Trading as a Pepperstone Pro client
Pepperstone Pro is a client classification targeted at sophisticated, informed and ambitious traders looking for trading certainty, and exceptional trading benefits. If you're classified as a Pepperstone Pro, your regular trading activity won't be impacted by retail client trading restrictions imposed by ASIC.
Who is it for?
In Australia, clients are categorised as either retail or wholesale clients under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). There are a few different ways wholesale clients are assessed, but we use the term ‘Pepperstone Pro’ for clients who meet any of the eligibility criteria and are approved.
Am I eligible to become a Pepperstone Pro client?
When you do become approved and classified as a wholesale client, retail client trading restrictions won't impact you.
There are a number of eligibility criteria that must be met, such as wealth and suitability, prior to becoming classified as a Pepperstone Pro client. When you do become approved and reclassified, these changes will not impact you.
We’ve set up Pepperstone Pro, so that eligible clients who want certainty and broader trading options will be able to more easily inform us of their wholesale status.
What are the benefits of Pepperstone Pro?
Access to higher leverage
Trade on leverage levels of up to 500:1 for most FX products.
Margin close-out level at 20%
Your margin close-out level will be 20% on MT4/MT5 and 50% on cTrader.
Dedicated service
You get access to your own personal account manager and VIP access and offers to enhance your trading experience.
Three powerful platforms
Access three platforms for free. MT4, MT5 and cTrader are all available on your computer, mobile and tablet or through our web app.
Security
We'll continue to fully segregate your client money in accordance with the client money provisions of the Corporations Act.
Eligibility criteria
Pepperstone Pro is only available to wholesale clients. To enjoy all the benefits of Pepperstone Pro, you’ll need to meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
| Sophisticated Investor Test1 | Wealth Test2 |
|---|---|
| Criteria 1 Demonstrate your knowledge by completing our short, online Knowledge Quiz |
Criteria 1 Minimum net assets of AUD$2.5 million3 |
| AND | OR |
| Criteria 2 You’ve traded leveraged FX or CFDs 20 times per quarter for at least 4 quarters in the preceding 2 years with a notional value of AUD$50,000 or more OR Work or have worked in the financial sector for at least one year in a professional position which requires knowledge of FX or CFDs |
Criteria 2 Minimum gross income AUD$250,000 for each of the last 2 years3 |
| If you’re eligible, it’s simple: | |
| 1. Log into your Secure Client Area 2. Select Pepperstone Pro in the top right-hand-side of the screen 3. Select 'Start Sophisticated Investor Application' 4. Pass the Knowledge Quiz, and provide evidence of your trading experience or sufficient work experience in the financial sector |
1. Log into your Secure Client Area. 2. Select Pepperstone Pro in the top right-hand-side of the screen 3. Select 'Start Wealth Application' 4. You’ll be asked to submit proof of eligibility as certified by your accountant |
1An eligible client that meets the requirements of the Sophisticated Investor test is someone who we believe has previous experience that allows them to assess:
- the merits of the product or service; and
- the value of the product or service; and
- the risks associated with holding the product; and
- the client's own information needs; and
- the adequacy of the information given by the licensee; and
- Requests that Pepperstone consider my experience for the purposes of becoming a Sophisticated Investor as defined under 761GA Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (‘the Act’) by completing and returning the Sophisticated Investor Acknowledgement form.
2Clients that qualify as being treated as wholesale clients pursuant to section 761G(7)(c) of the Corporations Act 2001.
3Accountants certificate - 2 year expiry
What protections do I lose if I become a Pepperstone Pro?
The following restrictions won't apply to you as a Pepperstone Pro client:
- Lower leverage implemented;
- Compulsory margin close-out at 50%;
- Access to the proposed negative balance protection.
While it will still be available on our website, you're not given the disclosure that's offered to retail clients.
We’re not required under the Corporations Act to provide wholesale clients with access to our Internal Dispute Resolution process but we will still make this service available to you to no cost.
While you can still access the external dispute resolution provider Australian Financial Complaints Authority (‘AFCA’), you may be treated differently given your status as an experienced wholesale investor and your matter may be excluded at AFCA’s discretion.
The risks and other important information are detailed in the Wholesale Client Information Statement.
Do I have to become a Pepperstone Pro if I meet the minimum requirements?
No. It’s up to you to decide if this option is what you want. You can also request to be re-categorised as a retail client at any time. This is particularly important to remember if your circumstances change.
How do I find out more?
If you want to know more about what it means to be Pepperstone Pro, please feel free to contact us at pro@pepperstone.com or call 1300 033 375.