The Illegality of Overseas Forex Trading: A Thorough Explanation of Financial Services Agency Warnings, Legal Perspectives, and How to Consult about Problems

"Is overseas forex trading illegal? Will I get arrested if I use it?"
"Is it really safe to use a broker that isn't registered with the Financial Services Agency?"

Many people may be hesitant to take the plunge into overseas forex trading due to such doubts and anxieties

While overseas forex trading offers attractive features such as high leverage and zero-cut systems, there is currently a lot of conflicting information online regarding its "illegibility" and "risk of trouble ," making it difficult to make informed decisions.

This article provides a thorough explanation of overseas forex trading, from its legal status and risk avoidance methods to affiliate marketing and where to seek advice in case of trouble, all under the supervision of a lawyer

If you're thinking of starting overseas forex trading, we recommend reading the complete guide for overseas forex beginners

Is overseas forex trading illegal? The risk of arrest and its legal status

Here, we will explain the legality of overseas forex trading from the following three points

While it is legally permissible for individual traders like us to use overseas forex brokers, there are cases where using them in a certain manner can be illegal

Is it illegal to use overseas forex trading in Japan? Conclusion: Users will not be punished

Trading with overseas forex brokers is not illegal under Japanese law

On the other hand, even unregistered foreign securities firms that do not have a base in Japan are permitted to conduct securities-related business activities from abroad on behalf of domestic parties, either without soliciting such activities or through an agent or intermediary by a financial instruments business operator (limited to Type I financial instruments business)

Source: Financial Services Agency X. Supervisory Evaluation Items and Procedures (Foreign Securities Firms, etc.)

In fact, the Financial Services Agency has also expressed the above view, which allows individuals to use overseas forex trading at their own discretion

The law prohibits "businesses not registered with the Financial Services Agency soliciting or marketing to Japanese citizens," but users choosing overseas brokers and opening accounts on their own are not subject to punishment

For example, using unregistered brokers such as XMTrading or TitanFX will not result in penalties

It is illegal for overseas forex brokers to solicit Japanese residents without registration

for FX brokers based overseas and not registered with the Japanese Financial Services Agency to solicit Japanese residents through Japanese-language websites, advertisements, emails, social media, etc.

Such businesses have been warned by the Financial Services Agency and the Kanto Local Finance Bureau as "unregistered businesses" and their names have been publicly disclosed on their websites

In particular, it is difficult to ascertain the actual operations of unregistered companies located overseas, and even if a problem arises, it is extremely difficult to pursue legal action against them. Before starting any transactions, be sure to check on the Financial Services Agency's website (*2) whether the company is registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, and make sure you understand the transaction mechanism and the associated risks before proceeding

Quote: Consumer Affairs Agency, "Beware of foreign exchange margin trading (FX) with unregistered companies!"

Transactions with unregistered businesses carry a high risk of fraud and withdrawal problems, and the Consumer Affairs Agency has issued warnings about this

Examples of people being arrested for soliciting investments without registration

There have been no actual cases of arrests made against illegal overseas forex brokers

However, there have been several cases where arrests have been made in connection with "unregistered businesses with Japan's Financial Services Agency."

Zenta Nishida, 51, the chief financial officer of "Sky Premium," was charged with violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for conspiring with four other executives between 2019 and 2021 to solicit FX investments from six men and women in Japan without registering with the Financial Services Agency. On December 4, 2024, the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutor's Office summarily indicted him, and the Fukuoka Summary Court issued a summary order imposing a fine of 1 million yen. The four executives also received suspended sentences

Source: TBS NEWS DIG "Sky Premium" solicited FX trading without registration; 51-year-old chief financial officer receives summary order to pay 1 million yen fine.

One example of an arrest that can be found on news sites is a case where a company solicited investments without registering with the Japanese Financial Services Agency, similar to the case of overseas forex brokers

A clear explanation of the relationship between overseas forex trading and the law: What is the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act?

