Your capital is at risk of retail CFD accounts lose money when trading with this provider.
Directshares
Financial Markets Access
Est. 2007 · Australia
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Directshares operates as an online trading platform established in 2007. Directshares holds authorisation from The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), providing the regulatory safeguards expected of a credible, established broker.
In this Directshares review, we assess everything from regulation and platform quality through to fees, tradeable instruments, and the standard of its support and educational resources. We provide a thorough and impartial assessment, helping you determine whether Directshares is a suitable choice for your trading goals.
Expert Score — Directshares · How we score brokers →
Directshares stands out as a credible choice for retail traders offering regulated trading, broad market access, and competitive conditions across its core product range. Suitable for both newcomers and more seasoned traders, Directshares delivers the infrastructure and support needed to trade with confidence.
Please note that due to regulations, the content in this review of Directshares does not apply to users in Brazil, South Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Japan, United States.
Directshares Review 2026 - Brief Overview
- Year Founded
- 2007
- Regulated By
- The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM)
- Headquarters
- Australia
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
- Number of Clients
- 10,000+
- Employees
- 358
Who are Directshares?
Directshares operates as an online trading platform based in Australia that first opened its doors in 2007. From the start, Directshares has grown into a well-regarded name in the world of CFD and forex trading.
Directshares gives traders access to an extensive selection of markets including forex, stocks, and commodities. Having grown to 10,000+ traders on the platform, the broker serves a diverse and growing client base. Operating under regulation from The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), Directshares is committed to the compliance requirements expected of any reputable online broker.
Clients at Directshares can access the markets through MT4,iOS,MacBook,iPhone, making it easy to trade from any device or location. Directshares suits traders seeking a broker with solid regulatory credentials and competitive conditions. Whether you are just starting out or have been trading for years, Directshares offers something worth considering.
Who Founded Directshares?
The senior team at Directshares brings considerable experience in building and growing online trading businesses. Their experience underpins the broker's growth and product offering. Directshares has grown to employ 358 employees in roles spanning product, support, and corporate functions.
Beyond the founding story, Directshares prioritises developing better tools and resources for its traders. The broker's training content and trading tools show that the company takes client education seriously. For traders learning the basics or refining a strategy, Directshares has put together an environment built around ongoing improvement.
Why Trade with Directshares?
Opening an account with Directshares brings with it several distinct advantages that distinguish it in an increasingly crowded brokerage market. With a track record spanning many years, Directshares has built an offering tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of clients, from newcomers to experienced market participants.
A defining factor when evaluating an online broker comes down to the overall trading environment it provides. Tight pricing and swift and consistent order execution mean traders can enter and exit positions at the prices they intend, a clear advantage whether you trade frequently or hold positions over time.
Directshares takes seriously the role of platform technology in the trading experience. A robust and reliable trading environment means order flow is handled with speed and precision, which is especially important in markets where timing is critical.
Copy trading is a notable feature offered by Directshares. Clients can use it to mirror the trades of proven traders, giving real investment activity without having to make every decision from scratch. It combines practical market participation with a learning opportunity, offering a more accessible route into the markets for those building confidence.
Directshares gives traders exposure to a wide-ranging selection of tradeable assets, including forex, indices, commodities, equities, and other asset classes. This diversity allows clients to access the markets best suited to their goals and risk appetite, reflecting Directshares's commitment to serving a wide range of trading needs.
Across its key offering, Directshares's balance between reliable infrastructure, a diverse product range, and client-focused features positions it as a serious choice for both new and experienced investors. The breadth of what it provides demonstrates a genuine commitment to the trading experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM)
- Negative balance protection offered
- Guaranteed stop loss available
- Free demo account available
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
- cTrader platform available
- Copy trading supported
- iOS and Android mobile apps available
- No inactivity fees
- Scalping permitted
- Hedging allowed
Cons
- Withdrawal fees apply
- Deposit fees apply
- Not available in all countries
Regulation
Key Takeaway
Regulated by: The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). HQ: N/A.
