CS
CIMB Securities
3.3 / 5Score: 3 / 3
A veteran Malaysian institution offering zero-deposit access to stocks, ETFs, and forex under tier-1 regulatory oversight.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SC, MAS
Reviewed by Experts Updated 11/8/2026
CIMB Securities vs Pacific Union: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
CIMB Securities and Pacific Union take very different approaches to trading — one favors regulatory strength and low costs, the other favors leverage and market variety. This comparison breaks down exactly where each platform wins so you can choose with confidence.
PU
Pacific Union
3.2 / 5Score: 0 / 3
A Seychelles-based multi-asset broker delivering high leverage and broad CFD market access for aggressive traders.
- Min deposit
- $20
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSCA, FSA
Overall Winner
CIMB Securities
Best for Beginners
CIMB Securities
Lowest Fees
CIMB Securities
Top Regulation
CIMB Securities
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | CS CIMB Securities | PU Pacific Union |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.3 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 1978 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Mahé, Seychelles |
| Regulation | SC, MAS | FSCA, FSA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $20 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $0.1/lot | $3/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, iTrade | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Indices, Forex | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
CIMB Securities
$0
Pacific Union
$20
Spreads From
CIMB Securities
0 pips
Pacific Union
0 pips
Commission
CIMB Securities
$0.1/lot
Pacific Union
$3/lot
Deposit Fees
CIMB Securities
None
Pacific Union
None
Withdrawal Fees
CIMB Securities
None
Pacific Union
None
Pros & cons
CS
CIMB Securities
Pros
- Backed by nearly five decades of operational history since 1978
- Regulated by two respected tier-1 authorities, SC and MAS
- No minimum deposit makes it accessible to first-time investors
- Commission structure is highly competitive at just $0.1 per lot
- No deposit or withdrawal fees eat into trading capital
- Offers three distinct platform options for varied trading preferences
- Higher overall rating reflects stronger all-round performance
Cons
- Maximum leverage is capped at a conservative 1:5
- Smaller market selection compared to multi-asset CFD brokers
- No cryptocurrency or commodities trading available
- Proprietary platforms may have a learning curve versus industry-standard software
- Primarily geared toward Asia-Pacific based traders
PU
Pacific Union
Pros
- Leverage up to 1:500 allows for significantly amplified trading positions
- Supports five distinct market types including crypto and commodities
- Industry-standard MT4 and MT5 platforms are widely trusted and familiar
- No fees charged on deposits or withdrawals
- Broad CFD selection appeals to diversified traders
- Established trading platform ecosystem with extensive third-party tool support
Cons
- Lower overall rating reflects comparative weaknesses versus top competitors
- Regulated only by offshore authorities FSCA and FSA, lacking tier-1 oversight
- Higher commission cost at $3 per lot versus competitors
- Minimum deposit of $20 creates a small barrier versus zero-deposit rivals
- High leverage of 1:500 increases risk exposure for inexperienced traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner CIMB Securities
Lowest fees CIMB Securities
Best regulation CIMB Securities
Better for beginners CIMB Securities
CIMB Securities is the stronger overall choice, earning a 3.3/5 rating compared to Pacific Union's 3.2/5. It wins on regulatory strength with tier-1 MAS oversight, accessibility with a $0 minimum deposit, and cost efficiency with a far lower $0.1/lot commission versus Pacific Union's $3/lot.
Regulation & Safety
CIMB Securities is regulated by the SC and MAS, with MAS widely recognized as a tier-1 regulatory authority offering robust trader protections. This dual oversight gives CIMB Securities a meaningful edge for traders who prioritize capital security above all else.
Pacific Union, by contrast, operates under FSCA and FSA licences, both of which are generally considered offshore or lower-tier regulators. While not inherently unsafe, this regulatory profile offers fewer formal protections than MAS-backed oversight.
For risk-averse traders or those holding larger account balances, CIMB Securities' regulatory framework provides considerably more peace of mind.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, putting them on equal footing at the headline level. The real differentiator lies in commission structure, where CIMB Securities charges just $0.1 per lot versus Pacific Union's $3 per lot.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome feature for both platforms. However, over a high volume of trades, Pacific Union's higher per-lot commission could meaningfully erode profits compared to CIMB Securities.
