Online stock brokers. List of best brokers for traders and investors

A list and description of large and reliable financial companies providing licensed brokerage services on international stock markets.

• International Brokers
• European Brokers
• American Brokers
• Hong Kong Brokers
• ASEAN Brokers
• CIS Brokers
• Middle East Brokers
• Latin America rokers

International Stock Brokers for private traders and investors

 

International stock brokers are those companies that serve investors from all countries and provide access to international markets and exchanges.

• Interactive Brokers — more popular global discount broker in the World
• Etoro — popular platform social trading
• Saxo Bank — premium european broker for wealthy clients
• XTB — one of popular east european broker
• Lime Trading— global american brokers holding
• Lightspeed trading— professional trading platform for active traders offering advanced charting and order routing capabilities

European Brokers for private investors

 

European brokers have different regulatory requirements depending on their country of registration. Western European brokers have the most conservative and strict regulations. The most lenient and progressive brokers are located in Eastern Europe and Cyprus. Below is a list of the most popular and progressive brokerage firms in Europe.

The best European brokers provide the opportunity to open trading accounts for investors and traders from all over the world. European legislation on investor protection and broker account insurance systems are a reliable guarantee for investors, allowing them to safely manage their assets.

• Just2Trade — European broker providing access to global stock markets with competitive commissions.
• Exante — Global broker offering direct access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, and options across 50+ financial markets.
• Freedom24 — European online broker offering trading in US and European stocks with IPO participation opportunities.
• Saxo Bank — Danish investment bank providing multi-asset trading including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and funds.
• CapTrader — German introducing broker providing personalized service with access to global stock markets.
• eToro — Social trading platform offering stock and ETF trading with copy trading functionality.
• Swissquote — Swiss online bank offering comprehensive stock trading services alongside banking solutions.
• Degiro — Dutch discount broker providing low-cost access to stocks and ETFs on major European and US exchanges.
• Trading 212 — UK-based broker offering commission-free stock and ETF trading with fractional shares support.

Reviews

Best foreign Brokers for international investors

More information about foreign stock brokers for investors and traders

American Stock Brokers for american investors

 

American brokers are the largest in the world in terms of turnover and client capital. However, their activities are strictly overseen by US regulators. American brokers rarely accept non-US residents. In other countries, they establish local subsidiaries or partnerships. Therefore, it is very difficult for a non-US investor to open an account with a US broker.

Hong Kong Stock Brokers

 

• BOCI Securities Limited — Bank of China subsidiary offering comprehensive stock trading services in Hong Kong markets.
• HSBC (Asia) — HSBC's brokerage services providing access to Hong Kong and international stock markets.
• Core Pacific - Yamaichi — Hong Kong-based broker specializing in local market stock trading.
• Moomoo (Futu Securities) — Hong Kong-based broker offering commission-free stock trading on US, Hong Kong, and Chinese markets.
• Tiger Brokers — Asian-focused broker providing access to US, Hong Kong, and Singapore stock exchanges.
• Bright Smart Securities — Hong Kong broker offering local market access and margin financing services.
• Fee Comparison Table
• Official regulator list

Hong Kong Brokers for Non-Residents

International Online Brokers

• Interactive Brokers Hong Kong — Global market access with lowest fees, regulated by SFC.
• Saxo Capital Markets HK — Premium brokerage with advanced platforms and research.
• Moomoo (Futu Securities) — Popular mobile app with free real-time data and social trading.
• Webull Securities Hong Kong — Commission-free trading with advanced charting tools.
• Tiger Brokers — User-friendly platform focused on Chinese and Asian markets.

Traditional Bank Brokers

• HSBC InvestSmart / HSBC HK — Integrated banking and brokerage services for HSBC clients.
• Hang Seng Bank Brokerage — Reliable traditional bank with strong local research.
• Bank of China Hong Kong (BOCHK) — Best access to Chinese markets (A-shares, bonds).
• Citibank Hong Kong Brokerage — International bank with global market access.

Local Discount Brokers

• Bright Smart Securities — Major local discount broker with low commissions on HKEX.
• Phillip Securities HK — Comprehensive financial services including futures and options.
• Guotai Junan Securities — Largest Chinese brokerage in HK, strong in Chinese equities.
• China Galaxy International — Major Chinese state-owned brokerage with Hong Kong operations.

Specialized & Asset Management

• Boom Securities — Specialized in Hong Kong and US markets with competitive pricing.
• AASTOCKS Securities — Brokerage arm of popular financial data platform in Hong Kong.
• Prosperous Securities — Established local broker with full range of investment services.