While simply using overseas forex trading is not illegal, depending on the broker and how you use it, it may lead to legal violations or other problems

Here, we will clarify the boundaries, focusing on the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act

In conclusion, overseas forex trading is legal if used independently, but choosing the wrong broker or using the wrong method increases the risk of illegality and financial loss

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act regulates "businesses that conduct business."

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act is a law that regulates business activities related to the provision of financial products and services

In order to provide FX services within Japan, the company is required to register with the Financial Services Agency

The main articles related to overseas forex trading are as follows:

article	Main points
Article 29	To operate a financial instruments business, registration with the Financial Services Agency is required
Article 63	It is prohibited for unregistered businesses to operate in Japan

The regulations apply to "businesses conducting operations," not to users. Therefore, it is not illegal to voluntarily use overseas forex trading. However, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) has issued warnings on its official website regarding unregistered companies that solicit Japanese customers

Contracting with unregistered businesses is not illegal, but it carries high risks

Entering into a contract or trading with an unregistered overseas forex broker is not inherently illegal

However, if the service provider is acting illegally, users may also suffer indirect harm

You should be especially cautious of companies that have the following characteristics

Characteristics of companies to be wary of	Risk details
Attracting customers in Japanese without registering with the Financial Services Agency	This constitutes business activity within Japan and is highly illegal
High bonuses and cashback offers to attract customers	There are many malicious solicitations that use the promise of discounts as bait
Company information and responsible parties are unclear	There is a risk of being unable to contact you in case of trouble

These types of companies frequently experience problems such as refusals to withdraw funds and a lack of customer support

To ensure safe transactions, always check the registration status and reputation of the broker

Summary of Reasons and Solutions ," explains the reasons why withdrawals might be rejected in overseas forex trading and provides tips on how to avoid unfair penalties

Depending on the user's actions, they may be in violation of the law

Trading in overseas forex is legal if you do it alone, but involving others could lead to legal trouble

Content of act	Legal risks	Related Laws and Regulations
Refer a service provider to someone else and earn a commission	This is considered an unregistered business	Articles 29 and 63 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act
We raise funds and act as an intermediary for transactions	Investment fraud/violation of investment law	Investment Law, Financial Instruments and Exchange Law
EA (Expert Advisor) sales and rental	Unregistered investment advisory business	Regulations on Investment Advisory and Agency Services
Buy/sell signal distribution (online salons, etc.)	This is considered financial advice	Financial Instruments and Exchange Act

These actions all share the commonality of "involving others in their investments for profit," and may be deemed illegal even without malicious intent

Since posting on social media or referring friends can also qualify, it's safest to aim for self-contained transactions when trading overseas forex

Main reasons why overseas forex trading is considered "illegal and dangerous"

While overseas forex trading can be safe depending on the conditions, the illegal practices and malicious systems of some brokers give the impression that it is "illegal" and "dangerous."

Here, we will summarize the main reasons

In conclusion, the risks of overseas forex trading are not simply because it's "overseas," but rather depend greatly on the quality of the broker and the existence of regulations

Choosing a trustworthy contractor and proper risk management are essential

Many companies are not registered with the Financial Services Agency, making them more likely to receive warnings

Many overseas forex brokers are not registered with the Financial Services Agency (FSA), but if they provide services to Japanese customers, they are subject to warnings under Articles 29 and 63 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act as "persons conducting financial instruments business without registration" (Reference: FSA list of unregistered brokers ).

When a warning is issued, the company name and domain are listed on the official website, providing users with information to help them avoid the company

However, even if a company doesn't issue a warning, it doesn't necessarily mean they are safe, and some operate Japanese-language websites unsupervised .

