Brokers Profile
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/4/2026

Phillip Nova vs LHV: Which Broker Wins in 2026?

Phillip Nova and LHV both land at 3.4/5 on our rating scale, making this one of the closest broker matchups we've reviewed. Phillip Nova brings broader market access and higher leverage, while LHV counters with tighter spreads and dual regulatory oversight. Here's exactly how they stack up.

PN

Phillip Nova

3.4 / 5Score: 0 / 1

A Singapore-regulated multi-asset broker built for traders who want broad market access under one roof.

Min deposit
$0
Max leverage
1:20
Spread from
0.6 pips
Regulators
MAS
L

LHV

3.4 / 5Score: 1 / 1

An Estonian banking-heritage broker offering tight zero-pip spreads under dual-jurisdiction regulation.

Min deposit
$0
Max leverage
1:5
Spread from
0 pips
Regulators
Finantsinspektsioon, FCA

Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade

Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.

See What Makes It Different
Best for Beginners
Phillip Nova
Lowest Fees
LHV
Top Regulation
LHV

Side-by-side comparison

Core features compared head-to-head.

Feature
PN
Phillip Nova
L
LHV
Overview
Rating3.4 / 53.4 / 5
Founded20051999
HeadquartersSingaporeTallinn, Estonia
RegulationMASFinantsinspektsioon, FCA
Fees & Limits
Min Deposit$0$0
Spreads From0.6 pips0 pips
CommissionNoneNone
Max Leverage1:201:5
Platforms & Markets
Trading PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMSProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker
Markets OfferedForex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, CryptoStocks, Etf, Crypto, Indices

Trading & non-trading fees

Min Deposit

Phillip Nova

$0

LHV

$0

Spreads From

Phillip Nova

0.6 pips

LHV

0 pips

Commission

Phillip Nova

None

LHV

None

Deposit Fees

Phillip Nova

None

LHV

None

Withdrawal Fees

Phillip Nova

None

LHV

None

Pros & cons

PN

Phillip Nova

Pros

  • Wider selection of tradable markets spanning five asset classes
  • Higher maximum leverage of 1:20 for more flexible position sizing
  • No minimum deposit needed to open an account
  • Commission-free trading structure across supported instruments
  • No deposit or withdrawal charges eating into capital
  • Established track record dating back to 2005
  • Single-region MAS regulation offers strong oversight within Singapore

Cons

  • Regulated under a single jurisdiction (MAS) rather than multiple regulators
  • Spreads start higher at 0.6 pips compared to some rivals
  • Lacks the additional regulatory layering that multi-licensed brokers offer
  • Fewer proprietary platform options compared to some legacy European brokers
  • Younger company history compared to LHV's 1999 founding
L

LHV

Pros

  • Tighter spreads starting from 0 pips reduce trading costs
  • Regulated by two respected authorities for added client protection
  • Longer operating history since 1999 builds institutional trust
  • No minimum deposit barrier for new account holders
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees on transactions
  • Strong reputation rooted in Estonian banking heritage
  • Solid platform stability via LHV Broker plus web and mobile access

Cons

  • Lower maximum leverage of just 1:5 limits position sizing flexibility
  • Narrower market range with only four asset classes offered
  • No dedicated forex or commodities trading like broader rivals
  • Fewer proprietary platform tools tailored for active CFD traders
  • Crypto and indices access may be limited depending on region

Our expert verdict

Editor's verdict

Lowest fees LHV
Best regulation LHV
Better for beginners Phillip Nova

Phillip Nova and LHV finish in a near dead heat, scoring 3.39/5 and 3.36/5 respectively on our rating scale. Phillip Nova takes the overall edge thanks to its broader five-asset market range and higher 1:20 leverage, making it the stronger all-round pick for most traders. LHV remains highly competitive, however, winning on spread costs and offering dual-jurisdiction regulatory coverage for those who prioritise licensing breadth.

Regulation & Safety

Phillip Nova operates under a single tier-1 regulator, Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which is widely respected for its strict oversight of financial institutions across the region.

LHV, by contrast, holds licences from two separate authorities — Estonia's Finantsinspektsioon and the UK's FCA. This dual-jurisdiction structure gives LHV a slight edge for traders who prioritise regulatory redundancy and cross-border compliance.

Both brokers carry equivalent tier-1 status in our proprietary rating framework, meaning neither should raise red flags on fund safety. The real differentiator here is breadth of licensing rather than quality of oversight.

Fees & Spreads

LHV holds a clear advantage on raw trading costs, advertising spreads from as low as 0 pips compared to Phillip Nova's starting spread of 0.6 pips.

Neither broker charges trading commissions, and both maintain a no-fee policy on deposits and withdrawals, keeping the overall cost structure simple and transparent for account holders.

For high-frequency traders or scalpers where spread costs compound quickly, LHV's tighter pricing could translate into meaningful savings over time. Buy-and-hold investors may find the spread difference less impactful.

Trading Platforms & Tools

Both brokers offer a nearly identical three-platform structure: proprietary web and mobile apps paired with a dedicated third platform — POEMS for Phillip Nova and LHV Broker for LHV.

Phillip Nova's POEMS suite is tailored toward multi-asset traders working across forex, CFDs, and commodities, while LHV Broker leans toward equities, ETFs, and crypto investors with a more investment-focused interface.

Neither broker offers third-party platform integrations like MetaTrader, so traders reliant on custom indicators or automated strategies built on those systems may find both options somewhat limiting.

Markets & Leverage

Phillip Nova supports a broader range of five asset classes — Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto — giving multi-asset traders more flexibility to diversify within one account.

LHV covers four asset classes: Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, and Indices, positioning it more as an investment-oriented broker rather than a full-spectrum trading platform.

Leverage also differs sharply: Phillip Nova permits up to 1:20, while LHV caps out at 1:5. Traders seeking amplified exposure will likely favour Phillip Nova, while conservative investors may appreciate LHV's lower-risk ceiling.

Account Accessibility & Costs

Both brokers require a $0 minimum deposit, removing a common barrier to entry for newer traders testing either platform with modest capital.

Neither charges deposit or withdrawal fees, meaning account holders at both brokers can move funds without incurring extra transaction costs.

This parity on entry costs shifts the real decision-making weight toward spreads, leverage, and market access rather than upfront account requirements.

Our Verdict

With scores of 3.39/5 for Phillip Nova and 3.36/5 for LHV, this comparison ends in a virtual tie — but Phillip Nova's broader market range and higher leverage make it the stronger all-round choice for most traders.

LHV remains a compelling alternative for cost-conscious investors who value tighter spreads and multi-jurisdictional regulatory coverage over sheer market breadth.

Ultimately, active multi-asset traders and those wanting higher leverage should lean toward Phillip Nova, while spread-sensitive investors and those prioritising regulatory redundancy may find LHV the better fit.

Verdict summary

The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.

Editor's verdict

Phillip Nova wins overall

Phillip Nova edges out LHV overall based on our expert rating score.

PN

Highest Rated

Phillip Nova

3.4 / 5 / 5

Category winners

  • Overall winner

    Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).

    Phillip Nova
  • Better for beginners

    Stronger onboarding and educational resources.

    Phillip Nova
  • Lower trading costs

    More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.

    LHV
  • Stronger regulation

    Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.

    LHV

Frequently asked questions

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.

Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade

Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.

See What Makes It Different
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