Comparing MAS-Regulated Brokers
MAS-regulated brokers provide secure, transparent access to global markets, offering forex, CFDs, stocks, and other products for diversified portfolios. Under MAS oversight, client funds are segregated, trading is monitored, and strict compliance is upheld. These platforms feature advanced tools, tight spreads, and clear fees, while KYC and 2FA safeguard accounts. Combining regulation, technology, and market access, they create a trusted trading environment for both retail and professional investors.
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MAS-regulated brokers in Singapore are financial institutions licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to provide trading and investment services, including forex, CFDs, stocks, and other securities. Unlike unregulated platforms, these brokers operate under strict regulatory oversight to ensure investor protection, capital adequacy, and transparency. They offer segregated client accounts and regulated trading environments, making them suitable for both retail and professional investors seeking security and reliability.
- Purpose: Facilitate trading across multiple markets with transparent pricing, regulated custody, risk management tools, and advanced platforms.
- Custody: Brokers maintain segregated client funds and comply with regulatory requirements.
- Trading Options: Forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, ETFs, and structured products.
- Liquidity & Execution: Access to tier-1 liquidity providers and advanced order routing reduces slippage and ensures efficient execution for applicable products.
- Fiat Integration: Many brokers support SGD and other major currencies for deposits and withdrawals.
- Risks: Trading leveraged products carries market risk; regulatory protection does not eliminate investment losses.
Who MAS-Regulated Brokers are For
MAS-regulated brokers serve diverse user profiles depending on experience, goals, and risk tolerance:
- Retail / Beginners: User-friendly interfaces, educational tools, and demo accounts to learn trading fundamentals.
- Active Traders / Day Traders: Tight spreads, fast execution, and advanced order types for frequent market activity.
- Professional Traders & Institutions: Access to multi-asset markets, derivatives, margin trading, and institutional-grade tools.
- Passive Investors / Yield Seekers: Brokers offering structured products, ETFs, and other passive investment options.
- Global Users: Investors from jurisdictions where MAS-regulated brokers can legally accept clients.
- Convenience Seekers: Prefer regulated custody and transparent trading conditions over managing unregulated accounts.
Quick Comparison Table
Comparing MAS-Regulated Brokers
Global Forex & CFD Leader with MAS Oversight
Highlights
Markets
Forex, CFDs on indices, commodities, ETFs, and shares.
Assets
Up to 17,000 instruments globally via CFDs and spot trading.
subject to MAS rules
Tools
Charting, risk management, educational resources, and demo accounts.
Security
MAS-regulated, segregated accounts, with Investor Compensation Scheme coverage for broker default.
BYDFis Takes
- Strong MAS regulation and investor protection
- Wide market access: forex, commodities, shares, and indices
- Advanced platforms for beginners and professionals
- Transparent pricing and risk management tools
- Limited crypto access (only CFDs)
- High leverage risk with CFDs
- Spreads/fees may be higher on some instruments
- Proprietary platforms can have a learning curve
Background
IG Singapore is the local arm of IG Group, a globally recognized forex and CFD provider established in 1974. Operating under MAS regulation, IG Singapore offers a wide array of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and shares CFDs. The broker integrates advanced trading platforms, such as the IG Trading Platform and MetaTrader 4, providing high-speed execution and sophisticated charting tools. It emphasizes investor protection through segregated client accounts and transparent pricing, adhering strictly to MAS standards.
Best For
Traders and investors seeking a MAS-compliant broker with multi-asset market access, advanced trading tools, and strong regulatory oversight — especially suitable for forex and CFD-focused trading strategies.
Regulated Multi-Asset Broker with Advanced Trading Tools
Highlights
Markets
Forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and shares CFDs.
Assets
10,000+ instruments with broad global coverage.
subject to MAS rules
Tools
Advanced charting, customizable indicators, automated trading options, educational resources.
Security
MAS-regulated, segregated client funds, negative balance protection, and transparent execution.
