It announced the launch of an enhanced training program and the recent verification of its social media platforms, assuring aspiring traders access to high-quality learning resources and a trusted community to support their journey. 

SmarTrade said the enhanced curriculum it launched with its globally recognized broker partner ATFX is designed to help learners gain confidence in trading and is in line with its mission to empower Filipinos through free, reliable, and world-class trading education. The program now features an extensive technical analysis series covering market structure, trendlines, support and resistance, candlestick and price patterns, and advanced indicators like RSI and MACD. Analysis sessions on economic indicators, currency demand and supply, and practical trading strategies are also offered.

Along with that initiative, SmarTrade has strengthened its online presence to create a more secure and transparent learning environment. Pointing out that verification is critical to the protection of users from misinformation, scams and fake accounts, it announced that its Facebook pages, SmarTrade PH and SmarTrade Community-Middle East, along with its Instagram account (@smartradeph), are now verified. 

SmarTrade marked the new year by hosting an in-house seminar in its Makati City office, showcasing the advanced learning courses and specialized strategies for forex and CFD trading fundamentals. The seminar included hands-on exercises and in-depth discussions on market trends and trading tools. 

“Filipinos today are more eager than ever to take charge of their financial futures. We’ve designed our programs to guide participants, no matter where they are in their trading journey, toward confidence and success,” said SmarTrade president and CEO Joyce Mayo.

She added: “The verification badge on our social media pages emphasizes our commitment to creating a trustworthy space for users. It helps us connect better with our community and share valuable resources to support them on their financial journey.” 

With online learning and trading gaining traction, social media has become a powerful tool for delivering timely insights, trading tips, and learning opportunities, SmarTrade said. 

It said users must be vigilant against scams and misinformation, and advised its learners to interact only with its verified pages—identifiable by the blue check badge—to ensure authentic engagement with the brand. It added that by securing verification for its social media platforms, SmarTrade guarantees that followers will receive only legitimate updates, educational content, and event announcements. 

Through its verified social media channels, SmarTrade shares educational materials, market insights, and updates on upcoming events, including free learning sessions, whether virtual, in-office, or face-to-face outside the Metro, as well as mentoring opportunities. It said this aligns with its mission to build a financially empowered nation by making reliable financial literacy and trading education more accessible.

SmarTrade invites interested parties to join its growing community and take advantage of its free learning sessions and mentoring programs. For details or to register, visit www.smartradeph.com and connect with SmarTrade’s verified Facebook and Instagram pages.

Read more: SmarTrade, ATFX strengthen partnership to drive Filipinos’ financial empowerment

The post Enhanced training programs and verified social media platforms to advance financial literacy  appeared first on CoverStory.

For its annual Give2Gift employee-led program that supports vulnerable communities, SmarTrade, in partnership with ATFX Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of ATFX, extended help to San Lorenzo Ruiz Home for the Elderly in Pasay City.

Food, clothing, healthcare products, toiletries, and other basic supplies contributed by SmarTrade employees were tripled by management for a bigger combined donation to this year’s beneficiary of the program.  

Beyond material aid, the initiative fostered emotional connection, with the SmarTrade team engaging in interactions to honor the residents and acknowledge their contributions to society.

Joyce Ann Mayo, president and CEO of SmarTrade, underscored the company’s dual focus as central to its mission. “We are committed not just to empowering individuals financially but also to uplifting communities, especially those who need it most. This is our way of showing gratitude and giving back,” she said. 

Launched in 2022 to coincide with SmarTrade’s 5th year in the service of providing free learning sessions on various financial topics, Give2Gift has become an integral part of the company’s anniversary celebration as a way of extending the blessings received to beneficiary organizations.  

SmarTrade engages in corporate social responsibility programs that address diverse needs with the goal of fostering inclusivity and community development. 

“Through our partnership with ATFX Cares, we are not only advancing financial literacy but also embracing the spirit of giving that defines our Give2Gift initiative. Together, we are committed to making a meaningful difference,” Mayo said.

She said that as SmarTrade celebrates another year of milestones, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower Filipinos financially and socially. 

To learn more about SmarTrade’s services and initiatives in nation-building, visit www.smartradeph.com.

Read more: SmarTrade, ATFX strengthen partnership to drive Filipinos’ financial empowerment

The post Give2Gift program targets the elderly as beneficiary appeared first on CoverStory.

