Detailed Review of Crystal Ball Markets: Trader Feedback, Reliability, and Regulation (2025)

Crystal Ball Markets is a relatively young forex broker that began offering its services to the public in 2020. The company claims to have over 15 years of experience in financial markets managing private portfolios before entering the retail market as a broker.

Company Background and Global Presence

Crystal Ball Markets made its market debut in 2020, opening its services to a wide range of traders after a long period operating in a closed format. According to the company, before launching the brokerage service, its team was engaged in private capital and portfolio management for about 15 years. Formally, the broker is young but claims to have accumulated industry experience.

The broker is registered in the offshore jurisdiction of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—Crystal Ball Markets LLC is registered under number 262 LLC 2020. The company’s office is listed at Suite 305, Griffith Corporate Centre, Beachmont, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This indicates that, legally, the broker is based in Saint Vincent, which is a popular offshore location among forex brokers.

At the same time, Crystal Ball Markets has a link to Canada: the company is registered as a Money Services Business with the Canadian regulator FINTRAC (registration number M21983070). Registration with FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) means compliance with financial monitoring and anti-money laundering requirements in Canada, but it is not a full brokerage license. We will address this point in more detail in the regulation section.

Geographically, Crystal Ball Markets positions itself as an international broker. The official website is available in multiple languages (English, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, etc.), indicating a focus on a multilingual global audience. The broker claims to accept clients from various countries, except for jurisdictions under FATF sanctions. In particular, its client base spans Asia, the CIS region, the Middle East, and Africa. The support line has a UK phone number (+44), which may indicate a representative or virtual office in the United Kingdom, but the primary registration is offshore.

As of 2023–2024, the company remains relatively small: independent estimates of web traffic show fewer than 5,000 visits per month to the broker’s site. Nonetheless, Crystal Ball Markets is actively trying to expand its presence: it mentions intentions to grow beyond Canada and Saint Vincent. In 2022, the broker published a press release about its FINTRAC registration, emphasizing steps toward streamlining business operations and building trust. However, a full entry into regulated markets (Europe, the US, etc.) has yet to occur.

Key milestones in Crystal Ball Markets’ history:

• 2005–2019 (pre-brokerage phase): The team handled private capital management, accumulating about 15 years of experience in financial markets.
• 2020: Official launch of the brokerage service under the Crystal Ball Markets brand for retail traders. Registered in Saint Vincent (number 262 LLC 2020) and began attracting a global clientele.
• 2021: Early warnings from regulators – in March 2021, FinTelegram issued a notice about Crystal Ball Markets as an “unauthorized offshore broker.” The broker switched payment providers afterward (starting to use Perfect Money, cryptocurrencies, etc.).
• 2022: Registration with FINTRAC (Canada) as an MSB and release of a related press statement. In October 2022, the provincial Canadian regulator AMF (Quebec) issued a warning labeling Crystal Ball Markets as an unlicensed broker.
• 2023: The broker continues its operations, improving its website and services (adding social and copy trading features). FinTelegram again confirms the absence of a license, placing Crystal Ball Markets in the “red zone” of compliance (highest risk), and notes a connection of the management team to Nigeria.
• 2024: The broker received several positive testimonials from clients on commercial review platforms (Trustpilot, etc.), boosting its public rating (more details in the “Trader Feedback” section). It continues to promote high leverage and Binary Options trading as competitive advantages.

In terms of global presence, Crystal Ball Markets does not have offices in strictly regulated centers (London, New York, etc.), but through offshore registration, it can serve clients from most countries. Exceptions are typically standard: the US, certain EU countries, and other regions where local licensing is mandatory. Its main focus is on Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the CIS, where licensing requirements are more relaxed or many traders are open to working with offshore brokers.

