Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Apr 19, 2026
Sarwa vs UOB Kay Hian 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Sarwa and UOB Kay Hian depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Sarwa is headquartered in Dubai, UAE, while UOB Kay Hian operates from Singapore. UOB Kay Hian has the longer track record, established in 1973, compared to Sarwa which was founded in 2017. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Sarwa
UOB Kay Hian
VS
| Sarwa | UOB Kay Hian | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.3/5 ✓ | 3.3/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $500 | $0 ✓ |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:5 ✓ |
| Regulation | DFSA, SEC | MAS, SFC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, UTRADE |
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
UOB Kay HianSarwa
Best for Low Fees
SarwaUOB Kay Hian
Best for Regulation
SarwaUOB Kay Hian
Quick Answer
Sarwa (3.3/5) and UOB Kay Hian (3.3/5) are closely matched. Sarwa has lower spreads; the better pick depends on your priorities.
See full side-by-side comparison belowSarwa vs UOB Kay Hian: Key Differences
Feature
Sarwa
WinnerUOB Kay Hian
Our Rating
3.3 / 5
3.3 / 5
Min. Deposit
$500
$0
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
$0.18/lot
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, UTRADE
Markets
Etf, Stocks, Crypto
Stocks, Etf, Indices, Forex
Founded
2017
1973
Headquarters
Dubai, UAE
Singapore
Score
2 / 3
1 / 3
Fees Comparison
Fee
Sarwa
Lower feesUOB Kay Hian
Spread From
0 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
$0.18/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None
Regulation & Trust
Sarwa holds licences from SEC, DFSA. UOB Kay Hian is regulated by MAS, SFC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Etf, Stocks markets. Sarwa additionally covers Crypto. UOB Kay Hian adds Indices, Forex.
Trading Platforms
Sarwa 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
Sarwa requires a minimum deposit of $500, while UOB Kay Hian sets no minimum deposit. This makes UOB Kay Hian accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Sarwa at 3.34/5 and UOB Kay Hian at 3.31/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Sarwa leads overall with a marginal advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Sarwa and UOB Kay Hian are closely matched, with Sarwa scoring 3.34/5 against UOB Kay Hian's 3.31/5. Both brokers carry equivalent tier-1 regulation. Traders with smaller budgets may find UOB Kay Hian's lower minimum deposit of $0 more accessible. For most traders, Sarwa is the stronger all-round choice, though UOB Kay Hian remains competitive for beginners starting with a smaller initial capital.
Who Should Choose Which?
Sarwa
3.3/5
Choose Sarwa if you want…
- No per-trade commission
UOB Kay Hian
3.3/5
Choose UOB Kay Hian if you want…
- No minimum deposit
- 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 Sarwa & UOB Kay Hian are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Sarwa better than UOB Kay Hian?
Sarwa (3.3/5) and UOB Kay Hian (3.3/5) are closely matched on our independent rating scale. The better choice depends on your priorities — fees, regulation, platforms, or available markets. See the full comparison above.
2Which has lower fees, Sarwa or UOB Kay Hian?
Sarwa 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 Sarwa vs UOB Kay Hian?
Sarwa requires a minimum deposit of $500. UOB Kay Hian requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Sarwa or UOB Kay Hian?
Sarwa is regulated by DFSA, SEC, while UOB Kay Hian holds licences from MAS, SFC.
5What trading platforms do Sarwa and UOB Kay Hian support?
Sarwa supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. UOB Kay Hian supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, UTRADE.
6Can I use both Sarwa 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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