In recent months, alarm bells have been ringing among investors due to an increase in hidden fees charged by some CFD brokers (Contracts for Difference). These fees tend to go unnoticed until traders have already suffered considerable losses. In response, the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) has decided to intensify supervision of the advertising of these brokers, paying particular attention to promotions that promise to trade without commissions or with minimal costs, but that in reality hide unfavorable conditions.
Although it is not a new phenomenon, it has gained greater relevance due to the growth in the number of retail investors, driven by easy access to trading platforms. This increase has allowed some brokers to take advantage of the inexperience of many users, by imposing hidden or opaque fees. Among the most questionable practices are the use of inflated spreads, which make trades more expensive without being declared as a direct commission, and inactivity fees that penalize users for not trading during certain periods.
Additionally, the existence of extra charges for withdrawing funds from accounts has been detected, treating access to one's own money as a luxury service. These additional costs, which can significantly affect investors' finances, are often hidden in the fine print of contracts, making their detection difficult at first.
In response to these practices, the CNMC has announced its commitment to combat the lack of transparency in the promotion of CFD trading services. The Commission emphasizes the importance of providing clear and accessible information for all users. In the meantime, investors are advised to act with caution, thoroughly investigate the brokers' terms, and maintain a healthy skepticism toward offers that appear to be too good to be true. This approach will allow traders to operate in a safer and clearer environment, avoiding unpleasant surprises.
