About PFD
Overview
Pacific Financial Derivatives Ltd (PFD) is an online broker based in New Zealand, providing retail forex and CFD trading services. The company was incorporated in 2017 according to official records, though its website claims a founding date of 2011. PFD operates under the regulation of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand, holding a Derivatives Trading License with Market Maker (MM) status.
The broker targets a global clientele, offering multiple account types on the MetaTrader 4 platform. Its product suite covers forex, metals, indices, commodities, and futures. With a stated minimum deposit of $0 and no dealing desk execution, PFD positions itself as accessible to both retail and professional traders.
Regulation and Safety
PFD is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) of New Zealand under a Derivatives Trading License. This regulatory status imposes capital and reporting requirements, though the broker is not covered by any investor compensation scheme. The FMA is a respected regulator, but traders should be aware that New Zealand's regulatory framework is not as stringent as those in jurisdictions like the UK or EU.
The broker claims client funds are segregated and held in trust accounts. However, independent verification of this practice is limited. FXCanary's Scam Risk Score of 37/100 (Guarded) reflects the lack of independent user reviews and the relatively newer incorporation date, though the FMA license provides a baseline of oversight.
Account Types
PFD offers three main account tiers: PFDTrader, PFDPro, and PFDProPlus. PFDTrader is a commission-free account with spreads that are not explicitly tight. PFDPro charges a commission of $1 per side per lot but offers tighter spreads and positive slippage. PFDProPlus adds a swap net-out feature for professional traders.
All account types require no minimum deposit, according to the broker's website. The accounts share the same MT4 platform and are accessible via demo or live accounts. The broker does not specify different leverage or instrument access across tiers, suggesting all accounts have similar product availability.
Platforms and Instruments
The sole trading platform offered is MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a widely-used third-party platform. MT4 provides charting, technical indicators, and automated trading via Expert Advisors. The broker offers web, desktop, and mobile versions. PFD claims fast execution and no dealing desk interference.
Tradable instruments include major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, plus CFDs on metals (gold, silver), oil, indices, and commodities. Futures are also available. The broker does not list specific instrument counts or leverage tiers, but typical retail leverage is up to 300:1 for forex, as stated on the site.
Funding and Support
Deposits can be made via credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller via Stripe), POLi online banking, and bank wire transfers. Withdrawals are processed back to the original deposit method where possible. The broker does not charge its own fees for withdrawals, but third-party fees apply.
Customer support is available through live chat, email, and phone. The website also provides a FAQ section and educational materials. The broker claims 24/5 support, matching typical forex market hours.
Conclusion
PFD is a regulated broker with a straightforward offering centred on MT4. Its lack of minimum deposit and multiple account types cater to a wide range of traders. However, the limited public information and absence of independent user reviews mean traders should proceed with caution.
The broker's FMA license is a positive sign, but its newer registration date (2017) and reliance on a single platform may be drawbacks for experienced traders. FXCanary rates its overall risk profile as guarded, warranting further due diligence before committing funds.
Overview compiled by FXCanary from regulatory records and public data. full PFD review