Directshares operates under the authority of The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
Directshares, as a business, has a comprehensive collection of rules established to ensure transparent trading across its own platform. In terms of information security measures, it employs an industry-standard SSL security protocol. Customer funds are stored in segregated bank accounts away from the broker's own funds, ensuring important safety for traders.
Under the firm's privacy framework, client information is kept away from other third parties or individuals. This covers credit history and other personal financial information. Directshares is obligated to keep sufficient regulatory capital in line with their licensing authorities, offering traders peace of mind that the platform remains properly capitalised. Below we summarise the main compliance information for Directshares.
- Regulation
- The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM)
The body or bodies responsible for Directshares's regulatory oversight. Regulated brokers are subject to conduct standards and capital requirements set by their licencing authority.
- Negative Balance Protection
- Yes
- You cannot lose more than the funds in your account. This means your debt to the broker is limited to your deposited funds, a key protection for retail traders using leverage.
- Guaranteed Stop Loss
- Yes
- This order type guarantees your position closes at the specified level, even in fast-moving or gapping markets. This removes the risk of slippage on your stop, and is particularly useful when holding positions through major news events or volatile sessions.
- Excluded Countries
- Brazil, South Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Japan, United States
Directshares is unable to onboard clients from these jurisdictions, typically due to licensing limitations or local financial regulations.
Platforms
Key Takeaway
Available platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader.
Directshares has served traders as an online trading platform since 2007. Your choice of trading platform can be one of the most overlooked aspects of setting up a trading account, as it shapes how you place trades, manage positions, and analyse the markets.
Trading platforms cater to different trading styles and experience levels. Platforms like MT4 and MT5 remain the most popular choice among retail traders globally, especially those relying on Expert Advisors and technical analysis tools. Other traders prefer cTrader for its focus on direct market access and level-2 order data. Brokers may also provide their own bespoke trading interface, designed around their own product range and funding tools.
Alongside the main trading interface, traders should also check the availability of mobile trading apps, practice accounts using virtual funds, and tools like social trading, copy trading, or automated signal services depending on your individual trading approach. Below we break down the key platform options offered by Directshares.
- Platforms
- MT4,iOS,MacBook,iPhone
- MT4
- Yes
- The world's most popular forex and CFD platform. Features Expert Advisors (EAs), extensive custom indicators, and algorithmic trading strategies.
- MT5
- Yes
- The successor to MT4, platform with broader market access and enhanced timeframes, including stocks and futures, and improved backtesting tools.
- cTrader
- Yes
- Highly regarded platform known for direct market access and transparent pricing. Includes cBot automated trading and detailed order management.
- Proprietary Platform
- Not available
- Demo Account
- Yes
- Test the platform using virtual funds without risking capital. Highly recommended for new traders and those testing strategies.
- Social Trading
- No
- Copy Trading
- Yes
- Replicate in real time positions from chosen traders into your live portfolio. Well suited to those with limited time to actively trade while leveraging others' expertise.
- ZuluTrade
- Not available
- DupliTrade
- Yes
- Signal-based copy service connecting clients with vetted signal providers that execute directly in your live account.
- Hedging
- Yes
- Open opposing long and short positions on the same instrument as part of a risk management strategy. A valuable tool for offsetting potential losses in volatile markets.
- Trailing Stop
- No
- Scalping
- Yes
- Rapid-fire trading strategy supported here. Allows placing rapid trades within very short timeframes to exploit small market fluctuations.
Directshares Awards
At the time of writing this Directshares review, and despite Directshares's impressive offering, the company has surprisingly not garnered any awards to date.
Copy Trading
Data not available for this broker.
Apps
Mobile and desktop trading apps are now a standard expectation for online brokers, and for good reason. Whether checking markets while away from a computer, monitoring your portfolio on the move, or looking for a more responsive interface, the quality of a broker's apps matters for anyone who trades away from a fixed workstation.
Good mobile trading apps provide access to everything available on the web or desktop version, including full order management, charting tools and live pricing, and full control over account settings and funding. Leading brokers also support fingerprint or face ID for fast authentication, real-time alerts for trade updates and price movements, and responsive mobile interfaces built for phones and tablets.
