TB
Tiger Brokers
3.6 / 5Score: 3 / 4
Tier-1 regulated, zero minimum deposit, and built for active multi-asset traders.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:4
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- MAS, ASIC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 8/30/2026
Tiger Brokers vs Sarwa: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
Tiger Brokers and Sarwa cater to very different investor profiles, but only one comes out on top in our independent rating system. Tiger Brokers edges ahead with a 3.6/5 score thanks to stronger regulation, zero minimum deposit, and lower-cost trading. Sarwa remains a niche option for those specifically drawn to its Dubai-based wealth platform.
S
Sarwa
3.3 / 5Score: 1 / 4
A Dubai-based investing platform offering commission-free access to ETFs, stocks, and crypto.
- Min deposit
- $500
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- DFSA, SEC
Overall Winner
Tiger Brokers
Best for Beginners
Tiger Brokers
Lowest Fees
Tiger Brokers
Top Regulation
Tiger Brokers
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | TB Tiger Brokers | S Sarwa |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 2014 | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Singapore | Dubai, UAE |
| Regulation | MAS, ASIC | DFSA, SEC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $0 | $500 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $0.01/lot | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Stocks, Indices, Cfd | Etf, Stocks, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
Tiger Brokers
$0
Sarwa
$500
Spreads From
Tiger Brokers
0 pips
Sarwa
0 pips
Commission
Tiger Brokers
$0.01/lot
Sarwa
None
Deposit Fees
Tiger Brokers
None
Sarwa
None
Withdrawal Fees
Tiger Brokers
None
Sarwa
None
Pros & cons
TB
Tiger Brokers
Pros
- Backed by two tier-1 regulators (MAS, ASIC) for stronger fund safety
- No minimum deposit makes it accessible to traders at any capital level
- Low $0.01/lot commission keeps trading costs competitive
- Higher maximum leverage (1:4) than Sarwa for flexible position sizing
- Established since 2014, giving it a longer operating track record
- No deposit or withdrawal fees on account transactions
- Broader multi-asset access spanning stocks, indices, and CFDs
Cons
- Leverage of 1:4 is still modest compared to some global CFD brokers
- Proprietary-only platform lacks MetaTrader-style third-party integration
- No crypto market access, unlike Sarwa
- Commission structure may still add up for extremely high-volume traders
S
Sarwa
Pros
- No per-trade commission charged on transactions
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Access to crypto markets not offered by Tiger Brokers
- Regulated by DFSA and SEC for regional and cross-border credibility
- Simple ETF and stock-focused platform suited to passive investing
Cons
- Higher $500 minimum deposit creates a barrier for smaller accounts
- Maximum leverage capped at 1:1, offering no leveraged trading
- Lower overall rating (3.3/5) compared to Tiger Brokers
- No tier-1 regulator like MAS or ASIC in its licensing mix
- Narrower asset range with no access to indices or CFDs
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner Tiger Brokers
Lowest fees Tiger Brokers
Best regulation Tiger Brokers
Better for beginners Tiger Brokers
Tiger Brokers is the clear overall winner, scoring 3.6/5 versus Sarwa's 3.3/5 on our proprietary rating scale. It combines tier-1 regulatory oversight from MAS and ASIC with a $0 minimum deposit, commission as low as $0.01/lot, and broader market access across stocks, indices, and CFDs. Sarwa still holds appeal for investors who specifically want its ETF and crypto-focused robo-style approach, but for most traders, Tiger Brokers delivers the stronger, more complete package.
Regulation & Safety
Regulatory strength is one of the widest gaps in this matchup. Tiger Brokers is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), two authorities widely respected for strict capital adequacy and client-money rules.
Sarwa, by contrast, operates under the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and holds SEC-related registration in the United States. These are credible regulators, but they don't carry the same tier-1 weight in global forex and CFD oversight that MAS and ASIC do.
For traders who prioritize regulatory depth above all else, Tiger Brokers offers a materially safer regulatory footprint. This is a key reason it earns our 'Best for Regulation' award in this comparison.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, so on paper the headline spread comparison is a tie. The real differentiator lies in the commission structure layered on top of those spreads.
Tiger Brokers charges a low $0.01/lot commission, which is minimal for active traders executing frequent orders across stocks, indices, and CFDs. Sarwa charges no per-trade commission at all, which theoretically benefits buy-and-hold investors making infrequent trades.
There are no deposit or withdrawal fees at either broker, which is a welcome parity. However, when you factor in Tiger Brokers' lower minimum deposit and overall lower cost of entry, it takes the edge for cost-conscious and frequent traders alike.