Licensing, Regulation, and Security of Client Funds at Crystal Ball Markets

The regulatory status of Crystal Ball Markets is one of the most critical aspects for assessing the broker’s reliability. First and foremost, note that the broker does not hold a license from any top-tier financial regulators. It is not supervised by authorities like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), etc. According to the broker itself and various sources, Crystal Ball Markets has the following registrations/regulatory statuses:

• FSA Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: The broker is registered as an International Business Company (LLC) in SVG and claims compliance with local FSA (Financial Services Authority) requirements. However, in Saint Vincent, there is little oversight for forex brokers—registration is mostly a formality. The SVG FSA states explicitly that it does not issue forex-dealer licenses. In reality, Crystal Ball Markets is not regulated by any governmental body in SVG, despite local registration.
• FINTRAC (Canada): The broker is listed with Canada’s FINTRAC as a Money Services Business (MSB). This means the company must follow Canadian AML/KYC rules and report suspicious transactions. Such registration does not grant the right to act as a forex broker in Canada, but it does add a level of financial transparency. The broker touts FINTRAC registration as a mark of reliability, and indeed, being FINTRAC-compliant is better than having no oversight at all. Still, FINTRAC is not a trading license, and clients should understand that it does not protect them from market or broker-related risks.
• No other licenses: Aside from the above, Crystal Ball Markets has no other licenses. The broker is not authorized by any European regulators (thus not permitted to offer services in the EU) and lacks FCA or ASIC licensing. Consequently, there is no oversight by strict authorities, no capital adequacy or auditing requirements, nor participation in compensation funds associated with Tier-1 regulation.

Regarding the security of client funds, the situation is mixed. On the one hand, the broker claims to implement protective measures—segregated accounts, meaning client funds are kept separate from the broker’s own. This is a standard practice: separate storage reduces the risk of client money being used for the company’s operational costs. Also, due to FINTRAC requirements, the company must fully verify clients (KYC) and monitor suspicious activities, which indirectly helps prevent fraud and money laundering.

On the other hand, the lack of tight regulation means there is no guarantee of fund safety in force majeure situations. There is no mandatory membership in compensation schemes (as with some European brokers who offer coverage up to €20,000 in the event of bankruptcy). There is also no external supervision, leaving room for questionable practices (price manipulation, withdrawal delays, etc.) with little risk of penalty from a regulator.

Financial experts emphasize that working with an unregulated broker involves higher risk: “Trading through an unregulated broker substantially raises trader risk. There is no investor compensation scheme or regulatory oversight. No one knows how orders are really executed or how the business operates.” This observation applies fully to Crystal Ball Markets.

It is worth noting that Canadian regulators have already scrutinized Crystal Ball Markets. For instance, in October 2022, the Quebec regulator (AMF) issued a warning that Crystal Ball Markets is not licensed to provide financial services in Canada. Consequently, official bodies view it as an unauthorized broker. In 2023, FinTelegram assigned Crystal Ball Markets a “Red Compliance Rating,” the highest risk level for regulatory non-compliance.

That said, lacking a license does not necessarily mean a broker is a scam. Many offshore brokers operate successfully for years. As of 2025, there are no direct allegations that the broker is a confirmed fraud (the broker executes orders and processes withdrawals, according to available reviews), but there are reputational concerns. Specifically, FinTelegram reports that Crystal Ball Markets’ operational center is in Nigeria (based on LinkedIn data for the management team)—this indirectly indicates the business’s geographic ties and may explain the focus on certain markets.

Conclusion on regulation and safety: Crystal Ball Markets is an offshore broker without stringent oversight. It relies on its reputation and internal policies to maintain honest operations. Clients must keep this in mind. The company advertises security measures (segregated accounts, FINTRAC compliance, 24/7 support, etc.), but there is no external guarantee of funds. Traders are advised to handle capital conservatively: do not deposit large sums and closely monitor reviews and updates about the broker.

Trading Platforms: Mobius Trader 7 and Technology

One of Crystal Ball Markets’ distinguishing features is its trading platform. Instead of the usual MetaTrader 4/5, the broker offers a platform called Mobius Trader 7 (MT7). This is a modern, multifunctional system developed by Mobius Soft Ltd, supporting both classic forex/CFD trading and Binary Options in one application.

An Overview of the Mobius Trader 7 (MT7) Platform

Mobius Trader 7 is presented as an innovative alternative to older trading platforms (like MT4/MT5). The platform is built using modern technology and has versions for all major devices—there is a web terminal, desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux, plus mobile apps for Android and iOS. Such wide cross-platform compatibility means traders can work from their computers or smartphones with no OS limitations.

