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Data Sources

Where our data comes from and how we verify it.

Primary Data Sources

Rankly uses a combination of live testing, official regulatory data, and verified user feedback to compile our reviews and comparisons. Here are the primary sources we use:

Live Broker Testing

Primary

We open real trading accounts with every broker we review. We test deposit speed, withdrawal processing, live spreads, slippage, execution quality, and platform stability. Testing data is collected using screen recordings, timestamp logs, and third-party latency monitors.

Regulatory Databases

Primary

We verify regulatory licences directly through official regulator databases: FCA Register, ASIC Connect, CySEC Public Register, FSCA Licensed Entities, and other national regulatory portals. We check licence status, regulatory actions, and disciplinary history.

Broker Official Websites

Secondary

We collect fee schedules, account types, instrument lists, and promotional terms directly from broker official websites. We also download and review legal documents including Terms of Service, Risk Disclosures, and Client Agreements.

User Reviews & Forums

Secondary

We aggregate user feedback from Trustpilot, Forex Peace Army, Reddit trading communities, and broker-specific forums. We analyze complaint patterns, resolution rates, and sentiment trends. We do not treat individual reviews as fact — only patterns.

Financial News & Press Releases

Secondary

We monitor financial news outlets, broker press releases, and regulatory announcements for changes in broker status, new licences, fee changes, and product launches.

Industry Reports

Contextual

We reference third-party industry reports on trading volumes, broker market share, and platform adoption statistics. These provide context but do not influence our direct scores.

Data Verification Process

Collection

Data is collected from live testing, official sources, and verified databases.

Cross-Verification

All data points are checked against at least two independent sources before publication.

Fact-Checking

A dedicated fact-checker verifies regulatory claims, fee data, and promotional terms.

Update Cycle

All data is re-verified quarterly and immediately when major changes occur.

Data Limitations

We strive for accuracy, but some data has inherent limitations:

Spreads and commissions are tested at a specific point in time and may vary during volatile market conditions.

Withdrawal times are based on our own tests and user reports; actual times may vary by payment method and verification status.

Regulatory status can change; we update our database as soon as changes are confirmed, but there may be a short delay.

User reviews are subjective and may not reflect the experience of all traders.

Broker features and promotions may vary by country and regulatory entity.