ASEAN Brokers for Non-Residents

 

Singapore

• Saxo Capital Markets Singapore — Premium international broker with global market access and multi-currency accounts.
• Interactive Brokers Singapore — Leading discount broker with lowest commissions and wide product range.
• POEMS (PhillipCapital) — Largest Singaporean broker with integrated wealth management services.

Thailand

• Maybank Kim Eng Securities (Thailand) — Leading regional investment bank with international standards.
• BBL Securities (Bangkok Bank) — Top broker with strong research and SET market access.
• Krungsri Securities — Major broker part of MUFG Bank group, accepts select non-residents.

Malaysia

• Maybank Investment Bank — Malaysia's largest investment bank with ASEAN coverage.
• CIMB Investment Bank — Leading ASEAN universal bank with regional brokerage network.
• Rakuten Trade Malaysia — Digital broker with simplified account opening for qualified foreigners.

Indonesia

• Mandiri Sekuritas — Largest securities company in Indonesia with foreign investor desk.
• Mirae Asset Sekuritas Indonesia — Global brokerage with international account opening procedures.
• Bahana Sekuritas — Major state-owned broker with foreign investor services.

Philippines

• BPI Trade — Online trading platform of Bank of the Philippine Islands for foreign investors.
• COL Financial Group — Philippines' largest online brokerage with PSE access.
• Metrobank Direct — Brokerage arm of Metropolitan Bank for international clients.

Vietnam

• VPS Securities — Vietnam's largest broker by market share, accepts foreign investors.
• SSI Securities — Leading securities company with comprehensive investment services.
• VNDirect Securities — Major online discount broker with modern trading platform.

CIS Brokers for Non-Residents

 

Russia

• Finam — best private broker in Russia. Leader on derivatives market.
• Tbank — biggest private broker in Russia. 10 millions account
• BCS Global Markets — Major Russian broker with international operations.

Kazakhstan

• Freedom Finance Kazakhstan International — Leading Kazakh broker with services for foreign investors on KASE.
• Centras Securities International — Major market maker with international client desk.
• Halyk Finance — Brokerage arm of Halyk Bank for international clients.

Uzbekistan

• Kapital Bank Brokerage — Leading Uzbek broker with services for foreign investors.
• Trustbank Brokerage Services — Major Uzbek broker accepting international clients.
• AGMK Investment — Investment services for foreign investors in Uzbek markets.

Azerbaijan

• Pasha Capital International — Leading Azerbaijani investment bank for foreign investors.
• Kapital Bank Azerbaijan Brokerage — Major broker with Baku Stock Exchange access.
• AccessBank Investment Services — Brokerage services for international clients.

Belarus

• Priorbank Investment Services — Leading Belarusian broker for international investors.
• Belarusbank Brokerage — State bank brokerage services for foreign clients.
• Belagroprombank Investment — Major Belarusian broker with international desk.

Armenia

• ACBA Bank Brokerage — Leading Armenian broker with services for non-residents.
• Ameriabank Investment Services — Major Armenian bank with brokerage for international clients.
• Araratbank Brokerage — Armenian broker accepting foreign investors.

Middle East & Turkey Brokers for Non-Residents

 

Turkey

• İş Yatırım International — Turkey's largest investment bank with comprehensive services for foreign investors.
• Garanti BBVA Securities Global — International brokerage services of major Turkish-Spanish bank.
• Akbank Investment Global — Major Turkish bank with dedicated services for international clients.

Saudi Arabia

• SNB Capital Global — Leading Saudi investment firm with Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) program access.
• Al Rajhi Capital International — World's largest Islamic bank's brokerage for foreign investors.
• Jadwa Investment Global — Major Saudi investment company with Tadawul access for qualified foreigners.

United Arab Emirates

• ADSS Global — UAE's leading broker with comprehensive services for international clients in GCC markets.
• Interactive Brokers Dubai — Global broker with DFSA regulation, ideal for international investors.
• SHUAA Capital Global — Major UAE investment bank with Dubai and Abu Dhabi market access.

Qatar

• QNB Financial Services International — International brokerage services of Qatar National Bank.
• Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) Brokerage — Major Qatari broker with international client desk.
• Dlala Brokerage International — Prominent Qatari broker for foreign investors.

Latin America Brokers for Non-Residents

 

Brazil

• BTG Pactual International — Latin America's largest investment bank with dedicated services for foreign investors.
• XP International — Special offshore division for non-residents investing in Brazilian markets.
• Guide Investimentos — Premium brokerage with international desk for foreign clients.

Mexico

• GBM Internacional — International division of Mexico's largest broker for foreign investors.
• Actinver International — Special services for non-residents investing in Mexican securities.
• Vector Casa de Bolsa — Brokerage with focus on institutional and international clients.

