Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025
We’ve personally tested and ranked the top brokers regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ensuring high standards of trust and reliability.
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1Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a top brokerage firm offering access to 150 markets in 33 countries and a range of investment services. With 40 years in the field, this company listed on Nasdaq strictly follows the rules set by authorities such as the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It's recognized as one of the most reliable brokers for global trading.
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2eToro is a platform for social investing that provides options for both short and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto. The platform is recognized for its easy-to-use, community-oriented interface and reasonable fees. With oversight from FINRA and SIPC, and used by millions globally, eToro is a reputed name in the industry. Trading on eToro is facilitated by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
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3Moomoo is a regulated trading platform which is controlled by SEC. It provides a simple, cost-effective method to trade in stocks, ETFs, and various assets from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the US, and Australia. They provide the option for margin trading, along with no deposit account and several bonus options.
Compare Brokers
| Broker |  |
USD Account |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
Automated Trading |
AI |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | ✓ | $0 | $100 | 1:50 | ✗ | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, TradingView, eSignal, TradingCentral, ProRealTime, Quantower | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF | Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✓ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $100 | $10 | ✗ | ✓ | SEC, FINRA | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | USD | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $0 | $0 | 1:2 | ✗ | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs ,Futures | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | USD, HKD, SGD | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
| Broker | |
USD Account |
Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Leverage |
Copy Trading |
Regulator |
Instruments |
Platforms |
Account Currencies |
Automated Trading |
AI |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025 are.
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
Mobile Trading Comparison
Compare the mobile trading features of the Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025.
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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iOS & Android | ✓ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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Yes (iOS & Android) | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
Comparison for Beginners
Compare how suitable the Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025 are for beginners.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | $0 | $100 | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $100 | $10 | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $0 | $0 | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
Comparison for Advanced Traders
Compare how suitable the Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025 are for advanced or professional traders.
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Capitalise.ai & TWS API | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:50 | ✓ | ✓ |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:2 | ✗ | ✓ |
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025.
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✓ | USD: 4.8%, GBP: 4.7% | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | USD: 4.9% | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | USD: 5.1% | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broker | Demo Account |
Interest on Cash |
Islamic Account |
Joint Account |
Managed Account |
PAMM |
MAM |
LAMM |
Pro Account |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Compare how we rated the Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025 in key areas.
| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Broker | Trust |
Platforms |
Assets |
Mobile |
Fees |
Accounts |
Research |
Education |
Support |
Fee and Cost Comparison
Compare the cost of trading with the Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025.
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | $0 | 0.003 | 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value | 0.12%-0.18% | |
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✓ | $10 | $0 | ✗ | BTC 0.75% | |
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✗ | $0 | $0 per trade | ✗ | ✗ | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulated Brokers 2025 are in terms of number of clients.
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Moomoo |
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| Interactive Brokers |
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| eToro USA |
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Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- The new IBKR Desktop platform combines the advantages of TWS and adds unique tools like Option Lattice and Screeners with MultiSort to make trading accessible and impressive for traders of all levels.
- IBKR offers exceptional access to global stocks, with thousands of equities available from over 100 market centers in 24 countries, including the recent addition of the Saudi Stock Exchange.
- Interactive Brokers was named Best US Broker for 2025 by DayTrading.com for its dedication to US traders, ultra-low margin rates, and affordable global market access.
Cons
- Customer service may take time to respond, and there may be delays in fixing problems based on tests. It could be difficult to reach the customer service promptly.
- IBKR offers many research tools. However, the tools are not uniformly distributed across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page, causing confusion for the users.
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
Why Trade With eToro USA?
eToro is a top choice for traders due to its top-notch social investing and copy trading services. The broker caters well to new traders with its low deposit requirement, commission-free trading, and user-friendly platform.
Pros
- A free demo account enables new users and potential traders to test the broker without risk.
- The low minimum deposit and simple account setup allow beginners to start trading quickly.
- The broker's Academy provides extensive educational resources for traders, ranging from beginners to advanced levels.
Cons
- The exclusive terminal does not accommodate trading bots and lacks extra equity market analysis tools.
- Traders used to third-party charting tools won't find MetaTrader 4 platform integration.
- There are fewer trading options available, including only stocks, ETFs, and cryptos, compared to competitors.
Why Trade With Moomoo?
Moomoo is a great option for beginner and intermediate traders aiming to diversify their investment portfolio. The brokerage's app is easily navigable and the trading fees are significantly low.
Pros
- The broker requires no minimum deposit, making it suitable for beginner traders.
- The fees for options contracts have been lowered from $0.65 to $0.