When trading across phone, tablet, and desktop, broad app availability keeps everything accessible regardless of which device you are using. Below we detail the mobile and desktop app support offered by Directshares.
- Windows App
- Yes
- Directshares offers a Windows desktop application, providing a full-featured client outside the browser.
- Mac App
- Yes
- Directshares supports macOS with a dedicated desktop app.
- Linux App
- No
- Directshares does not provide a native Linux client. Browser access is the recommended option for Linux users.
- iOS App
- Yes
- Directshares offers a native iOS app, available from the App Store.
- Android App
- Yes
- Directshares offers a native Android application, available for Android phones and tablets.
Fees
Key Takeaway
Commission: N/A. Min spread EUR/USD: N/A. Inactivity fee: No.
Directshares is an online trading platform, and many online brokerages generally charge lower costs than traditional brokerages. This is largely because online brokers operate at much greater scale, and are therefore not constrained by physical branch networks or the number of their customer base.
That said, this doesn't mean online brokers do not charge fees. Broadly speaking, there are two primary types of charges to be aware of: trading costs and non-trading charges.
Trading costs are applied whenever you execute a trade, for example purchasing or selling a stock, forex pair, or CFD. Trading fees usually consist of spreads, commissions, or overnight funding charges. A spread is the gap between the bid and ask price. Commission charges are often fixed or calculated from the traded volume. Financing charges are charged when you keep a position open for more than one day.
Non-trading charges relate to activities unrelated to trading itself, including depositing and withdrawing funds, periods of inactivity, or FX conversion. Non-trading fees differ considerably from broker to broker and are worth checking for those not regularly monitoring their portfolio. Below we detail the key charges for Directshares.
- Minimum Deposit
- $100
The lowest initial deposit accepted by Directshares. This amount lowers the barrier to entry for retail traders and beginners getting started.
- Withdrawal Fees
- Yes
- Withdrawal charges are applicable. Refer to the fee schedule for exact rates, as the cost can differ depending on your chosen method.
- Deposit Fees
- Yes
- Deposit charges are applicable at Directshares. Rates differ depending on how you fund your account, so review the pricing page before adding funds.
- Inactivity Fees
- No
- Directshares does not charge for account dormancy. Funds are not deducted if you take a break from trading, making this broker a good fit for less active traders.
- CFD Fees
- No
What Can You Trade With Directshares in 2026?
Note: Directshares offers many different trading instruments due to regulatory restrictions in some countries. Trading instruments offered can differ depending on the country of residence of the client.
Directshares has a wide variety of over 86 instruments available for you to trade with.
 learn more about Directshares | |
|---|---|
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, MT4,iOS,MacBook,iPhone |
| Instruments Available | 86 |
| Forex & Crypto | |
| Forex Pairs Available | — |
| Offers Major Forex Pairs? | No |
| Offers Minor Forex Pairs? | No |
| Offers Exotic Forex Pairs? | No |
| Offers Cryptocurrencies? | No |
| Commodity CFD's | |
| Commodities Offered | 0 |
| Trade Metals? | No |
| Trade Energies? | No |
| Trade Agricultural? | No |
| Indices & Stock CFDs | |
| Stocks Offered | — |
| Trade UK Shares? | No |
| Trade US Shares? | No |
| Trade German Shares? | No |
| Trade Japanese Shares? | No |
| Visit Directshares website Your capital is at risk | |
Education
Key Takeaway
Demo account: Yes. Educational videos: N/A.
The quality of a broker's educational offering matters more than many traders realise, especially for those building their knowledge or exploring new trading strategies. Brokers that provide strong learning content show a genuine focus on client development, and are often better placed to support traders over the long term.
Well-rounded broker education usually includes market structure, technical and fundamental analysis, and the practicalities of managing a trading account, available in formats ranging from articles and video tutorials to live and recorded webinar sessions. Interactive content such as webinars and Q&A sessions adds real value, giving traders the chance to interact directly with experienced analysts and educators. Below we outline the education offering at Directshares.