Chile

• LarrainVial International — Leading Chilean investment bank with global client services.
• Banchile Inversiones International — International arm of Chile's largest financial group.
• BCI Corredores de Bolsa — Major brokerage with services for foreign investors.

Colombia

• Bancolombia Internacional — Colombia's largest bank with international brokerage services.
• UltraSerfinco — Leading brokerage with dedicated foreign investor desk.
• Acciones & Valores — Major Colombian broker accepting international clients.

Argentina

• Balanz International — Offshore services for foreign investors in Argentine markets.
• PPI Global — International division of Argentina's largest online broker.
• Puente Hnos Internacional — Special services for non-resident investors.

Frequently Asked Questions about investments through international brokers

Investing and brokerage

Where should you start investing?

Investing should start with setting goals, deadlines, selecting instruments and accepting risks for the period of achieving this goal.

To do this, you need to answer 4 questions

• What profit goal do I set for myself?
• For what period do I invest money?
• What types of assets (instruments) are suitable for my goals and deadlines?
• What risks am I willing to take in connection with this process?

What do you need to start trading on the stock exchange?

The main tasks are to choose a broker and open a brokerage account.

There are 5 main criteria by which a broker is chosen:

• Broker reliability in terms of financial condition and process fault tolerance
• Commission size and access to the necessary markets
• Competent and prompt user support service
• Convenient and understandable personal account for account management 
• Simple and functional software for conducting trading operations and transactions. More details are described in the article: 4 steps to start trading stocks and bonds

What is the advantage of investing through foreign brokerage accounts?

1. Money and assets are in foreign jurisdictions and protected by international law
2. The number of intermediaries between your money and investment instruments is minimal (you have direct access: Broker - Exchange - Financial instrument with registered property rights with registrars and depositories without unnecessary intermediaries)
3. High regulation of investment markets (financial legislation, and most importantly its real law enforcement, has been worked out for years)
4. Brokerage accounts are insured by supervisory regulators (if a broker is issued a license by a financial market regulator, then such a broker undergoes inspections, has high-quality supervision and liability insurance)
5. Possibilities for tax optimization, especially for brokers registered in jurisdictions with a preferential tax regime (Cyprus, Malta, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Estonia and others)

What are the disadvantages of investing through foreign brokers?

1. Low commissions are achieved through large trading volumes and frequent transactions, long-term investors may have their commissions increased, as they are less profitable for brokers
2. Non-residents of countries where the broker is registered are required to declare foreign accounts and transactions on them to the tax service of the country where the client is a resident
3. The regulator is an organization different from your country, so it will be more difficult for non-resident clients to complain and go to court at the place of registration of the broker
4. Not all foreign brokers have support in the client's language support
5. Large American and European brokers have a biased opinion about the toxicity of clients and the illegality of money from emergent countries

What taxes must be paid on foreign brokerage accounts?

Income tax

In many client jurisdictions, the owner of a foreign brokerage account is required to notify the tax service of his country about opening an account, changing details, and movement of funds.

In addition, the investor annually fills out a tax return in which he shows his tax service the profit or loss from transactions with assets in foreign brokerage accounts.

A report on the movement of funds is not required under two conditions

• The broker is located in a country that exchanges financial information with the country of your residence (the full list is on the tax service website)
• Insignificant amount of income (each country has its own limit)

What is the liability for failure to notify the tax authorities about the existence of foreign accounts?

Failure to comply with legal requirements will result in fines and additional charges

How will my country's tax office know about my brokerage account in the broker's country of registration?

1. Will not know if there is no automatic exchange.
2. Even if the country of registration of the broker has an automatic exchange in the Federal Tax Service of your country, it is not a fact that the exchange is carried out correctly.

For example, Cypriot brokers do not always verify tax identifiers, and accordingly, the exchange of data by your tax service may not be validated.

It should be noted that the tax service of your country will see your money transfers from your banks to the current account of a foreign broker. Of course, there are ways to anonymously transfer funds, for example, through cryptocurrencies (digital financial assets), but many countries are also starting to require reporting on the presence of cryptocurrencies among citizens

What are the risks of a foreign broker not returning clients' money?

The basis for rejecting the withdrawal of funds from a brokerage account may be questions or doubts regarding the information provided by the client.

In this case, the broker may request additional information or documents, including information on the origin of the funds received in the brokerage account.

During the verification, the client's account may be blocked on legal grounds. But this does not mean that the account will be automatically closed or the funds in it will be seized.

The broker has the right only temporarily (during the verification of the client) to restrict the client from withdrawing funds from the account and performing trading operations.

