S
Stake
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 2
Stake delivers tier-1 regulated stock investing with zero-pip spreads and zero commissions.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- ASIC, FCA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/16/2026
Stake vs Phillip Nova: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Stake and Phillip Nova sit almost neck-and-neck in our 2026 ratings, but they serve very different trading styles. Stake wins on regulation and spreads, while Phillip Nova counters with broader markets and higher leverage.
PN
Phillip Nova
3.4 / 5Score: 0 / 2
Phillip Nova offers established multi-asset trading across five markets with leverage up to 1:20.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:20
- Spread from
- 0.6 pips
- Regulators
- MAS
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
Stake
Lowest Fees
Stake
Top Regulation
Stake
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | S Stake | PN Phillip Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 2017 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Singapore |
| Regulation | ASIC, FCA | MAS |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0.6 pips |
| Commission | None | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:20 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, POEMS |
| Markets Offered | Stocks | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Stake
$0
Phillip Nova
$0
Spreads From
Stake
0 pips
Phillip Nova
0.6 pips
Commission
Stake
None
Phillip Nova
None
Deposit Fees
Stake
None
Phillip Nova
None
Withdrawal Fees
Stake
None
Phillip Nova
None
Pros & cons
S
Stake
Pros
- Extremely tight spreads starting from 0 pips
- Backed by two respected tier-1 regulators (ASIC, FCA)
- No minimum deposit barrier for new investors
- Completely free deposits and withdrawals
- Clean, beginner-friendly proprietary platforms
- No commission charges on standard trades
Cons
- Limited to stocks only, no forex, crypto, or commodities
- Maximum leverage capped at 1:1 with no margin trading
- Only two platform options with no third-party integrations
- Younger company with a shorter track record since 2017
- No MetaTrader support for advanced algorithmic traders
PN
Phillip Nova
Pros
- Broad market access across five asset classes
- Higher leverage ceiling up to 1:20
- Long operational history dating back to 2005
- Three distinct platform choices for traders
- $0 minimum deposit for new accounts
- Free deposits and withdrawals
- Strong regional reputation under MAS oversight
Cons
- Wider spreads starting from 0.6 pips versus rivals
- Single regulatory licence compared to multi-licence competitors
- Higher leverage carries increased risk for inexperienced traders
- No tier-1 regulation such as FCA or ASIC oversight
- Platform lineup lacks third-party options like MetaTrader
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Lowest fees Stake
Best regulation Stake
Better for beginners Stake
Stake edges ahead overall with a 3.44/5 score versus Phillip Nova's 3.39/5, thanks to tighter spreads and stronger tier-1 regulation from ASIC and the FCA. Phillip Nova remains a solid alternative for traders wanting broader market access and higher leverage through MAS-regulated infrastructure. Your final choice should hinge on whether you prioritize low-cost stock investing or diversified multi-asset trading.
Regulation & Safety
Stake is regulated by two tier-1 authorities, ASIC in Australia and the FCA in the United Kingdom. This dual-licence structure gives Stake a meaningful edge for traders who prioritize regulatory oversight and fund protection standards typically associated with these top-tier bodies.
Phillip Nova operates under a single licence from Singapore's MAS, which is respected but doesn't match the combined weight of two tier-1 regulators. MAS oversight is still robust and well-regarded across Asia-Pacific markets.
For safety-conscious traders, Stake's regulatory footprint (2 licences) versus Phillip Nova's single licence makes a tangible difference in our overall scoring, awarding Stake the edge in this category outright.
Fees & Spreads
Cost is where Stake truly separates itself. Spreads start from 0 pips at Stake compared to 0.6 pips at Phillip Nova, a meaningful gap for high-frequency or cost-sensitive traders.
Neither broker charges a commission on standard trading, and both waive deposit and withdrawal fees entirely, keeping the playing field level on ancillary costs.
Both brokers also share a $0 minimum deposit requirement, making either platform accessible to traders with limited starting capital. However, the tighter spread structure gives Stake the practical cost advantage over time.
Markets & Leverage
Phillip Nova pulls ahead significantly here, offering access to Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto — five distinct market categories compared to Stake's singular focus on Stocks.
Leverage tells a similar story: Phillip Nova offers up to 1:20, while Stake caps out at 1:1, reflecting its cash-equity-focused business model rather than a leveraged trading approach.
Traders seeking diversified exposure across asset classes or looking to use leverage strategically will find Phillip Nova's offering considerably more flexible than Stake's stock-only structure.
Platforms & Usability
Stake offers a streamlined experience through its Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile apps, both built specifically around simplified stock investing.
Phillip Nova supports three platforms: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and the established POEMS system, giving traders more flexibility in how they execute and monitor trades.
Neither broker currently supports third-party platforms like MetaTrader, so traders reliant on custom indicators or automated strategies built on industry-standard software may want to weigh this limitation carefully.
Company Background & Track Record
Phillip Nova brings nearly two decades of operational history, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Singapore, giving it a long-standing presence in the region's financial markets.
Stake is comparatively younger, founded in 2017 and based in Sydney, Australia, but has quickly built a reputation in the online stock trading space.
Longevity can matter for traders who value an established track record, giving Phillip Nova a slight edge in perceived market maturity despite Stake's stronger overall rating.
Our Verdict
Stake claims the win in our 2026 comparison with a 3.44/5 rating against Phillip Nova's 3.39/5, driven primarily by stronger regulation and tighter spreads.
That said, this is far from a lopsided contest. Phillip Nova's broader market access, higher leverage ceiling, and additional platform options make it the more versatile pick for multi-asset traders.
Choose Stake if you're a cost-conscious, stock-focused investor who values tier-1 regulatory protection. Choose Phillip Nova if you want flexibility across forex, commodities, indices, and crypto with higher leverage available.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Stake wins overall
Stake edges out Phillip Nova overall based on our expert rating score.
S
Highest Rated
Stake
3.4 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
StakeBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
StakeLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
StakeStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Stake
Frequently asked questions
Stake edges out Phillip Nova in our 2026 evaluation with a 3.44/5 score against 3.39/5. The margin is slim, and your ideal choice really depends on whether you value tier-1 regulation and low spreads (Stake) or broader market access and leverage (Phillip Nova).
Stake wins on raw spread costs, starting from 0 pips compared to Phillip Nova's 0.6 pips. Neither charges commissions, deposit fees, or withdrawal fees, so the spread difference is the main cost factor to weigh.
Both Stake and Phillip Nova let you open an account with a $0 minimum deposit, removing any capital barrier to getting started with either platform.
Stake holds licences from both ASIC and the FCA, two tier-1 regulatory bodies, giving it a stronger regulatory profile. Phillip Nova is regulated solely by MAS in Singapore, which is respected but represents a single jurisdiction.
Stake focuses exclusively on stock trading, making it ideal for equity-only investors. Phillip Nova covers a much wider range including Forex, CFDs, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto, suiting traders who want diversified exposure.
Phillip Nova offers leverage up to 1:20, while Stake caps leverage at 1:1 since it operates primarily as a cash equities platform. Traders wanting margin flexibility will find Phillip Nova more accommodating.
Stake provides Proprietary Web and Proprietary Mobile applications. Phillip Nova supports three options: Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, and its established POEMS platform, offering slightly more choice.
Absolutely. Many traders open accounts with multiple brokers to take advantage of different strengths, using Stake for low-cost stock investing and Phillip Nova for multi-asset trading with higher leverage.
Phillip Nova has the longer track record, founded in 2005 in Singapore, compared to Stake, which launched in 2017 out of Sydney, Australia. This gives Phillip Nova nearly two decades of additional operational history.
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.