Copy Trading in South Africa

Over the last few years, South Africa has seen an enormous rise in copy trading adoption, heightened further during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Google data, searches in South Africa for “copy trading” surpassed that of developed nations, such as the US, by a whopping 800%. By way of explanation, South Africa faces enormous economic challenges, and for those looking to supplement their income, copy trading provides a relatively simple way to start Forex trading. 

However, the allure of making high returns in a short period, plus the absence of stringent regulations in the past, has allowed scam brokers to abound.

Our mission is to educate traders about these brokers and only highlight those that ensure the safety of their clients’ funds.  Below we have selected the best copy trading brokers for 2024.

Best Copy Trading Brokers 2024

At FxScouts, we have an experienced review team dedicated to evaluating Forex brokers. Our team of experts meticulously examines each broker in 7 different areas, amassing an enormous amount of data in the process. With over 200 individual metrics analysed, we invest hundreds of hours annually researching and scrutinising brokers to ensure that we only recommend the best in the Forex industry.

Of these 7 areas, we always prioritise regulation and costs. These are our priorities because traders want to know that their broker is trustworthy and isn’t overcharging them. Brokers are always altering the products they offer, and we keep our reviews updated with the latest data available. You can find out more about our in-depth review process here.

What is Copy Trading?

Copy trading is a type of online trading that allows individuals to automatically copy the positions opened and managed by another selected trader, known as a strategy provider. This innovative approach allows users to mirror the trades and strategies of experienced and successful traders.

With copy trading, each time the strategy provider makes a trade, the same trade is executed in the copier’s account. The copier does not need to do anything manually; everything is handled automatically by the trading platform.

This trading method can benefit beginners who are still learning about the markets and developing their own trading strategies. It also serves as a time-saving tool for experienced traders who may not have the time to follow the markets as closely as they would like.

The copy trading process typically involves just a few clicks to choose a trader to copy, after which the system takes care of the rest. The trades are copied proportionally, meaning that even if you have a smaller account, you can still follow the trades of a strategy provider with a much larger account.

However, while copy trading can be beneficial, it’s crucial to remember that all trading involves risk. It’s possible to lose money and make it, and the past performance of a trader is not necessarily indicative of their future results. Therefore, it’s always wise to do your due diligence, understand the trader’s strategy, and consider the level of risk you are comfortable with before starting copy trading.

The Difference Between Social Trading and Copy Trading

While both social and copy trading leverage online community-based platforms, they differ substantially in their processes and levels of engagement.

Social Trading

Social trading is a holistic approach that encourages direct interaction between traders within an online network. Much like a traditional social media network, users can follow others, communicate, share insights, and discuss trading strategies. Some platforms also facilitate live feeds where traders can post updates about their trading activities, insights about market conditions, or explain their strategy’s rationale.

By providing a platform for discussion and direct observation, social trading serves as a learning ground where less experienced traders can learn from seasoned ones. Social trading is not just about replicating trades; it’s about discussing why specific strategies are employed, interpreting market events with your peers, and building your trading competence over time.

Copy Trading

Copy trading, on the other hand, is a more passive form of trading. Here, traders can select one or more experienced traders to follow. The system then automatically replicates the strategy provider’s trades into the copier’s account. This feature eliminates the need for continuous market monitoring and manual execution of trades, as it’s all handled by the platform.

The primary benefit of copy trading is its simplicity and convenience. You essentially delegate the trading decisions and actions to the trader you’re copying. This approach can be advantageous if you lack trading experience, struggle to keep up with market fluctuations, or simply don’t have the time to trade actively.

However, copy trading does not involve the same level of engagement and learning opportunities as social trading. You follow the trader’s actions but may not necessarily understand the reasoning behind those decisions unless the copied trader provides these insights on the platform.

Both social and copy trading offer unique advantages and cater to different trading styles. Your choice between the two (or a blend of both) would depend on your trading knowledge, available time, risk appetite, and interest in actively engaging with the trading community.

Choosing a Trader to Follow

One of the most crucial steps in copy trading is the selection of a trader to follow. Here’s how you can make an informed choice:

• Analyse Trading Performance: Review the trader’s historical performance. While past performance does not guarantee future success, it can give you an idea of their trading strategy’s effectiveness over time.
• Understand their Strategy: What markets does the trader focus on? How much risk do they take? Make sure their strategy aligns with your trading goals and risk tolerance.
• Check their Risk Score: Most platforms provide a risk score for each trader. A lower score typically indicates a safer, more conservative approach to trading.
• Review their Follower Count: A high follower count can indicate trust from other users, although it’s still essential to conduct your own analysis.

How to Get Started with Copy/Social Trading

Step 1: Sign Up: Register on your chosen platform by providing the necessary information. This process may include verifying your identity.

Step 2: Familiarise Yourself with the Platform: Copy-trading is available via signals on the popular MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. The cTrader trading platform has a more accessible copy trading function called cTrader copy. There are also some dedicated copy trading platforms like Zulutrade, Duplitrade and Myfxbook Autotrade, though these require a subscription fee. Whichever platform you use to copy trade, you will need to spend time exploring the platform and its features.

Step 3: Choose a Trader to Follow: Utilize the process described in the section above to select a trader whose strategy aligns with your investment goals.

Step 4: Begin Trading: You can start by either copying trades or engaging in discussions within the trading community. It’s recommended to start with a smaller investment and gradually increase it as you gain experience and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners

What is the minimum investment required for copy/social trading?

The minimum investment varies across platforms. For instance, on some platforms, you can start copy trading with 200 USD, while others may allow you to start with as little as 1 USD.

