Rakuten Securities vs Gemini: Which Broker Wins in 2026?

Regulation & Safety

Rakuten Securities operates under the oversight of Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), a well-respected regulator known for strict capital adequacy requirements and segregated client fund rules. This single-jurisdiction license fits Rakuten Securities' identity as a Japan-based brokerage primarily serving domestic and regional traders.

Gemini, on the other hand, holds licences from both the CFTC and FCA, giving it broader multi-jurisdictional coverage across the United States and United Kingdom. This dual-regulation approach appeals to traders who want oversight spanning two major financial centers rather than concentrated regulation in a single region.

For pure regulatory breadth, Gemini technically holds the edge with two licences compared to Rakuten Securities' one. However, the FSA's reputation for rigorous enforcement means Rakuten Securities traders are not sacrificing meaningful safety despite having fewer licences on paper.

Fees, Spreads & Commissions

Cost efficiency is where Rakuten Securities pulls decisively ahead. Spreads start from 0 pips with no per-trade commission charged, making it a genuinely low-cost option for active traders who transact frequently.

Gemini's cost structure is noticeably higher, with spreads starting at 0.5 pips plus a $0.35 per lot commission layered on top. For high-frequency traders, this combination can meaningfully erode profits over time compared to Rakuten Securities' zero-commission model.

Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome similarity. But when it comes to the actual cost of execution, Rakuten Securities is the clear winner for traders who care about minimizing transaction drag.

Trading Platforms & Tools

Rakuten Securities supports three distinct platforms: a Proprietary Web terminal, a Proprietary Mobile app, and the dedicated MarketSpeed II platform, which is well-regarded among Japanese retail traders for its charting depth and order execution speed.

Gemini keeps things simpler with just a Proprietary Web platform and a Proprietary Mobile app. This leaner offering may suit traders who want straightforward crypto trading without the complexity of advanced charting suites.

Traders who value platform choice and advanced tools like MarketSpeed II will find Rakuten Securities more accommodating, while Gemini's streamlined approach favors simplicity over feature depth.

Market Access & Product Range

This is one of the starkest differences between the two brokers. Rakuten Securities offers access to stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, and indices, giving traders genuine portfolio diversification under a single account.

Gemini, by contrast, is a crypto-only platform. While it may execute crypto trades competently, traders looking to diversify into equities, forex, or indices will need a separate brokerage entirely.

For anyone wanting a one-stop-shop trading experience across multiple asset classes, Rakuten Securities is the far more versatile choice. Gemini only makes sense if your trading activity is exclusively focused on digital assets.

Account Costs & Accessibility

Both brokers require a $0 minimum deposit, making them equally accessible to new traders without significant upfront capital. This parity removes deposit size as a differentiating factor between the two.

Leverage is another area of divergence: Rakuten Securities offers up to 1:3 leverage, while Gemini caps out at 1:1 with no leverage amplification at all. Traders seeking capital efficiency through leverage will find Rakuten Securities more flexible, though both leverage ratios are conservative compared to global forex brokers.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Tokyo, Rakuten Securities has over two decades of operational history. Gemini, founded in 2014 and based in New York, is a newer entrant primarily built around the crypto boom.

Our Verdict

Rakuten Securities earns our top recommendation with a 3.4/5 rating compared to Gemini's 3.3/5, driven primarily by its lower-cost structure and far broader market access. For traders who want multi-asset exposure with tight spreads and no commissions, Rakuten Securities is the stronger all-around platform.

Gemini remains a reasonable choice specifically for crypto-focused traders who prioritize having both CFTC and FCA oversight in their broker selection. But for the majority of retail traders seeking value, flexibility, and platform variety, Rakuten Securities is the clear winner in this matchup.