Larson & Holz Review 2024
United States not accepted.Awards
- Best Broker 2018 - IAFT Awards
- Best ECN/STP Broker 2014 - Forex Awards
Larson & Holz Review
Larson & Holz is a brokerage specialising in forex, CFDs and binary options trading. The broker offers Dealing Desk (DD) and Non-Dealing Desk (NDD) models with ECN and demo accounts available. In this Larson & Holz review we test the broker and the trading platform, but also cover deposit and login conditions, bonus deals, and more.
Larson & Holz Company Details
Larson & Holz IT Limited was established in 2004, initially registered in the UK. The company is now registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and has several offices across Russia, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
The broker provides access to OTC forex and CFD markets to over 70,000 new and experienced traders. Larson & Holz has picked up multiple awards for its social network service and unique trading features.
MetaTrader 5 Trading Platform
Larson & Holz offers the downloadable MT5 platform, suitable for Windows and Mac users. The software is easy to navigate for both beginners and experts, though the features are more suited to the professional trader.
Traders can track price movements using the 80 custom indicators and graphical objects, with even more detailed analysis possible on the 21 different timeframes. Open positions and trading operations can be executed with multiple order types. Traders can also use real-time market signals, an economic calendar and trading histories to get the most out of the platform.
MT5 can be installed from within the Client Area, once you have registered for an account.
Markets
You can trade on forex, CFD shares, commodities and binary options at Larson & Holz:
- 24 currency pairs, including the EUR/USD
- 75 CFDs on global shares like Apple and Facebook
- 10 hard and soft commodities available, including gold, coffee, and oil
The broker also has a separate domain which specialises in crypto trading as well as some other assets.
Spreads & Commission
Average spreads for major pairs like the EUR/USD are around 1.2 pips. A $6 commission is charged per $100,000, which drops to as low as $1 with larger transaction orders.
Swap rates are applied to FX instruments and are fixed at 1 pip. An inactivity fee also applies on accounts left dormant for over 6 months or accounts opened via offline offices.
Leverage
Leverage for those trading forex instruments is capped at 1:100 and can be reduced to 1:1. For shares, the limit is 1:10 and for commodities, leverage is 1:50. Leverage also depends on your account balance. For balances of up to $1,000, leverage up to 1:500 is available. For balances between $1,000 and $10,000, leverage up to 1:200 is accessible.
Note leverage for traders from Europe is capped at 1:30, as per ESMA regulations.
Mobile App
The MT5 app is ideal for users who want to take their trading mobile. The app boasts many of the same custom features as the PC version, with push notifications and zoom/scroll functionality. Deposits, withdrawals and bonuses are also available in the mobile app.
Download the app free of charge from the App Store or Google Play store.
Payment Methods
Deposits and withdrawals can be made via local bank transfer, credit card (Visa and Mastercard), and some electronic payment systems including Alipay and Easy Pay. Deposits are made in USD and withdrawals can be made in any currency.
The minimum deposit is $250 for the Start account, $1,000 for the Standard account, and $10,000 for the Pro account.
Processing times are 24 hours for all methods, except bank transfer which takes 2 – 3 days. With that said, bank transfer is the cheapest method at a $30 commission. Deposit commissions are fully compensated for other methods and can be used as bonus funds. Withdrawal costs are 2.5% for credit cards and 6% for all other methods.
Demo Account
Larson & Holz offers a free demo account for the MT5 platform. Traders can utilise the platform’s features to practice their trading strategy without investing real money. You sign up for a demo account from the broker’s homepage.
Bonuses & Promos
In the past, Larson & Holz has offered attractive no deposit bonuses, which allowed traders to profit without putting down an initial outlay. At the time of writing, however, no such bonuses are available.
The broker does have a 10% deposit bonus, which is doubled on holidays. Note that a minimum deposit of $5,000 is required to qualify for the bonus. The bonus is deposited once a certain number of transactions have been completed.
The broker also holds contests for all traders with balances of more than $100, where prizes are awarded each month to active traders.
Regulation & Reputation
It’s not entirely clear from the website what regulatory licenses the broker holds. In 2012, Larson & Holz IT Ltd applied for an international license from the Financial Services Commission in the British Virgin Islands (FSC BVI), though there’s no further mention of this. More transparency on regulation would give traders some peace of mind.
On the upside, the broker has been established for over 15 years and has earned several awards along the way, including the Forex Awards Best ECN/STP Broker 2014 and Best Broker 2018 at the IAFT Awards.
Additional Features
Larson and Holz offer a Training Centre where you can either subscribe to free educational programmes or fee-based training on strategy and analytics for professional traders. Fees start from $1,300 for the year. There are also some videos available from the main page, though most seem to be geared towards marketing and events.
The broker also offers a copy-trading service inside the Forex Family dashboard, where you can click on a trader’s profile and subscribe to paid signals from successful traders.
Live Accounts
Larson & Holz support two account types: Classic (Dealing Desk) and NDD (Non-Dealing Desk). Each account comes with a choice of service classes: Start, Standard, and Pro.