List of unscrupulous overseas forex brokers | Summary of warnings from the Financial Services Agency and reports of withdrawal problems [Latest version]

Overseas forex brokers that have received warnings from the Financial Services Agency or have had actual reports of losses are high-risk brokers that should be avoided. The following are examples of brokers for which warnings or actual losses have been confirmed as of 2025

Company name	domain	Financial Services Agency warning	Main problems
GEMFOREX ⇒ Galaxy DAO	galaxydao.io	can be	Withdrawals suspended from 2023 → Service terminated and migrated to DAO
FXDD	fxdd.com	can be	Numerous reports of withdrawal failures; no response from support
Amazing Tick	amazingtick.com	can be	Withdrawal refusal / fraudulent copycat trading
Merry Capital	–	can be	Fraud and account freezing by fictitious professionals
Long Asia	–	can be	Unable to withdraw money/many victims of elderly people
Maunto	maunto.com	can be	Fake advertising solicitations: Victims reported in multiple countries
Ultima Markets	ultimamarkets.asia	none	High-profit incentives → Withdrawal refusal/Unclear true nature
Weastar	–	none	Request for additional transfer under the pretext of taxes → funds not withdrawn
BITTRA	–	none	Deposit fraud, account frozen, contact cut off, and account closure

Be especially wary of brokers that refuse withdrawals, offer no customer support, or entice you to take advantage of large bonus offers

Even without a warning, if there are reports of actual harm, you should avoid using it

There are companies that refuse withdrawals and freeze accounts, then abscond with the funds

Some unscrupulous overseas forex brokers refuse withdrawals or freeze accounts, effectively absconding with funds

Typical trouble cases	The contractor's claims and tactics
Withdrawal request rejected	Vague reasons such as "insufficient identity verification" or "violation of terms of service"
Sudden account freeze	The suspension was implemented under the pretexts of "unauthorized access" and "money laundering countermeasures."
High taxes and fees are charged upon withdrawal	In reality, it's unnecessary, and even if you pay, the money is often not withdrawn

These companies have no known operators or responsible parties, and are not registered with the Financial Services Agency

You should be especially careful about solicitations made via social media or LINE

There are no leverage limits, making it easy for losses to escalate

Unlike domestic regulations (maximum 25x leverage), many overseas forex brokers offer leverage of 500x to 1,000x or more, which increases both the potential for profit and the risk of loss

item	Domestic FX brokers	Overseas Forex Brokers
Maximum leverage	25 times (regulated by the Financial Services Agency)	500x to over 1,000x
Margin maintenance ratio	Approximately 100%	Many companies have a rate of less than 20%
Forced Stop-Loss Criteria	Strict (safer)	Many settings are loose
Zero Cut System	No general rule	Many have already been implemented

While it's possible to "make a lot of money with a small investment," it's also possible to "lose all your capital in seconds."

For beginners in particular, it is essential to thoroughly manage funds and implement stop-loss rules

The leverage rules for overseas forex trading and a comparison of leverage ratios across different companies are explained in detail in our Overseas Forex Leverage Comparison Ranking

In some cases, customer funds may not be protected by trust

While domestic FX trading is subject to mandatory trust protection under regulations from the Financial Services Agency, this is not the case for overseas FX trading

item	Domestic FX brokers	Overseas Forex Brokers
Obligation to protect trusts	Mandated by the Financial Services Agency	Not mandatory (optional)
Fund protection in the event of bankruptcy	100% money-back guarantee	Varies by vendor
Reliability of the maintenance destination	Major domestic trust banks	Some are unknown banks or third-party organizations

Separation of funds does not equal trust protection, and many companies do not offer a refund guarantee in the event of bankruptcy. To protect your funds, it is safer to choose a company that clearly states that it uses trust protection

For information on the trust protection mechanism and how it differs from segregated accounts, please see What is Trust Protection in Overseas Forex Trading? Explanation Including a Comparison with Segregated Accounts

Reasons why overseas forex brokers do not register with Japan's Financial Services Agency

Many overseas forex brokers are not registered as financial instrument business operators in Japan

This is because of regulations imposed by Japan's Financial Services Agency, which impose significant restrictions on the services offered once registered

By not registering in Japan, overseas forex brokers maintain a degree of service freedom while offering highly competitive conditions to traders worldwide

High-leverage trading will no longer be available

The Japanese Financial Services Agency regulates the maximum leverage for FX trading for individual investors to 25 times

On the other hand, overseas forex brokers can offer extremely high leverage, such as 500x or 1,000x .

