K
Kraken
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 4
A regulated, globally trusted gateway purpose-built for serious cryptocurrency traders.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0.2 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, CFTC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 11/7/2026
Kraken vs RHB Securities: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Kraken and RHB Securities serve very different trading needs, but which one truly delivers more value in 2026? Our independent rating gives Kraken a slight edge at 3.4/5 versus RHB Securities's 3.3/5, though RHB Securities counters with tighter spreads and a longer track record.
RS
RHB Securities
3.3 / 5Score: 2 / 4
A low-cost, multi-asset brokerage with over three decades of trusted Southeast Asian market experience.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:2
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SC Malaysia, MAS
Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It Different Overall Winner
Kraken
Best for Beginners
Kraken
Lowest Fees
RHB Securities
Top Regulation
Kraken
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | K Kraken | RS RHB Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 2011 | 1994 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, USA | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Regulation | FCA, CFTC | SC Malaysia, MAS |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.2 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $0.16/lot | $0.1/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:5 | 1:2 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | RHB TradeSmart, RHB Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Crypto | Stocks, Etf, Bonds, Funds |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Kraken
$0
RHB Securities
$0
Spreads From
Kraken
0.2 pips
RHB Securities
0 pips
Commission
Kraken
$0.16/lot
RHB Securities
$0.1/lot
Deposit Fees
Kraken
None
RHB Securities
None
Withdrawal Fees
Kraken
$1.5
RHB Securities
None
Pros & cons
K
Kraken
Pros
- Backed by tier-1 regulators including the FCA and CFTC
- Higher overall independent rating at 3.4/5
- No minimum deposit required to open an account
- Offers leverage up to 1:5 for eligible crypto products
- Over a decade of operating history in digital assets
- No fees charged on deposits
Cons
- Spreads start wider at 0.2 pips compared to competitors
- Charges a $1.5 withdrawal fee
- Limited exclusively to crypto markets with no stocks, ETFs, or bonds
- Commission of $0.16/lot is higher than RHB Securities
- No support for third-party platforms like MetaTrader
RS
RHB Securities
Pros
- Industry-leading spreads starting from 0 pips
- Lower commission at $0.1 per lot
- No fees on withdrawals whatsoever
- Access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, and funds in one account
- Over 30 years of operational history since 1994
- No minimum deposit required
Cons
- Lower maximum leverage capped at 1:2
- Regulatory coverage lacks tier-1 global bodies like the FCA or CFTC
- Slightly lower overall independent rating at 3.3/5
- No cryptocurrency market access
- Platform ecosystem less globally recognized than major international brokers
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Kraken
Lowest fees RHB Securities
Best regulation Kraken
Better for beginners Kraken
Kraken is the stronger all-round broker for 2026, scoring 3.4/5 against RHB Securities's 3.3/5 on our independent rating, driven largely by its tier-1 regulatory coverage from the FCA and CFTC. However, RHB Securities fights back hard on cost, offering spreads from 0 pips against Kraken's 0.2 pips, plus free withdrawals and a broader selection of traditional asset classes including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and funds. The right choice truly hinges on what you intend to trade: Kraken is purpose-built for crypto traders wanting regulatory assurance, while RHB Securities suits investors seeking low-cost access to traditional securities markets in Southeast Asia.
Regulation & Safety
Kraken holds licensing recognition tied to the FCA and CFTC, two of the most respected regulatory bodies in global finance. This dual-framework oversight gives crypto traders an unusually high degree of confidence in a market segment often criticized for weak oversight.
RHB Securities, on the other hand, is regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Both are credible, well-established regulators within the Asia-Pacific region, though they don't carry quite the same global tier-1 weight as the FCA or CFTC.
For traders who prioritize regulatory pedigree above all else, Kraken's oversight structure gives it a clear advantage, which is reflected directly in our 'Best for Regulation' award going to Kraken.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
RHB Securities wins decisively on headline pricing, advertising spreads from 0 pips compared to Kraken's 0.2 pips. For high-frequency or cost-sensitive traders, that difference compounds significantly over time.
Commission structures tell a similar story: RHB Securities charges $0.1 per lot versus Kraken's $0.16 per lot. Neither broker charges a deposit fee, but Kraken applies a modest $1.5 withdrawal fee while RHB Securities offers free withdrawals across the board.
That said, crypto spreads and stock market spreads aren't always directly comparable due to differing liquidity structures and asset volatility. Still, on pure cost metrics, RHB Securities earns its 'Best for Low Fees' award convincingly.
Platforms & Trading Tools
Kraken operates through its own proprietary web and mobile platforms, built specifically around cryptocurrency trading, order execution, and wallet integration. The interface is streamlined for digital asset traders rather than multi-asset portfolio management.
RHB Securities offers its RHB TradeSmart platform alongside a dedicated RHB Mobile app, designed for traditional securities trading across stocks, ETFs, bonds, and funds. These tools cater to investors who want research, charting, and order management tailored to equities markets.
Neither broker supports industry-standard third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 or 5, which may be a drawback for traders who prefer familiar, highly customizable charting environments.
Market Access & Asset Variety
This is where the two brokers diverge most sharply. Kraken focuses exclusively on cryptocurrency markets, making it a specialist rather than a generalist platform.
RHB Securities, by contrast, provides access to four distinct asset classes: stocks, ETFs, bonds, and funds. This breadth makes it a far more suitable choice for long-term investors building diversified traditional portfolios.
Traders seeking pure crypto exposure will naturally gravitate toward Kraken, while those wanting multi-asset diversification outside of digital currencies should lean toward RHB Securities.
Company Background & Track Record
RHB Securities has a substantial head start in terms of operating history, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over three decades of operation lends it a strong reputation within Southeast Asian financial markets.
Kraken was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in San Francisco, USA. While younger, it remains one of the longest-running and most recognized names specifically within the cryptocurrency exchange space.
Both companies demonstrate longevity within their respective niches, but RHB Securities's institutional banking heritage gives it an edge in perceived stability for traditional asset investors.
Our Verdict
Kraken takes the overall win in our comparison, scoring 3.4/5 against RHB Securities's 3.3/5, largely thanks to superior tier-1 regulatory backing and its specialized crypto infrastructure. It also earns our 'Best Overall' and 'Best for Beginners' awards.
RHB Securities remains highly competitive, particularly for cost-conscious investors and those wanting access to traditional securities rather than digital assets. Its 0 pip spreads, free withdrawals, and multi-asset market access make it the clear 'Best for Low Fees' pick.
Ultimately, these brokers serve different core purposes, so your decision should be guided by whether you're trading crypto or building a traditional investment portfolio.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Kraken wins overall
Kraken edges out RHB Securities overall based on our expert rating score.
K
Highest Rated
Kraken
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
KrakenBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
KrakenLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
RHB SecuritiesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Kraken
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Kraken edges ahead with a score of 3.4/5 compared to RHB Securities's 3.3/5. The gap is narrow, so the better pick really depends on whether you need crypto access or traditional securities markets.
RHB Securities is the cheaper option on paper, offering spreads from 0 pips and a lower commission of $0.1 per lot, compared to Kraken's 0.2 pips and $0.16 per lot. RHB Securities also charges no withdrawal fee, while Kraken applies a $1.5 charge.
Both Kraken and RHB Securities require a $0 minimum deposit, making either platform accessible to traders starting with limited capital.
Kraken is regulated by the FCA and CFTC, both considered tier-1 global regulators. RHB Securities operates under SC Malaysia and MAS oversight, which is credible regionally but doesn't carry the same global tier-1 classification.
Kraken provides its own proprietary web and mobile platforms built specifically for crypto trading. RHB Securities offers RHB TradeSmart alongside the RHB Mobile app, designed for trading stocks, ETFs, bonds, and funds.
Yes, there's nothing stopping you from maintaining accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders use Kraken for crypto exposure while using RHB Securities for traditional stock and bond investing.
RHB Securities supports four distinct asset classes including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and funds, making it the more diversified option. Kraken focuses exclusively on cryptocurrency markets.
RHB Securities has a much longer operating history, founded in 1994, versus Kraken which launched in 2011. RHB Securities's three-decade track record may appeal to investors who value institutional longevity.
Kraken offers higher maximum leverage at up to 1:5, while RHB Securities caps leverage at 1:2. Traders seeking more leveraged exposure may find Kraken's offering more flexible.
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.