Best Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) Regulated Brokers 2025
We’ve personally tested and ranked the top brokers regulated by the Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC), 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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2Moomoo 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.
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3Founded in 1996, Swissquote is a Swiss bank and broker offering online trading with three million products, including forex, CFDs, futures, options, and bonds. Known for its reliability, Swissquote has built a strong reputation with innovative trading solutions, such as being the first bank to offer crypto trading in 2017 and recently introducing fractional shares and the Invest Easy service.
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4Saxo Markets is a renowned trading brokerage, investment firm and bank. It offers over 72,000 trading instruments, investment products, and managed portfolios, ensuring ample opportunities for clients. It operates under the regulation of more than ten agencies including FINMA, FCA & ASIC, thus providing the best protection. The firm is well-known for its transparent pricing.
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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✓ | ✓ | $0 | $0 | 1:2 | ✗ | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs ,Futures | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | USD, HKD, SGD | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | $1,000 | 0.01 Lots | 1:100 (Retail), 1:400 (Pro) | ✗ | FCA, FINMA, CSSF, DFSA, SFC, MAS, MFSA, CySEC, FSCA | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Bonds, Options, Futures, ETFs, Crypto (location dependent) | CFXD, MT4, MT5, AutoChartist, TradingCentral | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, ZAR, TRY, SEK, NOK, CHF, HKD, SGD, PLN, AED, SAR, HUF, THB, QAR, MXN | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader and FIX API solutions | ✓ | ✗ | |
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✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Vary by asset | 1:30 | ✗ | DFSA, MAS, FCA, SFC, FINMA, AMF, CONSOB | Forex, CFDs, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, futures, options, warrants, bonds, ETFs | TradingView, ProRealTime | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, DKK, CHF | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
| 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 Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) Regulated Brokers 2025 are.
| Broker | Trust Rating |
Guaranteed Stop Loss |
Negative Balance Protection |
Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
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✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
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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 Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) Regulated Brokers 2025.
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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iOS & Android | ✓ | ||
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Yes (iOS & Android) | ✗ | ||
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iOS & Android | ✗ | ||
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SaxoTraderGo (iOS, Android, Windows) | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Mobile Apps |
iOS Rating |
Android Rating |
Smart Watch App |
Comparison for Beginners
Compare how suitable the Best Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) 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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✓ | $0 | $0 | ✗ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | $1,000 | 0.01 Lots | ✓ | ✗ | ||
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✓ | ✗ | Vary by asset | ✗ | ✗ | ||
| Broker | Demo Account |
Minimum Deposit |
Minimum Trade |
Education Rating |
Support Rating |
Fractional Shares |
Demo Competitions |
Comparison for Advanced Traders
Compare how suitable the Best Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) 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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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:2 | ✗ | ✓ |
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Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader and FIX API solutions | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | 1:100 (Retail), 1:400 (Pro) | ✓ | ✗ |
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✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 1:30 | ✗ | ✓ |
| Broker | Automated Trading |
VPS |
API |
AI |
Pro Account |
Leverage |
Low Latency |
Extended Hours |
Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) 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: 5.1% | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | USD: 1.75%, GBP: 2%, EUR: 1.5%, CHF: 0.75% | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
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✓ | USD: 4%, GBP: 3.9%, EUR: 2.6% | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 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 Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) 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 Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) 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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✗ | $0 | $0 per trade | ✗ | ✗ | |
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✗ | $0 | N/A | 1.3 | 71 BTC (Prime Account) | |
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✗ | ✗ | 0.10% (subject to min commission) | 0.2 (varies by region) | Variable | |
| Broker | Cost Rating |
Fixed Spreads |
Inactivity Fee |
CFD Stocks Spread |
EUR/USD Spread |
Crypto Spread |
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best Securities And Futures Commission Of Hong Kong (SFC) Regulated Brokers 2025 are in terms of number of clients.
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Moomoo |
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| Interactive Brokers |
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| Saxo Bank |
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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
- 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.
- IBKR, primarily designed for skilled traders, has expanded its appeal recently by eliminating its initial $10,000 deposit requirement.
Cons
- 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.
- TWS's platform may be difficult for beginners to grasp because of its complexity. Plus500's web platform, on the other hand, is more appropriate for those new to trading.
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
- Moomoo is a FINRA and SIPC member, providing additional security for potential clients interested in trading.
- The fees for options contracts have been lowered from $0.65 to $0.
- Moomoo is a licensed entity with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Cons
- 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.
- The protection against negative balance, a standard security measure at highly regulated brokers, is not available here.
Why Trade With Swissquote?
Swissquote is a great option for active traders seeking a customizable platform, like its CXFD that includes Autochartist for automated chart analysis to assist trading decisions. However, its average fees and high $1,000 minimum deposit may be less accessible for beginners.
Pros
- Swissquote offers advanced research tools such as Autochartist for technical analysis and real-time news integration from Dow Jones. Their proprietary Market Talk videos and Morning News reports provide daily expert analysis, which is attractive to active traders.
