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Methodology

This Methodology page explains how CT Advisory24 evaluates, compares, and ranks online brokers.
Our objective is to provide transparent, structured, and data-driven insights that help users understand how broker scores and rankings are calculated.

1. Purpose of Our Broker Rankings

Broker rankings published on CT Advisory24 are designed to support users in navigating a complex and constantly evolving financial services landscape. Rankings aim to highlight brokers that meet defined standards of reliability, transparency, usability, and overall service quality.

Rankings are comparative analytical tools, not endorsements or personalized recommendations. They are intended to assist research and decision-making, not to replace independent due diligence.

2. Broker Universe & Initial Selection

CT Advisory24 evaluates a broad universe of online brokers operating across multiple regions and markets. Brokers included in our analysis typically provide access to financial instruments such as stocks, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, cryptocurrencies, or other tradable assets.

The initial selection process considers factors such as:

  • Availability of verifiable, publicly accessible information
  • Operational history and market presence
  • Geographic reach and client accessibility
  • Regulatory status in recognized jurisdictions

Not all brokers available on the market are included in rankings. Inclusion depends on data availability, relevance to users, and minimum transparency standards.

3. Core Evaluation Framework

Each broker is evaluated using a structured multi-factor framework. The framework is designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative aspects of a broker’s offering, while maintaining consistency across markets and ranking types.

The evaluation model is based on five core parameters. Each parameter is assessed independently and rated on a 0–5 star scale.

Important: Brokers with weak Regulation & Security cannot rank at the top, regardless of strong performance in other areas.

3.1 Regulation & Security

This parameter assesses the regulatory environment in which a broker operates and the mechanisms in place to protect client funds and data. Licensing status, investor protection schemes, disclosure practices, and operational transparency are reviewed.

3.2 Costs & Pricing

Pricing structures are evaluated based on trading fees, spreads, commissions, and non-trading costs. Particular attention is given to pricing transparency and consistency with publicly disclosed fee schedules.

3.3 Platforms & Technology

This parameter focuses on the quality, stability, and functionality of trading platforms across web, desktop, and mobile environments. Both proprietary platforms and widely adopted third-party solutions are considered.

3.4 Markets & Instruments

The range and diversity of available markets and instruments are reviewed, including access to local and international assets. Evaluation considers whether the offering is aligned with the broker’s stated target audience.

3.5 User Experience & Support

User experience factors include account onboarding, verification processes, customer support availability, language support, and access to educational or informational resources. Practical usability and service accessibility are key considerations.

4. Star-Scale Definitions (0–5)

General Rule (applies to all parameters)

  • ★☆☆☆☆ = structural weaknesses
  • ★★☆☆☆ = below market standard
  • ★★★☆☆ = market average
  • ★★★★☆ = above average
  • ★★★★★ = excellent within its segment

Stars represent levels of compliance with market standards, based on verifiable information and observable service features, rather than promotional claims.

4.1 Regulation & Security

Assesses regulatory oversight, client protections, transparency, and safeguards related to funds and data. This parameter is treated as a non-compensable factor: weak performance here cannot be fully offset by other strengths.

★☆☆☆☆
Limited or unclear regulatory oversight; weak or incomplete client-protection signals.
★★☆☆☆
Basic licensing or narrower protections; transparency may be partial or inconsistent.
★★★☆☆
Recognized regulation with standard disclosures and baseline client protections.
★★★★☆
Strong regulatory profile; clear disclosures; robust protection mechanisms and transparency.
★★★★★
Top-tier regulatory standing with high transparency and strong safeguards (funds & client protection signals).

4.2 Costs & Pricing

Evaluates trading and non-trading costs, as well as pricing transparency and consistency with published fee schedules.

★☆☆☆☆
High costs and/or opaque fee structure; limited clarity on real pricing.
★★☆☆☆
Above-average pricing or incomplete disclosure; costs may be hard to estimate.
★★★☆☆
Pricing broadly in line with market averages; disclosures are generally clear.
★★★★☆
Competitive costs with good transparency and predictable pricing structures.
★★★★★
Excellent value within segment: very competitive pricing + high clarity on all costs.