- Forex Education
- Yes
- Forex-specific learning materials are provided, covering topics such as how currency pairs work, reading forex quotes, and the mechanics of forex trading.
- CFD Education
- Yes
- Learning resources covering CFD trading are available, covering CFD mechanics, how margin works, the role of leverage, and the importance of risk management.
- Weekly Webinars
- Yes
- Live webinar sessions are held on a weekly basis, often focusing on market outlook, strategy discussions, and key economic events for the week ahead.
- Beginner Videos
- Yes
- Video tutorials aimed at newer traders are provided, walking through the fundamentals of trading, platform navigation, and how different markets work.
- Regular Client Webinars
- Yes
- Clients have access to ongoing live webinar events, covering current market themes, trading strategies, and Q&A sessions with market professionals.
Research Tools
- Daily Market Commentary
- Yes
- A regular daily briefing is available, summarising important market developments and outlining what to watch in the session ahead.
- Forex News
- Yes
- Real-time or regular forex-specific news coverage is provided, keeping traders informed of events affecting currency pairs, interest rate decisions, and major economic indicators.
- Economic Calendars
- Yes
- Access to a scheduled economic events calendar is provided, showing key scheduled events such as interest rate decisions, GDP releases, and employment data, typically with forecasts and prior readings.
- Trading Central
- Yes
- Access to Trading Central analytical tools is included, offering automated technical analysis, key support and resistance levels, and trade signals generated by an independent research firm.
- Autochartist
- Yes
- Access to Autochartist is included, offering automated technical pattern scanning, volatility analysis, and trade signal alerts across forex, indices, and commodities.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Key Takeaway
Min deposit: $100. Methods: N/A.
Deposit and withdrawal options are a practical yet sometimes undervalued consideration when choosing an online broker. How quickly and cheaply you can fund your account and access your profits is just as relevant as spreads and platform quality, especially if you trade actively or are sensitive to transaction charges.
Common deposit and withdrawal options across retail brokers include bank wire transfers, Visa and Mastercard, and digital wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. Wire transfers are generally reliable but slower, whereas cards and e-wallets are often processed faster, a clear advantage when you need funds available quickly. Below we detail the deposit and withdrawal options supported by Directshares.
- Bank Transfer
- Yes
- Wire transfer funding is available. Bank transfers are generally reliable but slower than card or e-wallet options, which makes them more suitable for larger transfers where processing speed is less critical.
- Credit Card
- Yes
- Deposits and withdrawals by Visa or Mastercard are available, usually processed more quickly than bank wire transfers. Most card transactions are credited quickly, which makes this one of the most straightforward ways to deposit.
- PayPal
- No
- Deposits and withdrawals via PayPal are not available. Alternative e-wallet and card options may be available.
- Skrill
- No
- Deposits and withdrawals via Skrill are not available. Other payment options remain available.
- Neteller
- No
- Deposits and withdrawals via Neteller are not available. Other payment methods are available as alternatives.
Customer Support
Customer support is one of those broker attributes that rarely matters until it really does. Whether it is a technical problem, a question about your account, or an urgent trading matter, how quickly and effectively you can get help matters a great deal.
Good support should be accessible in a number of ways, such as live chat for quick answers, phone for direct conversations, and email for detailed enquiries. Support in multiple languages is increasingly important for international clients, as it ensures traders can communicate effectively regardless of their location. Below we detail the customer support options offered by Directshares.
- Live Chat
- Yes
- Real-time chat support is offered, connecting traders directly with the support team for immediate help with account, platform, or general trading questions.
- Phone Support
- Yes
- Phone support is offered, giving clients the option to speak with a person directly for time-sensitive or detailed queries.
- Email Support
- Yes
- Support by email is offered, useful for detailed questions, account documentation, or matters that do not require an immediate response.
- Languages
- English, and Chinese
The range of languages supported across the platform and support channels. Multi-language availability is particularly important for traders who prefer to operate in their native language.