- Swissquote caters to fast trading strategies like scalping and high-frequency trading, offering 9ms average execution speeds, a 98% fill rate, and FIX API.
- Swissquote offers robust platforms for trading, including MetaTrader 4/5 and its proprietary CFXD (formerly Advanced Trader). These platforms provide customizable layouts, advanced charting tools, and technical indicators, all of which performed well in testing.
Cons
- Analysis indicates Swissquote has relatively high fees, with forex spreads starting at 1.3 pips on Standard accounts, whereas Pepperstone and IC Markets offer 0.0 pips. Transaction fees for non-Swiss stocks and ETFs can increase costs for frequent traders.
- Unlike brokers like eToro, which offer social trading features, Swissquote lacks tools for community interaction or copying successful traders. This limits its appeal for those who value peer learning.
- Swissquote mainly serves professional and wealthy clients, requiring high minimum deposits like $1,000 for Standard accounts. This makes it less suitable for smaller traders, who might prefer brokers offering higher leverage and no minimum deposit.
Why Trade With Saxo Bank?
Saxo is ideal for frequent traders and large-scale investors due to its extraordinary range of tools, high-quality market research, and fee discounts. Moreover, its offering of 190 currency pairs with narrow spreads makes it suitable for forex traders.
Pros
- Sophisticated proprietary trading platforms with extensive charting options and advanced analytical tools.
- Premium account levels offer lower trading fees.
- A top-tier research center providing market analysis and unique insights, including 'Outrageous Predictions' for traders.
Cons
- The trading accounts require substantial funding.
- Do not accept clients from certain regions, specifically the US and Belgium, for trading activities.
- To view Level 2 pricing, a subscription is necessary.
Filters
Understanding the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is an independent body in Hong Kong responsible for regulating brokers and safeguarding the interests of everyday investors. This guide will help you understand the top brokers authorized by the SFC, along with the commission’s background, structure, and the roles it plays in financial regulation.
SFC Background and History
The SFC is tasked with regulating Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets. Although it is linked to the government, it operates independently and aims to enhance Hong Kong’s global standing as a financial hub.
– Office Location: 54/F One Island East, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.
– Pre-1971: Hong Kong’s markets were not regulated.
– 1973: A stock market crash led to new laws for regulating stocks and commodities.
– 1987 Crash: An advisory committee suggested a single independent body to oversee the markets. Consequently, the SFC was established in May 1989 through the Securities and Futures Commission Ordinance.
What the SFC Does
According to its website, the SFC’s main activities are:
- Setting and enforcing market rules and investigating any violations.
- Licensing and overseeing market participants under its jurisdiction.
- Managing market operators like exchanges and platforms.
- Authorizing investment products and supplying relevant documents to investors.
- Monitoring takeovers of public companies through a dedicated panel.
- Collaborating with regulatory bodies from other regions, like Korea and Taiwan.
- Educating investors about market risks and their own rights and duties.
The SFC, like similar bodies in the USA, UK, and Singapore, ensures safe practices in financial markets. One of its functions is to maintain a public register of licensed companies, which helps investors verify brokers before trading. The commission also issues alert lists to warn against unlicensed entities.
Structure of the SFC
The SFC is governed by a board of directors and a chairman. They work with several committees that handle different responsibilities. The day-to-day management is carried out by a CEO and a non-executive director along with a management team. This team covers various areas, including corporate finance and internal operations.
SFC’s Powers
To be licensed by the SFC, financial entities must comply with specific guidelines. If they break the rules, the SFC can:
- Revoke or suspend licenses.
- Issue private or public warnings.
- Ban individuals from certain activities.
- Impose fines, payable by cheque or transfer.
The SFC has been involved in significant cases, such as the 2020 fine of $350 million imposed on Goldman Sachs for its involvement in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal.
Requirements for Brokers
Brokers wishing to get an SFC license must register via the SFC’s online portal and adhere to guidelines concerning:
- Shareholding structure
- Business proposals and internal controls
- Management and governance
- Financial stability
Criticisms of the SFC
The SFC has faced criticism regarding its licensing exams, mainly because these tests were not independently validated before their introduction, and there’s no formal appeal process to contest their validity.
Conclusion: Why the SFC Matters
The SFC plays a crucial role in ensuring that financial markets in Hong Kong remain safe and well-regulated. Before trading with a broker, it’s important for investors to use the SFC’s public register to verify if the broker is officially licensed.
FAQs
Who owns the SFC?
While the SFC is a government-affiliated body in Hong Kong, it operates independently under the leadership of executives and advisory committees.
When did the SFC become active?
The SFC was formally established in May 1989 after a stock market crash in 1987 highlighted the need for a regulatory body.
Does the SFC regulate banks?
No, the SFC does not regulate banks. Its focus is on financial service providers within the securities and futures markets.
How can I check if a broker is licensed by the SFC?
You can access the SFC’s public register to verify if a broker is licensed.
Does the SFC regulate Forex brokers?
Yes, the SFC is responsible for regulating any financial company, including Forex brokers, operating in Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets.