Phillip Nova
MAS-regulated multi-asset trading with higher leverage flexibility for serious forex and CFD traders.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:20
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- MAS
Phillip Nova and SBI Securities serve very different trader profiles, yet both compete for attention among Asia-Pacific investors. Our independent research gives Phillip Nova the overall edge at 3.4/5 versus SBI Securities's 3.2/5, though SBI Securities fights back hard on raw spread pricing.
MAS-regulated multi-asset trading with higher leverage flexibility for serious forex and CFD traders.
A century-rooted Japanese institution offering razor-thin 0-pip spreads for cost-focused equity investors.
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It DifferentCore features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | PN Phillip Nova | SS SBI Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2005 | 1944 |
| Headquarters | Singapore | Tokyo, Japan |
| Regulation | MAS | FSA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:20 | 1:3 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, HyperSBI 2 |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Indices |
Phillip Nova
$0
SBI Securities
$0
Phillip Nova
0.6 pips
SBI Securities
0 pips
Phillip Nova
None
SBI Securities
None
Phillip Nova
None
SBI Securities
None
Phillip Nova
None
SBI Securities
None
Phillip Nova is our recommended pick overall, scoring 3.4/5 against SBI Securities's 3.2/5 in our independent rating. Phillip Nova's MAS regulation, broader multi-asset market access, and higher leverage ceiling make it the stronger all-round package for most forex and CFD traders. SBI Securities remains a compelling alternative for cost-conscious investors chasing 0-pip spreads and those wanting exposure to Japanese stocks and ETFs through a long-established, century-old-adjacent institution. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize regulatory strength and leverage flexibility (Phillip Nova) or rock-bottom spread pricing and equities access (SBI Securities).
Regulatory strength is one of the clearest differentiators in this matchup. Phillip Nova is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), widely regarded as one of the most respected tier-1 financial regulators globally, offering traders a high degree of confidence around capital protections and operational oversight.
SBI Securities operates under the FSA (Financial Services Agency) in Japan, which is also a credible and well-established regulator, but it does not carry quite the same tier-1 global prestige that MAS commands in the forex and CFD space.
For traders who weigh regulatory jurisdiction heavily in their broker selection, Phillip Nova's MAS licence gives it a meaningful trust advantage, which is reflected directly in our independent 'Best for Regulation' award.
This is where SBI Securities claws back ground. SBI Securities advertises spreads starting from 0 pips, undercutting Phillip Nova's starting spread of 0.6 pips on comparable instruments.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, and both operate on a zero-commission structure, so the headline cost comparison essentially comes down to spread competitiveness rather than hidden fee structures.
For high-frequency or scalping-style traders where every fraction of a pip matters, SBI Securities's tighter pricing could translate into meaningful savings over time. However, Phillip Nova's spreads remain reasonably competitive for a broker offering a wider multi-asset product suite.
Both brokers remove the barrier to entry entirely, with Phillip Nova and SBI Securities each requiring a $0 minimum deposit to open an account.
This makes both platforms equally accessible to beginner traders or those wanting to test strategies with smaller capital allocations before scaling up.
Since neither broker differentiates on deposit requirements, this category effectively ties, shifting more decision weight onto regulation, leverage, and market access.
Phillip Nova offers considerably higher maximum leverage at 1:20, compared to SBI Securities's more conservative 1:3 ceiling. This makes Phillip Nova notably more appealing to active forex and CFD traders who want to amplify position sizing.
Market breadth also favors Phillip Nova, which spans Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto — five distinct asset classes in total. SBI Securities focuses more narrowly on Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, and Indices.
Traders primarily interested in Japanese equities and ETFs will find SBI Securities's specialization valuable, while those seeking diversified multi-asset exposure with leverage flexibility will likely lean toward Phillip Nova.
Phillip Nova supports its own Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile platforms alongside POEMS, its flagship trading terminal built for Singaporean and regional investors.
SBI Securities counters with Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile offerings plus HyperSBI 2, a platform tailored specifically toward active Japanese stock market participants with advanced charting and order tools.
Both platform suites are proprietary rather than built on third-party frameworks like MetaTrader, meaning the user experience and tool depth will come down to personal preference and the specific markets each trader intends to access.
SBI Securities brings an extraordinary legacy to the table, tracing its roots back to 1944 and establishing itself as one of the most enduring financial institutions in Japan's securities landscape.
Phillip Nova, founded in 2005, is comparatively younger but still represents nearly two decades of operational experience within the Singaporean financial ecosystem.
While longevity isn't the sole indicator of broker quality, SBI Securities's extensive operating history may offer additional peace of mind to traders who value deep institutional track records.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Phillip Nova edges out SBI Securities 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.
Our #1 Pick Right Now: AvaTrade
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.