BYDFis Takes
- Strong MAS regulation and investor protection
- Wide range of instruments for diversified portfolios
- Proprietary platform with advanced charting and automated strategies
- Global market access with competitive spreads and deep liquidity
- Platform complexity may overwhelm beginners
- High leverage risk with CFD products
- Limited direct stock ownership; mostly CFD exposure
- Fees may be higher for low-volume or inactive traders
Background
CMC Markets Singapore, a subsidiary of the global CMC Markets Group founded in 1989, operates under MAS regulation to provide secure and transparent trading services for retail and professional clients. The platform offers forex, indices, commodities, ETFs, and shares CFDs. Its proprietary Next Generation trading platform is renowned for advanced charting, technical indicators, and risk management features, making it ideal for active traders seeking precision and flexibility.
Best For
Active traders and professional investors seeking MAS-regulated security, advanced charting tools, and multi-asset market access, particularly for CFD and forex trading.
MAS-Regulated Global Forex & CFD Broker
Highlights
Markets
Forex, indices, commodities, shares CFDs, and ETFs.
Assets
4,500+ instruments with global coverage.
subject to MAS rules
Tools
Performance Analytics, Trading Central, Alerts, Market Analysis.
Security
MAS-regulated, segregated accounts, negative balance protection, and transparent pricing.
BYDFis Takes
- Fully MAS-regulated for strong investor protection
- Wide forex and CFD markets for diversified trading
- Advanced platforms with charting, indicators, and automation support
- Competitive spreads and reliable execution
- Mostly CFD-based exposure; limited direct asset ownership
- Advanced tools may overwhelm beginners
- Certain fees for inactivity or low-volume accounts
- Limited cryptocurrency access compared with crypto-focused brokers
Background
Forex.com, part of the StoneX Group (founded in 2001), operates in Singapore under MAS regulation, offering retail and institutional clients access to global forex and CFD markets. The platform provides a wide selection of currency pairs, commodities, indices, and shares CFDs. Traders can use the proprietary Forex.com platform or integrate MetaTrader 4/5 for algorithmic and advanced trading. MAS oversight ensures segregated accounts, client fund protection, and compliance with strict regulatory standards.
Best For
Traders are seeking a MAS-compliant broker with multi-asset exposure, advanced tools, and a reliable platform for forex and CFD trading, including algorithmic and automated strategies.
Premium MAS-Regulated Broker
Highlights
Markets
Forex, CFDs, stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, futures.
Assets
Up to 71,000+ instruments globally.
subject to MAS rules
Tools
Advanced charting, trading signals, automated strategies, risk management, research.
Security
MAS-regulated, segregated accounts, negative balance protection, robust compliance.
BYDFis Takes
- Strong MAS regulation and client fund protection
- Broad market access across multiple asset classes
- Professional-grade platforms with advanced tools and automation
- Institutional-level research and analytics
- High minimum deposit may limit beginners
- Advanced platforms may be complex for casual traders
- Fees higher for small or infrequent trades
- Limited crypto exposure; focus on traditional assets and CFDs
Background
Saxo Capital Markets Singapore, part of the Danish Saxo Bank Group (founded in 1992), operates under MAS regulation to provide institutional-grade and retail trading services. The platform offers forex, CFDs, stocks, bonds, ETFs, options, and futures. SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO platforms provide advanced charting, trading automation, and research tools for sophisticated traders. MAS oversight ensures regulatory compliance, segregated accounts, and investor protection.
Best For
Professional traders, high-net-worth investors, and institutions seeking MAS-regulated platforms with multi-asset exposure, advanced tools, and deep liquidity across global markets.
MAS-Regulated Brokerage with Multi-Asset Access
Highlights
Markets
Stocks, ETFs, bonds, forex.
Assets
Thousands of global and regional instruments.
subject to MAS rules
Tools
Charting, indicators, risk management, research, educational resources
Security
MAS-regulated, segregated accounts, investor protection schemes, and compliance oversight
BYDFis Takes
- Fully MAS-regulated for strong client fund protection
- Broad access to global stocks, ETFs, and bonds
- User-friendly platforms suitable for beginners and experienced investors
- Strong educational resources and research support
- Limited leveraged CFDs and derivatives compared with other MAS brokers
- Smaller forex product range than dedicated forex platforms
- Fees and commissions can be higher for low-volume trades
- Advanced trading tools are limited compared with professional-grade platforms
Background
Phillip Nova, part of the PhillipCapital Group (founded in 1975), operates under MAS regulation, providing retail and institutional clients access to global financial markets. The platform offers trading in stocks, ETFs, and selected forex products. Phillip Nova emphasizes regulatory compliance, secure infrastructure, and client fund protection. Its WebTrader and mobile app provide intuitive interfaces, real-time market data, and risk management tools for both beginners and experienced investors.