If the verification does not reveal any violations, the account will be unblocked. If there are violations, the case will be sent to court for further consideration. There have been cases of temporary freezing of operations to withdraw clients' funds. But this only applied in the case of suspicions from law enforcement agencies and concerned large sums of hundreds of thousands of dollars and above.

Frequently Asked Questions about stock brokers and cryptocurrency

How to deposit and withdraw cryptocurrency to a stock brokerage account?

If you need to transfer funds to a foreign brokerage account in cryptocurrency, then this opportunity is provided by offshore brokers (licenses of Cyprus, the British Isles, Malta, St. Vincent and other preferential tax jurisdictions)

Among them, there is a reliable and time-tested broker that has long and successfully worked with citizens of any country except the United States - Just2Trade.

Previously, there were several brokers working with cryptocurrencies, but the risks of sanctions and claims from financial regulators scare many brokers from working with both clients of developing countries and cryptocurrencies.

What is the scheme for using cryptocurrencies in brokerage accounts?

• You deposit funds into a brokerage account in cryptocurrency
• exchange for currency (dollars or euros)
• choose any of the many available foreign exchanges and trade stocks, bonds, futures contracts and other international financial instruments
• if you sell exchange instruments and go into dollars or euros, you can convert them into cryptocurrency on the broker's internal cryptocurrency exchanger and withdraw to your anonymous cryptocurrency wallet.

What are the benefits of depositing and withdrawing funds from a cryptocurrency brokerage account?

This may be interesting

• Investors and traders who want to trade on the largest international exchanges while receiving anonymity of the origin of funds
• Investors and traders who want to bypass restrictions of banks and payment systems on cross-border transfers

For example, clients of those countries where international payment systems are blocked or investors who have fallen under sanctions or simply clients concerned about their anonymity

Which stock brokers accept cryptocurrency?

Offshore brokers(licenses of Cyprus, the British Isles, Malta, Belize, etc., jurisdictions with preferential tax regimes)

For example, the Cypriot broker Just2Trade (previously affiliated with the Russian Finam) or the Israeli Etoro (with a Cyprus license).

Unfortunately, Etoro stopped opening brokerage accounts for tax residents of many countries six months before the introduction of tough financial sanctions against Russia. The same was done by the technological Maltese broker for traders Exante.

Forex brokers (but they do not provide access to international exchanges, but offer their clients trading in contracts for difference of exchange instruments (CFD) without withdrawing transactions on the exchange, which does not imply obtaining ownership of securities. For example: Alpari, Roboforex, Forex Club and others.

What risks does a client bear when transferring cryptocurrency to a brokerage account?

Broker licensing risk

Stock market regulators are still skeptical about the cryptocurrency market. Not every offshore broker undertakes the procedures for depositing/withdrawing cryptocurrency from their clients, and large brokers prefer not to openly offer such operations to their clients. For example, Exante, popular with professional traders, stopped accepting client funds in cryptocurrency and closed access to its crypto exchange.

Risk when checking a client by a broker

As a rule, depositing and withdrawing from brokerage accounts in cryptocurrency is offered by brokers with offshore tax jurisdictions (Cyprus, Malta, Belize, the British Isles and other offshore countries). But they also value their license as professional participants in the Stock Market. Therefore, persons suspected of money laundering or top officials from the sanctions lists may at least be asked to withdraw funds or not accept money from such clients. Supervisory and regulatory organizations are not interested in ordinary investors with amounts up to several tens of thousands of dollars. Investors with larger capital may be asked to provide documents confirming the origin of the money.

If the investor is not included in suspicious or other lists, then there should be no problems with withdrawing money from brokerage accounts.

For example, the Cypriot broker Just2Trade requires client verification, but not necessarily a tax ID. Increased control by brokers over investors' funds is associated with the requirements of national and international financial market regulators, as well as tightening international control and standards for combating terrorism, money laundering, KYC (know your client) procedures, audits, due diligence and many other control and supervisory mechanisms of financial markets. Naturally, these requirements of exchange and banking regulators have to be extended to the procedures for replenishing and withdrawing funds from brokerage accounts in cryptocurrencies.

Operational risk of the client itself

These are human errors of the clients themselves when using payment methods of the cryptocurrency infrastructure.

For example, losing passwords for access to a crypto wallet or an error when entering the details (address) of your crypto wallet. Of course, access to the cryptocurrency market for an ordinary citizen is becoming easier and the most popular tokens (Bitcoin, Etherium or stablecoins USDT, USDC) have convenient access interfaces, but no one is insured against banal manual errors.

So, if in the banking system a transaction can still be somehow rolled back and incorrectly sent money can be returned, then in cryptocurrencies, coins sent to an incorrectly entered address cannot be returned. Be careful when entering the details!