- Moomoo is a FINRA and SIPC member, providing additional security for potential clients interested in trading.
Cons
- The protection against negative balance, a standard security measure at highly regulated brokers, is not available here.
- Regrettably, even with its existing security features, this platform still lacks 2 factor authentication (2FA).
- The broker doesn't offer phone or live chat support, options typically provided by other brokers.
Filters
Understanding the SEC: A Simple Guide
Choosing a broker can be daunting. To help you make informed decisions, it’s useful to know about the organization that regulates brokers in the U.S.—the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Here’s a simplified look at what the SEC does and why it matters to you.
What is the SEC?
Imagine the SEC as a protective watchdog for investors in the stock market. It’s an independent government agency that ensures the market is fair, honest, and free from scams. To keep things transparent and safe, it uses several tools and techniques. Brokers who want to work in the financial markets, like those dealing in foreign currencies (forex), need an SEC license before they can offer their services.
The SEC’s Mission
The SEC focuses on three main goals:
- Protect investors
- Help create opportunities for businesses to raise money
- Ensure the market runs smoothly
The SEC watches over brokers, investment advisors, and stock exchanges. It keeps an eye on market activities, from insider trading to trading forex rules.
To stay informed about market regulations, investors can use the SEC’s EDGAR database, which contains registration statements and financial reports.
Key Legislation
The SEC operates under several laws designed to safeguard the financial markets. Here’s a brief look:
- 1933 – Securities Act: Aims to provide transparency in financial statements.
- 1934 – Securities Exchange Act: Established the SEC and governs trading.
- 1939 – Trust Indenture Act: Protects bond investors.
- 1940 – Investment Company Act: Regulates mutual funds and other investment companies.
- 1940 – Investment Advisers Act: Regulates investment advisors.
- 2002 – Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Sets standards for public company boards and accounting firms.
- 2010 – Dodd-Frank Act: Aims to prevent the recurrence of financial crises.
- 2012 – JOBS Act: Eases regulations on small businesses.
The SEC is funded by taxpayer money and fees from brokers. These fees are collected when stocks are sold and go to the U.S. Treasury, which helps fund the SEC’s operations.
A Brief History
After the 1929 stock market crash due to misleading information, the U.S. Congress acted to restore confidence in the markets by passing the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934. The SEC was established to make sure companies provide truthful information and that financial institutions act honestly.
How the SEC is Set Up
Main Divisions
The SEC is based in Washington, D.C., and has five key divisions:
- Enforcement: Investigates rule violations in the financial markets.
- Trading and Markets: Oversees brokers and financial institutions, often working with self-regulatory organizations like FINRA.
- Corporation Finance: Monitors disclosures by public companies.
- Investment Management: Manages rules for investment companies and advisors.
- Economic and Risk Analysis: Provides data and risk analysis to shape policy.
Regional Offices
The SEC also has 11 regional offices that handle specific duties:
- The General Counsel: Acts as the agency’s legal advisor.
- Compliance, Inspections, and Examinations: Inspects brokers and other financial entities.
- The Chief Accountant: Enforces accounting rules.
- The Whistleblower Office: Rewards individuals for reporting violations leading to penalties over $1 million.
How the SEC Enforces Rules
To make sure companies follow the rules, the SEC has several strategies:
– Regular Reports: Businesses must submit quarterly and annual financial statements. These can be viewed in the EDGAR database.
– Sanctions: The SEC can issue injunctions and penalties to prevent and punish rule-breaking. For example, it might stop someone from being a company director.
Although the SEC can’t bring criminal charges, it can refer cases to prosecutors or pursue civil cases in court.
What the SEC Has Achieved
The SEC has taken action against various brokers and financial institutions for offenses like fraud and insider trading. During the 2008 financial crisis, it helped return billions of dollars to investors. A notable case was a $550 million penalty against Goldman Sachs.
Recently, the SEC has focused on newer areas like Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), taking action to prevent fraudulent marketing practices.
Criticism of the SEC
Despite its successes, the SEC has faced criticism for:
- Not forcing companies to admit guilt publicly
- Settling with banks instead of going to trial
- Not naming and shaming rule-breakers in press releases
- Using relatively mild punishments
- Being lenient with banks involved in the 2008 crisis
- Granting waivers that reduce the impact of penalties
Conclusion
The SEC plays a crucial role in protecting investors and maintaining fair markets. Although it faces some criticism, its regulatory efforts are essential for consumer protection. Before choosing a broker, ensure they are licensed and regulated by the SEC through their official listings.