Firstrade vs UOB Kay Hian 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Firstrade and UOB Kay Hian depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Firstrade is headquartered in New York, USA, while UOB Kay Hian operates from Singapore. UOB Kay Hian has the longer track record, established in 1973, compared to Firstrade which was founded in 1985. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Firstrade
UOB Kay Hian
| Firstrade | UOB Kay Hian | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.4/5 | 3.6/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 | 1:5 ✓ |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC | MAS, SFC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, UTRADE |
UOB Kay Hian is the better choice overall, scoring 3.6/5 vs 3.4/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Firstrade offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowFirstrade vs UOB Kay Hian: Key Differences
Firstrade
WinnerUOB Kay Hian
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Fees Comparison
Firstrade
Lower feesUOB Kay Hian
Regulation & Trust
Firstrade holds licences from SEC, CFTC. UOB Kay Hian is regulated by MAS, SFC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. UOB Kay Hian adds Etf, Forex.
Trading Platforms
Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. UOB Kay Hian offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, UTRADE. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Firstrade requires no minimum deposit, while UOB Kay Hian sets no minimum deposit. This makes Firstrade accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Firstrade at 3.41/5 and UOB Kay Hian at 3.31/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Firstrade leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Firstrade
3.4/5
Choose Firstrade if you want…
- No per-trade commission
UOB Kay Hian
3.6/5
Choose UOB Kay Hian if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.6/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:5)
- More market types (4)
- More established (est. 1973)
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both Firstrade & UOB Kay Hian are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Firstrade better than UOB Kay Hian?
UOB Kay Hian scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Firstrade holds a 3.4/5 rating vs UOB Kay Hian's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Firstrade or UOB Kay Hian?
Firstrade offers spreads from 0 pips, while UOB Kay Hian starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Firstrade vs UOB Kay Hian?
Firstrade requires a minimum deposit of $0. UOB Kay Hian requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Firstrade or UOB Kay Hian?
Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC, while UOB Kay Hian holds licences from MAS, SFC.
5What trading platforms do Firstrade and UOB Kay Hian support?
Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. UOB Kay Hian supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, UTRADE.
6Can I use both Firstrade and UOB Kay Hian?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
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