MT7 Interface and Functionality

The platform provides standard trading features—various order types, charts with technical indicators, multiple timeframes, etc. According to the broker, Mobius Trader 7 comes with a wide range of built-in technical analysis tools (for example, Bollinger Bands, Ichimoku, Moving Average, MACD, etc.).

One advantage of MT7 is that the trader’s personal account area is integrated directly into the terminal. The developers aimed to “break the stereotype” that a terminal is only used for trading—in Mobius Trader 7, traders can not only open trades but also access their personal account for deposits, withdrawals, or investing in PAMM directly within the terminal. The interface has a “Personal area” section for this (highlighted in red in some screenshots). It is indeed convenient: instead of switching between the broker’s website and the trading app, key actions are in one place.

Trading Capabilities in MT7

The platform supports full-fledged Forex/CFD trading—currencies, metals, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies with leverage—as well as digital options (Binary Options) on the same instruments. This is fairly unique since most popular platforms (MT4/MT5) do not natively support Binary Options. In MT7, the trader can switch between CFD trading and Binary Options mode.

The maximum payout for options at Crystal Ball Markets is up to 70% on a winning contract. This is actually below the industry average (many Binary Options Trading Platforms offer 80–90%), which can be considered a downside, but more on that later. The platform features several types of digital options: High/Low, Up/Down, Call/Put—essentially classic binary bets on price movement over a set period.

Algorithmic Trading and Customization

A major difference with Mobius Trader 7 is that it uses JavaScript for writing trading robots (expert advisors). This contrasts with MetaTrader, which uses its own MQL4/5 language. JavaScript is extremely widespread, and MT7’s developers leverage its popularity.

The idea is that by using JS, traders may find it easier to develop scripts, and the platform gains access to the large JavaScript ecosystem. Some experts note that MT7 allows for simpler coding of trading bots, while MT4/MT5 require specialized MQL language knowledge. Additionally, JavaScript facilitates web integration and platform updates. According to the developers, MT7 updates occur “invisibly” to the trader—the terminal is always on the latest version, with no manual restarts or downloads.

Other notable MT7 features include:

• Synchronization of settings across devices: all terminal settings (charts, indicators, etc.) are stored on a single server and automatically apply when you log in from any device. For example, if you set up your workspace on a PC, you see the same charts on the mobile app.
• One account for all trading types: traders manage all their trading accounts under a single login (email). There is no need to sign into each account separately, as is common in MT4. In the personal area, you can create multiple accounts (e.g., Micro and Pro ECN) and switch between them within the terminal.
• Cryptocurrency-based accounts: MT7 allows accounts not only in traditional currencies (USD) but also in crypto. You can potentially maintain your account balance in Bitcoin or Tether (the developer states “open trading accounts not only in conventional currencies but also in cryptocurrencies”). This aligns with the broker’s acceptance of crypto funding.
• Depth of Market and ECN: The platform supports ECN technology with a Depth of Market (DOM) feature for liquid instruments. This is useful for viewing liquidity and executing larger orders.
• Built-in PAMM system: MT7 comes with embedded PAMM functionality for social trading—managers can handle investor accounts directly through the terminal, simplifying the launch of managed accounts.

Overall, Mobius Trader 7 is a modern, feature-rich platform. It is especially beneficial for the broker since it unifies all services: forex/CFD, Binary Options, social trading, and account management. For traders, it may be appealing to have everything in one environment, along with innovative features.

However, note the differences from MetaTrader:

• MT7 is still less widespread, with a smaller user community. Therefore, you will not find thousands of ready-made Expert Advisors, indicators, and scripts as you would for MT4/MT5. Those interested in algorithmic trading might need to code in JavaScript themselves or wait for the MT7 ecosystem to expand. Pre-existing solutions are far fewer than on MetaTrader.
• The interface is different—traders with extensive MT4/MT5 experience will need time to adapt to a new terminal. Some functions are implemented differently (e.g., there is no separate window for each account as in MT4).
• Abandoning MT4/MT5 could deter part of the audience who prefer standard platforms. Many traders pick brokers based on MetaTrader availability, which has become an industry standard. Crystal Ball Markets’ alternative path is bold but might limit more conservative clientele.
• Conversely, beginners with no prior platform preference might find MT7 easy to learn and use. If MT7 is genuinely intuitive, a new trader can master one interface for all needs.

