Research Methodology

Transparent assumptions matter as much as the headline result. EXN Research uses a source-first research process to assess Exness and compare the cost and risk characteristics of trading accounts.

1. Verify the legal entity

We identify the specific entity described by the official broker document, its regulator and any restrictions on retail access. The presence of a regulated group company does not automatically mean that every retail client is serviced under the same authorization or protections. Where the client jurisdiction is unknown, our articles say so.

2. Define the trading scenario

Trading-cost comparisons must state the instrument (for example EURUSD or XAUUSD), account type, volume, assumed trading frequency and overnight holding period. We do not treat minimum advertised spreads as fixed actual prices, and we exclude unverified data from numerical rankings.

3. Separate cost components

For a hypothetical trade, a simplified estimate is: spread cost + explicit commission + relevant overnight financing + conversion or other known charges. Actual results depend on contract size, price movement, currency conversions, execution and account conditions. A zero commission does not mean a zero total cost.

4. Distinguish evidence levels

• Officially documented: directly stated in current broker help articles, contract specifications or regulator registers.
• Illustrative: hypothetical examples that show a calculation method rather than a quote.
• Pending verification: a data point not suitable for precise comparison until confirmed.

5. Review execution and trading restrictions

We examine the published rules on execution, margin, stop-out, order size, platform availability and trading around volatile periods, where documentation is available. Practical experiences may vary, so no published feature guarantees an execution outcome.

6. Maintain an update trail

Each substantive article should identify the relevant verification date and link to primary sources. When material terms change, we revise content or mark the affected figures as unverified. We also consider independent commentary, but prioritize direct and timely evidence for measurable claims.

Commercial independence

Comparison conclusions should explain trade-offs instead of declaring universal winners. Affiliate relationships do not substitute for source verification or erase broker risks. Read our Editorial Policy and Affiliate Disclosure.

Methodology established October 2026.