Broker scoring methodology

Research points range from 0 to 100. The 0-10 evidence score contributes 60% of the total. Additional components reward matched reviewed register evidence, recent reviewed sources, listed platforms, approved trader feedback and editorial research freshness.

Recorded evidence

60 maximum points

Matched register sources

15 maximum points

Recent reviewed sources

10 maximum points

Listed platforms

5 maximum points

Approved trader feedback

5 maximum points

Research freshness

5 maximum points

Register points require a current eligible licence and a reviewed official-register citation with the same URL. Expired and future-issued licences do not qualify. Each distinct recent reviewed source earns two points, up to ten; future-dated checks do not qualify. Explicitly unavailable platforms do not earn listed-platform bonuses.

The additional feedback component is the approved non-spam review average divided by five, multiplied by five and by the smaller of review count divided by ten or one. Without approved reviews it is zero. The underlying evidence model retains its disclosed neutral no-review baseline; that is not a trader rating or proof of satisfaction.

Published unresolved complaints deduct three points each, up to thirty. A high or extreme risk label deducts fifteen more. Pending private submissions do not reduce public points. Reviewed official regulator warnings cap the final total at forty; totals cannot fall below zero. Adjustments are included in each point breakdown. Warning-only records remain separate from broker rankings.

Evidence rank orders brokers by research points, not by their raw 0-10 evidence scores alone. Equal point totals use a stable name and record-ID tie-breaker.

Editorial ordering can place selected profiles first or later in the displayed list. An editorial position is a disclosed placement, not a ranking calculated from the 0-10 editorial rating. Editorial ratings, commercial tags and placements do not add research points or change evidence positions or trader-review averages.

Research freshness contributes five points for an editorial check within ninety days, or 2.5 within 180 days. Missing and future editorial dates earn none. Daily snapshots compare movement only with an earlier day using the same ranking and evidence model versions. A model change starts a new movement baseline.

Automated source checks remain distinct from human licence reviews and may contribute source-recency evidence without confirming regulatory permissions. Website availability does not establish authorization, confirm trading conditions or guarantee safety.