Top 2025 Best Brokers for Trading in the Philippines

A trading broker is a financial intermediary that allows you to place orders on the markets and trade many assets such as CFDs, Forex, cryptocurrencies, or even commodities, as an individual in the Philippines.

But what is trading and how does it work? How to choose the right broker to practice online trading in the Philippines?

Discover the top-rated brokers for this year, those that stand out for their quality of service, reliability, and ability to adapt to different market trends. On this page, we have compared brokers with user-friendly platforms, tight spreads, access to MetaTrader 4 or 5, or those offering a unique social experience with copy trading.

What is a trading broker? Trading Definition

In English, the term "trading" refers to buying and selling operations that are carried out in financial markets.

Individuals or professionals who carry out these operations are called "traders."

Trading can be done by professional traders who speculate from the trading floor or on behalf of a financial or stock exchange institution, but also by individual and independent traders who use online trading platforms for this purpose.

Good to know

Trading differs from traditional investing in that it aims for shorter-term gains and uses certain specific tools such as leverage to increase market exposure.

Broker trading: definition and role

A broker is a financial intermediary that allows investors to buy and sell assets in the financial markets. These assets can be diverse: stocks, currencies, commodities, indices, and more. The main role of a broker is to facilitate access to the markets for individual and institutional traders, by providing the platform, tools, and services necessary to carry out transactions.

Brokers play an essential role in the trading ecosystem. They provide trading platforms that allow users to view real-time quotes, place orders, and analyze markets using technical indicators. Furthermore, they serve as a link between investors and stock exchanges by transmitting traders' orders to the markets, often in near real-time.

In addition to these basic functions, brokers may offer additional services, such as investment advice, market analysis, or training for beginners. They also play an essential role in ensuring the security of transactions and offering leverage that allows traders to increase the value of their positions, although this may increase the risks.

What are the best trading brokers in the Philippines in 2025?

Choosing the best broker depends on your trading strategy and the assets you are interested in. Whether you are interested in Forex, copy trading, cryptocurrencies, or you prefer to use a specific platform like MetaTrader, some brokers stand out for the quality of their services. Here is a selection of the best brokers in the Philippines in 2025, according to the types of trading practiced.

Best broker for Forex trading

The foreign exchange (Forex) market attracts many traders due to its high liquidity and extended hours. To get the most out of Forex trading, several criteria must be considered before choosing a Forex broker:

• Competitive spreads on major currency pairs (such as EUR/USD) help reduce transaction costs, especially for short-term strategies.
• Fast order execution is essential in such a volatile market to limit slippage and ensure precise entry and exit points.
• High leverage, although risky, can be a strategic lever for experienced traders looking to maximize their exposure with limited capital.
• Reliable regulation (such as the Philippines' SEC, FCA, ASIC) ensures the protection of funds and compliance with industry best practices.
• Recognized platforms such as MetaTrader 4 or 5 (MT4/MT5), or cTrader, offer powerful technical analysis tools and an interface adapted to all trader profiles.

Certain Forex brokers combine these advantages to offer an optimal experience, for both beginners and more advanced traders.

Best Broker for Copy Trading

Copy trading is an ideal solution for investors who want to benefit from the experience of professional traders without actively managing their portfolio. It allows you to automatically replicate the strategies of more experienced traders, while maintaining total control over the amounts invested.

Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing a broker suitable for copy trading:

• Integrated copy trading platforms: Some brokers offer their own social platforms, while others rely on recognized external solutions such as ZuluTrade or Myfxbook.
• Fee structure: Fees may vary between simple spreads, commissions on profits made, or copy fees charged for each copied transaction.
• Variety of assets offered: A versatile broker allows you to copy strategies across different markets such as Forex, stocks, cryptocurrencies, or indices.
• Regulation: As with any financial service, it is essential to ensure that the broker is well regulated by a recognized authority (such as the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines).

Best Broker for Crypto Trading

Cryptocurrency trading is increasingly attracting investors, drawn by price volatility and opportunities for quick gains. To choose the right crypto broker, several criteria must be taken into account:

• Number of cryptos available: A varied offering allows you to diversify your portfolio beyond the classic Bitcoin or Ethereum, with altcoins with high potential.
• Competitive trading fees: Brokers generally apply spreads or commissions. Comparing fees is essential to optimize profitability.
• Trading platform: An intuitive, fluid interface equipped with technical analysis tools is a real asset, especially for active traders.
• Regulation and security: Even in the crypto universe, it is preferable to go through a regulated intermediary, which guarantees the protection of funds and compliance with compliance standards.