Account Accessibility & Minimum Deposit
Accessibility is where Tiger Brokers pulls decisively ahead. With a $0 minimum deposit requirement, virtually any trader can open and fund an account without a meaningful capital barrier.
Sarwa requires a $500 minimum deposit, which is a significant hurdle for beginners or those wanting to test the platform with smaller amounts of capital first.
This difference is a major reason Tiger Brokers claims our 'Best for Beginners' award — new traders simply have far less financial risk when starting out on the platform.
Markets, Leverage & Product Range
Tiger Brokers supports trading across stocks, indices, and CFDs, with maximum leverage of 1:4. This gives active traders more flexibility to size positions and diversify across asset classes.
Sarwa's offering leans toward ETFs, stocks, and crypto, but with a much more conservative maximum leverage of 1:1 — effectively meaning no leverage is available on positions.
Investors seeking leveraged exposure or CFD trading will find Tiger Brokers far more suitable. Those who want simple, unleveraged long-term exposure to ETFs and crypto may still find value in Sarwa's more conservative structure.
Platforms & Trading Experience
Both brokers rely on proprietary web and mobile platforms rather than third-party software like MetaTrader. This means neither offers the advanced customization of MT4/MT5, but both prioritize a streamlined, self-built user experience.
Tiger Brokers' proprietary suite is generally built with active traders in mind, supporting its broader multi-asset offering including CFDs and indices.
Sarwa's platform experience is tailored more toward passive, long-term investors focused on ETFs and crypto allocations rather than fast execution or technical charting tools.
Our Verdict
Tiger Brokers is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.6/5 versus Sarwa's 3.3/5 on our independent rating system. It holds more tier-1 licences (MAS, ASIC), offering stronger regulatory protection for depositors.
Tiger Brokers is also significantly more accessible for new traders thanks to its $0 minimum deposit requirement, compared to Sarwa's $500 threshold.
Sarwa remains a solid option for traders who specifically prefer its ETF and crypto-oriented market selection or its Dubai-based platform ecosystem. But for the majority of traders prioritizing regulation, low costs, and broad market access, Tiger Brokers offers the stronger overall package.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
Tiger Brokers wins overall
Tiger Brokers edges out Sarwa overall based on our expert rating score.
TB
Highest Rated
Tiger Brokers
3.6 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.6/5).
Tiger BrokersBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Tiger BrokersLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Tiger BrokersStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Tiger Brokers
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, Tiger Brokers scores higher overall with a 3.6/5 rating compared to Sarwa's 3.3/5. Tiger Brokers benefits from stronger regulation, a lower minimum deposit, and broader market access, though the ideal choice still depends on your personal trading style and asset preferences.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, making that aspect roughly equal. Tiger Brokers charges a small $0.01/lot commission, while Sarwa charges no per-trade commission at all, so the cheaper option depends on your trading frequency and volume.
Tiger Brokers requires no minimum deposit, allowing traders to open an account with $0. Sarwa requires a $500 minimum deposit, which is a much higher barrier to entry for new or smaller-capital investors.
Tiger Brokers is regulated by MAS and ASIC, both considered tier-1 regulatory bodies with strict oversight standards. Sarwa is regulated by DFSA and holds SEC registration, which offers credible but generally less stringent tier-1 protection than MAS or ASIC.
Both brokers rely on their own proprietary web and mobile platforms rather than third-party software such as MetaTrader. Tiger Brokers' platform is built to support active multi-asset trading, while Sarwa's is oriented more toward passive ETF and crypto investing.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many investors diversify across multiple platforms to access different markets, fee structures, or regulatory jurisdictions.
Sarwa offers crypto market access alongside ETFs and stocks, making it more suitable for investors wanting digital asset exposure. Tiger Brokers focuses instead on stocks, indices, and CFDs, without direct crypto trading support.
Tiger Brokers offers maximum leverage of up to 1:4, while Sarwa caps leverage at 1:1, effectively offering no leveraged trading. Traders seeking flexibility in position sizing will find Tiger Brokers more accommodating.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, making fund transfers cost-neutral at both platforms. This parity means the deciding factors between the two come down to regulation, minimum deposit, and market access rather than transfer costs.
Tiger Brokers is generally the stronger choice for beginners due to its $0 minimum deposit and lower-cost commission structure. This makes it easier for new traders to start small and scale up without committing significant capital upfront, unlike Sarwa's $500 minimum deposit requirement.
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.