Dukascopy Bank SA vs Focus Markets Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Dukascopy Bank SA and Focus Markets. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Dukascopy Bank SA or Focus Markets?
Our pick: Dukascopy Bank SA
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - Dukascopy Bank SA looks preferable to Focus Markets.
Dukascopy Bank SA scored 4.2/5 and ranks 40 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Dukascopy Bank SA suitable for?
Dukascopy Bank SA is suitable for traders looking for a reliable partner with a wide range of services and secure tools for trading in financial markets.
Who is Focus Markets suitable for?
Focus Markets is suitable for experienced Forex/CFD traders who trade via MT5 and independently use external analytics.
Comparison Table of Dukascopy Bank SA and Focus Markets
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2010 | 2019 |
| Regulated in Countries | Switzerland | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Dukascopy Bank SA Review | Focus Markets Review |
Dukascopy Bank SA Review
Dukascopy Bank SA is a broker with a long history and a good reputation. The company provides its clients with a wide range of services and products for trading in international financial markets. The broker has reliable trading tools, including modern trading platforms and access to liquidity from its bank. In addition, Dukascopy Bank SA ensures a high level of security and confidentiality of its clients' data, making it one of the most reliable brokers in the market. Dukascopy Bank SA is an attractive option for traders looking for a reliable partner for successful trading in the financial markets.
Pros and Cons of Dukascopy Bank SA
Pros
- Wide range of trading assets.
- High-quality trading platforms.
- Quality technical support.
- Diverse analytical tools.
Cons
- Fees for deposit and withdrawal.
- Insufficient educational materials.
Focus Markets Review
Focus Markets is a broker aimed primarily at independent Forex and CFD traders who value access to popular markets, the familiar MetaTrader 5 platform, and a clear trading account structure. It is not the most versatile option for beginners who need strong education, regular analytics, and a wide selection of services within the broker’s ecosystem.
Focus Markets is best suited to experienced traders who already use external analytics sources, make trading decisions independently, and are looking for a broker for active CFD trading. For beginner clients, the broker may be less convenient due to its weak educational base and limited support in making trading decisions.
Pros and Cons of Focus Markets
Pros
- More than 700 CFD instruments are available, including Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- MetaTrader 5 is supported with WebTrader, mobile versions, Expert Advisors, and one-click trading.
- The broker does not charge internal fees for deposits and withdrawals.
- Various deposit methods are available: cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts.
- No MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or proprietary trading platform.
- Weak analytics: no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party analytical services.
- No educational materials for beginners.
Reliability
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2010 | 2019 |
| Regulated in Countries | Switzerland | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Regulators |
Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy Bank is a reliable broker, regulated by FINMA and licensed in Switzerland, Japan, and Europe, confirming its stability and legitimacy.
Focus Markets
Focus Markets combines a regulated Australian division with international structures in Mauritius and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Client protection depends on the legal entity.
Pros
- There is a division supervised by ASIC.
- The group’s international structure is disclosed.
Cons
- No compensation fund.
- No information about additional funds insurance.
Account Opening
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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Dukascopy Bank SA
Opening an account with Dukascopy is quite simple and fast, with clear steps and the possibility of verification via video call.
Pros
- Clear and simple registration process.
- Fast verification, often less than 24 hours.
- Possibility of identity confirmation via video call.
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $1000 may be high for beginners.
Focus Markets
Opening an account with Focus Markets is convenient and fairly fast: registration is completed online, the questionnaire is clear, and document verification usually takes up to 24 business hours.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- Clear 3-step questionnaire.
- Wide selection of account base currencies.
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification is required.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- No instant activation of a live account.
Account Types
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy offers a versatile ECN account, but limits the selection of specialized accounts.
Pros
- 24 base currencies.
- Availability of binary options and Islamic account.
- Contests and managed accounts available
Cons
- Lack of cent accounts.
- No fixed spread accounts.
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ account lineup covers traders’ basic needs, but remains limited: only Standard and Raw are available, with no cent, Islamic, or fixed-spread account.
Pros
- Standard and Raw accounts are available.
- 30-day demo account.
- Trader copy trading is available.
Cons
- No cent account.
- No Islamic account.
- No fixed-spread account.
Commissions
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.7/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.3 | 1.2 |
| Commission | per $1M turnover$35.00 | per 1 lot$3.50 |
Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy offers average commissions with flexible terms depending on trading volume and deposit, but charges an inactivity fee.
Pros
- Flexible commission that decreases with increasing trade volume.
- Low swaps compared to competitors.
Cons
- Transaction fee higher than some competitors.
- Inactivity fee charged.
