MEXEM
MEXEM Ltd · Est. 2018
TC RATING
Score in progress
Our regulation-first checks
We have checked MEXEM’s regulatory structure and business model. MEXEM is a regulated introducing broker that works with Interactive Brokers. Our 50-point rating for this broker category is still in progress.
MEXEM review 2026: What you need to know
MEXEM gives clients access to global financial markets through Interactive Brokers (IBKR). It offers account support, help with account setup, and some region-specific account options. MEXEM acts as an introducing broker, while Interactive Brokers executes trades and holds client funds.
This setup may suit experienced investors who want global market access and extra support. However, clients should check which Interactive Brokers entity holds their account and what protections apply. TradingCritique has marked MEXEM’s rating as Score in progress while its review methodology is adapted to assess introducing brokers.
MEXEM at a glance
Feature Details
Who is MEXEM best suited to?
MEXEM may be worth considering for investors who want international market access through Interactive Brokers and place value on additional support or account-specific features.
Potentially suitable for
Less suitable for
UK investors comparing trading platforms can explore our guide to the best UK online stock broker to compare fees, investment options, platforms, and account features.
Want a broker regulated where you live? See our top picks.
Plus500 TOP PICKCFTC · NFAUS-regulated futures and options
How MEXEM actually works: The introducing-broker model
An introducing broker connects clients with another financial institution that provides the underlying trading services. MEXEM operates on this model through its relationship with Interactive Brokers.
You
Open the account and use MEXEM’s branding, website and support channels.
→
MEXEM
Onboarding, customer support, order reception and transmission, research.
→
Interactive Brokers
Execution, clearing and custody through the applicable IBKR entity.
What does MEXEM do?
MEXEM provides the introducing relationship and associated client services. Depending on the relevant entity and agreement, these can include account onboarding, customer support, order reception and transmission, research, advice or portfolio-related services where authorised.
Its branding, website and support channels provide the front-facing experience. However, these features should not be confused with direct custody of client assets or responsibility for executing every trade.
What does Interactive Brokers do?
Interactive Brokers provides the underlying trading infrastructure. The applicable IBKR entity handles the relevant execution, clearing, and custody arrangements under the agreements governing the client’s account.
Consequently, investors need to understand which legal entity carries their account, rather than relying solely on the MEXEM brand displayed on the website or trading application.
MEXEM’s published terms also state that the company does not own or operate the underlying platform.
Is MEXEM legit and safe?
MEXEM operates through regulated entities, but the safety assessment requires more than checking the name of the introducing broker.
Anyone can copy a broker’s name and branding. A licence number is the one thing they can’t fake – check each one on the regulator’s own register before you deposit.
Regulator Check Table
2VERIFIED ENTITIES| Region | Regulator | Entity | Licence | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus | CySEC | MEXEM Ltd | CIF 325/17 | CySEC register |
| United Kingdom | FCA | MEXEM Financial Services UK Ltd | FRN 1009371 | FCA register |
- MEXEM’s Cyprus entity identifies itself as regulated by CySEC under licence CIF 325/17.
- The UK entity identifies itself as authorised by the FCA under FRN 1009371.
- Its regulatory disclosures also explain that Interactive Brokers provides the underlying trading services.
These regulatory relationships are relevant, but regulation does not eliminate investment risk, guarantee profits, or ensure that every financial product is covered by the same compensation scheme.
Who holds your money?
MEXEM does not hold your money directly. According to its terms, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) holds client funds and provides custody and trading services. The specific Interactive Brokers entity responsible for your account depends on your agreement. This matters because investor protection and compensation rules can differ.
United Kingdom (FSCS)
Covers eligible investment claims up to £85,000 per person, per authorised firm, if the firm fails. It does not cover normal market losses.
Cyprus (ICF)
MEXEM Ltd is a member of the Investor Compensation Fund, which covers eligible retail client claims up to €20,000 if the firm fails financially.
Ireland (ICS)
Eligible clients of Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited may qualify for compensation of 90% of their eligible loss, up to €20,000, if the firm fails.
Important: The applicable compensation scheme depends on the legal entity holding the account and the client’s eligibility. Coverage is not automatic, and these schemes do not protect against normal market losses.
MEXEM fees, commissions and trading costs
MEXEM offers trading in stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, and other instruments. Trading costs depend on the product, exchange, account type, and transaction size. Investors should also consider currency conversion fees, financing costs, and exchange charges.
Stock and ETF commissions
- MEXEM’s US stocks: $0.005 per share, with a $1 minimum and a 2% maximum of the trade value.
