened ultra-modern offices in Cape Town’s FNB Tower in 2023, signaling investment in infrastructure.
  • Multi-Regulated Status: A 2023 press release celebrated RaiseFX’s regulation by FSCA and Kazakhstan, with plans to acquire more licenses globally.
  • RaiseMyFunds Launch: The prop trading arm emphasizes demo accounts and simulated trading, targeting traders seeking alternative investment solutions.
  • Trustpilot Growth: The number of reviews (672 by November 2024) indicates increasing user engagement, though polarized feedback persists.
  • Subdomain Issues: The live.raisefx.com warning in July 2024 suggests ongoing security or reliability concerns. Analysis:
  • The office expansion and multi-regulated claims reflect efforts to build credibility, but the lack of top-tier regulation and subdomain issues undermine these efforts. The RaiseMyFunds launch targets a niche market, but its focus on simulated trading may not fully prepare users for real-market risks.
  • The growth in Trustpilot reviews suggests rising popularity, but the persistence of serious complaints indicates unresolved operational challenges.

Critical Evaluation

RaiseFX presents a mixed profile. On one hand, it is regulated by the FSCA and Kazakhstan’s Financial Supervision Committee, offers a professional website, and has positive user reviews praising its platform and support. On the other hand, significant red flags—such as the suspicious live.raisefx.com subdomain, high-risk leverage, polarized complaints, and weaker regulatory status—suggest caution. The lack of top-tier regulation and potential brand confusion with unrelated “Raise” entities further complicate its trustworthiness. The broker’s transparency about risks and regulatory details is commendable, but the severity of complaints (e.g., fraud allegations, withdrawal delays, threats) and the Gridinsoft warning indicate potential operational or ethical issues. Users should approach RaiseFX with skepticism, verifying all claims independently and prioritizing risk management.

Recommendations for Users

  1. Conduct Due Diligence: Verify RaiseFX’s FSCA license (50506) and Kazakhstan license directly with the respective authorities.
  2. Use Caution with Subdomains: Avoid interacting with live.raisefx.com until its suspicious status is resolved.
  3. Test Thoroughly: Start with a demo account and small deposits to assess platform reliability and withdrawal processes.
  4. Limit Leverage: Avoid using the maximum 500:1 leverage to minimize financial risk.
  5. Monitor Feedback: Stay updated on user reviews and security alerts via platforms like Trustpilot and Gridinsoft.
  6. Clarify Branding: Ensure you’re engaging with RaiseFX (https://raisefx.com/) and not unrelated entities like Raise.com or RAISE Global Services.

Sources

  • WikiFX Review
  • RaiseFX Website
  • RaiseFX Legal Document
  • Gridinsoft Analysis
  • RaiseFX About Page
  • Digital Journal Article
  • RaiseMyFunds About Page
  • Trustpilot Reviews Note: This analysis is based on available data as of April 22, 2025, and reflects a critical examination of RaiseFX’s operations. Users should conduct their own research and consult financial advisors before engaging with any broker.
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