Frequently Asked Questions — Directshares
- Can I try Directshares before I deposit?
Absolutely! Directshares provides a free demo account, allowing you to explore the platform using virtual funds before committing real money.
When you sign up for a demo account with Directshares, you are given a set amount of virtual funds to trade with. This lets you build confidence in the platform and test your trading strategies without any financial risk.
With a Directshares demo account you can open and close positions, try different strategies, and familiarise yourself with the trading environment for as long as you need.
- Is Directshares safe?
Directshares is regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). Regulated brokers must comply with strict financial conduct rules including client fund segregation, capital adequacy requirements, and regular reporting to their licensing authority. This significantly reduces the risk to traders compared to unregulated providers.
Directshares also offers negative balance protection, meaning your account cannot fall below zero.
- Why does Directshares ask for my passport?
When you open a live account with Directshares, they are required to verify your identity. This is a regulatory requirement known as KYC — Know Your Customer.
Because large sums of money move through financial platforms, regulated brokers must ensure they are not facilitating money laundering or fraud. Providing a copy of your passport or government-issued ID is standard practice across the industry and helps Directshares remain compliant with their licensing obligations.
- How can I start trading with Directshares?
Getting started with Directshares is straightforward. Visit the Directshares website and complete the registration form with your personal details. You will then need to go through the standard KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process.
Once your account is verified, you can make your first deposit. The minimum deposit for a live account is $100. You should have a good understanding of online trading before committing real money, as losses can exceed deposits.
If you are new to trading, the best way to start is by opening a demo account first to practise without financial risk before switching to a live account.
- Is my money safe with Directshares?
Directshares is regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) and is required to hold client funds in segregated accounts, separate from the company's own operating funds. This means your capital is protected even in the unlikely event that the broker faces financial difficulties.
Directshares also protects client data using SSL encryption. Always ensure you are accessing Directshares through their official website.
- Is Directshares regulated?
Yes, Directshares is regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). Regulated brokers are required to segregate client funds, meet minimum capital requirements, and adhere to conduct standards set by their licencing authority.
- Is Directshares legit?
Yes, Directshares is a legitimate broker. The company was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Australia, and is regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
Directshares operates with transparency and you will not encounter hidden costs or misleading practices that are characteristic of fraudulent platforms.
- Is Directshares a scam?
No, Directshares is not a scam. They are regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) and must adhere to their rules and conduct standards. This makes it safe to say that Directshares is not a fraudulent platform.
- Is Directshares a good broker?
Directshares offers a range of features including MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader trading platforms, multiple payment methods, and a free demo account.
Whether Directshares is the right broker for you depends on your individual trading needs, experience level, and the markets you want to access. We recommend comparing Directshares with alternative brokers to find the best fit.
- Is Directshares a trustworthy broker?
Yes, Directshares is a trustworthy broker. Their operations are regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), meaning they must meet strict financial conduct standards.
Directshares has 10,000+ registered users.
- What is the minimum deposit for Directshares?
The minimum deposit to open a live account with Directshares is $100. This is the lowest amount required to start trading with real money. Always check the Directshares website for the most current requirements.
- How long do Directshares withdrawals take?
Withdrawal processing times at Directshares vary depending on the method used. Typically, withdrawals are processed within 1–3 business days, though bank transfers can take up to 7 working days to appear in your account.
Withdrawals are available in the following currencies: USD, GBP, AUD, EUR, NZD, CHF, ZAR, SGD, JPY, CAD.
Note: Directshares may charge fees on withdrawals. Check the broker website for exact amounts.
- When was Directshares founded?
Directshares was founded in 2007 in Australia. They are regulated by The Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).
- How many people use Directshares?
Directshares is a globally recognised broker with 10,000+ registered customers.
- Where is the Directshares head office?
Directshares has its head office in Australia.
- Which countries does Directshares support?
Directshares operates globally. However, due to regulatory restrictions, Directshares cannot accept clients from: BR,KR,IR,IQ,SY,JP,US. If you are unsure whether Directshares accepts clients from your country, check directly with the broker before opening an account.