If the overseas company registers with the Financial Services Agency, they will no longer be able to offer this high-leverage product

As a result, many overseas forex brokers avoid registering with them because it significantly reduces their appeal to users seeking high risk and high returns

The zero-cut system will no longer be available

The zero-cut system a mechanism that resets your account balance to zero without requiring you to submit additional margin (margin call) even if the market changes drastically and your account balance goes into the negative .

This is a system that overseas forex brokers find very attractive, but the Japanese Financial Services Agency does not recognize it

If we register with the Financial Services Agency, we will no longer be able to offer this service, which could result in users incurring unexpected additional costs

Because zero-cut offers significant advantages from a user protection standpoint, overseas forex brokers avoid registering for it and maintain this system

The mechanism of the zero-cut system, which prevents margin calls in overseas forex trading, is explained in detail in What is zero-cut, which prevents margin calls in overseas forex trading?

Bonuses and promotions are restricted

Overseas forex brokers actively offer generous promotions such as bonuses for opening a new account, deposit bonuses, and cashback based on trading volume

However, if registered with Japan's Financial Services Agency, such monetary incentives become subject to regulations under the Premiums and Representations Act and the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, and are severely restricted.

Typical bonuses offered by overseas forex brokers include the following:

• Get a bonus worth 5,000 to 10,000 yen just for opening an account
• 100% bonus on your deposit (Example: Deposit 100,000 yen → Start trading with 200,000 yen)
• Cash back based on trading volume

Bonuses are particularly attractive to beginners and those trading with small amounts, but many brokers avoid registering with the Financial Services Agency because they would no longer be able to offer them

For the latest bonuses from various overseas forex brokers, please check our Overseas Forex Account Opening Bonus & Deposit Bonus Comparison Ranking

Registering with the Financial Services Agency is time-consuming and costly

Registering with the Financial Services Agency involves rigorous scrutiny and ongoing operating costs

The following conditions are required for registration:

• A minimum amount of capital (often 50 million yen or more)
• Maintaining the capital adequacy ratio (120% or higher)
• Establishment of an internal audit system
• Submission of periodic financial and operational reports

For companies with overseas bases,Securing such a high cost solely for the Japanese market is a significant burden, and many companies decide against registering because they determine it's not cost-effectiveThat's right

It is not intended for residents of Japan in the first place

Many overseas forex brokers do not offer Japanese websites or Japanese support, and do not target the Japanese market from the outset

Therefore, there is no need to register with the Japanese Financial Services Agency, and it is common practice not to register in order to avoid legal risks .

On the other hand, some companies offer services in Japanese while including a disclaimer stating that they are "not for residents of Japan," and in such cases, they may receive a warning from the Financial Services Agency

How to identify a trustworthy overseas forex broker

While overseas forex trading is not illegal, its safety and convenience vary greatly depending on the quality of the broker

Here are five checkpoints to help you identify a trustworthy company

By keeping these points in mind, you can avoid highly illegal businesses and those with a high risk of causing problems

For each point, let's take a closer look at aspects such as the reliability of licenses and operational information, the quality of support, deposit and withdrawal environments, and whether or not solicitation activities are being conducted

Check whether they have an overseas financial license

When judging the reliability of an overseas forex broker, the first thing you should check is whether or not they have a financial license

Licenses are issued by financial authorities in each country, and registered businesses must meet standards for legal compliance and customer protection