Best For
Investors seeking MAS-compliant access to global equities, ETFs, bonds, and basic forex, especially beginners or those prioritizing security and user-friendly platforms.
On this topic
What is a MAS-regulated broker, and why is it important?
A MAS-regulated broker is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to provide secure trading services while protecting client funds. These brokers must comply with strict capital requirements, segregation of client accounts, and transparent operational standards. For example, IG Singapore and CMC Markets Singapore are MAS-regulated, ensuring that your funds are held in segregated accounts, and trading activities are closely monitored. This makes MAS-regulated brokers particularly reliable for both retail and professional investors who prioritize safety and regulatory compliance.
Are MAS-regulated brokers safe to trade with?
While no investment is risk-free, MAS-regulated brokers are considered highly secure due to stringent regulatory oversight. Platforms such as Saxo Capital Markets Singapore and Forex.com maintain segregated client accounts, negative balance protection, and robust operational procedures. They are regularly audited, and MAS supervision ensures that brokers follow strict rules for client fund management. This significantly reduces counterparty and operational risk compared with unregulated platforms.
Do I own my assets directly on a MAS-regulated broker?
It depends on the type of product. With direct stock or ETF purchases on platforms like Phillip Nova, clients hold the assets in segregated accounts. On the other hand, trading CFDs or forex via CMC Markets Singapore provides exposure to the price movements without owning the underlying asset. MAS regulation ensures that whether you have direct ownership or CFD exposure, client funds are safeguarded and trading is transparent.
Do MAS-regulated brokers require KYC verification?
Yes, all MAS-regulated brokers require mandatory KYC verification. This involves submitting a government-issued ID and proof of address to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Brokers such as IG Singapore and Saxo Capital Markets Singapore enforce KYC before allowing deposits, withdrawals, or high-volume trading, ensuring compliance and helping maintain a secure trading environment for all users.
How do trading fees and spreads work on MAS-regulated brokers?
Trading fees differ depending on the asset type and platform. Forex and CFD products usually have tight spreads, while stocks and ETFs are commission-based. For instance, Forex.com offers competitive spreads on forex pairs, while Phillip Nova charges commissions per trade for equities and ETFs. MAS regulation ensures that fees are transparent and disclosed upfront, so traders know exactly what they are paying before executing a trade.
What is the difference between CFD trading and direct asset ownership?
CFDs allow you to speculate on the price movements of an asset without owning it, providing leverage and flexibility. Direct ownership, such as buying stocks or ETFs on Saxo Capital Markets Singapore or Phillip Nova, gives you the actual asset, including dividends or voting rights (if applicable). CFDs carry higher risk due to leverage, while direct ownership is generally safer but requires higher capital.
Can I trade international markets using MAS-regulated brokers?
Yes. Most MAS-regulated brokers provide access to global financial markets. CMC Markets Singapore allows trading on thousands of international CFDs, including indices and commodities, while IG Singapore offers forex and global stock CFDs. MAS regulation ensures that trading across borders is transparent, secure, and compliant with international standards.
How fast are trades executed on MAS-regulated platforms?
Execution speed depends on the broker and product. Forex and CFDs usually execute instantly, while stock orders follow market rules. Platforms like Forex.com and Saxo Capital Markets Singapore provide advanced technology for low-latency execution, reducing slippage even in volatile markets. MAS oversight also ensures fair and transparent execution practices.
Do MAS-regulated brokers offer educational or analytical tools?
Yes. Most platforms provide extensive resources to help traders make informed decisions. For example, CMC Markets Singapore offers webinars, tutorials, and advanced charting, while IG Singapore provides market news, technical analysis, and demo accounts. These tools help both beginners and professional traders improve their strategies while maintaining compliance with MAS regulations.
What security measures are implemented by MAS-regulated brokers?
MAS-regulated brokers implement multi-layered security measures, including segregated accounts, negative balance protection, two-factor authentication (2FA), and robust operational procedures. Platforms like Saxo Capital Markets Singapore and Phillip Nova ensure that both funds and personal data are protected. These measures are reinforced by MAS supervision, which mandates periodic audits and operational compliance, reducing the risk of fund mismanagement or unauthorized access.