Iwai Cosmo

Overview of Iwai Cosmo

Iwai Cosmo is a Japan-based financial services company established in 2001 and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA).

It offers a range of products and services, including domestic and foreign stocks, initial public offerings, bonds, investment services, CFDs, and FX trading.

The company charges a consignment fee, which is based on the contract price. Iwai Cosmo provides a demo account for prospective and existing clients to practice and familiarize themselves with trading platforms and strategies.

Customer support is accessible via phone at 0120-318-611 and email at wmaster@iwaicosmo.co.jp. Additionally, Iwai Cosmo offers various educational resources, including market commentary, topics, and seminars, to help clients make informed trading and investment decisions.

Is Iwai Cosmo Legit or a Scam？

Iwai Cosmo is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan, holding a Retail Forex License. The company is officially recognized and overseen by the FSA, ensuring it adheres to the stringent regulatory standards set forth in Japan.

The specific license number for Iwai Cosmo is 近畿財務局長（金商）第15号, indicating its authorization to operate and offer its financial services within the legal and regulatory framework established by Japanese authorities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Regulated by FSA: Iwai Cosmo is regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency, ensuring adherence to strict financial standards and regulations, which enhances client trust and security.

2. Diverse Product Offerings: The company provides a wide range of financial products and services, including domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, IPOs, CFDs, and FX trading, meeting various investor needs.

3. Demo Account: The availability of a demo account allows clients to practice and get acquainted with trading platforms and strategies without risking real money.

4. Customer Support: Iwai Cosmo offers comprehensive customer support through phone and email, ensuring clients have access to assistance when needed.

5. Educational Resources: The firm provides valuable educational materials such as market commentary, topics, and seminars, supporting clients in making informed decisions.

Cons:

1. Geographic Limitation: Being based in Japan, the company's primary focus will be more localized, which could limit options or appeal for international investors.

2. Language Barrier: If the primary communication and resources are in Japanese, this will pose a challenge for non-Japanese speaking clients.

3. Fee Structure: The consignment fee based on contract price will be higher compared to flat-rate fees, depending on the transaction size, which could be a disadvantage for larger trades.

4. Market Focus: The focus on specific markets or products will not suit all investors, especially those looking for a more global investment perspective.

5. Technology Adoption: Depending on the technological advancement and user-friendliness of their trading platforms, there will be a learning curve or adjustment needed for new users, especially if the platforms are not on par with industry leaders.

Products & Services

The market instruments offered by Iwai Cosmo include:

1. Domestic Stocks: Iwai Cosmo provides an extensive review and opportunities to invest in domestic stocks, which are crucial components of securities investment.

1. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs): The company has significant experience in underwriting IPOs, offering investors the chance to partake in the excitement and potential growth of newly public companies.

1. Foreign Stocks: Iwai Cosmo offers investment opportunities in global markets, including prominent U.S. stocks, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios internationally.

1. Bonds: The firm provides a solid range of bond investments, including government and corporate bonds, attracting investors seeking stable income or diversification in their investment portfolio.

1. Investment Trusts: Investors can search for and invest in popular investment trusts, with detailed search options, rankings, and comprehensive operation results to aid in informed decision-making.

1. Forex (FX): Iwai Cosmo offers Forex margin trading (FX), including exchange FX (Click 365), attracting investors interested in the dynamic forex market.

1. Contracts for Difference (CFDs): The company provides stock index margin trading CFDs, including exchange CFDs (Click Stock 365), for those looking to capitalize on market movements without owning the underlying assets.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Iwai Cosmo, you can follow these general steps:

1. Visit the Website: Start by visiting the Iwai Cosmo website. Look for the section dedicated to account registration or opening an account. This section will provide you with detailed instructions and the requirements for opening an account.

2. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form with the necessary personal, financial, and investment experience information. Ensure all details are accurate and truthful to comply with regulatory requirements and due diligence processes.

3. Submit Required Documentation: You will need to provide identification and proof of residence documents as part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Check the specific requirements on the Iwai Cosmo website and upload or send the required documents as instructed.

4. Wait for Approval and Fund Your Account: Once you have submitted your application and documents, wait for the account to be reviewed and approved by Iwai Cosmo. This process may take a few days. After approval, you will receive instructions on how to fund your account.

Fees

Here's an overview of the fee structure for various services offered by Iwai Cosmo Securities:

Stocks (Spot Trading):

• Listed Stocks in Japan:

• For transactions up to 25,000 yen: 9.999% of the contract price × 1.1

• For transactions over 25,000 yen up to 222,000 yen: 0% of the contract price + 2,500 yen × 1.1

• Incremental increases in the fee percentage and additional charges apply as the contract price increases, with specific rates applied to different price brackets.

Protected Custody Account:

• Similar tiered fee structure as for spot trading, with specific percentages and additional charges based on the contract price brackets.