Key achievements underscore the company’s growth and impact since its founding. Through free year-round training sessions, it brought financial education to 661 communities across the Philippines. The sessions numbering 1,178 covered topics ranging from trading basics to advanced strategies, with the aim of equipping Filipino traders with essential skills for financial success. 

To make learning accessible to all, SmarTrade organized 772 in-person and online events involving 41,313 Filipino traders who have benefited from the educational programs designed to help them gain confidence in navigating financial markets.

On a global scale, it has established 532 partnerships and projects, expanding its network and connecting Filipino traders to international opportunities. 

Its media presence has grown across print and digital platforms, with 191 features reinforcing its advocacy for financial literacy. And through a growing social media community of 39,046 followers, it has created a vibrant space for knowledge-sharing and financial insights.

“As we celebrate our seventh anniversary, I’m proud of the milestones we’ve achieved and the thousands of Filipinos we’ve empowered,” SmarTrade president and CEO Joyce Ann Mayo said in a statement.

“Each of these achievements reflects the dedication of our team, the trust of our partners, and the enthusiasm of the Filipino traders we serve. We’re committed to delivering financial education and resources that make a meaningful impact, and we look forward to many more years of helping Filipinos reach their financial goals,” Mayo said.

Looking ahead, SmarTrade is building on its success by developing new programs that address the evolving needs of Filipino traders. With the support of ATFX, a global leader in online trading, it will expand its offerings with advanced tools, in-depth training, and real-time insights to foster growth among Filipino traders and Introducing Brokers.        

SmarTrade is also committed to social responsibility that extends beyond financial education. It regularly organizes workshops for children on saving and money management, to encourage financial responsibility at an early age. Environmental initiatives, such as tree-planting, further reflect its dedication to a positive impact on the communities it serves.

As SmarTrade enters its eighth year, it reaffirms its mission to foster financial literacy and empower Filipino communities. With a focus on growth, inclusivity, and social responsibility, it reaffirms its dedication to helping Filipinos achieve financial independence and a more prosperous future.

For more information on SmarTrade’s upcoming programs and events, visit www.smartradeph.com.

The post 7 years of empowering Filipinos appeared first on CoverStory.

The visit of ATFX’s chief commercial officer Siju Daniel, Southeast Asia CEO Jeff Hsu, and business development manager Journey Zeng was seen to underscore the strong and growing alliance between SmarTrade and ATFX, which has been instrumental in providing Filipino traders with world-class financial tools and educational resources.

During discussions with Mayo and her leadership team, the ATFX officials provided insights into the latest trends and developments in the global financial markets and also took the opportunity to keep abreast of the impact of SmarTrade’s initiatives in the country. 

“The Philippines is a key player for ATFX, and we are committed to supporting SmarTrade in their efforts to provide top-tier financial education,” said Hsu.  “We are impressed by the dedication and passion of the SmarTrade team and look forward to continuing our collaboration to bring more value and innovation to Filipino traders.”

SmarTrade, an advocate of financial literacy for Filipinos, offers free learning sessions and one-on-one coaching on various financial topics, including the essentials of money management and trading.  The learning and coaching sessions are conducted by its experienced market analysts.  The courses available year-round include “Mastering Online Trading:  Effective Money Management Strategies and MT4 Platform Navigation” and “Technical and Fundamental Analysis.”

Mayo viewed the visit of the ATFX officials as a boost to the two companies’ partnership. “It highlights our ongoing collaboration to drive financial empowerment and education in the country,” she said. “Together, we aim to provide even greater opportunities for Filipinos to learn, grow, and succeed in the financial markets so that they can build generational wealth for themselves and their families.” 

For more information on SmarTrade’s offerings and upcoming events, visit www.smartradeph.com.

Read more: SmarTrade marks 5 years of helping Filipinos gain financial independence

The post SmarTrade, ATFX strengthen partnership to drive Filipinos’ financial empowerment appeared first on CoverStory.

SmarTrade, which continues to help individuals make informed financial decisions through free online learning sessions and personalized coaching, has demonstrated the value of digital platforms in businesses, offering tools that allow companies to reach audiences worldwide with a few clicks.

It has shown how online educational platforms transform the learning process, breaking down geographical barriers, making knowledge accessible to those with an internet connection, and allowing them to enhance their skills, pursue new careers, or simply learn something new at their own pace and convenience.

