By Areena FxFounded in 2015 and based in Mauritius, PU Prime is a financial derivatives broker offering access to over 850 tradable instruments, including forex pairs, commodities, share CFDs, indices, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, and bonds.
The broker supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms and has also developed two proprietary apps designed specifically for social and copy trading. PU Prime distinguishes itself with competitive trading fees, a wealth of research and educational resources, and a strong environment for social and copy trading.
However, PU Prime’s execution speed exceeds 120 milliseconds, which is slower than many competitors. Additionally, it does not provide free Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting, a drawback for traders who rely on low-latency execution.
Overall, PU Prime is a solid option for day traders and copy traders, thanks to its low fees, wide range of instruments, and in-depth market insights.
PU Prime Pros and Cons
Pros
- A choice of trading accounts
- Autochartist connection
- Extensive educational content
- 850+ tradable instruments
- Competitive trading fees
Cons
- Slow execution speeds
- No alternative to the MetaTrader platform for web trading
Is PU Prime Right for You?
PU Prime is a solid choice for day traders and copy traders, offering competitive fees, a wide range of over 850 instruments, and strong support for social and copy trading through its proprietary apps. It also provides extensive research and educational content, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders. However, with execution speeds over 120 milliseconds and no free VPS hosting, it may not be ideal for those needing ultra-low latency or high-frequency trading. If you value platform flexibility and a robust trading environment, PU Prime is worth considering.
What Sets PU Prime Apart?
What sets PU Prime apart is its strong focus on social and copy trading, supported by proprietary apps alongside the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms. It offers a wide selection of over 850 instruments across multiple asset classes and stands out for its competitive trading fees and comprehensive research and educational resources. This makes it especially appealing to active traders and those looking to learn or follow expert strategies.
PU Prime Main Features
| Regulations | FSCA (South Africa), FSCM (Mauritius), FSA (Seychelles), ASIC (Australia) |
| Supported Languages | Korean, English, French, Indonesian, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Vietnamese, German, Polish, Japanese, Chinese, Bahasa, Thai, Filipino, Russian, Hindi+4 |
| Products | Currencies, Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, Bonds, Indices, Commodities, Futures |
| Min Deposit | $20 |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 (FSCA), 1:1000 (FSCM), 1:1000 (FSA), 1:30 (ASIC) |
| Trading Desk Type | STP, No dealing desk |
| Trading Platforms | MT5, MT4, PU Prime App |
| Deposit Options | FasaPay, Cryptocurrencies, PerfectMoney, Wire Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, International Bank Transfer, SticPay, Airtm |
| Withdrawal Options | Wire Transfer, Neteller, FasaPay, Skrill, International Bank Transfer, PerfectMoney, SticPay, Airtm, Cryptocurrencies |
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Foundation Year | 2015 |
| Headquarters Country | Mauritius |
| Entity Features | PU Prime Ltd | PU Prime Limited | PU Prime (PTY) Ltd | PU Prime Trading PTY Ltd |
| Country/Region | Mauritius, Ebene | Seychelles, Mahe | South Africa, Gauteng | Sydney, Australia |
| Regulation | FSC | FSA | FSCA | ASIC |
| Tier | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Segregated Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compensation Scheme | Up to EUR 20,000 under The Financial Commission | No | No | No |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:1000 | 1:1000 | 1:30 |
PU Prime Regulations
PU Prime operates through multiple licensed entities across various jurisdictions, each adhering to local regulatory standards. The primary regulatory bodies overseeing PU Prime’s operations include:(in.puprime.com)
- Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius: PU Prime Ltd is authorized and regulated by the FSC under License No. GB23202672.
- Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles: PU Prime Limited holds a Securities Dealer license (No. SD050) from the FSA.
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa: PU Prime (PTY) Ltd is regulated by the FSCA under FSP No. 52218.
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd is licensed by ASIC under License No. 410681.
Additionally, PU Prime is a member of the Financial Commission, an independent external dispute resolution organization. This membership provides clients with access to a Compensation Fund, offering protection up to €20,000 in cases where the broker fails to comply with a Financial Commission ruling.
It’s important to note that while PU Prime is regulated in multiple jurisdictions, the regulatory standards and protections vary by region. Some regulatory bodies, such as ASIC in Australia, are considered top-tier, offering stringent oversight, while others, like the FSC in Mauritius and the FSA in Seychelles, are categorized as lower-tier regulators.
Traders should consider these regulatory differences when evaluating PU Prime as a potential broker.
Why is it Important to Know Where Your Broker’s Subsidiaries are Regulated?
Knowing where your broker’s subsidiaries are regulated is crucial because it directly impacts the level of protection, transparency, and oversight you receive as a trader. Regulatory bodies differ in how strictly they enforce rules on client fund segregation, leverage limits, dispute resolution, and compensation schemes. For example, top-tier regulators like the UK’s FCA or Australia’s ASIC typically offer stronger protections and higher standards of compliance than offshore regulators. If your account is held under a subsidiary regulated in a less stringent jurisdiction, your legal recourse in the event of a dispute or broker insolvency may be limited. Therefore, understanding the regulatory environment helps you assess risk and make more informed decisions about where and how to trade.
