The scoring framework
Each reviewed broker receives a score from 1 to 5 on four dimensions. The dimensions are weighted — regulation counts most, because for a broker your money's safety matters more than a slightly tighter spread.
Trust Score (0–100)
The Trust Score is a single number derived only from the four published category scores, weighted heavily toward regulation:
Trust = (regulation×0.45 + fees×0.20 + platform×0.20 + support×0.15) ÷ 5 × 100
Tiers: High ≥ 75, Medium ≥ 55, Low < 55. We never fabricate a trust figure for a broker we have not scored.
Sourcing & verification
Facts are drawn from primary sources: a broker's official documents, government regulator databases, exchange filings, and public records. A broker's own marketing claims are not treated as independent verification. When a detail cannot be confirmed, we label it clearly (e.g. "not yet verified") rather than presenting it as fact.
Review statuses
- Verified — full editorial score published, based on confirmed data and sources.
- Editorial review — partial research with sources, score in progress.
- Not yet reviewed — added to the directory as a candidate; profile is neutral factual info only, with no score or recommendation.
Updates
Material changes (regulation, fees, enforcement actions) are logged with the date they were last checked. Broker conditions change — always confirm the latest details on the broker's official site before depositing.