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ fees are average: spreads and swaps on Standard are typical for the market, the Raw commission is $3.5 per lot per side, and withdrawals are free of broker fees.
Pros
- No withdrawal fee from the broker.
Cons
- An account inactivity fee may apply.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, but with high fees.
Pros
- Wide selection of methods.
- Fast fund crediting.
- Free transfers between Dukascopy accounts.
Cons
- High fees (2.5%).
- Lack of cryptocurrencies in deposit/withdrawal methods.
Focus Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Focus Markets are convenient: many methods are available, there are no internal fees, and withdrawal times are usually 1–3 business days.
Pros
- Cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets are available.
- No internal broker fees.
- Most deposits are processed quickly.
Cons
- Withdrawals are reviewed by the finance department.
- Fees from banks and providers may apply.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Forex | 60 | 50 |
| Precious Metals | 5 | 5 |
| Energy Carriers | 4 | 3 |
| Soft Commodities | 6 | - |
| Indices | 20 | 8 |
| Stocks | 1081 | 500 |
| ETF | 51 | - |
| Bonds | 3 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 18 | 140 |
Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy offers an extensive selection of markets and products, but with limited leverage.
Pros
- Wide range of currency pairs and CFDs.
- Ability to trade binary options.
- Access to cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- Relatively low leverage.
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers a wide selection of CFD instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- More than 700 instruments.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Cons
- No real stocks or ETFs.
- No soft commodities.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy's trading platforms are highly regarded for their functionality and user-friendliness.
Pros
- Wide selection of technical indicators.
- Availability of unique order types.
- Support for mobile devices and MT4.
Cons
- Lack of other popular platforms besides MT4.
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers the reliable and functional MT5 platform, but the selection is limited: there is no MT4, cTrader, or proprietary broker platform.
Pros
- MetaTrader 5 is available.
- WebTrader and mobile versions are available.
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4.
- No cTrader.
- No proprietary platform.
Analytics
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 2/5 |
Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy's analytical tools are extensive and of high quality.
Pros
- Availability of fundamental and technical analysis.
- Own TV channel with up-to-date information.
- A variety of additional tools.
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ analytics are weak: there are no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party services such as Trading Central or Autochartist.
Cons
- No market reviews.
- No trading signals.
- No analytics from third-party providers.
Education
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Dukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy's educational materials are limited, with a focus on video tutorials for the platform, but without in-depth analysis.
Pros
- Video tutorials for the JForex platform.
Cons
- Lack of regular webinars and seminars.
- Shortage of materials for advanced traders.
Focus Markets
Education at Focus Markets is poorly developed: instead of a full knowledge base, the broker offers only an FAQ, with no courses, webinars, video lessons, or market analysis materials.
Pros
- There is an FAQ on key questions.
Cons
- No educational courses.
- No webinars or video lessons.
- No materials on strategies or market analysis.
Customer Support
| Broker | Dukascopy Bank SA | Focus Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones |
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| Social Media | — |
Twitter
YouTube
WeiboDukascopy Bank SA
Dukascopy's technical support is efficient, with rapid response and professional staff.
Pros
- Instant responses in chat.
- Short waiting time on the phone.
Cons
- No messengers for communication with support.
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ technical support is basic: online chat, email, and an FAQ are available, with a 24/5 schedule, but there are few contact channels and limited public feedback on service quality.
Pros
- Online chat is available on the website.
- Support operates 24/5.
Cons
- No clearly specified social networks or messengers.
- Limited number of public reviews.
Comparisons of Dukascopy Bank SA and Focus Markets with other brokers
Dukascopy Bank SA Comparisons
Conclusion
Dukascopy Bank SA stands out as the better overall pick, while Focus Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
Dukascopy Bank SA scored 4.2/5 and ranks 40 in our rating; Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Dukascopy Bank SA or Focus Markets?
Dukascopy Bank SA comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.2/5, position 40) versus Focus Markets (score 3.8/5, position 60).
Which broker is better for beginners: Dukascopy Bank SA or Focus Markets?
Dukascopy Bank SA is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Dukascopy Bank SA or Focus Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Dukascopy Bank SA and Focus Markets?
Dukascopy Bank SA: MetaTrader 4, JForex. Focus Markets: MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Dukascopy Bank SA and Focus Markets?
Dukascopy Bank SA: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Focus Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Dukascopy Bank SA and Focus Markets?
Dukascopy Bank SA: ECN. Focus Markets: Standard, Raw. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Dukascopy Bank SA and Focus Markets?
Dukascopy Bank SA: Apple Pay, Skrill, Neteller, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard. Focus Markets: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Dukascopy Bank SA or Focus Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