Best Trading Broker with MT4 or MT5

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are essential platforms in the world of online trading. Recognized for their stability, compatibility with Expert Advisors (EA), and advanced technical analysis tools, they are used by both beginners and experienced traders.

To get the most out of these platforms, it is recommended to choose a broker that:

• Offers MT4 and/or MT5 without restriction, with all available features (customizable indicators, automated trading, advanced order management, etc.);
• Offers competitive spreads, particularly on major markets such as Forex, indices, or commodities;
• Has leverage adapted to the user's profile (with options up to 1:500 in some cases);
• Is regulated by a recognized authority, ensuring the security of funds and the reliability of the platform.

How to Find the Best Broker for Trading?

Choosing the best broker for trading is important if you want to succeed in your investments. A good broker will allow you to maximize your chances of gains while minimizing risks, thanks to powerful tools, competitive fees, and quality customer support. Here are the main criteria to consider to find the broker that best suits your needs and your investor profile.

• Regulation and security: The first criterion to check is the broker's regulation. The broker must be regulated by a recognized financial authority, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, CySEC in Cyprus, or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines. Solid regulation ensures that the broker adheres to strict standards of transparency, fund security, and fair treatment of clients. The security of your funds and personal data should always be the priority.
• Fees and commissions: Fees are a significant part of your trading costs. They include commissions per transaction, spreads (difference between the buy and sell price), and possibly account management fees. Opt for a broker whose fees are clear and competitive, in order to minimize the impact of these costs on your potential gains. Beware of brokers who offer very tight spreads but impose high commissions, and vice versa.
• The trading platform: The quality of the trading platform is another fundamental element. A good platform should be intuitive, reliable, and offer quick access to market information. It should offer technical analysis tools (indicators, advanced charts), an ergonomic interface, and the possibility of using advanced orders such as stop or limit orders. Some brokers offer popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 or 5, while others have developed their own tools.
• Available assets: Depending on your investment strategy, you will want to choose a broker that offers a wide range of assets: stocks, Forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, etc. Check if the assets you are interested in are available, and if the broker offers advantageous trading conditions on these assets (leverage, spreads, etc.). The diversity of financial products allows you to vary strategies and spread risks.
• Leverage and margins: Leverage allows you to amplify your exposure to the market, which can increase your gains but also your losses. Some brokers offer higher leverage than others, which may be attractive to experienced traders but risky for beginners. Check that the broker offers leverage levels that are in line with your risk tolerance, and that it provides clear explanations of the necessary margins. The maximum leverage allowed for retail traders in the Philippines is according on the regulation.
• Customer service and educational resources: Good customer service is essential, especially in the event of a technical problem or urgent question. Check that support is easily reachable, ideally in several languages, and that response times are reasonable. In addition to support, some brokers offer educational resources: tutorials, webinars, articles, to help you develop your trading skills. For beginners, these resources are a valuable asset.
• User reviews: User reviews and online tests are also a good source of information. They allow you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each broker according to the experience of real customers. Keep in mind, however, that each experience is subjective: you must cross-reference several sources of opinions to obtain a global and balanced picture.

How to Trade with an Online Broker?

Getting started with online trading involves several key steps: from opening an account to using the trading platform, including managing funds and risks. Here's an overview of the standard process offered by most online brokers.

1. Open a Trading Account

The first step is opening an account with a regulated broker. This process generally includes:

• Online Registration: You need to fill out a form with your personal information (name, email address, phone number), then choose your country of residence.
• Identity verification (KYC): To comply with international regulations, it is mandatory to provide a valid ID and proof of address. This verification ensures account security and prevents fraud.
• Choice of account type: Brokers offer different types of accounts (standard, commission-free, with reduced spreads, etc.) adapted to various trader profiles.

2. Deposit Funds

Once the account is activated, the next step is to fund it:

• Deposit Methods: Most brokers accept payments by credit card, bank transfer or e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller or PayPal.
• Minimum amount required: The minimum initial deposit varies by broker, but often revolves around PHP 5,000 to PHP 12,500. It is advisable to start with sufficient capital to properly manage the risk, especially when using leverage.

3. Using the Trading Platform (e.g., MT4/MT5)

Once the funds are deposited, you can access the chosen trading platform. The most common are MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5):

• Installation and connection: The platforms are available for download on computers or as a web version. Once installed, simply log in with the credentials provided by the broker.
• Interface Discovery: MT4/MT5 offer advanced features: real-time charts, technical indicators, analysis tools, window customization, fast order execution, and automated management via trading robots (EAs).
• Demo accounts: It is highly recommended to start with a demo account to familiarize yourself with the interface, test strategies, and understand market mechanisms without risking your capital.

