FXJohn helps South African readers understand broker account terms and trading costs. This page explains the standards we will apply to broker reviews, what our evidence can establish and where its limits remain.
Updated: 20 October 2026. Document-based profiles of Exness, XM and AvaTrade are now published, with sources and unverified details identified. We have not published broker rankings or completed hands-on broker testing.
Start with the company behind the account
A brand can operate through several companies. For each review, we aim to identify the company in the relevant client agreement, the account being described and any eligibility restrictions for South African readers. If we cannot establish which entity applies, we will say so.
Separate three types of evidence
- Broker-published information: account schedules, fee documents, client agreements and support explanations. These describe what the provider publishes; they do not prove execution quality or a successful withdrawal.
- Official register checks: the exact company, its status and the relevant permissions. We will distinguish completed checks from a licence claim that appears only on a broker’s website.
- Hands-on findings: actual account, platform, funding, withdrawal or support tests. We will describe the account, test date and limits, and will not claim a test we have not performed.
Compare the details that affect a decision
- Account entity and terms: contracting company, relevant permissions and published protections.
- Trading costs: spread, commission, overnight funding and the instrument and trade size used.
- Rand funding: account currency, available payment methods and conversion charges.
- Withdrawals: published conditions, charges and processing times, separated from any tested result.
- Platform and support: access, restrictions and any documented experience.
A missing fact will be marked as unknown rather than treated as zero cost or a positive finding.
How we handle ratings
There are currently no numerical broker scores or “best broker” rankings on FXJohn. Before introducing ratings, we will publish the criteria, weights, evidence requirements and limits. A shortlist will state which brokers were compared; it will not imply a review of every provider in the market.
Affiliate relationships
Our business model includes affiliate marketing. If a link earns us compensation for a qualifying referral, we will identify that commercial relationship near the relevant link or comparison. The educational guides currently published contain no affiliate links. Source links are included for readers to check the information.
Our editorial standard is that payment must not determine factual claims or conceal material costs or limitations. Commercial relationships will be disclosed so readers can assess potential conflicts.
Checking dates and corrections
Fees, availability and account terms can change. Reviews will show checking dates and link to their sources. Readers should confirm current terms directly with the provider before making a decision.
To report an error, email askfxjohn@fxjohn.com with the page address, the statement concerned and supporting evidence. We will review the issue and update confirmed errors.
Useful starting points
Risk information: Forex and CFDs involve substantial risk, particularly when leveraged. Our content is general education, not personalised investment advice. FXJohn does not accept deposits, execute trades or manage trading accounts.