Buying stocks on-line
Proper registration: Find out whether the on-line broker through which you conduct share trading on the Internet has been registered with the Securities and Futures Commission or other securities regulators.
Availability: Ask whether the company offers 24 hours, seven days a week technical support to enable you to trade locally and invest globally.
Security: Make sure there are security measures in place to protect the confidentiality of investor information. Ask if the personal financial information sent is encrypted.
Alternatives: Find out if the broker has a multiple electronic delivery channel; ie, in the event of a network breakdown, are there alternatives available for placing orders.
Physical presence: Check if the company has an office in Hong Kong or whether it is just a virtual company.
You may need to go to the office for a customer inquiry or complaint.
Variety: Does the broker offer a wide range of products to choose from, such as mutual funds, bonds, and stocks in different markets? Expertise: See if the company has the expertise and experience in providing the service.
Resourcefulness: Does the company have all the tools to assist investors with their investment decisions; ie, does it offer financial information, real-time market quotes and research reports? Staff: Find out if the company has knowledgeable staff to answer questions about the Internet and its financial products.
Accessibility: Is the user interface friendly and easy to navigate? Graphic: tenglo Graphic: ten21gwz
