Overview of Univest Securities
Univest Securities, based in the United States and established within the past 2-5 years, operates without regulatory oversight. They offer a variety of trading assets including stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and options.
The firm provides a trading platform accessible via web and mobile, accommodating user-friendly market access. Trading fees are set at $10 per trade, with additional charges for wire transfers and check distributions.
For customer support, Univest Securities can be contacted during standard business hours via phone, providing essential assistance to clients.
Regulatory Status
Univest Securities operates without regulatory oversight, which means it does not hold a regulated license to provide financial services. This lack of regulation can lead to potential risks for investors, including limited recourse in case of disputes, unclear accountability standards, and potentially lower levels of investor protection compared to regulated entities.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Various Investment Options: Univest Securities offers a wide array of investment options including stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and more. This diversity allows investors to tailor their portfolios according to their risk tolerance and financial goals.
- Various Services: Beyond investment options, Univest Securities provides various financial services such as wealth management, capital markets advisory, and institutional trading. These services accommodate both retail and institutional investors seeking specialized financial solutions.
- User-Friendly Mobile App: Univest Securities offers a mobile app that is intuitive and user-friendly. This allows investors to manage their accounts, track investments, and execute trades conveniently on-the-go.
Cons:
- High Fees for Wire Transfers ($30-$50): Univest Securities imposes relatively high fees for wire transfers, with domestic transfers costing $30 and international transfers costing $50 per transaction. These fees can add up, particularly for investors who frequently transfer funds between accounts or regions.
- High Trading Fees ($10 per Trade): While Univest Securities provides access to a range of investment options, the trading fees are relatively high at $10 per trade. For investors who execute frequent trades, these costs can significantly impact overall investment returns.
- Limited Payment Methods Available: Univest Securities offers limited payment methods beyond wire transfers, which can inconvenience investors who prefer alternatives like ACH transfers or online payment platforms.
Market Instruments
Univest Securities offers a wide range of trading assets including options, stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, time deposits, and more. This wide selection serves both institutional and retail investors, providing opportunities to diversify portfolios across various asset classes.
Products and Services
Univest Securities offers a suite of financial services tailored to various client needs.
Specializing in investment banking, they provide expertise in capital markets advisory, facilitating strategic transactions and funding solutions.
Their sales and trading division executes trades across various asset classes, supporting both institutional and retail investors.
Univest Securities also delivers personalized wealth management services, aimed at optimizing client portfolios and financial goals.
Account Types
Univest Securities offers Individual and Institutional Accounts.
Individual Accounts:
Univest Securities offers individual accounts for retail investors seeking personalized investment solutions. These accounts provide access to a range of financial instruments like stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds. They are suitable for individuals managing their own investments independently or with advisory support, offering flexibility in portfolio management aligned with personal financial goals.
Institutional Accounts:
Univest Securities provides institutional accounts tailored for corporate entities, hedge funds, pension funds, and large-scale investors. These accounts severs higher trading volumes and specific institutional needs such as liquidity management, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. They offer specialized services including capital markets access and custom investment strategies, supporting institutional clients in achieving financial objectives efficiently.
Commissions and Fees
Univest Securities offers competitive pricing for various trading activities. As of Trades are charged at $10.00 per trade, making it straightforward for clients to calculate transaction costs.
Univest Securities imposes several account-related fees to manage administrative tasks and transactions:
- Domestic Wire Transfer: $30 per transaction.
- International Wire Transfer: $50 per transaction.
- Returned Check/Wire/ACH: $30 per occurrence.
- Domestic Check Distribution: $5 per distribution.
- International Check Distribution: $10 per distribution.
- Blue Sheets: $5 per request.
- ACAT Outbound Transfer: $100 per transfer.
When comparing Univest Securities' trading fees, the $10.00 per trade fee is somewhat higher than many popular discount brokerage firms which often charge between $0 and $7 per trade. The account-related fees such as wire transfers and check distributions are on par with industry standards. Univest Securities' ACAT Outbound Transfer fee of $100 is also within the typical range.
Trading Platform
Univest Securities offers a robust trading platform “Univest” designed for global investors, available in both English and Chinese, accessible via webtrader and a mobile app. The platform provides tools and insights to assist investors of all levels in navigating the stock market effectively.
Key features include:
- Stock Advisory: Real-time analysis and expert recommendations to maximize profit potential.
- Stock Market News: Timely updates on market conditions, trends, and research insights.
- Stock Screeners: Advanced tools to streamline stock research based on investment preferences.
- Buy and Sell Insights: Expert recommendations on investment decisions.
- Portfolio Trend Analyzer: Monitors investment trends and suggests optimal exit strategies.
- P2P Investment: Diversification through peer-to-peer investment opportunities with competitive returns.
- Wealth Management: Intuitive tools for managing wealth with low-cost, high-yield investment options.
- Stock Indices: Tracks major indices to aid informed investment decisions.
- Investment Research: Comprehensive tools for in-depth investment analysis and portfolio optimization.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Univest Securities facilitates deposits primarily through domestic and international wire transfers, ensuring secure and expedient funding options for account holders. Additionally, they support check distributions, both domestically and internationally, providing flexibility in payment methods to accommodate various client preferences and locations.
Univest Securities applies fees for specific transactions:
- Domestic Wire Transfer: $30 per transaction.
- International Wire Transfer: $50 per transaction.
- Returned Check/Wire/ACH: $30 fee for any returned payments.
- Domestic Check Distribution: $5 per distribution.
- International Check Distribution: $10 per distribution.
Customer Support
Univest Securities offers customer support via phone at +1 (212) 343-8888, available Monday to Friday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST. Visit their office at 75 Rockefeller Plaza, 18C, New York, NY 10019, or reach out via email for assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Univest Securities presents itself as a relatively young player in the financial services industry, operating from the United States without regulatory oversight.
While offering a wide array of trading assets and accessible platforms through web and mobile applications, it imposes straightforward fees, notably a $10 commission per trade. However, the absence of regulatory supervision can pose potential risks for investors in terms of accountability and protection.
FAQ
What trading assets does Univest Securities offer？
Univest Securities offers a variety of trading assets including stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, and options.
How can one contact Univest Securities' customer support？
Customers can reach Univest Securities' customer support by calling +1 (212) 343-8888 during business hours or visiting their office at 75 Rockefeller Plaza, 18C, New York, NY 10019.
What are the trading fees at Univest Securities？
Univest Securities charges a flat $10 commission per trade.
Is Univest Securities regulated？
Univest Securities operates without regulatory oversight, indicating it does not hold a licensed status from a financial regulatory authority.
Risk Warning
Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.
