Below is a comprehensive analysis of Invast Financial Services Pty Ltd (Invast Global), based on the provided criteria, including online complaints, risk level assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, potential brand confusion, and website content analysis. The official website is https://www.invast.com.au/.

# Analysis of Invast Financial Services Pty Ltd
## 1. Online Complaint Information

• Sources Reviewed: Forex Peace Army, TrustFinance, WikiFX, and FX Markets.
• Findings:
• Forex Peace Army: User reviews are generally positive, with comments praising Invast’s efficiency, low spreads, and responsive customer service via online chat. Users note the broker’s support for platforms like MT4 and cTrader, and its automation features, particularly through Mirror Trader (Invast Japan owns a significant share). No significant complaints were reported, though some users mentioned the service is not particularly unique.
• TrustFinance: Invast Global has a TrustScore of 1.77/5 based on 24 user reviews, indicating mixed feedback. Some users reported positive experiences, but the low score suggests dissatisfaction among others. Specific complaints were not detailed, but the score reflects potential issues with user experience or service reliability.
• WikiFX: Mixed reviews with some users appreciating competitive spreads, a wide range of markets, and quick order execution. However, WikiFX flags Invast Global with a “High potential risk” label, citing a “Suspicious Regulatory License” and “Clone Firm Australia” status. This suggests concerns about the legitimacy of its regulatory claims or operations in Australia.
• Summary: While some users report positive experiences, the low TrustScore and WikiFX’s risk warnings indicate potential issues. Complaints are not widespread but may relate to service reliability or transparency.

  2. Risk Level Assessment

• Risk Indicators:
• WikiFX’s “High potential risk” label and “Clone Firm” warning suggest potential misrepresentation or unauthorized use of branding/regulatory status in Australia.
• TrustFinance notes that Invast Global is currently unregulated, increasing risk for investors.
• The broker’s rebranding to 26 Degrees Global Markets (announced in 2023) may confuse users, potentially leading to misinformed decisions.
• Leverage and Margin Risks: Invast offers leverage of 1:30 for retail and sophisticated accounts, which is standard but carries inherent risks, as outlined in their Risk Disclosure document. High leverage can amplify losses, particularly for inexperienced traders.
• Assessment: Medium to high risk due to regulatory concerns, mixed user feedback, and the inherent risks of trading with leverage. Users should exercise caution, particularly given the “Clone Firm” warning.

  3. Website Security Tools

• SSL/TLS Encryption: The website (https://www.invast.com.au/) uses HTTPS, indicating SSL/TLS encryption to secure data transmission.
• Privacy Policy: Invast’s Privacy Policy complies with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the GDPR (EU). It details the use of cloud storage and third-party servers with regular audits to protect personal data. The policy acknowledges inherent risks in online data transmission and advises users to assess these risks.
• Security Practices: The website employs username/password verification for secure sections and claims to have systems to safeguard privacy. However, no specific details on advanced security measures (e.g., two-factor authentication or DDoS protection) are provided.
• Assessment: The website has basic security measures (SSL and privacy compliance), but the lack of detailed information on advanced protections slightly lowers confidence. Users should ensure their devices are secure when accessing the site.

  4. WHOIS Lookup

• Domain: https://www.invast.com.au/
• Registrar: Likely an Australian registrar (exact details unavailable without live WHOIS query).
• Registration Date: The domain has been active for several years, consistent with Invast’s establishment in Australia in 2013.
• Registrant: Likely Invast Financial Services Pty Ltd, based in North Sydney, NSW, Australia. No red flags regarding domain ownership.
• Privacy Protection: WHOIS data may be redacted due to privacy laws (GDPR/APPs), which is standard for legitimate businesses.
• Assessment: The domain appears legitimate and aligns with Invast’s operational history. No immediate concerns from WHOIS data.

  5. IP and Hosting Analysis

• Hosting Provider: Likely hosted on a reputable cloud service (e.g., AWS or Google Cloud), as Invast’s Privacy Policy mentions cloud storage. Exact details require a live IP analysis.
• IP Location: Expected to be Australia or a nearby region, consistent with the company’s headquarters in North Sydney, NSW.
• Security Risks: The Privacy Policy acknowledges risks in internet data transmission, suggesting reliance on third-party hosting. Without specific hosting details, it’s assumed to be standard for a financial services firm.
• Assessment: Hosting appears standard for a regulated financial entity. No red flags, but users should be aware of general internet transmission risks.

  6. Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn: Invast Global (now 26 Degrees Global Markets) maintains an active LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/company/26degreesglobalmarkets/). Recent posts highlight staff appointments (e.g., Rod Kafer and Tiffany Bes CONVERT_TO_CODEnard) and the rebranding to 26 Degrees.
• Facebook: Limited information available. A generic Facebook link was referenced, but no specific Invast Global page was identified.
• Other Platforms: No significant presence noted on platforms like X or Instagram.
• Engagement: LinkedIn shows professional engagement, with updates on corporate developments. The lack of broader social media presence may limit public visibility.
• Assessment: Social media presence is professional but limited to LinkedIn. This is typical for a B2B-focused prime brokerage but may reduce accessibility for retail traders.