Country/Region	issuing authority	Organization Overview	Main acquisition requirements
England	FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)	A UK regulatory body known for its globally stringent financial regulations. It mandates segregated accounts of customer funds and regular reporting	Securing sufficient equity capital, certifying the qualifications of management, establishing internal control systems, and regular audit reports
Australia	ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)	The government agency that oversees Australia's financial markets. Its purpose is to protect investors and maintain market fairness	Meeting capital requirements, ensuring customer funds are protected by trust, verifying the qualifications of employees and officers, and submitting a detailed business plan
Cyprus	CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission)	It is a regulatory body of an EU member state, and can operate in other countries through the European Passport System	Compliance with EU Financial Directive (MiFID II), minimum capital requirements, segregation of customer funds, and appointment of a compliance officer
Seychelles	FSA (Financial Services Authority of Seychelles)	The supervisory body for offshore finance. While the requirements for obtaining registration are relatively lenient, it publishes a list of registered financial institutions	Payment of registration fees and annual membership fees, basic capital requirements, submission of representative information, and a minimum internal control system

When choosing an overseas forex broker, be sure to check whether they hold licenses from financial authorities in other countries

A highly reliable license mandates financial management and audits based on the country's regulations, making it safer than unregulated operators

For information on financial licenses issued by overseas financial authorities, please refer to List of Financial Licenses for Overseas Forex Trading

Check operational track record, reviews, and reputation

Years in operation and transaction history are important indicators of a company's stability and reliability

Businesses with more than five years of operating experience are less likely to disappear in a short period. Furthermore, be sure to check customer reviews and reputation

By referring to third-party sources such as social media, message boards, and review sites, in addition to the official website, you can anticipate problems such as withdrawal refusals and slow customer support responses

In particular, you should avoid this if you see multiple reports of the same problem

Check the support system, including Japanese language support

Some overseas forex brokers do not offer Japanese language support

When dealing with problems or procedures, it's reassuring to work with a company that can communicate smoothly in Japanese

Things to check include whether they offer email, chat, or phone support, their response times, and the speed and quality of their responses

Furthermore, it's a good idea to check whether the Japanese website's content is accurate and whether the trading rules and terms of service are clearly translated

Overseas forex brokers that offer Japanese language support are listed in 10 Overseas Forex Brokers that Offer Japanese Language Support

Check the ease of deposits and withdrawals

Deposit and withdrawal methods directly impact the convenience of transactions

It's convenient to use a service provider that supports a variety of payment methods, such as credit cards, domestic bank transfers, online wallets (bitwallet, STICPAY, etc.), and cryptocurrencies

You should also check the deposit and withdrawal fees and processing times, and as a general rule, you need to use the same method for withdrawals as you did for deposits

To see if withdrawals are actually processed smoothly, refer to reviews and user feedback

Check whether they are soliciting employees themselves or offering excessive bonuses

It is prohibited under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for overseas forex brokers to solicit Japanese residents without registration

Furthermore, excessively high bonuses and over-the-top promotions can be an incentive for customers to complete transactions in a short period of time, making them breeding grounds for problems

Check their official website and social media posts to ensure there are no solicitation tactics or excessive bonus offers

It is important to avoid highly illegal businesses and ensure a safe trading environment

Where can I find the Financial Services Agency's warning list? How to check it and how to use it

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) has compiled a list of companies that conduct financial instrument business in Japan without registration and made it publicly available. By using this "warning list," it is possible to check in advance whether a company is risky or not .

This section provides a clear explanation of how to check the warning list and important points to keep in mind

How to check the Financial Services Agency's warning list [How to use the official website]

The "List of Unregistered Businesses" published by the Financial Services Agency can be viewed by anyone on its official website.
The list includes businesses and related parties that have been determined to be operating illegally without registration under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.

The procedure for checking the list is as follows:

1. Access the Financial Services Agency's official website
2. Go to "Warning Information" next to "Important Announcements" at the top of the homepage
3. Scroll down and select "Regarding the names, etc., of persons conducting financial instrument business without registration" (you can also enter "unregistered business operator" in the site search)
4. Check the warning companies in the HTML or PDF version (the HTML version is easier to search and more convenient)

The official website of the Financial Services Agency is here

If you know the name of a specific company, website, or operating organization, it's recommended to use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F) to check

Points to note when checking the list: Be wary of companies that are not listed

The Financial Services Agency's warning list is a valuable source of information for identifying unregistered companies, but it is not exhaustive. The reality is that just because a company is not on the list doesn't necessarily mean it's safe

In reality, there are many overseas companies whose practices are unclear, and they simply haven't received any warnings yet.