4. Practical Example: Forex Trading on EUR/USD

Let's take the example of a typical operation on the Forex market, trading the EUR/USD pair:

• Market Analysis: Before opening a position, it is strongly advised to conduct a technical analysis. With MT5, you can use technical indicators (such as moving averages or Bollinger Bands) to identify a trend. Suppose you identify a bullish signal indicating that the euro could strengthen against the dollar.
• Placing a Buy Order: On Eightcap's MT5 platform, click on "New Order." Select EUR/USD and choose the trading volume (for example, 0.1 lot). Then, click "Buy" to open a long position.
• Risk Management: To protect your capital, we recommend placing a stop loss. Imagine that you place a stop loss at 50 pips below your entry point to limit your potential losses. You can also set a take profit at 100 pips above your entry point to lock in your gains if the market moves in your favor.

5. Monitor and Close the Position

• Monitoring: With MT5, you can monitor your position's progress in real-time. The charts allow you to see if the trend is evolving as expected. You can also adjust your stop loss or take profit based on market movements.
• Closing the position: When the EUR/USD pair reaches your target or you feel the time is right, you can manually close the position by clicking "Close Position". If the take profit or stop loss is reached, the position will close automatically.

6. Analysis of Results and Adjustments

Once the position is closed, analyze the result:

• Gains or Losses: Suppose EUR/USD reached your 100-pip profit target, this means that, depending on your position size, you have made a proportional profit. For example, with a volume of 0.1 lot, 100 pips could equate to approximately 100 USD of profit.
• Trading Journal: Use the journal integrated into MT5 to review all the decisions made during this transaction. Understanding what worked well and what can be improved is essential to developing your trading skills.

Good to know

If you are a beginner, we advise you to choose an online broker that will also allow you to follow a training in trading assiduously and will offer you a demo account.

Are trading brokers safe in the Philippines?

Security is one of the main concerns for investors when choosing a trading broker. In the Philippines, brokers are regulated under a robust legal framework to ensure investor protection and maintain market integrity. Here's an overview of the regulations and protections in place:

• Regulatory and supervisory authorities: brokers operating in the Philippines must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the country’s main financial regulatory authority. The SEC is responsible for enforcing the Securities Regulation Code (RA 8799), overseeing broker licensing, corporate governance, and compliance with trading rules.
• Licensing and compliance obligations: licensed brokers must meet strict financial and operational requirements, including capital adequacy, reporting obligations, and ethical conduct. The SEC has the authority to audit firms and impose sanctions or revoke licenses in case of misconduct or fraud.
• Client fund segregation: regulated brokers are required to maintain a clear separation between their own operational funds and client funds. This ensures that investor money is held in segregated accounts and cannot be used by the broker for its own business expenses, protecting clients in the event of broker insolvency.
• Investor compensation and dispute resolution: the Capital Markets Integrity Corporation (CMIC), a subsidiary of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), acts as a self-regulatory organization. It monitors trading activity, investigates irregularities, and enforces sanctions. Disputes between clients and brokers can also be brought before the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center or resolved through PSE-administered mechanisms.
• Negative balance protection: while not mandated by local regulation, some online brokers offer negative balance protection voluntarily. This feature ensures that retail traders cannot lose more than their invested capital in highly volatile markets.
• Transparency and trading conditions: brokers must clearly disclose their trading fees, spreads, margin requirements, and associated risks. These disclosures enable investors to make informed decisions and understand the real costs involved in trading.
• Data protection and cybersecurity: regulated brokers are expected to adopt strong digital security protocols, including SSL encryption, firewalls, secure login systems, and two-factor authentication (2FA) to safeguard users' personal and financial data.
• SEC advisory list: to protect retail investors from scams, the SEC regularly updates a list of unauthorized and suspicious trading platforms. Investors should verify a broker's license on the SEC website before opening an account and avoid platforms listed on SEC advisories.

What are the fees charged by brokers for trading?

Here is a table summarizing the different types of fees charged by online brokers, with average rates or amounts as well as an example for each type of fee. This table is designed to give you an idea of the costs you may encounter when using a trading broker.

