How to open a brokerage account in Alfa Bank: opening conditions and nuances in tariffs

Many large banks in the country offer their clients to take advantage of investment programs. Their attractiveness lies in the fact that you can get higher income in a short time than when placing money on a deposit. But there are also risks of losing the accumulated amount.

Alfa-Bank is one of the largest commercial organizations in Russia and, along with loans and deposits, offers brokerage services. In this review, we will take a detailed look at how to become a participant in the program, and also talk about some of its nuances.

About brokerage services "Alfa-Direct"

Alfa Direct is an investor’s ability to control their financial assets.
In Alfa-Direct you can open an account for trading in order to make a profit. Service on most tariffs is free, transfers, deposits and withdrawals are also free. Clients can make transactions independently through mobile and desktop terminals, or entrust their capital to robots or experienced managers.

Trading conditions

Basic trading conditions of Alfa-Direct:

• conversion of foreign currencies based on stock quotes;
• large selection of investment products;
• the ability to withdraw money a few minutes after the transaction;
• security of transactions (protection of access to the terminal with a digital signature);
• fast transfers between the brokerage and the account in Alfa-Bank with zero commissions;
• key indicators of technical analysis in real time;
• standard (many traders prefer to use the usual QUIK) and proprietary developments for technical support for trading;
• free access to advanced trading solutions (for example, automated filing of exchange orders), analytics and training programs;
• hedging currency risks, trading with leverage.

Requirements for a trader

Registration with Alfa-Direct is available to legal entities or individuals. Only adult citizens of the Russian Federation who have capital for investing and trading can participate in the auction. There are no financial restrictions for exchange trading participants.

Alfa-Direct is available to legal entities and individuals.

To access the St. Petersburg Exchange, additional verification is required. The trader must confirm that he is not a US citizen. To make transactions with foreign securities that are not circulated in Russia, depositary receipts, shares of foreign funds, you must obtain the status of a qualified investor.

Any client can entrust management of his account to another person. At the same time, the rights of the owner remain as broad as possible, and the rights of the manager are limited to the ability to conduct trading operations.

Several trustees, each with different powers, can have access to one “Personal Account”.

Advantages of investments from Alfa-Bank

Direct is not a subsidiary, but a division of the bank, so a single ecosystem is formed in which fast and free transactions between accounts are possible. Other advantages of investing with Alfa-Bank:

• ease of opening an account;
• the latest technical solutions;
• low commissions on most tariffs;
• free support (except for M package);
• fully customizable trading terminal;
• a large selection of tools for trading and investment;
• trading training, analytics, market reviews from experts and investment ideas;
• fast replenishment and withdrawal of funds without commissions.

Ease of opening an account and low commissions are the advantages of investing with Alfa-Bank.

Disadvantages of Alfa Direct

The inclusion of the brokerage division in Alfa’s credit and financial system is not only an advantage, but also a disadvantage. There are risks from a sustainability perspective. In the list of the largest banks in the Russian Federation in terms of the number of active clients, Alfa is ahead of Sberbank, VTB and Tinkoff. And in terms of turnover, the credit and financial institution is not even among the top 20 stock market operators, losing to the largest market makers of the Moscow Exchange: BCS, Region, Otkritie, Renaissance.

In addition, investing (especially aggressive) is associated with risks:

• operational (including legal regulation of trading, security, human factor);
• marginal (when using leverage, high potential income is directly proportional to the risks);
• political and economic (for example, the approach to monetary and fiscal policy may change, market volatility increases due to the unstable situation in the country);
• volatility (without fluctuations in the markets, traders would not be able to benefit from their activities, but more often, sharply increased volatility negatively affects already open positions), etc.

Pros and cons, pitfalls

Main advantages and disadvantages of investments:

The main risk is lack of profit.

Opening a brokerage account with Alfa-Bank

You can open a brokerage account with Alfa-Bank online or at any branch. The deadline for completing the registration procedure is 2 business days from the date of signing the contract.

To ensure the security of trading, an electronic digital signature will additionally be required. How to obtain an electronic signature:

• create it yourself using the programs “CryptoPRO CSP” and “CryptoPRO Browser Plugin” and write it to a flash card;
• order a token from a bank (paid service).

Through "Personal Account"

Alfa-Bank clients using Internet or mobile banking can enter into an agreement for brokerage and depository services remotely - through the Alfa-Direct website, Alfa-Click online banking or the Alfa-Mobile smartphone application.

Through the “Personal Account” you can open a brokerage account.

In the application or “Personal Account” you need to familiarize yourself with the accompanying information and documents.

Contracts are signed using a one-time SMS password.

When registering through Alfa-Click or the Alfa-Bank application for smartphones, the “Mobile” tariff is automatically set, and through “Alfa-Direct” (including the mobile terminal) - “First Step”. In the future, you can choose another package.

At a bank branch

You can open a brokerage account at any branch of Alfa-Bank. The employee will prepare documents and provide instructions for further actions. The default tariff is “First Step”, but the client may be different.

