Futu Securities Review 2026: In-Depth Analysis of Hong Kong’s Leading Broker
Futu Securities (富途证券) has grown from a niche Hong Kong broker into a publicly listed fintech giant serving millions of investors across Asia and beyond. In this independent 2026 review, we examine every aspect of Futu’s offering — from its regulatory standing and trading platforms to fees, available instruments, and how it compares to competitors like uzfx.
Whether you are a beginner looking to buy your first Hong Kong stock or an active trader evaluating multi-market access, this review will help you decide if Futu Securities is the right broker for your needs.
Company Background
Futu Securities International (Hong Kong) Limited was founded in 2012 by Leaf Li, a former Tencent engineer. The company quickly gained traction by offering a sleek, mobile-first trading experience at a time when most Hong Kong brokers still relied on clunky desktop software.
In March 2019, Futu Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: FUTU) went public on the Nasdaq, raising approximately $130 million. Since then, the company has expanded aggressively into Singapore, Australia, the United States, and Japan under its global brand “Moomoo.”
As of early 2026, Futu reports over 24 million registered users worldwide and client assets exceeding HK$500 billion. The company’s revenue streams include brokerage commissions, financing and lending services, interest income, and wealth management products.
Regulation and Security
Futu’s regulatory profile is one of its strongest selling points. The broker operates under several licenses:
Hong Kong: Licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) under CE Number AZT353. You can verify this on the SFC Public Register of Licensed Persons. Futu holds Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 2 (Dealing in Futures Contracts), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 9 (Asset Management) licenses.
Singapore: Regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under a Capital Markets Services Licence.
Australia: Licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
United States: Registered with the SEC and FINRA as a broker-dealer.
Client funds in Hong Kong are held in segregated accounts in accordance with SFC rules. Futu also participates in the Investor Compensation Fund, which provides protection of up to HK$500,000 per eligible claimant.
It is worth noting that while Futu’s Hong Kong regulation is robust, its level of investor protection differs from that offered by brokers regulated in other jurisdictions. For example, UZFX operates under ASIC regulation (AFSL 001291473), providing Australian investor protections and a different regulatory framework that some traders may prefer for CFD and forex trading.
Trading Platforms
Futu offers its proprietary trading platform under the Moomoo brand, available on:
- Desktop: Windows and macOS applications
- Mobile: iOS and Android apps
- Web: Browser-based trading interface
The Moomoo platform is widely regarded as one of the best-designed retail trading interfaces in Asia. Key features include:
- Real-time market data for Hong Kong, US, Singapore, and A-share markets
- Advanced charting with over 60 technical indicators
- Level 2 market depth data (NASDAQ TotalView, HKEX real-time quotes)
- Paper trading (simulated) accounts for practice
- Stock screener and fundamental analysis tools
- Community features and social trading elements
- IPO subscription capabilities
- Options chain analysis
The platform supports Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English, Japanese, and other languages, making it accessible to a broad user base.
One limitation is that Moomoo is a proprietary platform — it does not support MetaTrader 4 (mt4) or MetaTrader 5 (mt5). Traders who rely on algorithmic trading through MT4/MT5 EAs will need to look elsewhere or use Futu’s own API. Similarly, UZFX does not offer MT4/MT5 but provides its own Web Terminal, H5 mobile app, and native apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
Account Types
Futu offers several account types depending on the market you wish to trade:
Hong Kong Stock Account
- Minimum deposit: HK$0 (no minimum required)
- Commission: HK$0 for Hong Kong stocks (promotional period varies)
- Settlement: T+2
US Stock Account
- Minimum deposit: US$0
- Commission: US$0 for US stocks and ETFs (promotional)
- Supports fractional shares for eligible stocks
Singapore Stock Account
- Access to SGX-listed securities
- Commission varies by tier
Futures Account
- Access to global futures markets
- Requires separate application and risk assessment
Margin Account
- Requires minimum asset threshold
- Offers leverage for stock trading
- Subject to margin calls and liquidation rules
Opening an account typically takes 1–3 business days with online identity verification. Supported deposit methods include bank wire, FPS (Faster Payment System) in Hong Kong, and various local payment methods depending on your region.
Fees and Commissions
Futu’s fee structure has evolved significantly. While the broker gained popularity with commission-free promotions, traders should understand the full cost picture:
Hong Kong Stocks
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commission | 0.03% of trade value (min HK$3) |
| Platform Fee | HK$15 per order |
| SFC Transaction Levy | 0.00278% |
| HKEX Trading Fee | 0.00565% |
| Stamp Duty | 0.13% |
| Settlement Fee | 0.002% (min HK$2, max HK$100) |
US Stocks
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commission | US$0.0049 per share (min US$0.99) |
| Platform Fee | US$0.005 per share (min US$1) |
| SEC Fee | Varies |
| ADR Fees | Applicable for ADR stocks |
Options (US)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Commission | US$0.65 per contract |
| Platform Fee | US$0.30 per contract |
| Regulatory Fees | Varies |
The total cost of trading at Futu can be higher than it first appears due to platform fees added on top of commissions. For high-frequency traders, these costs add up. Traders focused on forex and CFDs may find that spread-based pricing from brokers like UZFX, which offers zero-commission trading with spreads as the primary cost, may be more straightforward.
