Forex trading has become a popular investment option in South Africa, but unfortunately, it has also attracted its fair share of scams and fraudulent activities. It is crucial for new investors to be aware of what the forex broker is offering before diving into the forex market. In this article, we will discuss the important things to look out for when choosing a forex broker in South Africa to ensure a safe and secure trading experience.1. Regulatory OversightThe first and most important factor to consider when choosing a forex broker is regulatory oversight. It is essential to ensure that the broker you choose is licensed and approved by a reputable regulatory authority. In South Africa, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is the main regulatory body that supervises and regulates the activities of financial institutions operating in the country.However, some brokers may claim to be regulated offshore, which may not provide adequate protection for your funds or ensure fair trading conditions. It is always recommended to choose a broker that is regulated by the FSCA or other major international regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), or the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).You can easily verify a broker’s regulatory status by checking their website’s about page, footer section, or signup page. Additionally, you can use the FSCA’s public search to find licensed brokers by entering the broker’s name or their FSP (Financial Service Provider) licence number.2. Investor ProtectionInvestor protection is another crucial aspect to consider when choosing a forex broker. While South Africa does not have a state-backed investor protection fund currently, some FSCA-regulated brokers may offer certain forms of protection for their clients. For example, HotForex (HF Markets SA Pty Ltd), a broker regulated by the FSCA, provides a Liability Insurance program that offers protection up to €5,000,000 in case of risks against errors, omissions, negligence, or fraud that may lead to financial loss to the broker.In addition to any specific protection offered by the broker, it is important to check if the broker has proper segregation of clients’ funds from the operational requirements of the company. This ensures that your funds are kept separate from the broker’s own funds and cannot be used for purposes other than your trading activities.3. Trading and Non-trading FeesBefore opening an account with a forex broker, it is crucial to understand the trading and non-trading fees associated with their services. Most brokers make their profits by charging a fixed commission or fees per trade, known as the spread. It is important to compare the spreads offered by different brokers and choose the one with the lowest fees for your desired trading instruments.However, it is not just the spread that you should consider. Some brokers may charge additional non-trading fees such as inactivity charges, fees on deposits and withdrawals, and account maintenance charges. These fees can significantly impact your overall trading costs, so it is important to carefully review the fee structure of each broker before making a decision.Furthermore, it is worth noting that some brokers may increase their spreads during periods of high market volatility. This can affect the profitability of your trades, especially if you are a frequent trader. Therefore, it is important to choose a broker that offers competitive spreads and does not impose excessive additional fees.Wrap UpAs we said previously, forex trading has become a popular investment option in South Africa, but unfortunately, it has also attracted its fair share of scams and fraudulent activities. It is crucial for new investors to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions before diving into the forex market. However, with a clear understanding of regulatory oversite, investor protection and the trading and non-trading fees, your forex journey will be one that is safe, secure, and successful.