Is copy trading legal in South Africa?

Yes, copy trading is legal in South Africa. Copy trading and social trading are considered self-directed by the FSCA in South Africa, as traders who use this function always select the trading system to copy. Prior to the explosion in social trading, copy trading was only available via a managed account. Managed accounts require a power of attorney and a large account balance, and so are unpopular amongst typical retail traders.

What occurs if the trader I’m copying discontinues trading?

If the trader you’re copying decides to stop trading, your account will not open any new trades. You will then need to select a new trader to follow.

Can I terminate copy trading at any point?

Yes, you can stop copying a trader at any time, and you should continuously monitor your trades’ performance and make adjustments as needed.

How much control do I have over my trades when I’m copy trading?

Although the trades are automatically replicated from the trader you’re copying, you still retain control over your own account. You can manually close trades, pause copy trading, or stop copying a trader at any time.

Can I copy multiple traders at the same time?

Yes, most platforms allow you to copy multiple traders simultaneously. This can be beneficial as it allows you to diversify your portfolio across different trading strategies.

Can I start copy trading with a demo account?

Many trading platforms offer a demo or practice account where you can use virtual money to copy trades. This can be a good way to understand how copy trading works and test out different traders’ strategies before investing real money.

What are the costs associated with copy trading?

Costs can vary between platforms. Some platforms charge a fixed fee, some charge a percentage of profits, and others may apply spreads on trades. Always check the cost structure of your chosen platform.

How are the copied trades sized in my account?

Trades are usually copied in proportion to the amount of money you have allocated to copy a particular trader. For example, if the copied trader opens a trade using 10% of their balance, then a trade for 10% of the amount you allocated for copying them will be opened in your account.

What should I do if the trader I’m copying is consistently losing money?

If the trader you’re copying is not performing as expected, it’s essential to reassess your decision. You might choose to stop copying them and select another trader, or you might decide to pause copying and monitor their performance for a while. Remember, it’s crucial to regularly review the performance of the traders you’re copying.

Can I interact with the traders I’m copying?

On some platforms, you can communicate with other traders, ask questions, and share strategies. This feature is more commonly available on social trading platforms, and beginners may find it beneficial as it allows you to learn more about trading strategies and market conditions.

Although copy and social trading might seem overwhelming initially, with the right knowledge and approach, you can leverage the experience and strategies of successful traders. While this opportunity offers an expedited learning curve for beginners and a chance to diversify strategies for seasoned traders, it’s crucial to remember that all trading involves risk. Just because a trader has been successful previously does not mean they will continue to make a profit, so never trade with money that you cannot afford to lose.

How do I compare copy trading brokers? 

When selecting a copy trading broker, prioritising regulation is crucial as it safeguards your funds. Evaluate the associated costs if the broker’s copy-trading service uses platforms such as Zulutrade, Duplitrade, or Myfxbook. Opt for a system that provides comprehensive metrics of traders you could emulate, including risk indicators and profitability. Ensure your broker offers a broad range of traders to follow, ensuring diverse choices. It’s also essential to have a system that enables trade filtering based on your risk and return preferences, offering flexibility. Avoid brokers that lock you into copy trading for a set period. You should be able to stop copying trades instantly. Be aware of the fee structure, whether it’s a flat, success-based fee or a broker subscription; all costs should be clear and upfront. Lastly, consider the specific broker accounts that offer copy trading, their required minimum deposit, and their trading costs before committing.

Forex Risk Disclaimer

Trading Forex and CFDs is not suitable for all investors as it carries a high degree of risk to your capital: 75-90% of retail investors lose money trading these products. Forex and CFD transactions involve high risk due to the following factors: Leverage, market volatility, slippage arising from a lack of liquidity, inadequate trading knowledge or experience, and a lack of regulatory protection. Traders should not deposit any money that is not considered disposable income. Regardless of how much research you have done or how confident you are in your trade, there is always a substantial risk of loss. (Learn more about these risks from the UK’s regulator, the FCA, or the Australian regulator, ASIC).

Our Rating & Review Methodology

Our Broker Awards and Forex Rankings Report and Directory of CFD Brokers to Avoid are the result of extensive research on over 180 Forex brokers. These resources help traders find the best Forex brokers – and steer them away from the worst ones. These resources have been compiled using over 200 data points on each broker and over 3000 hours of research. Our team conducts all research independently: Testing brokers, gathering information from broker representatives and sifting through legal documents. Learn more about how we rank brokers. 

Editorial Team

 

Chris Cammack
Head of Content

Chris joined the company in 2019 after ten years experience in research, editorial and design for political and financial publications. His background has given him a deep knowledge of international financial markets and the geopolitics that affects them. Chris has a keen eye for editing and a voracious appetite for financial and political current affairs. He ensures that our content across all sites meets the standards of quality and transparency that our readers expect.

 

Alison Heyerdahl
Senior Financial Writer

Alison joined the team as a writer in 2021. She has a medical degree with a focus on physiotherapy and a bachelor’s in psychology. However, her interest in forex trading and her love for writing led her to switch careers, and she now has over eight years experience in research and content development. She has tested and reviewed 100+ brokers and has a great understanding of the Forex trading world.

 

Ida Hermansen
Financial Writer

Ida joined our team as a financial writer in 2023. She has a degree in Digital Marketing and a background in content writing and SEO. In addition to her marketing and writing skills, Ida also has an interest in cryptocurrencies and blockchain networks. Her interest in crypto trading led to a wider fascination with Forex technical analysis and price movement. She continues to develop her skills and knowledge in Forex trading and keeps a close eye on which Forex brokers offer the best trading environments for new traders.