The broker offers demo accounts for traders to evaluate Mobius Trader 7. Although the website does not directly link to a demo, you can open a demo account after registration and test the platform without risking real capital. This is highly recommended for all new clients—to try MT7 before transitioning to live trading.

MT7 vs. MT4/MT5 Key Comparisons

• Programming language: JavaScript (MT7) vs. MQL (MT4/5).
• Social trading: MT7 has built-in PAMM; MT4/5 typically require external services (e.g., MQL5 Signals, MyFxBook, etc.).
• Binary Options: Available in MT7, not available in MT4/MT5.
• Multi-terminal approach: MT7 is a single system; MT4/5 use separate terminals for each account.
• Community and reliability: MT4/5 have been around for over 15 years, thoroughly tested with a huge community; MT7 is newer and less proven over time (though no major issues have been reported so far).
• Availability of specialists: It might be easier in principle to find a JS developer than an MQL coder, but finding someone who specifically knows MT7 could be more challenging due to its smaller user base.

Additional Platforms

Aside from MT7, Crystal Ball Markets offers a web client area for account management (balance, withdrawals, personal data). However, as mentioned, many cabinet functions are integrated directly into the terminal. The broker does not provide separate proprietary mobile apps other than MT7 Mobile. In other words, the single trading environment is Mobius Trader 7 across all devices. MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, or other familiar terminals are not available at this broker.

For most traders, this is not an issue if MT7 meets their needs. Algorithmic traders using custom MT4 EAs, however, will not be able to apply them on Crystal Ball Markets. They would have to abandon or rewrite them in JS (which might be difficult or expensive). This factor should be considered.

Platform Conclusion: Crystal Ball Markets relies on its proprietary technological stack. The Mobius Trader 7 platform is a strong point regarding innovation, but also a potential barrier for those accustomed to more established platforms. Beginners with no loyalty to MT4 will likely find MT7 adequately convenient. Functionally, it offers everything needed: forex and CFD trading, options, social trading, market analysis. The only concern is execution reliability and the absence of bugs—reviews are somewhat mixed (see “Trader Feedback” below).

Account Types and Trading Conditions

Crystal Ball Markets features three main trading account types: Micro, Standard, and Pro ECN. Each is aimed at a particular level of trader and varies in terms of starting deposit, spreads/commissions, and leverage. Below is a summary of key parameters:

On the Pro ECN account, spreads start from 0.0 pips, so the broker charges a commission on volume (often around $7 per 1 lot round-turn, though the exact figure is not clearly stated). The site does not explicitly publish the commission rate.

As seen in the table, the minimum deposit is very accessible—starting at $50 for a Micro account. This appeals to beginners. The Standard account requires $300, while Pro ECN needs $1,000, which is also relatively low for an ECN account (some brokers set the ECN threshold at $500–$1000, so it is in line with the industry average).

Note the leverage: on the Micro account, it can be as high as 1:1000, which is extremely high—few regulated brokers offer more than 1:500. For Standard and Pro accounts, the maximum is 1:500, still quite large. This leverage allows a $100 deposit to control positions up to $100,000.

High leverage is a double-edged sword: you can make bigger profits on small price movements, but you can also quickly incur significant losses. Clearly, the broker aims to attract traders who favor high leverage (often in the CIS, Asia, etc.). Leverage should be used with caution, ideally reducing it manually.

Spreads and trading costs: Crystal Ball Markets advertises floating (variable) spreads on all accounts.

• Micro: spreads from about 1.9 pips on major pairs, e.g., EUR/USD ~1.9 pips. That is relatively wide but typical for micro accounts with no commissions.
• Standard: spreads from about 1.2 pips, slightly more favorable.
• Pro ECN: spreads from 0.0 pips plus a commission. In practice, EUR/USD may have a 0.1–0.3 pip spread, plus the commission ($7 per lot, usually, though not listed explicitly for Crystal Ball).