- Can you make money with Directshares?
Many traders use Directshares to trade the financial markets, and some do generate consistent returns. However, trading financial instruments — particularly leveraged products such as CFDs — carries a high risk of loss.
While Directshares provides the tools and platforms to trade, they cannot guarantee profits. You should ensure you understand how the products you are trading work and that you can afford to bear the risk of potential losses.
Your capital is at risk
- Does Directshares have fees?
Directshares requires a minimum deposit of $100 to open a live account. Trading fees typically include spreads and, in some cases, overnight financing charges on leveraged positions.
Any fees charged by your bank or payment provider for deposits and withdrawals are your responsibility. Check the Directshares fee schedule on their website for full details.
- What trading platforms does Directshares offer?
Directshares offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, alongside MT4,iOS,MacBook,iPhone. MetaTrader platforms support automated trading via Expert Advisors and custom indicators.
- Does Directshares offer a demo account?
Yes, Directshares offers a free demo account, allowing traders to practise with virtual funds before committing real money. This is particularly useful for newcomers or anyone who wants to evaluate the platform before depositing.
- Does Directshares offer negative balance protection?
Yes, Directshares offers negative balance protection. This means your account balance cannot fall below zero, even in highly volatile market conditions. In such situations, Directshares will reset your account balance to zero rather than leaving you with a debt to the broker.
- Does Directshares offer guaranteed stop loss?
Yes, Directshares offers guaranteed stop loss orders. This means your position will always close at your specified stop price, even if the market gaps through that level — providing a higher level of downside protection than a standard stop loss.
- Does Directshares allow scalping?
Yes, Directshares allows scalping. Scalping is a short-term, high-frequency trading strategy where traders open and close multiple positions in quick succession to capture small price movements. Directshares supports this via MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader.
- Does Directshares allow hedging?
Yes, Directshares allows hedging. Hedging is the practice of opening positions in opposite directions simultaneously to reduce exposure to market risk.
- Does Directshares offer copy trading or social trading?
Yes, Directshares offers copy trading, which allows you to automatically replicate the positions of experienced investors on the platform. This can be useful for those who want market exposure without making every trading decision independently.
- What funding methods does Directshares accept?
Directshares accepts the following funding methods: bank transfer and credit and debit card. Processing times and any applicable fees may vary by method.
- Does Directshares accept bank transfers?
Yes, Directshares accepts bank transfers for depositing funds. Bank transfers are one of the most secure methods of funding a trading account, though they typically take 1–5 business days to process.
- Does Directshares accept credit cards?
Yes, Directshares accepts credit and debit cards for depositing funds. Card deposits are typically processed instantly, making them one of the fastest ways to fund your account.
- Does Directshares accept PayPal?
No, Directshares does not currently accept PayPal. Please check the Directshares website for alternative deposit methods.
- Does Directshares accept Skrill?
No, Directshares does not currently accept Skrill. Please check the Directshares website for the full list of supported payment methods.
- Does Directshares accept Payoneer?
Yes, Directshares accepts Payoneer for depositing funds.
Payoneer is an American financial services company offering online money transfer and digital payment services, operating in over 200 countries and territories in more than 150 currencies. Companies like Airbnb, Amazon, Google, and Upwork use Payoneer for mass payouts worldwide.
- Does Directshares accept Neteller?
No, Directshares does not currently accept Neteller. Please check the Directshares website for the full list of supported payment methods.
- Does Directshares offer live chat support?
Yes, Directshares offers customer support through live chat. This provides quick access to the support team for account questions, platform assistance, and general queries.
- Does Directshares offer phone support?
Yes, Directshares offers customer support by telephone.
- Does Directshares offer email support?
Yes, Directshares offers customer support by email. Email is best for non-urgent queries, documentation submissions, or detailed account questions.
- What languages does Directshares support?
Directshares can communicate with and support customers who speak: English, and Chinese.
- Does Directshares have a Wikipedia page?
No, Directshares does not currently have an official Wikipedia page.