- UK stocks: £0.08% of the trade value, with a £2.50 minimum.
- European stocks and ETFs have different fees based on transaction value.
- Investors should check the fee schedule for their specific account before trading.
Currency conversion fees
- Currency conversion fees apply separately from trading commissions.
MEXEM’s official website contains conflicting information about currency conversion fees. Its FAQ page lists a fee of 0.05%, while the fee table shows 0.005%. Additionally, a 0.12% fee applies to UK ISA accounts. These rates differ significantly. Investors should confirm the applicable fee with MEXEM before converting currencies.
UK accounts, including General Investment Accounts (GIAs) and Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), may also have different conversion fees.
Options and futures
- Options and futures fees depend on the instrument, exchange, and contract.
- Additional exchange and regulatory charges may apply.
- It is approximately $2 per options contract and $3.50 per futures contract. Actual fees may vary, so check the relevant pricing schedule.
Deposits, withdrawals and account fees
| Fees after the free withdrawal | |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal | Fee |
| EUR bank wire | €8 |
| EUR SEPA transfer | €1 |
| USD withdrawal | $10 |
| GBP withdrawal | £7 |
These fees may vary by account. Other costs include stamp duty, exchange fees, currency conversion, and interest on borrowed funds.
MEXEM vs Interactive Brokers: Is going direct cheaper?
MEXEM offers additional customer support and certain account options, including UK tax-efficient accounts. However, some fees may be higher than Interactive Brokers (IBKR). Key differences:
Customer support: MEXEM offers additional assistance to clients.
Account options: MEXEM provides certain options, including UK tax wrappers.
Margin rates: IBKR lists USD margin rates of 5.38% for IBKR Pro and 6.38% for IBKR Lite on balances up to $100,000. Lower Pro rates apply to larger loan balances. MEXEM’s official margin-rate page does not clearly specify a separate MEXEM-specific USD rate, so its rate should be confirmed directly with MEXEM before comparing costs. Rates may change.
Currency conversion: Foreign exchange costs may differ between the two brokers.
5.38%
IBKR Pro USD margin, balances up to $100,000
6.38%
IBKR Lite USD margin, balances up to $100,000
Not stated
MEXEM-specific USD rate, confirm with MEXEM
Which is cheaper?
- IBKR may be cheaper for some trading and borrowing activities.
- MEXEM may suit investors who value additional support and account features.
- Compare trading commissions, currency conversion fees, and financing costs before choosing.
Do not assume MEXEM is cheaper than IBKR. Compare the latest fees and decide whether MEXEM’s extra services justify the added costs.
MEXEM minimum deposit and account requirements
MEXEM allows you to open an account without an initial deposit, but trading requirements and available account types depend on your country, investment choices, and eligibility.
Minimum deposit: MEXEM states that you can open an account without an initial deposit.
Trading capital: The amount needed to start trading depends on the investment, order size, and margin requirements.
Account types: MEXEM offers individual, joint, corporate, adviser, and junior accounts, depending on eligibility.
UK accounts: UK clients can choose from a General Investment Account (GIA), Stocks and Shares ISA or Junior ISA.
Account requirements: Eligibility, investment options, tax rules and fees vary by account type and country.
Professional accounts: Eligible investors can apply for Professional Client status, but this may reduce certain investor protections.
No minimum deposit does not mean you can trade every investment without sufficient funds. Check the requirements for your chosen account and investments before applying.
What can you trade with MEXEM?
MEXEM provides access to global financial markets through Interactive Brokers’ trading infrastructure. Available investments include:
Stocks and ETFs
Invest in shares and exchange-traded funds.
Options and futures
Trade derivatives on eligible markets.
Bonds
Access selected fixed-income investments.
Fractional shares
Buy fractions of eligible shares where available.
MEXEM’s available products depend on your country and account permissions. Crypto futures are different from directly owning cryptocurrency. Residents of the US, Canada, and Japan may not be eligible to open an account, so check with MEXEM before applying.
MEXEM trading platforms and tools
MEXEM provides access to Interactive Brokers’ trading platforms, offering tools for both beginners and experienced traders. Available platforms and tools:
Trader Workstation (TWS)
An advanced platform with trading tools, market data, and order management. It may take beginners time to learn.
Client Portal
A web-based platform for checking balances, managing accounts, viewing reports, and placing trades.
Mobile apps
Allow users to monitor accounts and manage trades on the go.
Advanced tools
Additional research tools and third-party integrations are available, depending on the service.