Therefore, keep the following points in mind when viewing the list

• In many cases, the listing is listed under the "operating company name" or "administrative office name" rather than the site name
• Some businesses operate under multiple brands or aliases
• Since the notation is inconsistent, using a mix of alphabet, katakana, and kanji, it's safer to search using multiple keywords

For example, even if a company's website is named "〇〇FX," it might be listed under a different name, such as "△△ Sales Office." Be sure
to investigate all possible clues, including the company name, address, representative, and domain name .

While lists can be useful as reference materials, it's important not to rely on them too much and to also check customer reviews, track record, support, and the clarity of the operating company

Examples of illegal activities in overseas forex trading

While overseas forex trading itself is legal, depending on the actions of the users and the business practices of the brokers, it may violate Japanese law

Here, we'll summarize specific examples that require particular attention

1. Failure to declare profits and tax evasion are serious offenses
2. Unregistered businesses soliciting Japanese citizens
3. The act of soliciting investment funds
4. Investment advice in online communities, etc
5. Money laundering using overseas forex brokers
6. Rental and sale of EAs (automated trading systems) without registration with the Financial Services Agency
7. Copy trading (mirror trading)

These are all things that can be done unknowingly, but they can all be avoided if you understand the laws and regulations beforehand

To use overseas forex trading safely, make sure you understand the content of each item

Failure to declare profits and tax evasion are serious offenses

Profits earned from overseas forex trading are also subject to income tax if you reside in Japan

Failure to file a tax return can result in penalties such as a "non-filing penalty tax," "late payment penalty tax," and, if deemed serious, a "heavy penalty tax."

In particular, it is dangerous to assume that an overseas account will not be discovered by the tax authorities

Currently, there is a system (CRS) in place where international money transfers and account information are shared internationally, making it difficult to conceal profits

Unregistered businesses soliciting Japanese citizens

It is prohibited under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act for overseas forex brokers that are not registered with the Financial Services Agency to actively solicit Japanese residents

Examples include attracting customers through Japanese websites and advertisements, as well as direct solicitations via social media and email

The act of soliciting investment funds

Collecting funds from others for overseas forex trading and managing them on their behalf may violate the "Investment Law" or the "Financial Instruments and Exchange Law."

Even if the funds come from friends or acquaintances, if there is a promise to share the profits, it may be considered a "collective investment scheme" under the law

Doing this without permission or registration can result in penalties, so please be careful

Investment advice in online communities, etc

Providing buy/sell signals or position instructions for a fee through online salons or social media groups may constitute "investment advisory and agency services."

Investment advisory and agency services require registration with the Financial Services Agency; operating without registration is illegal

Even if the service is free, it may be subject to regulation if it involves providing ongoing advice in exchange for something in return

It is best to limit information dissemination to general market commentary and educational content, and to avoid giving specific buy or sell instructions

Money laundering using overseas forex brokers

Money laundering is the act of concealing the origin of funds obtained through crime or illegal means and making them appear as legitimate money. By routing the funds through multiple accounts and transactions, the flow of money is made complex, making it difficult for authorities to track

Money laundering using overseas forex accounts is also strictly regulated under the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds

For example, repeatedly making large deposits and withdrawals without legitimate reason, or using accounts in someone else's name, are high-risk activities and may result in criminal penalties.