Is PU Prime Safe to Trade With?
PU Prime presents a mixed picture regarding safety and reliability. While it is regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC), these are considered lower-tier regulatory bodies with limited investor protections compared to top-tier regulators like the UK’s FCA or Australia’s ASIC .
The broker claims to implement security measures such as segregated client accounts, negative balance protection, and SSL encryption for transactions. Additionally, PU Prime is a member of the Financial Commission, offering compensation up to €20,000 to eligible clients .
However, user reviews raise concerns about withdrawal issues and customer support responsiveness. Some traders have reported difficulties in withdrawing funds and delays in processing requests, which are common complaints among brokers with less stringent regulatory oversight
In summary, PU Prime offers certain security measures and regulatory oversight, but its lower-tier licenses and mixed customer feedback suggest that traders should exercise caution and consider these factors when evaluating the broker’s safety.
PU Prime Trading Fees
PU Prime Spreads
I tested PU Prime’s spreads on 04 September 2024 during the London and the New York open. The results are shown in the table below:
| Instrument | Live Spread AM | Live Spread PM | Industry Average |
| EURUSD | 1.5 pips | 1.6 pips | 1.08 pips |
| GBPJPY | 1.5 pips | 1.9 pips | 2.44 pips |
| Gold (XAUUSD) | 23 pips | 26 pips | 42 pips |
| Crude Oil | 0.03 pips | 0.04 pips | 0.03 pips |
| Apple | NA | 0.14 points | 0.33 points |
| Tesla | NA | 0.20 points | 0.50 points |
| Dow Jones 30 | 3.3 basis points | 3.0 basis points | 3.3 basis points |
| Germany 40 | 1.55 basis points | 1.55 basis points | 2.4 basis points |
| Bitcoin | $12.42 | $13.41 | $35.5 |
Broken down by asset class and compared to the industry average, PU Prime charges low spreads on share CFDs and cryptocurrencies, low-to-average spreads on commodities, and average spreads on indices. The recorded spreads for currency pairs vary from low to high compared to the benchmark.
PU Prime Swaps
A swap fee is a trader’s cost for holding an open position overnight because of changing interest rates. Swap long refers to the charge deductible or credit receivable for holding a buy position open overnight. In turn, swap short relates to the charges/credits deductible or receivable for holding a selling position open overnight.
The values listed below are for one full base currency contract (100,000 units).
| Instrument | Swap Long | Swap Short |
| EURUSD | Charge of $6.45 | Credit of $2.79 |
| GBPJPY | Credit of $11.33 | Charge of $29.96 |
My tests indicate that the recorded swaps at PU Prime are low-to-average compared to the benchmark.
PU Prime Non-Trading Fees
PU Prime keeps its non-trading fees competitive and trader-friendly. It does not charge an inactivity fee for dormant accounts, and there are no handling fees for deposits or withdrawals. However, traders should be aware that third-party banking or payment processor fees may still apply, depending on the method used.
Account Comparison
To help you understand the cost differences between PU Prime’s retail account types, I’ve prepared a comparison table that highlights the spreads and commissions for the EUR/USD pair, benchmarked against typical ECN and STP accounts across the industry.
The cost of trading one standard lot (100,000 units) of EUR/USD, with a pip value of $10, is calculated using the formula:
Total Cost = (Spread x Pip Value) + Commission
This comparison provides a clear view of what you’d pay per trade with each account type and how PU Prime stacks up against industry norms.
| Account Type* | Minimum Deposit Requirement | Spread | Commission** | Net Cost |
| Standard | $50 | 1.6 pips | $0 | $16 |
| Prime | $1,000 | 0.2 pips | $7 | $9 |
| ECN | $10,000 | 0.2 pips | $2 | $4 |
| Typical STP | NA | 1.2 pips | $0 | $12 |
| Typical ECN | NA | 0.2 pips | $6 | $8 |
My findings show that PU Prime’s trading fees generally beat the industry average. I also determined that the Prime account tailored for experienced traders features the best combination of favorable prices and low deposit requirements.
Are PU Prime’s Fees Competitive?
Yes, PU Prime’s fees are generally competitive. The Standard account offers zero commissions with floating spreads that are typically at or below the industry average. The main exception was the EUR/USD spread, which appeared relatively high during testing. On the positive side, PU Prime does not charge any non-trading fees, adding further value for cost-conscious traders.
| Platform/Tool | Suitable For |
| MetaTrader 4 | Basic technical analysis, simple order execution, automated trading |
| MetaTrader 5 | Basic technical analysis, simple order execution, automated trading |
| MetaTrader Mobile App | Trading on the go |
| PU Prime App | Trading on the go, account management, copy trading |
| PU Social App | Social and copy trading |
Platform/Tool
MetaTrader Charting and Analytical Tools
One limitation of MetaTrader platforms is that charts can become cluttered quickly, even with just a couple of indicators applied. This can obscure price action and make detailed technical analysis more challenging.
