Robert Glaesener

'Internaxx has extensive experience of customers based in the Middle East, enabling them to invest with a secure institution, diversify their portfolio internationally and have a simple and convenient access to offshore trading and investment facilities,' explains General Manager Robert Glaesener.

'We think an International online broker like Internaxx has a big potential in the economically growing Middle East.

'Indeed, the research we conduct twice a year showed expats based in the Middle East are more internationally invested than expats based in the UK. Only 52% of expats in the UK had assets off shore compared with 72% of those based in the Middle East.'

But is Internaxx different? What does Internaxx offer that other online brokers do not?

'Internaxx is a solid offshore online broker,' says Mr. Glaesener. 'Based in the international financial centre of Luxembourg, Internaxx is the offshore arm of global online broker TD Waterhouse and Fortis Group.

'As such, it offers the investor the confidence of dealing with a company with blue chip backing. Luxembourg is one of Europe's foremost international banking places and offers investors a secure investment environment under its stable and well-regulated banking and privacy laws.

Then there is the issue of commissions on share trades to consider. 'Acting solely as an online broker, Internaxx passes the cost savings of not giving advice directly onto its clients,' says Mr. Glaesener.

'Equity trades start just at €19.6, spreads on FX and CFD trading compare to institutional levels, and entry fees in funds are discounted by up to 70%. Specifically for active traders, those savings add up to a significantly better investment return.'

But is it safe to buy and hold shares online? What kind of security back up does Internaxx have?

'We use advanced technologies and identification procedures, like passwords, PINs and 128 SSL encryption technology,' says Mr. Glaesener. 'Also, we accept cash transfers only to accounts held in the client's name.'

So will anybody be able to check up on online holdings without the owner's permission?

'No, when you open an account with us, you receive an account number, a PIN number and a password. You are requested to change this password at first log in and you are the only one to know it.

'Internaxx enables its international clients to conveniently trade on international markets. The investment scope and expertise of international investors being far wider than those of traditional domestic investors, Internaxx specializes in the offering of a large range of international products.

'We have real-time equity trading in twelve markets including North America, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, as well as CFD and FX trading on a dedicated downloadable station.

'For those seeking the broadest diversity in equities, bonds or monetary instruments, a comprehensive fund supermarket allows access to over 250 offshore funds together with a fund selection tool from S&P.

'Investors can also access a multi-currency account without having to incur forex costs. Also, the derivative platform offers access to both international CFDs and all the major and minor FX crosses.

'In term of services, our client desk assists clients in their native language from 8am to 10pm, knows the rules of all international exchanges and is able to handle international transfers, inquiries and technical features for our clients. This specialization makes Internaxx a simple convenient offer for expatriate investors.'