Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Apr 19, 2026
RHB Securities vs Merrill Edge 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between RHB Securities and Merrill Edge depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. RHB Securities is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, while Merrill Edge operates from Charlotte, USA. RHB Securities has the longer track record, established in 1994, compared to Merrill Edge which was founded in 2010. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
RHB Securities
Merrill Edge
VS
| RHB Securities | Merrill Edge | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.3/5 ✓ | 3.2/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:2 | 1:2 |
| Regulation | SC Malaysia, MAS ✓ | SEC |
| Platforms | RHB TradeSmart, RHB Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
RHB SecuritiesMerrill Edge
Best for Low Fees
RHB SecuritiesMerrill Edge
Best for Regulation
RHB SecuritiesMerrill Edge
Best Overall
RHB SecuritiesMerrill Edge
Quick Answer
RHB Securities is the better choice overall, scoring 3.3/5 vs 3.2/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, RHB Securities offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowRHB Securities vs Merrill Edge: Key Differences
Feature
RHB Securities
Merrill Edge
Our Rating
3.3 / 5
3.2 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$0
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
$0.1/lot
None
Platforms
RHB TradeSmart, RHB Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Stocks, Etf, Bonds, Funds
Stocks, Indices
Founded
1994
2010
Headquarters
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Charlotte, USA
Score
1 / 2
1 / 2
Fees Comparison
Fee
RHB Securities
Merrill Edge
Lower feesSpread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
$0.1/lot
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None
Regulation & Trust
RHB Securities holds licences from MAS, SC Malaysia. Merrill Edge is regulated by SEC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks markets. RHB Securities additionally covers Etf, Bonds, Funds. Merrill Edge adds Indices.
Trading Platforms
RHB Securities supports RHB TradeSmart, RHB Mobile. Merrill Edge offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
RHB Securities requires no minimum deposit, while Merrill Edge sets no minimum deposit. This makes RHB Securities accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores RHB Securities at 3.31/5 and Merrill Edge at 3.19/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. RHB Securities leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
RHB Securities is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.31/5 versus Merrill Edge's 3.19/5. Both brokers carry equivalent tier-1 regulation. Merrill Edge is still a solid option for traders who prefer Merrill Edge's specific platform or market selection, but RHB Securities offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.
Who Should Choose Which?
RHB Securities
3.3/5
Choose RHB Securities if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.3/5)
- More regulatory licences (2)
- More market types (4)
- More established (est. 1994)
Merrill Edge
3.2/5
Choose Merrill Edge if you want…
- No per-trade commission
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 RHB Securities & Merrill Edge are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is RHB Securities better than Merrill Edge?
RHB Securities scores higher overall on our independent rating system. RHB Securities holds a 3.3/5 rating vs Merrill Edge's 3.2/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, RHB Securities or Merrill Edge?
RHB Securities offers spreads from 0 pips, while Merrill Edge starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for RHB Securities vs Merrill Edge?
RHB Securities requires a minimum deposit of $0. Merrill Edge requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, RHB Securities or Merrill Edge?
RHB Securities is regulated by SC Malaysia, MAS, while Merrill Edge holds licences from SEC.
5What trading platforms do RHB Securities and Merrill Edge support?
RHB Securities supports RHB TradeSmart, RHB Mobile. Merrill Edge supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both RHB Securities and Merrill Edge?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
Related Guides
More Comparisons
BrokerRank Research
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across 345 brokers
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
Higher Rated
RHB Securities
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply