Longbridge vs DEGIRO: Which Broker Wins in 2026?

Regulation & Safety

Both brokers operate under credible, tier-1 oversight, so safety concerns shouldn't be the deciding factor for most investors. Longbridge is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), giving it dual-jurisdiction coverage across two of Asia's strictest financial hubs.

DEGIRO, by contrast, operates under a single license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a highly respected regulator in its own right. On paper, Longbridge's two licences give it a marginal edge in regulatory breadth, which is reflected in our scoring (2/2 for Longbridge versus 0/2 for DEGIRO on this specific criterion).

Neither broker's regulatory setup should raise red flags for retail investors — both SFC/MAS and FCA enforce strict capital adequacy, client fund segregation, and conduct rules. The practical difference comes down to which jurisdiction you personally trust or are geographically aligned with.

Fees & Commission Structure

Cost is one of the clearest differentiators between these two platforms. Longbridge advertises spreads from 0 pips with no per-trade commission at all, while DEGIRO also starts spreads at 0 pips but layers on a commission of $1.75 per lot.

For high-frequency or volume-based traders, that commission can add up meaningfully over time, whereas Longbridge's commission-free model keeps costs more predictable. Both brokers avoid charging deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome standard for cost-conscious investors.

Minimum deposit requirements are identical at $0 for both brokers, meaning account accessibility isn't a differentiator here. Overall, Longbridge presents the more transparent, lower-cost structure for investors who trade frequently or in larger sizes.

Leverage & Trading Conditions

Longbridge offers maximum leverage of 1:5, while DEGIRO caps leverage at 1:1. For investors who want some capital efficiency on stock, ETF, or options positions, Longbridge's higher ceiling provides more flexibility, though it's worth noting that leverage this conservative (compared to forex-focused brokers) is typical for equities-oriented platforms.

DEGIRO's 1:1 leverage essentially means fully-funded positions with no margin amplification, which may suit more conservative, buy-and-hold investors who want to avoid leverage risk entirely.

Neither broker is positioned as an aggressive leverage provider, which aligns with their shared focus on stocks, ETFs, and index-based products rather than high-leverage forex or CFD trading.

Platforms & Market Access

Both brokers offer a comparable technology stack: proprietary web and proprietary mobile platforms, with no third-party platform support such as MetaTrader. This means the user experience is fully controlled by each respective broker rather than relying on industry-standard software.

Market access differs slightly. Longbridge covers Stocks, ETFs, Options, and Indices, giving derivatives-curious investors a bit more range through its options offering. DEGIRO covers Stocks, Indices, and Commodities, adding commodity exposure that Longbridge does not offer.

Investors who want options trading alongside equities will find Longbridge's lineup more suitable, while those seeking commodity diversification may lean toward DEGIRO.

Company Background & Track Record

DEGIRO has the longer operating history, founded in 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and has built a substantial European retail investor base over more than a decade. This longevity is one of DEGIRO's clearest strengths and is explicitly reflected in its pros list.

Longbridge is comparatively newer, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Hong Kong, positioning it as a more recently established player with an Asia-Pacific base of operations.

While track record matters for investor confidence, Longbridge's dual regulatory licensing and lower-cost model have allowed it to close the gap quickly, resulting in a higher overall rating despite the shorter history.

Our Verdict

When all criteria are weighed together, Longbridge comes out ahead with a 3.4/5 rating compared to DEGIRO's 3.3/5. The deciding factors are Longbridge's commission-free trading, higher leverage allowance, and broader regulatory coverage across two jurisdictions.

DEGIRO remains a solid, credible alternative, particularly for investors who value its longer track record, FCA oversight, or specific interest in commodities trading. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to whether cost efficiency and options access (Longbridge) or established European presence and commodity exposure (DEGIRO) matter more to your personal strategy.