But SmarTrade’s success has also attracted scammers posing as its representatives to exploit those interested in the brand.

‘Smartrade’

It uncovered last month a fraudulent scheme operating under the name “Smartrade.” This group and its associated Facebook page, led by a person claiming to be CEO Eryel Tierro, falsely used the SmarTrade brand to defraud individuals of their hard-earned money.

The bogus group, through the now inactive fake Facebook page, promised guaranteed initial profit of 40% in seven days with a minimum shell-out of P500.  

“Our mission is to give, not take,” Joyce Mayo, president and CEO of SmarTrade, said in a statement. “SmarTrade will never ask money from you.  We offer our services for free to empower individuals to take control of their financial future by educating them and equipping them with the necessary skills to explore investment opportunities, such as online trading. We have been doing this for more than six years now.”  

Mayo added: “Investing wisely requires diligence and research. If an opportunity seems too good to be true, it likely is a lie.” 

Protection tips

Online misrepresentation is a growing concern, especially among industries dealing with finance. SmarTrade offered these tips on how to protect oneself from scams:

Always double-check who you’re dealing with. Reach out through official channels that you find directly on the company’s website.  When in doubt, call the customer service number listed on the website to confirm any communication. For example, SmarTrade’s official social media accounts and website, explicitly state that the learning sessions and personalized one-on-one coaching are all free. Any request for payment, investment, or a promise of lucrative return for such services is a clear red flag and likely a scam.

Never share your personal information unless you’re sure of the recipient’s authenticity. Be particularly wary of requests for sensitive details, like your bank account information, your birthday, or one-time passwords.

Learn to recognize phishing. Be cautious with emails or messages that urge immediate action, contain suspicious links, or ask for personal information. Remember that online scams can take many forms, so be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities, unrealistic giveaways, or fantastic offers. 

Report any scam attempt. Relevant authorities and the company that the scammers say they represent will help you and also prevent more scams.

SmarTrade said adopting these practical measures will allow one to enjoy the vast benefits of digital platforms while safeguarding one’s personal and financial well-being. It issued the reminder that the best defense against scams is a proactive approach that includes self-education, being careful in all financial transactions with strangers, and making security a priority in online interactions. 

To learn more about SmarTrade and access its online resources, visit www.smartradeph.com and follow its official social media channels at https://www.facebook.com/smartradeph and https://www.instagram.com/smartradeph/.

Read more: SmarTrade marks 5 years of helping Filipinos gain financial independence

The post Warning out against online misrepresentation, other scams appeared first on CoverStory.

Glimar Reyes, a 35-year-old family man who works full-time in the food and beverage industry, started trading in November 2023. He was introduced to the world of trading by a friend who recommended the global online broker ATFX, which is known for its brand presence and award-winning brokerage services.  

Reyes is a part-time trader who has demonstrated skill in the trading arena. His victory in the recent competition is attributed to his strategic execution and disciplined approach. 

To qualify for the challenge, entrants had to meet a number of criteria, including opening a new live account during the promotional period, depositing a minimum of US$100, achieving a monthly return of at least 10%, maintaining a drawdown of 15% or less, and opening positions on at least five different trading days. 

These standards were laid down to shine a light on traders who excel in generating profits while adeptly managing risks.

With his victory, Reyes has also taken on the role of an ATFX Copy Trade provider, enabling others to benefit from his trading strategies and highlighting his expertise and eagerness to share his insights with the broader trading community.

“This win is unexpected, to be honest,” Reyes said. “But I am proud of myself, that even if I am still new to trading, I can succeed in competitions like this with the right mindset and strategies. Also, it was very helpful that I had the right guidance provided by ATFX coaches.”  

The success of the competition is seen to underscore ATFX’s commitment to creating a competitive yet nurturing environment for traders. The company has been recognized for excellence in the financial markets, its most recent award being “2023 Asia’s Trusted Broker.” 

This award is made more significant with the support of SmarTrade, ATFX’s educational partner in the Philippines, which offers extensive trading education, resources and one-on-one coaching for free. Their collaboration is aimed at empowering Filipino traders with the necessary tools and knowledge for successful online trading.

For more information on ATFX and how to get started in trading, visit http://www.atfx.com.

The post Filipino wins in Southeast Asia live trading competition appeared first on CoverStory.

