Fixed Time Trades (FTT) = Binary Options Fraud
The FTT Product (Banned in EU)
Product: Fixed Time Trades (FTT), essentially binary options. This high-risk gambling product was banned by ESMA in the EU in 2018 for systematic fraud.
Why Banned: ESMA found an 89% client loss rate and systematic platform manipulation. Olymp Trade continues to offer this product using weak regulation.
Platform Manipulation: Rigged Clock Timing
Multiple victims documented platform rigging on short-term FTTs:
- **Clock Discrepancy:** The 60-second expiry clock either jumped or slowed down to ensure the trade ended as a loss.
- **Price Delay:** The price feed was delayed by 1-2 seconds compared to real market data (verified against TradingView).
- **Outcome:** The manipulation always favoured the broker, converting potential client wins into losses.
**Conclusion:** The platform is a rigged game, not a legitimate trading venue.
Victim Testimonials (Verified)
Victim #14 — David P., Australia
I was trading FTTs (binary). I had a winning trade, but the clock jumped milliseconds just before expiry, making it a loss. I recorded the screen and compared it to a real MT4 feed—the price on Olymp Trade was delayed or rigged. When I complained, they blocked my account citing 'platform integrity'. Lost $28K.
Verified: Trading video evidence, external price comparison, withdrawal blocks
Victim #29 — Elena M., Spain
They allowed a small €100 withdrawal. Built my trust. I deposited €14,000. When I requested a large withdrawal, they said I had not met the 'minimum turnover' requirement for VIP status. This was never disclosed. It was an invented term to trap my money. They are a binary gambling site, not a broker.
Verified: Chat logs, withdrawal refusal emails, undisclosed terms screenshot
Victim #41 — Mark R., Canada
I used my credit card to deposit. When I tried to withdraw, they refused to process the card refund, forcing me to use a wire transfer (which has zero chargeback protection). They claim FinaCom protection, but FinaCom confirmed that FTTs are not covered. Lost $11.5K.
Verified: Credit card deposit receipt, refusal of card withdrawal email, FinaCom correspondence
The FTT Scam Timeline
Binary Options Era
Olymp Trade establishes FTT (binary options) platform. Focuses on markets outside the EU (Asia, Latin America) where regulation is minimal.
ESMA Ban Fallout
ESMA bans binary options in the EU. Olymp Trade officially restricts EU access but maintains binary model in other jurisdictions using VFSC/FinaCom.
Platform Manipulation
Victims document systematic platform rigging: clock timing delays, non-matching prices, and sudden trade closures resulting in losses.
The Turnover Trap
Withdrawal requests are systematically denied using excuses like "minimum turnover requirements not met" or "bonus conditions".
Zero Recourse
VFSC provides no effective recourse, and FinaCom compensation is denied due to FTT product classification. Funds are lost.
Red Flags (Binary Options = Scam)
🚩 Binary Options/FTT
Banned by ESMA and recognized as a gambling product with systematic fraud. Avoid any platform offering this product.
🚩 VFSC Vanuatu
A weak Tier-3 regulation with minimal oversight and no real investor protection or compensation fund.
🚩 Rigged Clock Timing
Manipulation of milliseconds on short-term trades to ensure client losses (documented by multiple victims).
🚩 FinaCom Claim
FinaCom is a self-regulated body, not an official regulator, and explicitly excludes binary options/FTT from coverage.
🚩 Minimum Turnover Trap
Undisclosed requirements for trading volume used to block withdrawals once large deposits are made.
🚩 EU Banned
The platform is restricted or blacklisted in major European jurisdictions due to compliance failures and binary fraud.
Recovery Actions
Immediate Actions (Time-Sensitive):
- **1. Stop Trading:** Do not trade FTTs/Binary options. It is a rigged game.
- **2. Chargeback:** File immediately if deposited via card, citing 'platform manipulation' or 'fraudulent service'.
- **3. FinaCom Exclusion:** Do not rely on FinaCom, as it excludes binary/FTT losses from its compensation scheme.
Safe, Regulated Alternatives
✅ Use Real Tier-1 Regulated Brokers
- Startrader (9.3/10) — Real ASIC/FSCA, zero binary history
- IC Markets (9.2/10) — ASIC since 2007, verifiable
- Vantage (9.1/10) — ASIC + FCA, real licenses
- Pepperstone (9.0/10) — ASIC/FCA/CySEC, legitimate
- OANDA (8.7/10) — FCA/ASIC/NFA, transparent