Futu Securities 2025 Review: Everything You Need to Know
Futu Securities has emerged as a prominent player in the online brokerage landscape, particularly in the Asian markets. This review synthesizes various perspectives on the broker, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses while providing a comprehensive overview of its services, user experience, and regulatory standing.
Note: It is essential to recognize that Futu operates under different entities across regions, which can affect the services and regulations applicable to users. This review aims to present a fair and accurate assessment based on a variety of sources.
Rating Overview
We score brokers based on comprehensive research, user feedback, and expert analysis.
Broker Overview
Founded in 2012, Futu Securities International is a technology-driven brokerage firm headquartered in Hong Kong. It is primarily known for its proprietary trading platform, Futubull, which offers a seamless trading experience for various asset classes, including stocks, ETFs, IPOs, options, and warrants. The broker is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), which ensures a level of trust and security for its users. Futu has gained popularity due to its innovative digital services and has attracted significant investment from notable firms like Tencent.
Detailed Breakdown
Regulatory Regions
Futu Securities is primarily regulated in Hong Kong by the SFC. However, it does not have a brokerage license to operate in mainland China, which raises some compliance concerns, especially given the recent regulatory scrutiny on Chinese fintech companies. According to Reuters, the new personal data privacy law poses additional risks for online brokers, including Futu.
Deposit/Withdrawal Currencies
Futu accepts deposits primarily in Hong Kong dollars (HKD) and U.S. dollars (USD). However, it does not support e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill, which may limit options for some users. Withdrawals can be made via bank transfer or cheque, and there are no withdrawal fees charged by the broker.
Minimum Deposit
The minimum deposit requirement for opening an account with Futu is set at HKD 10,000 or USD 1,500. This relatively high threshold may deter some potential investors, especially those looking to start with smaller amounts.
Futu offers various promotions, including zero-commission trading periods on select assets. However, it lacks a comprehensive bonus structure compared to other brokers in the market. According to MoneySmart, new users can benefit from exclusive rewards if they meet specific deposit criteria within a promotional period.
Tradable Asset Classes
Futu has a diverse range of tradable assets, including stocks, ETFs, IPOs, options, and warrants. However, it does not currently offer cryptocurrency trading, which may be a drawback for traders interested in digital assets. According to the Futu Review 2025, the broker has plans to expand into crypto investing in the future.
Costs (Spreads, Fees, Commissions)
Futu's fee structure is relatively transparent, with competitive commission rates. For U.S. stocks, the commission is USD 0.0049 per share, while Hong Kong stocks incur a fee of 0.04% of the transaction amount. The broker also offers periods of zero-commission trading, particularly for Hong Kong stocks. However, the margin rates for financing can be higher compared to some other brokers, ranging from 4.8% to 8.8%, which may not be appealing to all traders.
Leverage
Futu allows margin trading with leverage capped at 1:2 for long positions and 1:1.67 for short positions, applicable only to accounts with a minimum balance of USD 2,500. This leverage structure could be attractive for experienced traders but may pose risks for less experienced investors.
Futu primarily operates through its proprietary platform, Futubull, which is available for desktop and mobile devices. The platform is designed for ease of use, featuring advanced analytical tools and a user-friendly interface. However, it does not support popular platforms like MT4 or MT5, which could be a disadvantage for traders accustomed to those systems.
Restricted Regions
Futu currently only accepts clients from Hong Kong and mainland China, limiting its accessibility to a broader international audience. This restriction may hinder its growth potential and user base expansion.
Available Customer Service Languages
Customer support is available in several languages, including English and Chinese. However, the lack of live chat support has been noted as a downside, with users often experiencing delays in email responses, which may impact their trading experience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Futu Securities presents a compelling option for traders focused on the Hong Kong and U.S. markets, offering a range of investment products with competitive pricing. However, the high minimum deposit requirement, limited payment methods, and lack of cryptocurrency trading could deter some potential users. As a regulated entity under the SFC, Futu provides a secure trading environment, but it is essential for users to consider the regulatory landscape and potential risks associated with cross-border trading.
For those interested in a digital-first brokerage with innovative tools and a strong community focus, Futu Securities may be a suitable choice. However, potential investors should weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider their individual trading needs and preferences before making a decision.