The number of people exploring online trading continues to grow, for good reason.  

Online trading provides an opportunity for buying and selling stocks, currencies, commodities, and other financial instruments through a trading platform easily accessible via the internet. It is a viable means to create an additional income stream and build generational wealth. 

But because online trading involves risks and investing hard-earned money, one must also invest in self-education. Every online trader’s journey needs to start with knowing the risks and benefits of the trade.

In learning about online trading, it is crucial to find the right resource—quite a challenge given the amount of information available on the web. It is imperative to have a trustworthy learning partner, such as a reputable organization backed by industry experts.

SmarTrade, the education partner in the Philippines of the global broker ATFX, has helped more than 22,000 Filipinos in their online trading journey through workshops, learning sessions, and one-on-one coaching offered for free. The only investment required is time and effort, plus the willingness to learn and to continue adding to one’s knowledge of online trading.

Related: Online trading will help you make extra money for the holidays

Financial literacy

Joyce Mayo, president and CEO of SmarTrade, says its goal is “to promote financial literacy among the Filipino community.” 

“We believe that sound financial management is one of the ways to a more secure and better future for generations to come,” Mayo says. “SmarTrade’s free resources, learning sessions, and one-on-one coaching are a testament to our commitment to this goal.” 

Edwin Saguibo, head of learning and development at SmarTrade, encourages novice traders to start by educating themselves, and explains why this is a necessary investment:

“Online trading or forex trading is a risky business. Knowing how it works will help you avoid falling victim to scams and frauds which are present in the industry.

“Educating yourself can help you analyze data and make informed decisions. Gold, forex, crypto, and other financial instruments can be volatile; their prices fluctuate quickly.  If you don’t know the basics, you are more likely to make poor decisions and be easily swayed by misinformation, or even make decisions based on emotions rather than logic.”

Risk management

Another benefit of having the right knowledge and understanding of the market is that it enables interested parties to develop a strategy to help minimize their losses.  

Says Saguibo: “At SmarTrade, we conduct learning sessions on risk management to familiarize you with the fundamentals of trading and help you implement effective risk management techniques. Lack of knowledge can lead to heavy losses in online trading.  Even experienced traders lose money when they dive into trading blindly.” 

“Education also builds your confidence,” he adds.  “As you expand your knowledge, you become more confident about your decisions. Your knowledge helps you to build your own trading strategy based on your skills and, most importantly, your risk tolerances.”

Online trading can be a great way to earn money, but it doesn’t come without risks. Educating oneself in market trends, techniques, and risk management beforehand is essential. One should invest one’s time in learning the ropes and improving one’s skills to achieve long-term financial success. 

For details on how to join SmarTrade’s free learning and coaching sessions, visit www.smartradeph.com.

The post Why self-education is the best investment in online trading appeared first on CoverStory.

The event, held after three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, served as a celebration of the company’s success and an opportunity to widen business opportunities for its partners in the Philippines and the rest of Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

“This is a great chance for us to spend time with each other and to express our gratitude to our beloved colleagues and education partners who have been with us through thick and thin,” ATFX Group chair Joe Li said in his welcome remarks.

He said the company’s staff, colleagues, business partners, and clients, along with the independent brokers, are “of different backgrounds, cultures, and religions, yet we all work and play well together.”

“ATFX embraces diversity, and we admire the beauty of our people. We are sure that good moments last forever. We will move forward together to create more historical moments in the years to come,” he added.

Gadgets and luxury items were raffled off at the dinner. In the succeeding days, the delegates were taken on the Thailand City Tour in Tuk Tuk, as well as tours of the Grand Palace and Suan Sampran Park.

Related: Online trading will help you make extra money for the holidays

SmarTrade

ATFX took advantage of the occasion to strengthen business links, including SmarTrade, its education partner in the Philippines.

Widening its network in the Philippines, an emerging market with a growing economy, is seen as a strategic move aimed at expanding the global broker’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

For the past five years, ATFX has been offering free learning sessions and one-on-one coaching on online trading to Filipinos.

This March, ATFX and SmarTrade are launching “The BOSS,” or the Business Opportunity Seminar and Successful Partner Program for local traders. This series of workshops and open-house events are geared towards engaging and educating more traders to upgrade their knowledge in trading and to provide an opportunity for them to join ATFX’s network of brokers.

For details on these events and how to join the free learning sessions, visit www.smartradeph.com.

