Risk Disclosure
Last Updated: January 2026
IMPORTANT RISK WARNING
Trading gold, forex, and other financial instruments involves substantial risk of loss. You may lose some or all of your invested capital. Only trade with funds you can afford to lose.
1. General Risk Warning
Trading in gold through spot trading carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade, you should carefully consider:
- Your investment objectives
- Your level of experience
- Your risk tolerance
- Your financial situation
- Your understanding of Shariah-compliant trading
You should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. There is a possibility that you may sustain a loss equal to your entire investment. However, since we are a spot trading broker (not CFD), your losses are limited to the amount you invest - you cannot lose more than your investment.
2. Spot Trading Risks
2.1 Market Risk
Gold spot markets are volatile and unpredictable. Gold prices can move rapidly in response to:
- Economic news and events (inflation, interest rates, GDP)
- Political developments and geopolitical tensions
- Central bank decisions and monetary policy
- Market sentiment and investor behavior
- Supply and demand factors (mining, industrial use, investment demand)
- Currency fluctuations (especially USD)
- Unexpected events (black swan events, market crashes)
These price movements can result in significant losses. Since you own actual gold (not a derivative), price declines directly affect your investment value.
2.2 No Leverage Risk (Spot Trading Advantage)
- No Leverage: You trade with your own capital only
- Limited Loss: Your maximum loss is limited to your investment amount
- No Margin Calls: No risk of margin calls or forced liquidation
- No Negative Balance: You cannot lose more than you invest
- Ownership Protection: You own the actual gold, providing intrinsic value
While this limits your potential profits compared to leveraged trading, it also significantly reduces your risk exposure. This approach is more aligned with Shariah principles of avoiding excessive risk (Gharar).
2.3 Liquidity Risk
Market liquidity can affect your ability to:
- Enter or exit positions at desired prices
- Execute orders during volatile market conditions
- Close positions during market gaps or fast markets
During periods of low liquidity, spreads may widen significantly, and orders may be executed at less favorable prices.
2.4 Slippage Risk
Orders may be executed at prices different from expected prices due to:
- Market volatility
- Low liquidity
- Fast market conditions
- Gaps in price
2.5 Technical Risk
Technical issues may affect trading:
- Platform downtime or connectivity issues
- Delayed price updates
- Order execution delays
- System errors or bugs
While we strive to maintain system reliability, technical issues can occur and may impact your ability to trade or manage positions.
3. Gold Spot Trading Risks
3.1 Price Volatility
Gold spot prices are subject to significant volatility due to:
- Currency fluctuations (especially USD strength/weakness)
- Interest rate changes (affects opportunity cost of holding gold)
- Inflation expectations (gold as inflation hedge)
- Geopolitical events and uncertainty
- Supply and demand dynamics (mining production, central bank buying/selling)
- Central bank policies and monetary decisions
- Market sentiment and investor behavior
Since you own actual gold, price declines directly reduce the value of your investment. However, gold also has intrinsic value and serves as a store of wealth.
3.2 Spot Trading Specific Risks
Spot gold trading involves:
- Immediate Settlement Risk: Full payment required upfront
- Price Fluctuations: Between purchase and sale, prices can move against you Storage Fees: Ongoing costs for secure vault storage
- Liquidity Risk: Ability to sell at desired prices depends on market liquidity
- Platform Dependency: Need for platform access to manage holdings
- Spread Risk: Difference between buy and sell prices affects profitability
3.3 Physical Gold Delivery Risks
If you opt for physical gold delivery, you face:
- Premium Over Spot: Physical gold often trades at premium to spot price
- Storage and Insurance: Costs for storing and insuring physical gold
- Shipping Risks: Potential loss or damage during transportation
- Market Price Changes: Price may change between order placement and delivery
- Liquidity: Physical gold may be harder to sell quickly compared to digital holdings
4. Investment Plan Risks
4.1 Mudarabah Plan Risks
Mudarabah investment plans carry the following risks:
- No Guaranteed Returns: Returns depend on actual profits, which are not guaranteed
- Capital Risk: You may lose part or all of your invested capital
- Liquidity Risk: Early withdrawal may incur penalties or be restricted
- Market Risk: Investment performance depends on market conditions
- Management Risk: Investment decisions are made by fund managers
4.2 Musharakah Pool Risks
Musharakah pool investments involve:
- Joint investment risk
- Profit and loss sharing
- Limited liquidity
- Pool-specific risks
- Management and operational risks
4.3 Investment Performance
5. Copy Trading Risks
5.1 Trader Performance Risk
Copy trading involves significant risks:
- Past trader performance does not guarantee future results
- Traders may experience losses
- Market conditions change, affecting trader performance
- You are responsible for all losses from copied trades
5.2 Strategy Risk
Trading strategies that worked in the past may not work in the future. Market conditions, volatility, and other factors can render strategies ineffective.