Rental and sale of EAs (automated trading systems) without registration with the Financial Services Agency

If you provide automated trading software such as EAs (Expert Advisors) in exchange for usage fees or purchase payments, you may need to register as an "investment advisory and agency business" depending on the nature of the service

Selling or renting without registration may constitute a violation of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, so caution is advised

There's no problem if you use it yourself, but it's illegal to provide it to a third party for a fee

Copy trading (mirror trading)

Copy trading is a system that automatically copies other people's trades, and while it is convenient, it may be subject to regulation depending on how it is provided

In particular, providing services to others for the purpose of making a profit, or receiving a fee for such services, may constitute "investment management business" or "investment advisory business."

As a user, you should choose a trustworthy platform or provider and check whether they are exclusively for residents of Japan

If you'd like to learn more about copy trading in overseas forex markets, please see What is Forex Copy Trading? Investigating its Illegality and Potential Fraudulent Nature

Where to seek advice and how to deal with problems when you encounter issues with overseas forex trading

Problems such as "unable to withdraw funds," "support not responding to inquiries," and "accounts being suddenly frozen" are not uncommon when trading overseas forex

In the event that you find yourself involved in trouble, it is important to contact the appropriate consultation service promptly. Below are three consultation services that you can use depending on the nature and severity of your inquiry.

Use the National Consumer Affairs Center as your first point of contact for consultation

For minor issues or when you're unsure who to contact, it's recommended to first consult the National Consumer Affairs Center

They collaborate with consumer affairs centers nationwide, providing thorough support for initial responses, including hearing about the situation and referring you to the appropriate contact point

By calling the Consumer Hotline (188), you will be directed to the nearest consultation center, making the process simple

For serious damages, contact a lawyer specializing in financial and investment fraud

If you are experiencing persistent refusals to withdraw funds, are completely unable to contact the operating company, or have suffered significant losses, consulting a lawyer is the best course of action

In particular, lawyers specializing in financial and investment troubles have experience in negotiating refunds, claiming damages, and dealing with illegal businesses , which means that the process will be faster and the chances of recovering your losses will be higher.

You can find a highly specialized lawyer through the following means:

method	overview
Use legal consultation websites such as弁護士ドットコム (Bengoshi.com)	Free consultations are available in the FX/investment fraud category. It's easy to find a firm with a proven track record
Search for "investment fraud lawyer + region name"	Combining it with terms like "Tokyo" or "Osaka" makes it easier to find a local lawyer
Using Legal Aid	Government support services are available even for those facing financial difficulties. Free consultations are also available

By using a law firm that offers a free initial consultation, you can seek advice while keeping costs down

In recent years, there have been cases where companies claiming to be "strong against investment scams" have little track record, so be sure to check the following points

• Are specific examples of past cases included?
• Are keywords such as "FX," "cryptocurrency," and "overseas investment" clearly stated?
• Clear explanation of fees and availability of free consultations

The moment you think, "This might be too difficult to handle on my own...", consulting a specialist early on is key to preventing the damage from escalating

For inquiries regarding the system, please contact the "Financial Services User Consultation Office"

If you have questions about the system or wish to report illegal businesses, the Financial Services Agency's "Financial Services User Consultation Office" is a good resource

This service counter handles basic questions regarding the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and the registration system, confirmation of whether a company is registered, and complaints

If you have any concerns or questions regarding regulations, such as "Is this company registered?" or "Is the content of the advertisement acceptable?", you can get accurate information by contacting us

However, this service does not handle the resolution of individual disputes or compensation for damages , so if you need to negotiate a refund or go through legal proceedings, you should use other organizations such as lawyers in conjunction with this service.

In particular, it is an effective means of informing the public about the existence of unscrupulous businesses, so we will actively utilize it for the purpose of disseminating information

Top 3 Highly Secure Overseas Forex Brokers

Here, for beginner traders who want to know which overseas forex brokers are safe to use, we have carefully selected and introduced three overseas forex brokers that are highly safe based on their licensing and track record

All of these services are used by many traders, and they offer reliable Japanese language support and have been confirmed to be licensed

XMTrading | XM Group with 10 million accounts

item	Content
Founding	Established in 2009, under the umbrella of Trading Point Holdings
Operating company	Tradexfin LimitedFintrade Limited
license	Seychelles Financial Services Authority , Mauritius Financial Services Committee
Fund management system	Separate management
Compensation system	–
Awards	Multiple awards, including CFI.co's "Best Customer Service 2025" and Finance Magnates' "Best Customer Experience 2024".

