AvaTrade is based in Ireland and is registered with and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. AvaTrade doesn't have a large online advertising campaign like most brokers, but they seem to concentrate their marketing efforts through offering affiliate programs. AvaTrade were previously known as Ava FX.
The Platform
A real advantage to having an account with AvaTrade is the trading platforms that are available and the features that they offer. AvaTrades bespoke trading platforms are equipped with trading software that enable you to develop trading strategies, access various educational materials and an online shop with algorithmic trading systems available to purchase. A mirror/copy trading platform is also available as well as MetaTrader.
Charts are clear and fairly versatile. The platforms can be customized as well as charts, various platform layouts are available and platforms can be downloaded and used on desktop computers and mobile device, a web based platform is also available. Compared to other minor brokers, their trading platform is one of the best, their platform is easily beaten however by trading platforms provided from bigger brokers like Oanda and GFT.
Spreads & Instruments
Unfortunately this is where the criticisms start... My main issue with AvaTrade is their spreads. Spreads are fixed and not at all competitive. Some traders prefer fixed spreads especially traders that like to trade around news events and periods of tightened liquidity, such as overnight. The disadvantage to AvaTrade's fixed spreads are they are far too high! The EUR/USD could be considered competitive as the spread is fixed at 3 pips, most currency pairs though range from 5-8 pip spreads, even those that are commonly traded such as the GBP/USD and the AUD/USD. Some popular Forex pairs, EUR/NZD & GBP/AUD, have spreads as high as 20 pips! Very disappointing.
AvaTrade offer a wide range of instruments including Forex, indices, commodities, equities, bonds, and options. These instruments are offered as CFDs and spread bets.
Summary
In summary, AvaTrades range of tradable instruments and platforms rank with other Forex and CFD brokers who are considered the best in the retail trading industry, AvaTrade's spreads however are a whole different story.