Overall, Crystal Ball Markets’ trading costs are competitive: on the ECN account, the total cost could be around 0.7–1.0 pips for EUR/USD (spread + commission), comparable with many reputable brokers. Standard is about 1.2 pips with no commission, which is acceptable. The Micro account at 1.9 pips is somewhat higher, but that is the trade-off for a low deposit threshold. The broker claims that spreads can start from 0.0 pips (presumably at calm market times on the ECN account), promoting “tight spreads from 0.0 pips” as an advantage. Indeed, for skilled traders, Pro ECN’s conditions look attractive.

Order execution: All accounts use Market Execution with no requotes. Execution models are Micro – STP, Standard/Pro – ECN. This means, in theory, trades are routed to liquidity providers (at least for the ECN). The broker claims partnerships with top-tier providers for fast and reliable execution. The site states there is no dealing desk (NDD), no requotes, and no restrictions on strategies—advisors (EAs), scalping, and news trading are all permitted. These features are appealing to advanced traders.

Trading instruments (markets): Under the Crystal Ball Markets brand, more than 160 instruments are available, including:

• Forex: 40+ currency pairs (majors and minors). All popular ones like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, plus some exotics.
• Metals: ~5 CFDs on metals (gold, silver, copper).
• Energy: WTI oil, Brent oil, natural gas (3 instruments).
• Indices: around 8 stock indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones, DAX, FTSE, etc.).
• Stocks: 40+ CFDs on major US, UK, and EU companies—large tech corporations, banks, and other blue chips.
• Cryptocurrencies: 10 crypto pairs (BTC/USD, ETH/USD, plus altcoins—Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Litecoin, Ripple, Dogecoin, Solana, Monero, etc.).
• Agricultural products: coffee, cocoa, possibly sugar or corn, although the exact list is not publicly specified.

Importantly, almost all these assets can also be traded as Binary Options, not just CFDs. You can, for example, buy a digital option on gold or the S&P 500 index, which is unusual (in earlier times, Binary Options were mostly limited to currency pairs). The broker thereby expands possibilities for those interested in options—“over 160 underlying assets for digital options.” Of course, one should remember that CFD trading and Binary Options are different, each with its own risk profile.

Base currency: By default, accounts are in USD. The site suggests that the base currency is only USD; though there may be alternatives (such as crypto), standard operations are USD-denominated. Traders whose national currency differs may face conversion fees when depositing or withdrawing.

Additional fees and charges: Beyond spreads/commissions, note the broker’s policy on inactivity and withdrawals.

• If an account remains inactive for 6 months, a $5 inactivity fee (likely monthly) applies. This is mentioned among the broker’s downsides and is confirmed in the terms: “a $5 inactivity fee is charged.” So if you do not trade for a while, you may want to withdraw your funds or be ready for that small charge.
• More significant: if a client deposits funds and makes no trades before requesting a withdrawal, the company reserves the right to charge up to 10% of the withdrawal amount. This is stated in the rules: in cases of zero trading activity followed by a withdrawal request, banking fees or a 10% fee may be applied. This measure protects the broker from payment system costs (especially on card transactions) if a client effectively uses the broker as an exchange service. Many offshore brokers have such a clause. In practice, it means you should not deposit and withdraw immediately without trading—otherwise, you may lose 10%. Active traders are not affected; for someone who changes their mind right after depositing, it can be an unpleasant surprise.

Aside from that, the broker says it does not charge fees for deposits/withdrawals (beyond the scenario described). Depositing is free, and withdrawals themselves are free on the broker’s side (though payment system fees—like bank or blockchain charges—may still apply).

Summing up the conditions: Crystal Ball Markets provides fairly attractive trading conditions relative to many offshore competitors—low spreads, high leverage, and a small deposit threshold. A particular advantage is having Binary Options as a separate product (for those who are interested). Be mindful of the broker’s policies, avoid incurring inactivity fees or immediate withdrawal fees, and remember that this is an unregulated entity. It is wise not to use extreme leverage or hold very large balances.