• Spreads: Spreads are fees charged by brokers automatically on each position taken by the trader. It represents a slight difference between the buying price and the selling price of a financial product. Depending on the broker and the asset chosen, the spread can be fixed or variable. In the case of a variable spread, the cost of this spread will vary depending on market volatility. Spreads represent the broker's main remuneration.
• Swap fees: The swap is a fee charged on a position between two market sessions. They mainly concern traders practicing swing trading. Thus, and each time you keep a position open from one day to the next, fees are levied on your account as a charge. The amount of these fees varies according to the broker's internal policy and according to volatility.
• Withdrawal fees: Although not applied by all brokers and for all types of withdrawals, these fees may be charged when the trader withdraws money from their trading account. It should be noted, however, that depending on the withdrawal method chosen, it is possible to obtain free withdrawals from most brokers.
• Conversion fees: As the name suggests, these fees are applied to currency exchanges. A conversion may be applied by a broker if you invest in an asset denominated in dollars with Philippine Peso. 
• Account maintenance fees: While these fees have become increasingly rare over time, some brokers still charge them and these are general fees. They can be billed monthly, quarterly or annually.
• Inactivity fees: Some brokers also charge inactivity fees, which are applied when the trader does not use their trading account for a certain period of time. Most often, these fees are only charged after 12 months or 24 months of inactivity. But some brokers apply them after 6 months. The amount of inactivity fees will also vary depending on the broker's policy and we advise you to check these before registering.
• Specific fees for stocks: Stock trading will also involve certain specific fees at some brokers. These may include subscription fees or additional commissions to the spread. Most often, these are fees levied in order to have access to foreign market data in real time.
• Guaranteed stop-loss order fees: Finally, some brokers also charge for the use of guaranteed stop-loss orders, even if this practice is also becoming increasingly rare.

Which broker is best for trading with a demo account?

One of the most effective ways to learn online trading is to use a demo account. These accounts are offered by many brokers and allow you to test the platform and practice using different strategies before risking your own money. 

The demo account is equipped with virtual capital that can be unlimited or limited. This is virtual money that you will use to make your investments under real market conditions. Similarly, the duration of use of a demo account will vary from one broker to another.

The trading demo account allows you to enjoy various advantages including: 

• The opportunity to learn without taking risks: A demo account will allow you to speculate in real market conditions without the risk of wagering your own capital and therefore losing it.
• The opportunity to learn how to use the platform: Also from a demo account, you will also be able to test most of the features offered by your broker's trading platform. This will allow you to practice using its features and tools safely.
• The opportunity to test trading strategies: Finally, the demo account also has the advantage of allowing you to test different trading strategies in parallel in order to detect the best solution and the best method.

How Much Can You Earn with a Trading Broker in the Philippines?

It is, of course, difficult to say precisely how much you can earn from trading, as your earnings depend primarily on your experience, level of knowledge, and initial investment.

If you take the time to train and practice using a demo account, your potential earnings will also depend on the type of strategy you implement.

• With a strategy of Swing trading, you can expect an optimal return of around 10% per month.
• With a strategy of Day trading, you can expect an approximate return of 30% or more per month by spending 5 to 6 hours per day trading.

Of course, the amount you can earn as a retail trader will also depend on the amount you invest on the trading platform. Indeed, a 10% return on an account with a deposit of ₱1,000 only represents ₱100, while if you deposit ₱10,000 you could earn up to ₱1,000 per month with an effective strategy.

Are Trading Profits Taxable in the Philippines?

Yes, trading gains are taxable in the Philippines. The taxation depends on the type of asset traded and the trader's residency status.

Forex and CFD Trading

Profits from forex and CFD trading are considered ordinary income and are taxed under the progressive income tax rates:

• 0% for annual income up to PHP 250,000
• 15% to 35% for income exceeding PHP 250,000, depending on the income bracket

Traders can deduct expenses related to their trading activities, such as costs for equipment, data subscriptions, and educational materials. Only realized gains from closed trades are taxable. Losses can be used to offset income, potentially reducing the tax liability.

Stock Trading

• Shares Traded on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE): Subject to a 0.6% stock transaction tax on the gross selling price. This tax is final, and such transactions are not subject to further income tax.
• Shares Not Traded on the PSE: Subject to a 15% capital gains tax on the net gain from the sale.

Real Estate Transactions

Gains from the sale of real property classified as capital assets are subject to a 6% capital gains tax on the higher of the gross selling price or the fair market value. 

Tax Residency Considerations

• Tax Residents: Individuals who reside in the Philippines for more than 183 days in a year are considered tax residents and are taxed on their worldwide income, including trading profits.
• Non-Residents: Individuals residing in the Philippines for less than 183 days are taxed only on income sourced within the Philippines. If trading activities are conducted outside the country, such profits may not be subject to Philippine income tax.

All our guides on trading in the Philippines

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.