Personal account features

In particular, personal information about the user is edited here. A wide range of options are supported:

• Saving orders with certain conditions;
• Changing your password for security purposes;
• Withdrawal of income received;
• Displaying detailed statistics on work in the system;
• Receive a subscription to advantageous offers;
• Topping up a brokerage account with cards from other banks;
• Viewing analytical information;
• Use of documentary support;
• Participation in conferences with professional traders;
• Completing free training.

additional information

The terms of brokerage services are as transparent as possible. There are no hidden fees. Even deposits and withdrawals are carried out free of charge, without restrictions on the amount and in a short time.

Account replenishment conditions

You can deposit funds through a cash desk at any Alfa-Bank branch, Alfa-Click Internet banking, a mobile application or a third-party financial institution. Replenishment conditions:

Features of depositing funds:

• the transfer currency must match the account currency;
• Replenishment of accounts in pounds sterling is not available through Alfa-Bank branches;
• Deposits from third party accounts are not accepted.

There is no minimum current balance.

Closing an account

To carry out the procedure, you will have to personally contact the bank office with your passport, since you can close a brokerage account only at the branch. There you need to write a statement. The remaining money will be withdrawn to another account with the deduction of the exchange commission.

The account is closed at the company's office.

Withdrawal of earnings

You can withdraw funds to ruble accounts opened with partner and other financial institutions. Withdrawals in foreign currency can only be ordered through Alfa-Click, Alfa-Mobile, or withdraw money at the Alfa-Bank cash desk. Write-off is carried out without commission.

How to withdraw money:

1. "Alfa Mobile" - through the "My Investments" section.
2. “Alfa Click” - through the “Investments” tab, then “Free funds”.
3. “Personal account” - using the “Transfers” option.

The most popular Alfa-Direct tools

The easiest way to buy blue chips is for Russian investors, and there are no restrictions on transactions (unlike, for example, transactions with foreign securities). According to RBC, the top 10 best Russian stocks of 2021 in terms of total return include those presented in the table.

But the most profitable securities are not always the most popular among investors.

Sberbank

Sber's stock quotes depend not only on the financial and marketing condition of the company itself, but also on the Russian economy. The largest credit and financial institution in Russia is under the control of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, which guarantees its stability. Sber is actively developing, innovative products and an entire ecosystem are being launched.

Sberbank is the largest bank in Russia.

Gazprom

Gazprom is the largest issuer in the Russian stock index MSCI Russia. The main activities of the energy company are gas production, transportation, processing, storage and sales, and field development. Half of Gazprom's shares belong to the state.

"Lukoil"

The Russian oil and gas company accounts for about 2% of world oil production, 1% of proven hydrocarbon reserves and more than 14% of Russian oil production. The central part of the business is exploration and production of gas and oil. Lukoil also implements alternative energy projects: solar and wind generation.

Lukoil is a Russian oil and gas company

The company provides broadband Internet access, cellular communications, interactive television, and manages the State Services portal. The company is growing steadily and has good prospects for increasing profits (it is actively introducing digital services and cloud storage solutions).

"Rosneft"

Rosneft is one of the three leaders in the Russian oil and gas industry. The company is stable due to the high quality of its resource base, diversification of sales markets and high profitability of long-term contracts. All this helps reduce Rosneft's vulnerability during periods of economic and political turmoil, which makes the company's blue chips attractive to long-term investors.

Rosneft is a dynamically developing company.

Yandex

The company is actively involved in information technology, and also develops other services, such as taxis and grocery delivery. Yandex shares are also not standing still, but are increasing in value.

Alfa-Direct trading applications

The company offers several technical solutions for online trading. In addition to the standard for the modern trading and investment market - QUIK, there are our own developments that have been awarded international awards.

"Alfa-Direct"

The Alfa-Direct application is available for smartphones on iOS and Android. In the mobile terminal you can perform the same operations as through QUIK. Brief description of functions:

• more than 1,500 financial instruments of the Russian and American markets;
• trading with leverage on MOEX, PJSC St. Petersburg, the derivatives market;
• use of indicators, lines of technical analysis;
• transfer of funds from a brokerage account to a bank account;
• setting limits (stop loss, take profit);
• tracking live broadcast of quotes;
• notifications about price changes.

The Alfa-Direct application is available for smartphones.

"Alfa-Direct 4.0"

The trading terminal for Windows allows you to effectively manage assets in all markets. Alfa-Direct 4.0 uses a single interface for trading securities, futures, and currencies.

Exchange data is displayed in real time. Access to the trading account is protected by a digital signature.

Terminal Features:

• more than 50 analysis indicators, drawing objects;
• creating your own indicators in the editor;
• overlaying non-standard time frames on charts;
• expanded types of orders and additional options for placing orders (for example, according to your schedule, regardless of trading sessions);
• support for multiple monitors with window linking;
• customizable widgets, several themes, customizing the layout of windows and columns;
• trading automation (you can connect a ready-made trading robot or implement your own trading strategy without programming).

IIS

An individual investment account with Alfa-Direct can only be opened with trust management. Alfa Direct simply does not provide any other option.