Plusnet (Individual transactions):

• Discounted fees apply for transactions through Plusnet, with a percentage of the contract price or fixed fees plus percentage charges, adjusted for Plusnet users.

Online Trading (Standard Course for Spot Trading):

• A flat rate or a fee based on the contract price is charged, with details for specific price brackets.

Margin Trading:

• Fees are structured based on the contract price, with specific rates for different price brackets.

Call Trading:

• A tiered fee structure similar to spot trading, with specific percentages and additional charges based on the contract price.

Foreign Stocks (Overseas Consignment Transactions):

• Fees include domestic agency fees and local costs, which vary by exchange. The total fee incorporates both local and domestic charges, calculated based on the contract unit price and quantity.

Investment Trusts:

• Fees vary depending on the issue for both domestic and foreign investment trusts, including application fees, trust fees, and retention amounts.

Bonds:

• For yen-denominated and foreign currency bonds, typically, only the purchase price or sale consideration is paid without a separate fee.

Structured Bonds and Convertible Bonds:

• Specific fees apply, with percentages based on the contract price and minimum fee thresholds.

Futures and Options:

• Fees are structured per unit or based on the contract price, with specific rates for various financial instruments.

Customer Support

At Iwai Cosmo Securities, customer feedback and inquiries are highly valued as part of their commitment to improving products and services. Here's how you can get in touch with their customer support:

1. Online Trading and Plus Net Inquiries:

- Call the Net Support Center at 0120-318-611, available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-Depending on the nature of your inquiry (domestic stocks, foreign stocks, FX and CFDs, account opening, etc.), you will be directed to press a specific service number after calling.

2. Email Inquiries:

- For securities accounts plus futures and options: wmaster@iwaicosmo.co.jp

- For Forex and CFDs: fxmaster@iwaicosmo.co.jp

- Email response times are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

3. Call Transactions:

- Contact the Osaka or Tokyo Call Center for inquiries related to call transactions.

4. Face-to-Face Transactions:

- For more personal service, you can contact your nearest store or the specific store handling your transactions.

5. Other Inquiries:

- For general questions or other concerns, you can reach the Customer Service Center at 0120-405-546, available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Educational Resources

Iwai Cosmo Securities offers a variety of educational resources and seminars to support their clients' asset management and investment knowledge:

1. Market Commentary: Daily updates on market trends, provided twice a day, before the market opens and at a major close, to help investors stay informed about the current market conditions.

2. At the Forefront of the Market: Weekly reports by Jun Ishihara, an active fund manager, offering insights and forecasts on market undercurrents and trends, updated every Monday.

3. Iwaicosmo Weekly Letter: A weekly market outlook report covering the Nikkei Average, NY Dow Jones, and Forex Average, providing investors with an overview of expected market movements.

4. IwaiCosmo Market Topics: Periodic updates from an elite team of information analysts who explain market events and topics in an easily understandable manner, offering deep dives into various investment-related subjects.

5. Seminars: Iwai Cosmo Securities hosts seminars on a range of topics, from current investment themes to long-term asset management techniques, offering real study sessions that are free to participate in.

6. Online Transactions & Plus Net Browsing Report: Clients with online trading accounts or Plusnet can access extensive reports that are beneficial for investment decisions.

7. List of Foreign Securities Information: Provides basic information reports on U.S. stocks and other foreign securities, which can be particularly valuable for investors looking for data on harder-to-access markets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iwai Cosmo Securities offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources and tools to support its clients in making informed investment decisions.

From detailed market commentaries and professional analyses to informative seminars and detailed reports, the firm is dedicated to providing valuable insights and education to its investors.

FAQs

Q: What financial products does Iwai Cosmo Securities offer？

A: Iwai Cosmo Securities provides a range of financial products including domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, investment trusts, futures, options, FX, and CFDs.

Q: Is Iwai Cosmo Securities regulated？

A: Yes, Iwai Cosmo Securities is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) in Japan, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards.

Q: Can I open an online trading account with Iwai Cosmo Securities？

A: Yes, you can open an online trading account with Iwai Cosmo Securities, which also provides access to additional resources like the Plus Net Browsing Report.

Q: What kind of customer support does Iwai Cosmo Securities offer？

A: Iwai Cosmo Securities offers customer support through phone and email, providing assistance for various inquiries including online trading, foreign stocks, FX, and CFDs, as well as general account queries.

Q: Are there any seminars available for Iwai Cosmo clients？

A: Yes, Iwai Cosmo Securities offers seminars covering various investment themes and asset management techniques, which are available for free to their clients.

Q: How can I access information on foreign stocks through Iwai Cosmo Securities？

A: Clients can access information on foreign stocks, including U.S. stocks, through the List of Foreign Securities Information provided by Iwai Cosmo Securities.