RS
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 3
Zero-commission trading across five asset classes, backed by Japan's trusted FSA oversight.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:3
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FSA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 10/25/2026
Rakuten Securities vs CIMB Securities: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Rakuten Securities and CIMB Securities both offer zero-dollar minimum deposits and tight spreads, but only one comes out on top in our independent rating. Here's our full 2026 breakdown of fees, regulation, platforms, and market access to help you decide.
CS
CIMB Securities
3.3 / 5Score: 1 / 3
Decades of market presence backed by dual SC and MAS regulatory licensing across Southeast Asia.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- SC, MAS
Overall Winner
Rakuten Securities
Best for Beginners
Rakuten Securities
Lowest Fees
Rakuten Securities
Top Regulation
CIMB Securities
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | RS Rakuten Securities | CS CIMB Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Regulation | FSA | SC, MAS |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $0.1/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:3 | 1:5 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MarketSpeed II | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, iTrade |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Forex, Indices | Stocks, Etf, Indices, Forex |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Rakuten Securities
$0
CIMB Securities
$0
Spreads From
Rakuten Securities
0 pips
CIMB Securities
0 pips
Commission
Rakuten Securities
None
CIMB Securities
$0.1/lot
Deposit Fees
Rakuten Securities
None
CIMB Securities
None
Withdrawal Fees
Rakuten Securities
None
CIMB Securities
None
Pros & cons
RS
Rakuten Securities
Pros
- Highest overall rating among the two brokers at 3.4/5
- No commission charges on trades, reducing total cost of ownership
- Broader market diversification with five asset classes available
- Zero minimum deposit makes it accessible to new traders
- No fees on deposits or withdrawals
- Backed by the globally recognized Rakuten Group brand
- Dedicated MarketSpeed II platform for more serious active traders
Cons
- Lower maximum leverage capped at 1:3 compared to competitors
- Single regulatory licence (FSA) versus multi-jurisdiction coverage
- Shorter operating history, founded in 1999 versus older rivals
- Proprietary platforms may require a learning curve for MetaTrader users
CS
CIMB Securities
Pros
- Broader regulatory coverage across two major jurisdictions
- Higher maximum leverage available at 1:5
- Long operating track record since 1978
- Zero minimum deposit for account opening
- No deposit or withdrawal fees charged
- Dedicated iTrade platform tailored to regional markets
Cons
- Lower overall rating of 3.3/5 versus the competing broker
- Charges a $0.1 per lot commission on trades
- No access to crypto markets unlike some competitors
- Fewer total market types available, limited to four asset classes
- Platforms are proprietary and may lack familiarity for global traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Rakuten Securities
Lowest fees Rakuten Securities
Best regulation CIMB Securities
Better for beginners Rakuten Securities
Rakuten Securities earns our recommendation as the stronger all-round broker in 2026, scoring 3.4/5 against CIMB Securities's 3.3/5 on our rating system. Rakuten Securities wins on cost efficiency with zero commissions and broader access to five market types including crypto, making it the better fit for most retail traders. CIMB Securities remains a credible alternative for traders who specifically value multi-jurisdictional regulatory coverage under SC and MAS oversight.
Regulation & Safety
Rakuten Securities operates under the oversight of Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), a well-respected single-jurisdiction regulator known for strict capital adequacy and client-asset segregation rules. This single-license structure keeps compliance focused and transparent for Japan-based and international clients trading through its platform.
CIMB Securities, by contrast, holds licences from both the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), giving it broader regulatory reach across two major Southeast Asian financial hubs. This dual coverage is a genuine advantage for traders who value multi-jurisdictional oversight or operate across both markets.
In our rating system, CIMB Securities is explicitly recognized as the stronger pick for regulatory breadth, while Rakuten Securities still offers a dependable, well-regulated single-license framework. Neither broker shows red flags around licensing, so this category ultimately comes down to whether you prioritize depth or breadth of oversight.
Fees & Spreads
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, making headline pricing look identical on paper. The real differentiator is commission structure: Rakuten Securities charges no per-trade commission at all, while CIMB Securities applies a $0.1 per lot commission on top of its spreads.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome consistency for cost-conscious traders moving funds in and out of their accounts. This removes a common hidden-cost pain point that affects many retail brokers.
For high-frequency or volume traders, Rakuten Securities's zero-commission model will likely translate into meaningfully lower overall trading costs over time. CIMB Securities's modest per-lot fee is still competitive by industry standards, but it does add up for active traders executing frequent orders.
Trading Platforms & Tools
Rakuten Securities equips traders with a Proprietary Web platform, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the dedicated MarketSpeed II terminal, a toolset built for active traders who want charting depth alongside mobile convenience.
CIMB Securities offers its own Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile apps alongside the iTrade platform, giving clients a comparable three-platform ecosystem tailored to Southeast Asian market access.