Overall, cost-conscious traders — particularly those trading frequently — will find CIMB Securities the more economical option long-term.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
CIMB Securities requires no minimum deposit whatsoever, making it one of the most accessible options for traders just starting out or testing a new strategy with limited capital.
Pacific Union's $20 minimum deposit is still relatively low by industry standards, but it does create a small additional entry barrier that CIMB Securities simply doesn't have.
For beginners or traders operating on a tight budget, CIMB Securities' zero-deposit policy is a genuine practical advantage.
Trading Platforms & Tools
CIMB Securities offers a proprietary ecosystem consisting of a Web platform, Mobile app, and iTrade, giving users a cohesive in-house trading experience tailored to stocks and ETFs.
Pacific Union instead relies on the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which benefit from widespread familiarity, extensive third-party indicators, and automated trading support.
Traders who value established, customizable software may prefer Pacific Union's MT4/MT5 setup, while those wanting an integrated, broker-built experience may lean toward CIMB Securities.
Leverage & Market Range
Pacific Union clearly wins on leverage, offering up to 1:500 compared to CIMB Securities' conservative 1:5 cap. This makes Pacific Union more attractive to experienced traders seeking amplified position sizing.
Market range also favors Pacific Union, which spans forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto — five categories in total versus CIMB Securities' four (stocks, ETFs, indices, and forex).
However, higher leverage brings increased risk, and newer traders should weigh Pacific Union's flexibility against the greater potential for amplified losses.
Our Verdict
CIMB Securities earns our recommendation as the stronger overall broker, with a 3.3/5 rating versus Pacific Union's 3.2/5. Its combination of tier-1 MAS regulation, zero minimum deposit, and dramatically lower commissions makes it the more well-rounded choice for most traders.
Pacific Union remains a credible alternative for traders who specifically want higher leverage, broader CFD and crypto market access, or the familiarity of MetaTrader platforms.
Ultimately, beginners and cost-conscious investors should lean toward CIMB Securities, while experienced, risk-tolerant traders seeking leverage and diversification may find Pacific Union better suited to their strategy.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
CIMB Securities wins overall
CIMB Securities edges out Pacific Union overall based on our expert rating score.
CS
Highest Rated
CIMB Securities
3.3 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.3/5).
CIMB SecuritiesBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
CIMB SecuritiesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
CIMB SecuritiesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
CIMB Securities
Frequently asked questions
CIMB Securities scores higher overall on our independent rating system, holding a 3.3/5 rating versus Pacific Union's 3.2/5. CIMB Securities edges ahead thanks to tier-1 regulatory backing, a zero minimum deposit, and a longer operating history. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style, so review our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
Both CIMB Securities and Pacific Union advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but commission costs differ significantly. CIMB Securities charges just $0.1 per lot, while Pacific Union charges $3 per lot, making CIMB Securities the more cost-effective option for frequent traders.
CIMB Securities requires no minimum deposit at all, making it instantly accessible to new investors. Pacific Union requires a $20 minimum deposit, which while still low, creates a small additional barrier compared to CIMB Securities.
CIMB Securities is regulated by the SC and MAS, both of which carry strong reputations including MAS as a recognized tier-1 authority. Pacific Union holds licences from FSCA and FSA, which are generally viewed as offering lighter regulatory oversight. For traders prioritizing capital safety, CIMB Securities presents the stronger regulatory profile.
CIMB Securities offers its own Proprietary Web and Mobile platforms alongside iTrade, giving traders a self-contained ecosystem. Pacific Union instead supports the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which may appeal to traders already familiar with MetaTrader tools.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms like CIMB Securities and Pacific Union to access different markets, leverage levels, and trading tools depending on their strategy.
Pacific Union offers significantly higher maximum leverage at 1:500, compared to CIMB Securities which caps leverage at a conservative 1:5. Traders seeking amplified exposure may lean toward Pacific Union, though higher leverage also carries increased risk.
Pacific Union supports five market categories including forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto, offering broader diversification. CIMB Securities focuses on stocks, ETFs, indices, and forex, which suits investors more interested in traditional asset classes over crypto or commodities.
CIMB Securities is generally the better fit for beginners due to its zero minimum deposit, lower leverage reducing risk exposure, and strong tier-1 regulatory oversight from MAS. These factors combine to create a more forgiving and accessible entry point for new traders.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.