Phillip Nova
Tier-1 MAS regulation meets zero-commission multi-asset trading with no minimum deposit.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:20
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- MAS
Phillip Nova and Bitpanda sit at opposite ends of the trading spectrum — one a MAS-regulated multi-asset powerhouse, the other a crypto-centric European platform. Our research gives Phillip Nova the edge overall at 3.4/5 versus Bitpanda's 3.2/5, though Bitpanda claws back ground on raw spread pricing.
Tier-1 MAS regulation meets zero-commission multi-asset trading with no minimum deposit.
Spreads from 0 pips for crypto and stock traders who prioritize raw cost above all else.
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | PN Phillip Nova | B Bitpanda |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2005 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Singapore | Vienna, Austria |
| Regulation | MAS | CySEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $1 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $1.49/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:20 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Crypto, Stocks, Indices |
Phillip Nova
$0
Bitpanda
$1
Phillip Nova
0.6 pips
Bitpanda
0 pips
Phillip Nova
None
Bitpanda
$1.49/lot
Phillip Nova
None
Bitpanda
None
Phillip Nova
None
Bitpanda
None
Phillip Nova is our recommended pick for the majority of traders, combining tier-1 MAS regulation, a $0 minimum deposit, and zero commission trading across forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto. Bitpanda remains competitive purely on spread cost, advertising spreads from 0 pips, but its CySEC-only licensing, $1.49/lot commission structure, and capped 1:1 leverage make it a narrower, more specialist choice. For traders prioritizing regulatory strength, platform breadth, and overall value, Phillip Nova is the stronger all-round package.
Regulatory strength is often the single most important factor for serious traders, and this is where Phillip Nova clearly separates itself from Bitpanda. Phillip Nova is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), widely regarded as one of the strictest tier-1 financial regulators in Asia-Pacific, which demands rigorous capital adequacy and client fund segregation standards.
Bitpanda, by contrast, operates under a CySEC licence out of Cyprus. While CySEC is a recognized EU regulator offering meaningful investor protections, it is generally viewed by the industry as a lighter-touch framework compared to MAS oversight.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a positive shared trait that reduces friction for account funding and cash-out. However, the depth of regulatory backing gives Phillip Nova a clear structural safety advantage for traders who prioritize fund security above all else.
Cost structure is where Bitpanda fights back hardest in this comparison. Bitpanda advertises spreads starting from 0 pips, technically undercutting Phillip Nova's quoted spread of 0.6 pips on a headline basis.
However, the full cost picture matters more than headline spreads alone. Bitpanda charges a commission of $1.49 per lot on top of its spreads, while Phillip Nova charges no per-trade commission at all, which can meaningfully narrow or even reverse the apparent cost gap depending on trading volume and frequency.
For active traders executing multiple lots per month, Phillip Nova's zero-commission model may prove cheaper in practice despite the wider quoted spread. Cost-conscious traders should calculate their expected total cost per trade using both spread and commission rather than relying on spread figures alone.
Phillip Nova is the more accessible broker for newcomers and cautious traders, requiring no minimum deposit at all to open an account. This removes a meaningful barrier to entry for beginners who want to test the platform before committing significant capital.
Bitpanda's minimum deposit of $1 is still extremely low in absolute terms and poses little practical barrier either. Both brokers are therefore highly accessible compared to legacy brokers that often demand hundreds or thousands of dollars upfront.
That said, Phillip Nova's $0 threshold edges out Bitpanda on paper, making it our pick for beginners who want maximum flexibility over how much capital they commit initially.
Phillip Nova offers a broader platform suite, including its Proprietary Web and Mobile apps alongside the dedicated POEMS platform, Phillip Securities' established order management system. This gives traders more flexibility in how they execute and monitor trades across devices.
Bitpanda keeps things simpler with just Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms. This streamlined approach may suit traders who prefer a minimalist, crypto-first interface without additional complexity.
Market access also favors Phillip Nova in breadth, spanning Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto. Bitpanda focuses on Crypto, Stocks, and Indices, making it a more specialized option for traders primarily interested in digital assets and equities rather than full multi-asset exposure.
Phillip Nova offers maximum leverage of up to 1:20, giving traders meaningfully more buying power on their deposited capital compared to Bitpanda's capped 1:1 leverage. This makes Phillip Nova notably more suitable for traders who rely on leveraged forex and CFD strategies.
Bitpanda's 1:1 leverage essentially means traders are working with unleveraged capital, which aligns with its crypto and stock-focused identity but limits its appeal for forex and CFD traders seeking capital efficiency.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Singapore, Phillip Nova also brings over two decades of institutional heritage via Phillip Securities, compared to Bitpanda's 2014 founding in Vienna, Austria, as a newer fintech-style entrant.
Weighing regulation, fees, accessibility, platforms, and leverage together, Phillip Nova earns the higher overall rating at 3.4/5 versus Bitpanda's 3.2/5 in our independent research. It wins outright in the categories of Best Overall, Best for Beginners, and Best for Regulation.
Bitpanda's sole standout win is Best for Low Fees, thanks to its 0 pip headline spreads, making it a legitimate option specifically for cost-focused crypto and stock traders who are comfortable with CySEC oversight and no leverage.
Ultimately, Phillip Nova offers the stronger, more well-rounded package for the broader trading population, while Bitpanda remains a credible niche choice for spread-sensitive crypto and stock investors.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Phillip Nova edges out Bitpanda overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
Phillip Nova
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
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.