Describe the actual mechanism
Ask whether the service copies orders automatically, only offers signals or requires manual approval. The label copy trading does not define responsibilities. Identify the execution provider, required permissions, instruments and how position sizes are adjusted.
Understand your controls
Document how to stop copying, what happens to existing positions and who can change settings. Pausing new orders does not necessarily close existing positions. Check costs, treatment of insufficient account funds and information provided when an order is not executed.
Check presentation limits
ESMA publishes supervisory expectations for copy trading services, including qualification and client information. This does not validate any particular service. On COF, distinguish public descriptions from features actually available to your account; request applicable documentation before assuming automatic access.
Follow the decision chain
Describe the process before enabling anything: who produces a decision, who transmits it, which service replicates it and who may modify or stop the connection. A strategy name alone does not describe that chain. Responsibilities should be checked against the provider's terms.
When reading a history, ask for execution context and skipped or failed events. A position visible on the source account does not establish that every subscriber received it at the same time or price. Terms and observations should distinguish the original decision from its replication.
What the reader should be able to find
A description of permissions, a support route, stated limitations and the service's stopping procedure. These help explain the product; they guarantee neither performance nor freedom from loss.
Your verification grid
| Item | Document or check to request |
|---|---|
| Decision | Identify who decides, who transmits and what the account holder authorises. |
| Replication | Read sizing, rounding and rejected-order handling rules. |
| Charges | Separate service fees, broker charges and position financing. |
| Intervention | Ask what manual changes and connection interruptions do. |
| Stopping | Separate stopping new copies from handling positions already open. |
Practical questions
Does copying mean getting the same outcome as the source?
No. Replication may occur under different price, size, fee or availability conditions. The source statement and copier statement are separate records to compare; a shared screen does not establish identical execution.
Can I examine the service before enabling it?
Yes, through its documents: entity, permissions, copying mechanism, charges and stopping procedure. The ESMA briefing helps frame supervisory questions; it does not approve an individual provider.
To complete this file: Copy trading risks: a control checklist ; Copy trading history: recognise useful evidence.
Sources and limitations
ESMA — supervision des services de copy trading. Editorial consultation: 8 October 2026. Supplier statements do not replace independent checks. Re-read terms at the time of your decision.
COFIATRADING has commercial relationships with partners presented on the site. This guide is educational, without personalised investment advice. Trading involves capital loss risk; past performance does not guarantee future results.
Continue checking: current offers and access, public evidence, Desk space and Academy resources.