5.3 Execution Risk
Copied trades may be executed at different prices due to:
- Time delays
- Market conditions
- Liquidity constraints
- Technical issues
6. P2P Trading Risks
6.1 Counterparty Risk
P2P trading involves direct transactions with other users:
- Counterparty may default on obligations
- Disputes may arise
- Fraud risk from other users
- Payment delays or failures
6.2 Escrow Risk
While we provide escrow services, there are risks:
- Dispute resolution may take time
- Funds may be held during disputes
- Resolution may not be in your favor
7. Technology and Cybersecurity Risks
7.1 Cybersecurity Threats
Online trading platforms are subject to:
- Hacking and unauthorized access
- Data breaches
- Malware and phishing attacks
- Identity theft
While we implement security measures, no system is completely secure. You should:
- Use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Keep your devices secure
- Be cautious of phishing attempts
7.2 Technical Failures
Technical failures can occur:
- Server outages
- Network connectivity issues
- Software bugs
- Data loss
8. Regulatory and Legal Risks
8.1 Regulatory Changes
Financial regulations may change, affecting:
- Trading conditions
- Available instruments
- Leverage limits
- Account requirements
8.2 Jurisdictional Risks
Trading may be restricted or regulated differently in different jurisdictions. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with local laws.
9. Currency and Exchange Rate Risks
If you trade in currencies other than your base currency:
- Exchange rate fluctuations can affect returns
- Currency conversion fees apply
- Exchange rates may be unfavorable at withdrawal
10. Tax Implications
Trading and investment activities may have tax implications:
- Profits may be subject to taxation
- Tax laws vary by jurisdiction
- You are responsible for tax compliance
- Consult a tax advisor for guidance
11. Shariah Compliance Risks
11.1 Fatwa and Interpretation Changes
Shariah compliance is based on Islamic jurisprudence and scholarly opinions:
- Fatwa Changes: Shariah scholars' opinions may evolve over time
- Interpretation Differences: Different scholars may have varying interpretations
- Platform Policy Updates: We may need to adjust policies based on new Shariah guidance
- Your Personal Beliefs: If you disagree with our Shariah interpretations, you bear that risk
11.2 Shariah Board Oversight
While we maintain an independent Shariah Advisory Board and regular compliance audits, you should:
- Understand our Shariah compliance framework
- Consult with your own Shariah advisor if needed
- Be aware that Shariah compliance does not eliminate market risks
- Recognize that Shariah-compliant investments can still lose value
12. No Investment Advice
13. Risk Management Recommendations
To manage risks effectively:
- Only invest what you can afford to lose
- Use stop-loss orders to limit losses
- Diversify your investments
- Monitor your positions regularly
- Keep margin levels adequate
- Understand the instruments you trade
- Stay informed about market conditions
- Set realistic profit targets
- Don't trade with emotions
- Consider your risk tolerance
14. No Guarantees
We do not guarantee:
- Investment returns
- Trading profits
- Price movements
- System availability
- Order execution prices
- Loss prevention
15. Acceptance of Risks
By using Smart Gold Trade platform, you acknowledge that:
- You understand the risks involved in trading and investing
- You have the financial capacity to bear losses
- You are solely responsible for your trading and investment decisions
- You will not hold Smart Gold Trade liable for trading losses
- You have read and understood this Risk Disclosure Statement
16. Seek Professional Advice
Before engaging in trading or investment activities, consider consulting:
- Financial advisors
- Tax advisors
- Legal counsel
- Other qualified professionals
17. Contact Information
Questions About Risks?
If you have questions about the risks involved in trading or investing, please contact us:
Risk Management: risk@smartgoldtrade.com
General Support: support@smartgoldtrade.com
Support Tickets: Create Support Ticket