How Deriv Works — Products, Accounts and Risk
What Deriv actually is, how its platforms and products fit together, and what a new trader commits to when opening an account.
Open Deriv Account →Deriv works as one account with two product families. CFDs on Deriv MT5 and cTrader track underlying prices with leverage — you never own the asset, and margin rules apply. Options and multipliers on Deriv Trader and Deriv GO fix your maximum loss at the stake. Synthetic indices — Deriv's signature products — simulate volatility and trade 24/7. Everything can be tested first on a free 10,000 USD demo. CFDs are complex, leveraged products and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
Deriv in plain terms
- Deriv is an online trading group operating since 1999 (formerly Binary.com), serving 3M+ clients worldwide
- Two product families: CFDs (Deriv MT5, cTrader) and options/multipliers (Deriv Trader, Deriv GO)
- CFDs track an underlying price — you profit or lose on the price change, never owning the asset
- Synthetic indices (e.g. Volatility 75) simulate market volatility and trade 24/7, including weekends
- Leverage up to 1:1000 magnifies both gains and losses; margin calls and stop-outs apply
- A free demo account with 10,000 USD in virtual funds lets you test everything before depositing
Frequently asked questions
Is Deriv good for beginners?
The demo, $5 minimum deposit and $1 option stakes lower the entry barrier, but leveraged CFDs remain high-risk. Beginners should start on the demo and small stakes.
What are synthetic indices?
Simulated markets (like Volatility 75) generated by an audited random-number engine, tradable 24/7. Their volatility profiles are fixed by design — and losses are just as real as on any market.
How does Deriv make money?
From spreads and commissions on CFD accounts and from the pricing of options and multipliers — disclosed per product in the platform.