4.3 Platforms & Technology

Assesses platform reliability, usability, and functionality across web, desktop, and mobile environments, including the availability of advanced tools and integrations.

★☆☆☆☆
Outdated, unstable, or limited platforms; poor usability signals.
★★☆☆☆
Basic functionality with limitations; fewer tools and weaker overall experience.
★★★☆☆
Standard, reliable platforms meeting typical market expectations.
★★★★☆
Strong usability and toolset; good multi-device consistency and stability.
★★★★★
Excellent technology stack: advanced tools, high stability, and top-tier user experience across devices.

4.4 Markets & Instruments

Reviews the breadth and depth of tradable markets and instruments, including access to local and international assets, and the relevance of the offering for the broker’s target audience.

★☆☆☆☆
Very limited market access; narrow range of instruments and weak coverage.
★★☆☆☆
Some key markets available but limited diversification or constrained instrument set.
★★★☆☆
Balanced offering aligned with typical retail expectations across core asset classes.
★★★★☆
Broad access to multiple markets with good depth and reasonable asset diversity.
★★★★★
Excellent market coverage and instrument depth, supporting diverse strategies and user profiles.

4.5 User Experience & Support

Evaluates onboarding and verification flow, service accessibility, support channels, language availability, and the practical usability of the broker experience.

★☆☆☆☆
Difficult onboarding, limited support availability, or usability barriers.
★★☆☆☆
Acceptable baseline experience but with notable friction or limited support coverage.
★★★☆☆
Standard user experience with adequate support and generally smooth access.
★★★★☆
Strong usability and support availability; good accessibility and clarity throughout the journey.
★★★★★
Excellent end-to-end experience: smooth onboarding, strong support coverage, and high accessibility.

5. Short Methodology Statement (Reusable)

CT Advisory24 broker ratings are based on a structured, data-driven framework that evaluates five parameters: Regulation & Security, Costs & Pricing, Platforms & Technology, Markets & Instruments, and User Experience & Support. Each parameter is rated on a 0–5 star scale using verifiable information and observable service features. Final rankings are comparative and updated periodically. For full details, see our Methodology page.

Important: Rankings are analytical tools, not personalized recommendations or endorsements. Users should independently verify broker information and assess suitability based on individual needs and risk tolerance.

6. Data Sources & Validation

CT Advisory24 follows a data-driven approach based on verifiable and reproducible information. Data sources may include regulatory registers, broker documentation, pricing schedules, platform specifications, publicly available disclosures, and observable service features.

Where applicable, third-party information may be consulted for contextual reference. Promotional claims are not accepted as evaluation inputs unless supported by verifiable data.

7. Scoring Model & Comparative Analysis

Each of the five evaluation parameters contributes to a structured scoring process. Parameter scores are assigned independently using the same evaluation logic across all brokers.

The final broker score displayed in rankings and broker cards represents a normalized comparative value derived from the aggregated parameter ratings. Rankings reflect a balanced view of multiple dimensions rather than reliance on a single isolated metric.

8. Editorial Independence & Commercial Relationships

CT Advisory24 operates with editorial independence. While commercial or affiliate relationships may exist, no broker can pay to influence evaluation results or ranking positions.

Any commercial relationships are disclosed separately in accordance with our Financial Disclosure.

9. Updates & Methodology Evolution

Broker evaluations and rankings are reviewed periodically to reflect changes in regulatory status, pricing structures, platform features, or service offerings. The methodology itself may evolve to incorporate improved data sources or updated evaluation standards.

Rankings are updated when material changes occur.

10. Limitations & User Responsibility

While CT Advisory24 strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information, rankings should be considered informational tools rather than definitive judgments.

Users are encouraged to independently verify information and assess whether a broker’s services align with their individual needs, experience level, and risk tolerance.

11. Transparency & Contact

Transparency is a core principle of CT Advisory24. Questions regarding our evaluation framework or broker rankings can be directed to:

Email:
info@ctadvisory24.com