Longbridge vs SoFi Invest: Which Broker Wins in 2026?

Regulation & Safety

Both brokers operate under credible regulatory oversight, but Longbridge holds a broader spread of licences, being regulated by both the SFC (Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong) and MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore). This dual-jurisdiction coverage gives Longbridge added credibility across Asian markets.

SoFi Invest, by contrast, is regulated solely by the SEC in the United States. While the SEC is a robust regulator, having only one licence means SoFi Invest's regulatory footprint is narrower compared to Longbridge's two-jurisdiction setup.

For traders who value multi-region oversight and want assurance across more than one regulatory body, Longbridge holds a clear edge here. Neither broker carries any major red flags in our research, but breadth of regulation still favors Longbridge.

Fees, Spreads & Commissions

Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips and charge no commission on trades, putting them on level footing when it comes to headline trading costs. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a strong point for cost-conscious traders on both sides.

Where the two diverge is minimum account entry cost. Longbridge requires no minimum deposit at all ($0), making it exceptionally accessible for beginners or those wanting to test the platform with minimal capital at risk.

SoFi Invest requires a nominal $1 minimum deposit — still very low by industry standards, but technically a barrier that Longbridge does not have. For traders prioritizing the lowest possible entry cost, Longbridge is marginally better positioned.

Leverage & Market Access

Longbridge offers considerably higher maximum leverage at 1:5, compared to SoFi Invest's 1:1, which effectively means SoFi Invest does not offer leveraged trading in the traditional sense. This makes Longbridge more suitable for traders who want to amplify their exposure to stocks, ETFs, and options.

In terms of market breadth, Longbridge supports four asset classes: Stocks, ETFs, Options, and Indices. SoFi Invest supports three: Stocks, Crypto, and Indices.

The key differentiator is asset type — Longbridge offers options trading, which appeals to more advanced strategies, while SoFi Invest's inclusion of crypto trading appeals to traders wanting digital asset exposure alongside traditional equities. Your choice here should hinge on which asset classes matter most to your strategy.

Platforms & User Experience

Both brokers rely on proprietary technology rather than third-party platforms like MetaTrader, offering Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile applications. This means neither broker supports MT4/MT5, which may be a consideration for traders who prefer industry-standard charting tools.

Since both platforms are proprietary, the user experience comes down to interface design and personal preference rather than a clear technical advantage for either side. Both are built primarily for equity and ETF-style trading rather than complex multi-asset execution.

Traders who have previously used MetaTrader-based platforms should be aware that both Longbridge and SoFi Invest will require some adjustment, as both operate closed, in-house ecosystems.

Company Background & Track Record

SoFi Invest has the longer operating history, founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, USA. This gives it seven additional years of market presence compared to Longbridge, which was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Longer operating history can be a reassuring factor for risk-averse investors who weigh brand longevity heavily in their decision-making. SoFi Invest's status as a more established US fintech brand is a genuine point in its favor.

That said, Longbridge's newer entry into the market hasn't stopped it from building a broader regulatory base and more competitive account terms, suggesting it has moved quickly to establish itself as a serious contender despite the shorter track record.

Our Verdict

Tallying it all up, Longbridge finishes with a 3.4/5 rating versus SoFi Invest's 3.3/5 — a close race decided by accessibility, regulatory breadth, and market variety. Longbridge wins outright in our beginner-friendliness, low-fees, and regulation award categories.

SoFi Invest remains a solid alternative, particularly for US-based traders who value an established brand history and want crypto exposure alongside equities. But for traders who want lower entry costs, higher leverage, and options trading, Longbridge is the more well-rounded platform overall.