Drawing from my personal experience as a forex trader who takes regulatory oversight and business transparency seriously, I approach brokers with a focus on safety, track record, and regulatory status. First Shanghai stands out to me primarily because it is regulated by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), under license AGK583 for dealing in futures contracts. The SFC is regarded as a strict and reputable regulator in Asia. In my view, this level of regulation provides essential legal safeguards and oversight, helping reduce the likelihood of malpractice. It’s also notable that First Shanghai has been established since 1964 and is listed on the Hong Kong Exchange, which means publicly accessible financials—another indicator of accountability. Their offerings cover a wide range including stocks, futures, commodities, IPO subscriptions, and margin financing, which speaks to an established presence in the Asian markets. That said, I do take a conservative stance in considering any broker, even one with a long track record. Transparency on trading platforms, costs, leverage, or spreads is limited with First Shanghai, which for me means there are important details to clarify before funding a live account. For anyone prioritizing regulatory compliance and the assurance that comes with a long-operating, listed company, First Shanghai does meet several key criteria for trustworthiness. Yet, I would still recommend directly confirming fee structures and available trading tools to ensure they match your trading needs and risk tolerance. Personally, I prefer never to overlook these due diligence steps, regardless of a broker’s reputation.