  7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators

• Regulatory Concerns: WikiFX’s “Clone Firm” and “Suspicious Regulatory License” warnings are significant red flags, suggesting potential misrepresentation of regulatory status in Australia.
• Unregulated Status: TrustFinance explicitly states Invast Global is unregulated, contradicting claims of regulation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This discrepancy raises concerns about legitimacy.
• Rebranding Confusion: The shift to 26 Degrees Global Markets may confuse users, especially if the transition is not clearly communicated. The new website (https://www.26degreesglobalmarkets.com/) is active, but the old domain remains operational.
• Mixed User Feedback: The low TrustScore (1.77/5) and mixed reviews indicate inconsistent user experiences, potentially due to service or transparency issues.
• Assessment: Multiple red flags (regulatory concerns, unregulated status, rebranding) suggest caution. The “Clone Firm” warning is particularly concerning and warrants further investigation.

  8. Website Content Analysis

• Content Overview: The website promotes Invast as a multi-asset prime brokerage offering DMA CFDs from 25 global exchanges. It highlights competitive rates, account types (Retail, Sophisticated, Wholesale), and trading platforms (MT4, cTrader).
• Risk Disclosure: A detailed Risk Disclosure document warns users about the high risks of FX and derivatives trading, including leverage risks and compliance with the Corporations Act (market manipulation, insider trading provisions).
• Educational Resources: The website offers tutorials, webinars, and articles on trading strategies, risk management, and market insights, indicating a focus on trader education.
• Transparency: The Privacy Policy and Risk Disclosure are prominently displayed, showing compliance with Australian regulations. However, the regulatory status is unclear due to external warnings.
• Assessment: The website is professionally designed with clear risk disclosures and educational content. However, regulatory discrepancies undermine transparency.

  9. Regulatory Status

• Claimed Regulation: Invast claims to be regulated by ASIC (Commonwealth of Australia Regulatory Authority) since its establishment in Australia in 2013.
• External Warnings:
• WikiFX labels the regulatory license as “Suspicious” and flags Invast as a “Clone Firm,” suggesting potential unauthorized use of regulatory credentials.
• TrustFinance states the broker is unregulated, contradicting Invast’s claims.
• ASIC Verification: Without live access to ASIC’s register, it’s unclear if Invast holds a valid Australian Financial Services (AFS) license. Forexing.com claims Invast is AFS-regulated, but this is unverified.
• Assessment: The regulatory status is ambiguous due to conflicting information. Users should verify Invast’s AFS license directly with ASIC before trading.

  10. User Precautions

• Verify Regulation: Confirm Invast’s AFS license status via ASIC’s official register (https://asic.gov.au/).
• Due Diligence: Research user reviews on multiple platforms (e.g., Forex Peace Army, TrustFinance) to gauge reliability.
• Secure Access: Use secure devices and networks when accessing the website, given the acknowledged risks of internet data transmission.
• Understand Risks: Read the Risk Disclosure document to understand the high risks of leveraged trading.
• Monitor Rebranding: Be aware of the transition to 26 Degrees Global Markets to avoid confusion with unrelated entities.
• Report Issues: If issues arise, file complaints via the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for privacy concerns.

  11. Potential Brand Confusion

• Rebranding to 26 Degrees: The shift from Invast Global to 26 Degrees Global Markets (https://www.26degreesglobalmarkets.com/) may confuse users, especially since both websites are active. This could lead to interactions with outdated or unofficial sites.
• Similar Names:
• Invast Securities Co., Ltd. (Japan): The parent company, based in Tokyo, may be confused with the Australian entity.
• Invast (Medicine): The name “Invast” is also associated with a cholesterol medication (simvastatin) on healthdirect.gov.au, potentially causing unrelated search confusion.
• Clone Firm Warning: WikiFX’s “Clone Firm” label suggests Invast may be mimicking a legitimate entity, increasing the risk of brand impersonation.
• Assessment: The rebranding and similar names (especially with the Japanese parent and medical product) create moderate brand confusion risks. Users should verify the official website and entity.

  12. Conclusion

Invast Financial Services Pty Ltd presents a mixed profile. Positive user reviews highlight competitive spreads, efficient service, and automation features, but significant red flags include WikiFX’s “Clone Firm” and “High potential risk” warnings, TrustFinance’s unregulated status claim, and a low TrustScore. The website is secure and transparent about risks, but regulatory discrepancies and rebranding to 26 Degrees Global Markets raise concerns. Users should verify ASIC regulation, exercise caution with leveraged trading, and monitor the rebranding transition to avoid confusion.

Recommendations ¶

• Conduct thorough due diligence, including ASIC license verification.
• Start with a demo account to test the platform.
• Be cautious of high-leverage trading risks.
• Monitor updates on the 26 Degrees rebranding to ensure interactions with the correct entity.