Deposits and Withdrawals: Methods, Speed, and Fees

Crystal Ball Markets offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, which is convenient for clients in different regions. The broker supports both traditional and modern digital methods. Based on its official site and review sources, the following methods are available:

• Bank Cards (Visa/MasterCard): Deposit in USD—instant; withdrawals usually take 3–10 business days. The delay is due to banking processes (including card refunds).
• Bank Wire (SWIFT/SEPA): Deposits ~3–10 days; withdrawals ~3–10 days. Ideal for large amounts but the slowest method.
• E-payment systems: Perfect Money—instant deposit, withdrawals within 24 hours. Perfect Money is popular in the CIS; system fees are about 0.5%. The broker does not charge extra.
• Cryptocurrencies: BTC, USDT (Tether), BCH, LTC, DASH, XRP, ETH, etc. (a set of major cryptocurrencies). Deposit is credited after the required number of blockchain confirmations (from minutes to about an hour). Withdrawal is processed by the broker within 24 hours plus network confirmation time. Crypto deposits/withdrawals are known for speed, with clients paying the blockchain fee (the broker does not charge an extra fee).
• Other methods: Possibly the broker uses third-party processors (e.g., card payment through a crypto gateway). FinTelegram reported that Crystal Ball Markets once accepted cards via Binance (i.e., through buying crypto). It is not described in detail now, but it shows the broker’s flexible approach to payment. PayPal or Skrill/Neteller are not listed, but Perfect Money and crypto largely cover the need.

Deposit/Withdrawal Fees

As noted, the broker does not charge its own fees on payments. That is, a deposit is at 0% broker fee, and the withdrawal is at 0% (unless there is no trading activity). This is competitive. Clients only face fees charged by the payment systems themselves (e.g., bank fees for an international transfer or blockchain miners’ fees).

Processing Times

Deposits by card, e-wallets, and crypto are effectively instant (funds appear in your account right away). The broker processes withdrawals within up to 24 hours by “faster” methods and 3–10 days by bank wire or card. According to reviews, most e-payouts are indeed prompt—often within a few hours or the same day. Trustpilot reviews highlight efficient withdrawal processing. However, there are also forum complaints about occasional delays or issues (see next section).

Minimums and Limits

The broker does not publicly list strict limits, but typically:

• Minimum deposit is $50 (the Micro account requirement).
• Minimum withdrawal may be $10–$50 depending on the method (for crypto, it is often $50 due to network fees).
• There may be a max transaction limit for cards (e.g., $10k).

Note that the account currency is USD. So if you deposit, say, EUR via card, it is converted to USD (with a bank fee). If you send crypto, the broker likely converts it to USD at a current rate for the trading balance (unless you open a crypto-based account, but typically everything is settled in USD on the back end).

The broker promotes its convenience by supporting both conventional fiat and modern crypto solutions. For instance, Perfect Money is valuable in regions where international transfers are complicated, and Tether (USDT) is widely used in many countries as a de facto digital dollar.

Withdrawals can also be made in crypto, which is often used to bypass bank delays. Reviews indicate that withdrawing in USDT/Bitcoin is the fastest option (just a few hours). Card withdrawals are the slowest (up to a week), but that is typical across the industry because refunds to cards involve banking processes and sometimes multiple intermediary payments.

Summary: Crystal Ball Markets’ deposit/withdrawal policies are relatively favorable—multiple methods, no broker commission, generally speedy processing. You do need to trade before withdrawing (to avoid the potential 10% fee) and remember the $5 monthly inactivity charge after six months of non-use. A best practice is not to keep idle funds: if you are not trading, withdraw; if you are trading, withdraw profits regularly.

Trader Feedback and Crystal Ball Markets’ Reputation Online

When evaluating a broker, what actual clients say is crucial. Crystal Ball Markets has a mixed online reputation: enthusiastic reviews on some sites and strongly negative posts on others. Such polarization is common with new brokers: early reviews can come from affiliates or satisfied beginners, while more experienced traders who encounter problems may post sharper criticisms.

Trustpilot

On Trustpilot, a well-known review platform, Crystal Ball Markets scores quite high. The broker has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot, indicating “Excellent.” However, the total number of reviews is still small—around a few dozen (about 37 as of late 2024). A small sample plus a very high rating can suggest that most reviews come from pleased customers, possibly as part of a broker-led feedback campaign (a common practice). Still, there are no obvious indicators of widespread manipulation, given there are some neutral/negative comments too.

