Artificial delay when closing market orders is a manipulative tactic where brokers intentionally slow down the execution of traders’ requests to close open positions. Instead of closing trades immediately at the market price, the broker introduces a delay, exposing traders to slippage, unfavourable price movements, or larger losses, especially during high-volatility periods.

Trusted brokers execute close requests swiftly and fairly to protect traders’ positions.

How brokers misuse artificial closing delays

There are several ways brokers use delayed order closure unfairly.

Forcing slippage

By delaying the execution of a close request, the broker allows the market to move against the trader, closing the trade at a worse price than intended.

Preventing profit realisation

In profitable trades, brokers stall closure just long enough for price pullbacks to reduce or eliminate the trader’s gains.

Blaming platform or server issues

Brokers excuse the delay by claiming system overloads, server instability, or technical errors, even when no widespread issue exists.

Targeting high-impact moments

Delays are most common during key market events like news releases or major economic data drops, maximising broker advantage.

Impact on traders

Artificial closing delays can seriously harm traders’ performance and finances.

Lost profits

Profitable trades may close at much lower levels than planned, reducing overall account growth and trading success.

Increased trading losses

Delayed closures can push a winning or breakeven trade into a losing position, hurting overall performance.

Destroyed trading strategies

Scalping, day trading, and other short-term strategies become unworkable when market orders are not closed promptly.

Loss of trust

Realising that closure delays are intentional destroys trader confidence in the broker’s integrity.

How to protect yourself

There are key steps traders can take to avoid brokers that impose artificial delays on market order closures.

Choose brokers with fast, transparent execution

Work only with brokers regulated by authorities like the FCA, ASIC, or CySEC. Trusted brokers such as Intertrader, AvaTrade, TiBiGlobe, Vantage, and Markets.com ensure market orders are closed promptly without manipulation.

Test execution speed before full funding

Open and close small trades to assess how quickly market orders are executed, especially during volatile market periods.

Use brokers offering STP or ECN accounts

Straight Through Processing (STP) and Electronic Communication Network (ECN) accounts reduce broker interference and improve execution transparency.

Record trade execution times

Save platform logs and take screenshots if a close request is delayed significantly to build evidence for disputes.

Report consistent execution problems

If artificial delays persist without valid explanation, escalate the complaint to the broker’s regulatory authority with full documentation.

Reliable brokers for fast trade closure

Top-tier brokers offer consistent, fast, and reliable order execution, ensuring that traders maintain full control over their trades without hidden platform manipulation.

By staying alert and choosing brokers committed to technical fairness and transparency, traders can protect themselves from the risks when a broker imposes artificial delays when closing market orders.

If you want to master fast and effective trading while protecting yourself from hidden broker tactics, explore our expert-led Trading Courses today.