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As someone who has spent considerable time evaluating brokers, I always prioritize strong regulatory oversight and transparency when considering reliability. CommSec, operating under Commonwealth Securities Limited, stands out by being regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Regulation by ASIC generally implies adherence to robust standards and investor protection, which gives me a baseline level of reassurance. Additionally, CommSec’s long history—over 20 years in business—demonstrates a level of stability that I value in a broker. However, in my experience, reliability isn’t just about regulation; it also depends on the range of products, fee transparency, and the trading platforms offered. CommSec’s offering is notable for stocks, ETFs, and options, primarily catering to equities investors rather than forex or other asset classes. I appreciate the straightforward fee structure for Australian trades, though it's clear that international and phone-based trades come at a premium, which might not suit active global traders. The absence of a demo account concerns me, as it limits opportunities for practice or platform evaluation before committing real funds. One issue I can’t ignore is CommSec’s “Market Maker” model, which does introduce inherent conflicts of interest in some situations—something experienced traders need to be mindful of. User feedback appears mixed, with some frustrations about customer service and perceived transparency issues. While I place significant weight on regulation and market reputation, ultimately, for me, CommSec appears trustworthy for Australian share trading, but not an ideal fit for forex or more complex trading strategies. I would advise caution, thorough personal research, and a clear understanding of costs and services before choosing CommSec as a primary broker.