The post Global broker hosts annual dinner for partners worldwide appeared first on CoverStory.

Online trading is a little more complicated than traditional investing, but it’s still a great way to make money.  SmarTrade, a financial consulting company, breaks down complicated concepts so you can learn how to trade forex and other instruments with no sweat. It offers learning sessions and one-on-one coaching absolutely for free.

But before you get started on your trading journey, here are a few steps to take: 

First, research the market, take time to study the industry, and learn the lingo. It always takes effort to be able to gain an understanding of the tricks of the trade and how to make it work in your favor. 

Second, find a trustworthy broker (SmarTrade’s partner, ATFX, is a globally acclaimed broker that services many traders worldwide). 

Next, check out the different types of online trading, each offering various benefits.  Some trade forex, while others trade gold, CFD (contract for difference) shares, indices, and oil, among others. 

Lastly, make sure you know the risks involved.  This is among the important things that SmarTrade teaches, for you to have a better understanding of your risk appetite and how to manage it. 

Endless possibilities

Take it from Joyce Mayo, president and CEO of SmarTrade: “If you want to make more money this holiday season, you should consider trading online. We empower you on how to do it the smart way.” 

For the past five years, SmarTrade has helped thousands of Filipinos learn about online trading. “We have seen that with the right knowledge and smart application of the principles of the trade, the possibilities are endless,” says Mayo, adding:

“Forex trading is a lot more than just buying and selling currencies. It’s important to educate yourself on the market and the tools for trading. Once you have a good understanding of the market, you should be able to make this a viable source of income for yourself and your family.” 

You can finish the year and start 2023 on a high note, to earn additional money that you can either spend or save. Visit www.smartradeph.com to learn more about online trading.

The post Online trading will help you make extra money for the holidays appeared first on CoverStory.

Tens of thousands of Filipinos have been provided world-class financial education by a company that, by its very name, promotes e trading as a wise investment opportunity and a way to create another income stream. 

That company, SmarTrade, is marking its fifth anniversary this month. 

Since its foundation in 2017, SmarTrade has been offering free learning sessions and one-on-one coaching, as well as holding roadshows in provinces and cities nationwide, including La Union, Cebu, and Davao.  Even during the pandemic when everything was on lockdown, it continued serving its clients by rolling out online learning sessions.  

SmarTrade has conducted 1,069 in-person learning sessions and 547 webinars for 36,332 participants in 566 locations across the country. 

“We would like to see Filipinos have the financial freedom they deserve,” says Joyce Mayo, president and CEO of SmarTrade.  “Our advocacy is to promote financial literacy and thereby contribute to nation-building, and set many lives for more growth by having an additional income stream through e trading.”

“Our role is to educate and equip Filipinos with the skills they need to make smarter trading decisions. We believe that education is the key when it comes to e trading,” she says.

Related: Why self-education is the best investment in online trading

Partnership with global broker

Mayo adds that the company has partnered with ATFX, an award-winning global broker, “to make sure that what we teach can be carried out in the most efficient and reliable platform for our clients.” 

Guiding ‘SmarTraders’ in their journey are coaches with years of experience in e trading industry. Among them is Gab Santos, a market analyst with expertise in gold, FX currency and oil, and highly skilled in technical and fundamental analysis.  He won first place at the ATFX Southeast Asia 2021 Trading Competition. 

In line with its goal of taking part in nation-building, SmarTrade conducts yearly relief programs, environmental preservation activities, and social welfare projects. These include coral reef restoration in Panglao, Bohol; coastal clean-up; gift-giving; and Covid and disaster response.  

Like the communities it serves, it also takes care of its internal community, its human resource, by creating a work environment that fosters openness, transparency and empowerment.  Regular mentoring with management and health and wellness activities and seminars are among its programs for its employees. 

The company upholds equal opportunities for everyone with the drive and dedication to succeed in their work, regardless of gender, religion, or being specially abled. It is yet another way for it to contribute to nation-building. 

Says Mayo: “There is more to look forward to as SmarTrade gears up for bigger transformations in the years to come.  SmarTrade will continue to ​​build a fair and transparent trading community and an environment that promotes open opportunities for every learner.” 

For more information on SmarTrade and its services, visit www.smartradeph.com.

The post SmarTrade marks 5 years of helping Filipinos gain financial independence appeared first on CoverStory.