Now they have even removed general information about IIS from the site. They most likely offer it to their premium customers. For an ordinary person, opening an empty IIS and leaving it lying around until you have the funds you want to throw there is impossible.

For a very long time they have been promising to launch a regular IIS with self-management. The last date given by support was December 2021. But December has already begun, and nothing is happening yet. There are suspicions that it probably won’t happen yet. Let's see.

If you open an IIS with a remote control, then you transfer the money to the management of the management company Alfa Capital, a subsidiary of Alfa Bank. IIS with remote control opens from 10 thousand rubles. There are 2 strategies to choose from:

1. Risky and high-yield strategy “Growth Points” - Russian stocks
2. Conservative strategy “New Horizons” is bonds of Russian blue chips

There is no transparency regarding the fees that the management company charges us.

How to work with investments

You can make transactions through your “Personal Account”, terminal and mobile application. Formation of orders is available directly from the quote chart, but there is no brief information about the issuers. In the adjacent tabs you can view your portfolio, top up your account or order a withdrawal of funds.

You can work with investments through mobile banking and “Personal Account”.

Professional support

Full information about Alfa Direct www.alfadirect.ru

A wide range of free seminars from the Alfa-Direct Training Center

Alfa-Bank invites newcomers to free seminars on the basics of working in the securities market. Classes are held in a computer lab and combine both training in basic theoretical issues and practical work in the market. Schedule of classes and registration for seminars

Professional team of analysts

Alfa-Bank analysts, who occupy leading positions in Russian and international ratings, provide the bank’s clients with comprehensive reviews and recommendations, make economic forecasts, and provide an expert assessment of Russian and international market trends based on their own investment models. Professional team of analysts

Customer Service

Customer service is available 5 days a week from 9:00 to 24:00. Customer Service

Personal manager for VIP clients

Full support by highly qualified professionals.

Tariffs for brokerage services

The broker offers clients two flagship tariff plans: “Trader” and S. There is an expanded line of packages for existing Alfa-Bank clients:

• M (interests are almost the same as on “Trader”, if no transactions are made, then the service is free, otherwise - 290 rubles / month);
• L (includes consultations with an expert who can help you correctly form a portfolio);
• XL (with constant support of a specialist).

"Alpha-Trader"

The tariff is suitable for those who actively trade on the stock exchange. Using mobile and trading terminals, depositing and withdrawing funds is free.

Conditions (depending on the volume of transactions):

Interest is charged when purchasing assets.

Tariff S

Service Plan S is suitable for those who are just starting to take their first steps in investing and trading. Convenience lies in a single commission for transactions with shares and bonds - 0.3% (except for futures, for transactions with which the management company takes from 0.5% exchange fee). Account maintenance is free. Clients on the S tariff plan have access to the Broker Plus service with trading investment ideas and analytics.

Tariff S has free account maintenance.

Analogs

There are not many investment services and applications on the market. Some of the most popular are:

• Tinkoff Investments is a relatively new application that is well suited for beginners; it has a simple interface, bonuses for new users, but at the same time a small set of investment instruments and a high commission. Read a detailed review of Tinkoff Investments.
• Sber Investor is another investment service from the bank of the same name. It is similar to the product from Tinkoff - not a very wide selection of investment instruments, a decent commission, but a simple and understandable interface. Read a detailed review of Sber Investor.
• Otkritie-Broker is the same investment application from Otkritie Bank. Not a bad investment choice. tools, the presence of an individual information system, but a large number of hidden fees and poor technical performance. Read a detailed review of the broker Otkritie

In general, there is no specific top - they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. At the same time, it is not necessary to give preference to one person - no one forbade having several brokerage accounts.

Additional services for brokers

Alfa-Direct clients get access to a large number of additional options, some of which are free. For example, investors can participate in initial bond offerings directly through a mobile app or sign Form W-8BEN, which avoids double taxation in the US and Russia when dealing with US stocks.

Financial analytics

Alpha experts regularly publish analytical reviews of markets, conduct technical and fundamental analysis, and comment on news. This information can be used by both traders opening short trades and long-term investors.

Personal broker

Personal brokerage services include:

• selection of a strategy that matches the investor’s goals;
• providing clear investment recommendations;
• operational advice on the economic situation;
• 24/7 portfolio control;
• support of trade operations.

The active approach of a professional with 10 years of experience in financial markets allows investors to receive 24% per annum in rubles and 12% in dollars when following a strategy with medium risks.

Trading robots

With the help of trading robots, a trader can use a large amount of historical data to find strategies that will bring the greatest potential income. Advisors can be connected both as analytics and as AI programmed to independently carry out transactions.

Reviews

Unfortunately, there are not many positive reviews from the broker Alfa Direct. They mainly praise the work of technical support and the abundance of investment tools.

Direct has plenty of negative reviews. They are usually associated with technical problems with the service and high commissions.

It may only be a matter of time before such problems are addressed, but they could pose a challenge for now and it doesn't look like Alpha has any grand plans to improve its product.