Classic (DD) Start accounts require a minimum deposit of $250 and a trade size of 0.01 lots. Standard accounts are for more aggressive trading, offering up to 5% interest and requiring a minimum deposit of $1,000 and a trade size of 0.1 lots. The Pro account offers an annual interest of up to 10%. The minimum deposit is $10,000 and the minimum trade size is 1 lot.
Unfortunately the NDD account pages were not accessible due to technical issues. The lack of detail, complex account structure, and poor presentation around accounts need addressing.
Benefits
Some highlights of Larson & Holz include:
- Monthly contests
- Binary options trading
- NDD and DD accounts
Drawbacks
Limitations of this brand include:
- Inconsistencies with fees and trading conditions
- Complicated account structure
- Unclear on regulation
Trading Hours
Forex trading markets are available 24/5 Monday through to Friday. Trading hours are 14:30 – 21:00 for shares and 21:00 – 19:00 for commodities. Larson & Holz does make an effort to update clients if there are any changes to opening times due to holidays.
Customer Support
There are several methods of contact available at Larson & Holz:
- Email – info@lh-broker.com
- Telephone – +852-3015-68-32
- Online contact form – Contact Us page
- Live chat – located at the top of the website page
- Postal address – 6/F Yen Sheng Centre, 64 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
Security
The MT5 platform comes with SSL technology to encrypt data and provides traders the option to add two layers of authentication at the login stage. The broker’s website also displays an SSL and 3D secure badge, suggesting the protection of client transactions in and out of the portal.
Larson & Holz Verdict
Larson & Holz offers a fair selection of forex, CFDs, and commodities. However, the complex website design, account structure and lack of transparency around trading conditions aren’t ideal for beginners. With that said, if the broker reintroduces no deposit welcome bonuses, this may entice new traders.
Top 3 Alternatives to Larson & Holz
Compare Larson & Holz with the top 3 similar brokers that accept traders from your location.
- World Forex – World Forex is an offshore broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering commission-free trading with a $1 minimum deposit and 1:1000 leverage. Digital contracts are also available, offering beginners a straightforward way to speculate on popular financial markets.
- Videforex – Launched in 2017, Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
- RaceOption – RaceOption is a binary options broker operating from the Marshall Islands. With over 1,500 clients, the broker aims to offer fast funding, low fees and a secure trading environment. Traders can access over 100 binary options and CFDs, plus copy trading and weekly prizes.
Larson & Holz Comparison Table
| Larson & Holz | World Forex | Videforex | RaceOption | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.6 | 4 | 3.4 | 3.5 |
| Markets | Forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, binary options | Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts | Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Binary Options, CFDs |
| Demo Account | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Deposit | $250 | $1 | $250 | $250 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots | 0.01 Lots | $0.01 | $0.01 |
| Regulators | – | SVGFSA | – | – |
| Bonus | 10% on deposits of $5,000 or over | 100% Deposit Bonus | 20% to 200% Deposit Bonus | 20% – 200% Deposit Bonus |
| Education | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | MT5 | MT4, MT5 | TradingView | TradingView |
| Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Payment Methods | 3 | 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Visit | – | Visit | Visit | Visit |
| Review | – | World Forex Review |
Videforex Review |
RaceOption Review |
Compare Trading Instruments
Compare the markets and instruments offered by Larson & Holz and its competitors. Please note, some markets may only be available via CFDs or other derivatives.
| Larson & Holz | World Forex | Videforex | RaceOption | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binary Options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Expiry Times | – | 1 minute – 7 days | 5 seconds – 1 month | 5 seconds – 30 days |
| Ladder Options | No | No | No | Yes |
| Boundary Options | No | No | No | No |
| CFD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Forex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stocks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oil | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copper | No | No | Yes | No |
| Silver | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Corn | No | No | No | No |
| Crypto | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Futures | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Options | No | No | No | No |
| ETFs | No | No | No | No |
| Bonds | No | No | No | No |
| Warrants | No | No | No | No |
| Spreadbetting | No | No | No | No |
| Volatility Index | No | No | No | No |
Larson & Holz vs Other Brokers
Compare Larson & Holz with any other broker by selecting the other broker below.
FAQ
What trading platform does Larson & Holz use?
Larson and Holz use the standard MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platform only, which can be downloaded after you have registered for an account.
What capital do I need to open an account with Larson & Holz?
You will need a minimum of $250 as an initial deposit for the Classic Start account.
Is there a demo account available at Larson & Holz?
Yes, you can open a demo account by completing the online registration form on the demo account page.
Does Larson & Holz offer a no deposit bonus?
At the time of writing, Larson and Holz have suspended their no deposit bonus accounts. However, traders can still take advantage of the 10% deposit bonus.
What products are available to trade at Larson & Holz?
You can trade 24 forex pairs, 75 CFDs on shares, and 10 commodities, as well as binary options. Larson and Holz also have a separate domain for crypto trading.
Customer Reviews
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