MEXEM uses Interactive Brokers’ underlying trading infrastructure. Some tools and services are provided by third parties. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are not listed as standard MEXEM platforms. MEXEM offers access to powerful trading tools, but its platforms may be more complex than beginner-friendly investment apps.
MEXEM deposits and withdrawals
MEXEM supports bank transfers for funding accounts. Deposits generally take 1 to 3 working days, depending on the bank and transfer method. Key points to know:
Deposits: Follow the official funding instructions and include the correct account reference to avoid delays.
Fund safety: Client funds are handled by the relevant Interactive Brokers entity, not held by MEXEM itself.
Withdrawals: One withdrawal within 30 days is generally free. Additional withdrawals may incur fees.
Processing: Withdrawals depend on your available balance, settlement requirements, and payment method.
Currency conversion: International transfers may involve bank charges and currency conversion fees.
Always verify the beneficiary details through the official client portal before transferring money.
MEXEM customer support
MEXEM offers multilingual customer support to help clients with account and platform questions. Support hours and response times may vary, so check its official website for current availability.
MEXEM’s support can help clients navigate Interactive Brokers’ platforms. However, questions about account custody, trade execution, and investor protection may need to be confirmed with the relevant Interactive Brokers entity.
Does MEXEM offer a demo account or paper trading?
MEXEM guides users in accessing paper trading through its account platform.
Access: Users can request paper-trading access through the Client Portal, where available.
Virtual funds: Practise trading without risking real money.
Learn the platform: Test trading tools, practise placing orders, and learn risk management.
Know the limits: Demo results may differ from real trading because of slippage, fees, and market conditions.
Tip: Beginners should practise with a demo account before trading with real money, especially when using options, futures, or leverage.
MEXEM pros and cons
MEXEM’s pros and cons are as follows:
PROS
CONS
Conclusion
MEXEM provides access to global markets through Interactive Brokers’ trading infrastructure, along with additional customer support and account services. It may suit investors who value these features, but some fees may be higher than those charged by IBKR directly.
Before opening an account, compare trading fees, currency conversion costs and available services. Also, confirm which Interactive Brokers entity holds your assets and which investor compensation scheme applies. A final rating of TradingCritique score is pending further assessment of MEXEM’s fees, services and investor-protection arrangements.
Pro tip
Before depositing money, confirm your account’s legal entity, investor compensation eligibility, and complete fee schedule. Compare these details with IBKR’s direct offering to decide whether MEXEM’s additional services justify any extra costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is MEXEM legit or a scam?
Yes, MEXEM is a regulated brokerage intermediary. However, investors should verify the legal entity and account terms before investing.
2. Is MEXEM safe to use?
Yes, MEXEM operates through Interactive Brokers’ trading infrastructure. However, investments carry risks, and protection depends on your account’s legal entity and applicable rules.
3. Is MEXEM regulated?
Yes, MEXEM Ltd is regulated by CySEC in Cyprus, while MEXEM’s UK entity is authorised by the FCA.
4. What are MEXEM fees and commissions?
Fees depend on the instrument, exchange, and account type. Trading commissions, currency conversion, and withdrawal charges may apply.
5. Does MEXEM have a minimum deposit?
MEXEM states that no initial deposit is required to open an account. However, you need sufficient funds to trade.
6. What markets can you trade on MEXEM?
You can access stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, and currencies, subject to availability and account permissions.
7. Does MEXEM offer MT4 or MT5?
MT4 and MT5 are not listed as standard MEXEM trading platforms.
8. Does MEXEM offer paper trading?
Yes, eligible clients can create a paper-trading account through the Client Portal after opening a regular MEXEM account.
9. How do I withdraw money from MEXEM?
Submit a withdrawal request through the Client Portal. Processing depends on your available balance, settlement requirements, and payment method.
10. Does MEXEM offer crypto trading?
MEXEM offers access to Bitcoin futures and certain crypto-related stocks and ETFs, but not direct trading in physical cryptocurrencies.
11. Is MEXEM available in the US?
US residents may not be eligible to open an account through the relevant MEXEM service. Confirm your eligibility directly with MEXEM before applying.
12. Is MEXEM good for beginners?
MEXEM offers useful trading tools and customer support, but its platforms may be challenging for beginners. Paper trading can help new users learn.
13. Does MEXEM hold my money?
MEXEM acts as an introducing broker. The relevant Interactive Brokers entity generally handles custody and execution, depending on your account arrangement.
14. Is MEXEM the same as Interactive Brokers?
No, MEXEM is an independent introducing broker, while Interactive Brokers provides the underlying trading infrastructure and relevant custody and execution services.
