DNA Markets Review

Is DNA Markets a Trusted Forex Broker?

In this updated DNA Markets review, we evaluate whether this ASIC-regulated forex broker provides the trust, transparency and trading conditions that traders expect. As with all of our reviews, DNA Markets has been assessed using our proprietary FX Trust Score Index, which rates brokers across five criteria; regulatory compliance, security and fund protection, customer support, online reputation and trading conditions. Each category is scored individually and then aggregated to form an overall broker rating.

DNA Markets scored above average across the board and received an overall total of 78.25%, which places it seventh in our broker leaderboard.

Founded in 2013, DNA Markets forex broker has developed a good reputation in Australia and is appears to be taking steps to expand its global reach. Our independent research delves into everything the broker offers including spreads, leverage, trading platforms, account types, promotions and online reputation.  Read on to find out whether DNA Markets is the broker for you.

Introduction to DNA Markets: A Brief Overview

DNA Markets was established in Australia in 2013 and has since become a recognised name among Australian traders. It is known for fast execution, highly competitive spreads and responsive client support and also offers traders access to over 800 tradable CFDs on forex, commodities, indices, shares, cryptocurrencies and more.

Clients can trade using the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms or use DNA Markets’ Signal Start copy trading platform. Signal Start allows traders to automatically copy strategies from experienced traders, which can be very helpful for beginners.

Is DNA Markets Safe?

Licensing and Regulation

DNA Markets is fully licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), which is considered a top-tier financial authority. Under this licence, the broker must operate within a stict framework and comply with transparency and client protection rules, which adds to its credibility and gives clients peace of mind.

DNA Markets forex broker also operates an offshore entity in St Vincent and Grenadines, which allows it to provide higher leverage to international clients. 

Security of Funds and Protection

DNA Markets states that it holds clients funds in segregated accounts with ASIC-approved Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs), ensuring deposits, and any running profits, remain completely separate from the company’s operational funds. Consequently, all funds are managed in line with the Australian Client Money Rules.

The broker also provides negative balance protection which ensures that clients cannot lose more than their deposited amount during times when markets are volatile.

We can confirm that DNA Markets has important safeguards in place and shows commitment to responsible trading practices and client fund security. This contributes to a credible reputation as a trusted and compliant broker. Holding a single license however, and it being slightly unclear which countries it serves globally, we gave DNA Markets a score of 75% for security of funds and protection.

DNA Markets Trading Platforms

DNA Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both of which are industry-standard and familiar platforms, known for their advanced charting, technical indicators and automated trading capabilities.

It also offers the Signal Start copy trading platform, which allows users to automatically follow and copy advanced traders. Signal Start works seamlessly across desktop, mobile and web and offers a good way for beginners to learn the ropes from more experienced and profitable traders.

Providing access to MetaTrader platforms and copy trading is a huge plus and DNA Markets covers all bases. Even some of the largest forex brokers do not offer copy trading.

DNA Markets Account Types

DNA Markets offers two account types: Standard and Raw. Both accounts have a minimum deposit requirement of AUD $100 (or currency equivalent), offer multiple base currencies and provide leverage up to 1:500 for international clients. ASIC clients qualify for a lower leverage.

The Standard account offers spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission and the Raw account provides spreads from 0.0 pips, plus commission. Take a look at our comparison table below to see the differences.

Example Cost Comparison

To show the difference between the two DNA Markets account types, we compared trading costs over 100 standard EUR/USD trades (1 lot each).

Standard Account: With spreads from 1.0 pip and no commission –
Total trading costs = US $1,000 (1 pip × $10 per lot × 100 trades).

Raw Account: With spreads from 0.0 pips and a $4 round-turn commission per lot –
Total trading costs = US $400

Our example shows that the Raw account offers better value for active or high-volume traders and the Standard account is a simple, commission-free choice, for those who prefer straightforward pricing.

DNA Markets Trading Assets

The DNA Markets forex broker provides access to over 800 instruments. These include over 40 forex pairs, popular commodities like gold, silver and oil, major indices such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and DAX, plus leading cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin. CFDs on stocks are also available from global blue-chip companies. Its selection of forex, indices, commodities, stocks and crypto assets gives traders flexibility as well as the opportunity to diversify their trading portfolio.

Trading Conditions at DNA Markets

Spreads and Commissions

DNA Markets spreads on the Standard account start from 1.0 pips on major forex pairs, whilst the Raw account delivers spreads from 0.0 pips, plus commission. Spreads on indices range from 1.3 pips on AUS200 to 3.5 pips on US30. Gold spreads start from 1.5 pips, silver from 1.0 pips and Brent crude from 1.5 pips. For equities, commissions are approximately $4 per lot round turn. DNA Markets’ trading conditions are relatively competitive when compared to other ASIC and offshore brokers.

Leverage

As with other forex brokers, leverage ratios heavily depend on regulation. Under DNA Markets ASIC regulation, retail clients are limited to a leverage of 1:30 on forex majors and 1:20 on minors. A leverage of up to 1:500 is available however, under its offshore entity, giving traders much more flexibility, but this also increases risk.

Other products have tiered leverage as follows; gold (1:20), commodities (1:10), major indices (1:20), minor indices (1:10), shares (1:5) and cryptocurrencies (1:2).  

If traders are looking for high leverage, DNA Markets is fairly limited. However, the positive side is that lower leverage means lower exposure.

DNA Markets Customer Support

Clients of DNA Markets have access to multilingual customer support 24/5 via live chat, email and phone. Live chatbot is also available 24/7 to help clients get answers to basic queries.

The broker also advertises a range of regional contact numbers

When we tested the DNA Markets client support on live chat, we found that the team responded promptly during trading hours and provided the assistance we needed. However, it is a bit disappointing that coverage is not provided on the weekends when traders may have more time to report issues with their account or have questions regarding trading on crypto.