What is praised on Trustpilot: Summaries show many traders highlight the platform’s functionality, responsive support, and quick withdrawals. They mention the terminal works without glitches, with all required instruments; support is 24/7 and promptly resolves issues; withdrawals are processed efficiently. Some reviews commend the broad range of assets and high leverage as pluses. Overall, Trustpilot portrays the broker as having a “very satisfied” client base.

Certainly, the possibility exists that some reviews are broker-influenced, but there is no direct evidence of mass fakes, considering there are at least some neutral or critical remarks as well.

ForexPeaceArmy and Professional Forums

On specialized trader forums, the picture is less rosy. On the popular aggregator ForexPeaceArmy (FPA), Crystal Ball Markets has a noticeably lower score—about 2.1 out of 5. FPA is known for attracting experienced traders who often post when they have issues. A low score indicates serious complaints.

Key issues in the negative reviews:

• Problems with execution and quotes: One FPA user writes, “CrystalBallMarkets is extremely awful, manipulative, with frequent requotes, platform freezes with network excuses; they deny real market moves to clients; server manipulations against the client... etc.!” This emotional post accuses the broker of artificially interfering with trading: slowing execution during big moves, blocking trade closures, possibly “painting” questionable price quotes. If true, this signals unscrupulous practices, though it is just one trader’s account.
• Disputed fund deductions: Another FPA review claims, “They canceled my deposit and blocked me when I provided payment proof.” The user says they deposited 300 USDT, opened a trade, and the next day saw the position forcibly closed by stop-out, with funds gone. They provided evidence of the deposit, but the broker allegedly denied it and blocked the account. If true, that is a serious allegation—essentially misappropriation of client funds. It is this trader’s statement, though, and we do not have the broker’s response. Sometimes such disputes arise from misunderstandings or client rule violations (e.g., bonus abuse), but since there are no deposit bonuses here, the broker’s side is unknown. Regardless, it is concerning to see such a complaint.
• General fraud accusations: On some resources, the company is directly called a “scam.” For instance, on one forum someone mentions: “I saw contradictory results: they get glowing Trustpilot reviews, but on forums, people speak of their 3/5 rating and claim reviews look fake.” Essentially, part of the trading community suspects that the positive reviews might be bought, whereas real experiences are negative. This is subjective, but a recognized possibility.

WikiFX and Other Aggregators

WikiFX (a Chinese-based aggregator) gives Crystal Ball Markets a low rating with a note “Low score, stay away!” WikiFX typically factors in the lack of a license, which alone can drastically reduce a broker’s score. WikiFX also features some user reviews. For example, one user says: “I have been trading with CrystalBall Markets for several months and am very pleased: a great broker, top-level service.” However, WikiFX can be inconsistent and is known for controversial scoring methods.

Overall Reputation Summary

Crystal Ball Markets’ reputation is not yet firmly established. Positive feedback (especially on Trustpilot) highlights advantages like fast payouts, good support, and user-friendly software. Negative feedback on forums points to potential issues with execution and reliability. Some negative instances may stem from Binary Options (where losses are common by nature), or from a handful of traders. There is also the possibility of competitor-driven attacks or overly emotional posters.

To build trust, the broker could respond publicly to complaints, but there is little sign of Crystal Ball Markets addressing them on FPA/forums. This is a downside—the absence of public communication regarding serious allegations.

Currently, it appears that Crystal Ball Markets inspires cautious optimism among some newcomers and reasonable skepticism among some pros. Traders considering this broker should:

• Test the service with a small deposit first to check execution firsthand.
• Avoid depositing more than they can afford to lose.
• Withdraw profits regularly and avoid keeping a large balance.
• Monitor new reviews—if widespread reports of non-payment or canceled winning trades emerge, it is best to stop.

At the same time, no definitive evidence exists that the broker systematically defrauds clients. It may well be that Crystal Ball Markets genuinely aims to gain trust by providing prompt withdrawals—something confirmed by real clients on Trustpilot (4.8 rating is significant). If the broker maintains transparency, it could strengthen its reputation over time.

Igor Lementov - Financial Expert and Analyst at Trading-Today.net