Here’s a breakdown of the charting and analytical tools available:
- 38 Technical Indicators: MetaTrader supports a wide range of indicators, including trend-following tools, oscillators, and volume-based metrics. These help traders analyze market sentiment and predict potential price movements.
- 24 Drawing Tools: Tools such as Fibonacci retracements and Elliott Waves help identify recurring price patterns, as well as key support and resistance levels. However, despite the variety, MT5’s somewhat rigid interface can make it harder to clearly interpret price behavior.
- 21 Timeframes: A major strength of MT5 is its broad selection of timeframes, enabling comprehensive multi-timeframe analysis. This allows traders to examine both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends with greater precision.
- 3 Chart Types: Traders can choose between line, bar, and candlestick charts, offering flexibility in how price data is visualized and analyzed.
Overall, while MetaTrader 5 offers a robust suite of tools for technical analysis, its interface can sometimes hinder clear visualization of price action, especially when multiple tools are used simultaneously.
Orders
MetaTrader 5 features three types of order execution: market, pending, and one-click trading. One-click trading allows immediate entries at the spot price.
I have broken down the available order types on the MetaTrader 5 platform below:
- Market orders: Market orders are used for immediate entry at the best possible price. If triggered, they guarantee volume filling, though there could be a discrepancy between the requested price and the price where the order gets filled.
- Limit orders: Unlike market orders, limit orders guarantee exact price execution. However, a limit order will not be filled if the price action does not reach the pre-determined execution price.
- Stop orders: They are used to support open positions by limiting the maximum loss that can be incurred if the market turns in the opposite direction. A stop-loss order is placed at a fixed price below or above the spot price. If the market does indeed turn and triggers the stop-loss, it will transform into a market order and get filled at the best possible price.
My Key Takeaways After Testing the MetaTrader 5 Platform
In my opinion, MT5 is a good option for fast and simple order execution. On the other hand, its dated and rugged design falls short compared to newer, sleeker platforms. As a trader who prioritizes flexible chart scaling, I find MT5’s charting capability too rigid and less effective.
PU Prime’s Execution Model
PU Prime operates as a Straight-Through-Processing (STP) broker without a dealing desk. Client orders are routed to the broker’s liquidity providers, where they are filled.
I measured PU Prime’s average execution speed over several days and discovered that it fluctuates around 120 milliseconds. This is slower than the industry average of around 60-70 milliseconds.
PU Prime’s MT5 Mobile App
The mobile app version of MT5 affords quick and easy access to the market on the go. It is very useful for opening, terminating, and adjusting open positions.
The market is continually evolving, marked by periodic surges and declines in volatility. For this reason, staying on top of the latest market developments is crucial, a task made simpler through the mobile app version of MT5.
You can also use the app to place market, limit, and stop orders, as well as to adjust the exposure of your open trades.
My Key Takeaways After Testing MT5 Mobile App
The advantage of the MetaTrader app is its practicality. It can be an indispensable tool for making trade adjustments, particularly during moments of heightened volatility. However, the app also feels cumbersome, and I found it unsuitable for price action examination.
PU Prime Copy Trading App
Copy trading is permitted via PU Prime’s proprietary app, which allows signal followers to subscribe to the winning strategies of signal providers and filter them by average returns, risk-to-reward ratio, and more. Signal followers can also subscribe for real-time updates from the traders they follow.
| Markets | Number | Types | Industry Average |
| Forex Pairs | 54 | Majors, Minors, and Exotic | 30 – 75 |
| Commodities (Cash) | 30 | Metals, Energies, Agriculture | 5 – 10 |
| Share CFDs | 650+ | Tech, Retail, Finance, Other | 100 – 500 |
| Indices (Cash) | 20 | US, Europe, UK, Asia | 5 – 10 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 50 | Majors and Minors | 10 – 20 |
| Futures | 12 | Commodities, Indices | 10 – 20 |
| ETFs | 47 | Tech, Mining, Trust, Energy, Other | 10 – 20 |
| Bonds | 14 | UK, US, Europe | 5 – 10 |
What Are CFDs?
CFDs, or Contracts for Difference, are financial instruments that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of various assets—such as stocks, commodities, indices, and currencies—without actually owning the underlying asset. When trading a CFD, you enter into an agreement with a broker to exchange the difference in the asset’s price from the time the contract is opened to when it is closed. This means you can potentially profit from both rising and falling markets. CFDs offer leverage, which can amplify gains but also increase risk, making them popular among traders seeking flexible and diverse trading opportunities.