Both brokers rely on proprietary technology rather than widely known third-party platforms like MetaTrader, so traders accustomed to industry-standard terminals should test demo accounts first. Platform choice here largely comes down to regional familiarity and personal interface preference rather than a clear technical advantage for either side.
Market Access & Leverage
Rakuten Securities offers access to five market types: stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices, giving it a slight edge in diversification options, particularly for traders interested in digital assets alongside traditional instruments.
CIMB Securities covers four core markets — stocks, ETFs, indices, and forex — without crypto exposure, but compensates with higher maximum leverage of 1:5 compared to Rakuten Securities's more conservative 1:3 cap.
Traders seeking crypto diversification or broader instrument variety will naturally lean toward Rakuten Securities, while those wanting slightly higher leverage on traditional instruments may find CIMB Securities's structure more appealing. Risk-conscious traders should note that Rakuten's lower leverage cap also means comparatively reduced downside exposure.
Company Background & Trust
CIMB Securities has a significantly longer operating history, founded in 1978 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, versus Rakuten Securities's 1999 founding in Tokyo, Japan. This nearly two-decade head start gives CIMB Securities a longer institutional track record.
That said, longevity alone doesn't determine overall quality — Rakuten Securities is backed by the broader Rakuten Group, a globally recognized e-commerce and financial services conglomerate, lending it strong brand credibility despite its shorter standalone history as a securities entity.
Both firms are headquartered in major Asian financial centers with established regulatory ties, giving traders confidence in operational stability regardless of which one they choose.
Our Verdict
Weighing all factors together, Rakuten Securities edges out CIMB Securities with a 3.4/5 rating versus 3.3/5, driven primarily by its zero-commission fee structure, broader market access including crypto, and strong beginner-friendly positioning.
CIMB Securities remains a legitimate contender, especially for traders who place a premium on multi-jurisdictional regulation under SC and MAS, or who want slightly higher leverage on traditional instruments.
Ultimately, most retail traders — especially beginners and cost-sensitive active traders — will find Rakuten Securities the more well-rounded choice, while CIMB Securities suits a narrower audience prioritizing regulatory breadth and established market tenure.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Rakuten Securities wins overall
Rakuten Securities edges out CIMB Securities overall based on our expert rating score.
RS
Highest Rated
Rakuten Securities
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
Rakuten SecuritiesBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Rakuten SecuritiesLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Rakuten SecuritiesStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
CIMB Securities
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Rakuten Securities ranks higher overall with a score of 3.4 out of 5, compared to CIMB Securities's 3.3 out of 5. The gap is driven mainly by Rakuten's zero-commission fee structure and broader market access, though CIMB Securities compensates with stronger regulatory breadth. Your ideal pick depends on whether you weight cost efficiency or regulatory coverage more heavily.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but Rakuten Securities charges no per-trade commission while CIMB Securities applies a $0.1 per lot fee. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, so the main cost differentiator comes down to that commission structure. Active and high-volume traders will likely notice the difference more than casual investors.
Neither broker requires a minimum deposit — both Rakuten Securities and CIMB Securities allow account opening with $0 down. This makes both platforms highly accessible for beginner traders who want to start small or test the platform before committing larger capital.
Rakuten Securities is regulated solely by Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), while CIMB Securities holds dual licences from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). CIMB Securities offers broader multi-jurisdictional coverage, making it the stronger choice for traders who specifically prioritize regulatory breadth over single-jurisdiction depth.
Rakuten Securities provides a Proprietary Web platform, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the MarketSpeed II terminal for more advanced trading. CIMB Securities offers its own Proprietary Web and Mobile apps alongside the iTrade platform. Both use proprietary technology rather than industry-standard platforms like MetaTrader, so testing a demo account is recommended before committing.
Rakuten Securities supports five market types: stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices. CIMB Securities covers four markets — stocks, ETFs, indices, and forex — but does not offer crypto trading. Traders interested in digital asset exposure alongside traditional instruments will find Rakuten Securities the more versatile option.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from holding accounts at both brokers at the same time. Many traders choose to diversify across multiple platforms to access different regulatory protections, market offerings, and trading tools, using each broker for its respective strengths.
Rakuten Securities is our recommended pick for beginners, thanks to its zero minimum deposit, zero-commission structure, and broader market diversification including crypto. Its higher overall rating of 3.4/5 also reflects a more balanced, accessible package for traders just getting started.
CIMB Securities offers higher maximum leverage of up to 1:5, while Rakuten Securities caps leverage at a more conservative 1:3. Traders seeking higher leverage on traditional instruments may lean toward CIMB Securities, though the lower cap at Rakuten Securities also means reduced downside risk exposure.
CIMB Securities has the longer history, founded in 1978 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, compared to Rakuten Securities, which was founded in 1999 in Tokyo, Japan. CIMB Securities's nearly two-decade head start gives it a more extensive institutional track record, though Rakuten Securities benefits from the backing of the globally recognized Rakuten Group brand.
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.