WARNING ON ONLINE TRADING IN NAMIBIA
It has come to our attention that there are companies operating in Namibia assisting individuals with the opening of online investment trading accounts and trading on behalf of clients.
What is Online Trading?
Online trading has to do with placing buy-and-sell orders of shares or other financial instruments with an internet-based brokerage firm on a trading platform without the use of a member of an exchange.
Online trading allows investors to trade in financial instruments on their own without placing funds with an investment manager or trading directly through a stockbroker.
Trades done by stockbrokers on behalf of clients through the Namibian Stock Exchange (“NSX”) are regulated by NAMFISA.
Online trading allows investors to trade in financial instruments on their own without placing funds with an investment manager or trading directly through a stockbroker.
Trades done by stockbrokers on behalf of clients through the Namibian Stock Exchange (“NSX”) are regulated by NAMFISA.
Online Trading Is Not Regulated by NAMFISA
NAMFISA cautions the public that online trading is not a regulated activity and companies or persons doing online trading are not regulated by NAMFISA, unless they are a member of an exchange, supervised by the exchange.
Individuals allowing a third party to trade on their behalf by providing login details to their online investment trading accounts, are doing so at their own risk.
Individuals allowing a third party to trade on their behalf by providing login details to their online investment trading accounts, are doing so at their own risk.
Public Advisory
NAMFISA, therefore, advises the public, when dealing with companies or persons offering online trading schemes, to:
• Find out as much as possible about the instruments that you are trading in, the risks of trading in such instruments and the party who bears the risk;
• Always be cautious when allowing a third party to access your online investment trading account with your login details, as the third party might not always execute a trade that is in your best interest;
• Treat any person or company who requires investors to provide them with login details or online investment trading account access for trading purposes with caution; and
• Enquire if the online trading entity is a member of an exchange or not. If not a member, kindly note that the risk of losing money increases.
• Find out as much as possible about the instruments that you are trading in, the risks of trading in such instruments and the party who bears the risk;
• Always be cautious when allowing a third party to access your online investment trading account with your login details, as the third party might not always execute a trade that is in your best interest;
• Treat any person or company who requires investors to provide them with login details or online investment trading account access for trading purposes with caution; and
• Enquire if the online trading entity is a member of an exchange or not. If not a member, kindly note that the risk of losing money increases.
ENQUIRIES
NAMFISA
Capital Markets Department
Tel: (061) 290 5140 / 5137
Fax: (061) 290 5157
Email: plubinda@namfisa.com.na
Website: www.namfisa.com.na
Capital Markets Department
Tel: (061) 290 5140 / 5137
Fax: (061) 290 5157
Email: plubinda@namfisa.com.na
Website: www.namfisa.com.na
Summary
NAMFISA Advisory to the Public
When approached by persons or companies offering online trading services, please:
- Research Thoroughly: Understand the financial instruments being traded, the risks involved, and who bears the risk of the trade.
- Protect Your Login Details: Be cautious about giving others access to your online trading account, as trades may be executed against your best interests.
- Be Wary of Third-Party Traders: Treat any individual or company requesting your login details for trading purposes with extreme caution.
- Verify Exchange Membership: Confirm whether the trading entity is a member of an exchange.
If not, the risk of financial loss increases significantly.
Potential Financial Losses
Investors may suffer losses due to:
- Mismanagement or negligence by third parties,
- Unauthorized or improper trading activities,
- Instructions not being followed
Once again, we caution that online trading is done entirely at your own risk.