XMTrading (XM) a long-established broker operating under the umbrella of Trading Point Holdings, which was founded in 2009 .

The company holds multiple highly reliable licenses, including CySEC and ASIC, and its support system, which includes segregated management of customer funds and the employment of reputable Japanese staff, provides peace of mind.

It has received numerous industry awards and is widely supported by beginners and advanced users around the world

For more details about the overseas forex broker XMTrading, please see XMTrading Reviews and User Feedback Summary

Exness | A major player with a monthly trading volume of $3 trillion

item	Content
item	Content
Founding	Established in 2008, the Exness Group has expanded globally
Operating company	Exness (MU) Ltd
license	Mauritius Financial Services Board
Fund management system	Separate management
Compensation system	Membership in the Financial Commission provides compensation of up to €20,000.
Awards	has received multiple awards, including "Most Trusted Broker" at iFX EXPO Dubai 2024 "Best Forex Broker" at World Finance.

Exness is an overseas forex broker that supports MoneyChat's cashback program

Exness is an overseas forex broker that offers unlimited leverage and high reliability

The operating companies that Japanese residents can open are operated under multinational regulationsWith a monthly trading volume exceeding $3 trillion, it is one of the world's largest trading volumesIt boasts of this

Furthermore, the highly regarded for its transparent and efficient operational system, including the disclosure of financial information that has been audited by external sources, and its exceptionally fast withdrawal processing, which is among the fastest in the industry .

For more details about the overseas forex broker Exness, please see Exness Reviews and User Feedback Summary

AXIORY | Popular with advanced users, also supports corporate accounts

item	Content
Founding	Established in 2011
Operating company	Axiory Global Limited
license	Belize Financial Services Board
Fund management system	Trust protection
Compensation system	Membership in the Financial Commission provides compensation of up to €20,000.
Awards	Multiple awards received, including the UF Agency Global Awards "Best Value Broker" the UF Awards "Best Trade Execution 2024".

AXIORY is an overseas forex broker that supports MoneyChat's cashback program

AXIORY was founded in 2011 and is known as an advanced broker that offers corporate accounts, excellent execution capabilities, and low spreads

The fact that it is registered with the Belize Financial Services Commission (FSC), that it offers not only trust protection for customer funds but also compensation from the Financial Commission (up to $20,000),

AXIORY's Nano Spread Account and Terra Account are highly regarded by many advanced traders for their competitive low spreads and direct NDD ECN (Non-Dealing Desk) system connected to financial institutions

For more details about the overseas forex broker AXIORY, please see AXIORY Reviews and Testimonials Summary

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding the Illegality of Overseas Forex Trading

[Summary] The Illegality of Overseas Forex Trading: We Explained the Financial Services Agency's Warnings, Legal Views, and How to Seek Advice in Case of Problems

Overseas forex trading, when used appropriately, a trading method that offers a high degree of freedom and opportunity . And, contrary to many people's misconceptions, using it itself is not illegal.

However, in reality

• Illegal solicitation by unregistered businesses
• Misleading affiliate advertisements
• Withdrawal problems and sudden account freezes
• Tax troubles and risk of non-filing

It is also true that such pitfalls lurk beneath the surface

If you start something without knowing the laws and regulations, you might find it's too late by the time you realize what's happening

That is why, as explained in this article..

• The Financial Services Agency's stance and the structure of the registration system
• How to choose a reliable company
• Examples of illegal acts and troubles
• Basic knowledge of taxation

Understanding this the minimum requirement for starting overseas forex trading safely and securely .

In a world where "I didn't know" is not an acceptable excuse, "Acting after knowing" is the first step in protecting your assets and reputation

Please use the information in this article as a reference to approach overseas forex trading safely