Available Instruments
Futu provides access to a broad range of financial instruments:
- Hong Kong Stocks: Full access to HKEX main board and GEM board
- US Stocks: NYSE, NASDAQ, and AMEX listed equities
- Singapore Stocks: SGX-listed securities
- China A-Shares: Via Stock Connect (Shanghai and Shenzhen)
- ETFs: Thousands of ETFs across HK, US, and SG markets
- Options: US equity and index options
- Futures: Global futures contracts across multiple exchanges
- Warrants and CBBCs: Hong Kong structured products
- Mutual Funds: Selected fund products
- US Treasury Bonds: Available for certain account types
However, Futu does not offer forex trading, CFDs (Contracts for Difference), or cryptocurrency spot trading. This is a significant limitation for traders who want exposure to forex pairs, commodities, or indices through CFDs. In contrast, brokers like UZFX specialize in cfd trading with over 100 instruments including forex, indices, commodities, and stock CFDs.
Research and Education
Futu provides a solid suite of research tools:
- In-house research reports covering major HK and US stocks
- Earnings calendar and analyst consensus estimates
- Financial statement analysis tools
- News feed integration from major providers
- Community discussion forums (similar to a financial social network)
- Educational articles and video tutorials
The “Moomoo Learn” section offers structured educational content for beginners, though it is less comprehensive than dedicated trading education platforms.
Customer Support
Futu offers customer support through:
- In-app live chat (available during market hours and beyond)
- Email support
- Phone hotline (Hong Kong: +852 2523 3588)
- Help center with FAQ and guides
Support is available in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Response times are generally reasonable, though during peak market hours or volatile periods, wait times can increase.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong SFC regulation with multiple license types
- Excellent proprietary trading platform (Moomoo)
- Comprehensive market data and research tools
- Competitive commissions for HK and US stocks
- IPO subscription service
- Fractional share trading for US stocks
- Multi-market access (HK, US, SG, A-shares)
- Publicly listed company (NASDAQ: FUTU) with financial transparency
Cons
- No forex or CFD trading
- No MT4/MT5 support
- Platform fees add to total trading costs
- Limited futures and options selection compared to dedicated futures brokers
- Margin account requirements may be high for some traders
- Customer support can be slow during peak periods
- Not available in all countries
Futu Securities vs UZFX: Comparison
| Feature | Futu Securities | UZFX |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | SFC HK (CE# AZT353) | ASIC AFSL 001291473 |
| Minimum Deposit | HK$0 | $50 |
| Account Types | Cash, Margin, Futures | Standard (no ECN) |
| Trading Platform | Moomoo (Desktop/Mobile/Web) | Web Terminal, H5, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac |
| MT4/MT5 | Not supported | Not supported |
| Commission Model | Commission + Platform Fee | Zero commission (spread-based) |
| Available Instruments | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Warrants | 100+ CFD instruments |
| Forex Trading | Not available | Available |
| CFD Trading | Not available | Available |
| Fractional Shares | Yes (US stocks) | N/A (CFD broker) |
| IPO Subscription | Yes | No |
| Social Trading | Community features | No |
| Suitable For | Stock investors (HK/US/SG/SG) | Forex & CFD traders |
The choice between Futu and UZFX depends largely on what you want to trade. If your primary interest is buying and selling individual stocks on the Hong Kong, US, or Singapore exchanges, Futu is an excellent choice with its polished platform and regulatory backing.
However, if you are interested in forex, commodities, indices, or CFD trading, UZFX provides a more suitable environment with its 100+ CFD instruments, zero-commission spread-based pricing, and low $50 minimum deposit. UZFX’s ASIC regulation also provides strong investor protections under Australian law.
For a deeper comparison of brokers, see our [best forex broker comparison guide](/posts/best-forex-broker-comparison-2026/).
Who Is Futu Securities Best For?
Futu Securities is ideal for:
- Hong Kong stock investors who want direct market access with a modern platform
- US stock investors seeking fractional shares and IPO access
- Multi-market investors who need HK, US, SG, and A-share access in one account
- Active traders who value advanced charting and real-time market data
- Beginners who appreciate an intuitive mobile-first platform with paper trading
Futu is not the best choice for:
- Forex and CFD traders
- Algorithmic traders requiring MT4/MT5
- Traders seeking zero-commission models
- Those who need access to European or cryptocurrency markets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Futu Securities safe and legitimate?
Yes. Futu Securities is licensed by the Hong Kong SFC (CE Number AZT353) and holds multiple regulatory licenses across jurisdictions. The parent company, Futu Holdings, is publicly listed on NASDAQ (ticker: FUTU), adding an extra layer of financial transparency and regulatory oversight.
What is the minimum deposit to open a Futu account?
There is no minimum deposit requirement for basic Futu Hong Kong stock or US stock accounts. You can open an account and fund it with any amount. However, margin accounts and certain advanced features may require minimum asset thresholds.
Can I trade forex on Futu Securities?
No. Futu Securities does not offer forex trading. The broker focuses on equity, ETF, options, and futures markets. If you need forex trading, consider UZFX, which offers 100+ CFD instruments including major and minor forex pairs.
Does Futu support MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5?
No. Futu exclusively uses its proprietary Moomoo platform. There is no MT4 or MT5 integration. However, Futu does offer an API for algorithmic traders who want to build custom trading solutions.
How does Futu compare to UZFX?
Futu and UZFX serve different trading needs. Futu excels in stock trading with access to HK, US, and SG markets and offers IPO subscriptions. UZFX focuses on forex and CFD trading with zero commissions, spread-based pricing, and a lower barrier to entry with a $50 minimum deposit. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize stock investing or forex/CFD trading. For more information, read our UZFX broker review.
Risk Disclaimer
Trading in stocks, options, futures, forex, and CFDs involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. You could lose more than your initial investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider your financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment objectives before trading. Consult a qualified financial advisor if needed. The information presented here was accurate at the time of writing (June 2026) but may change without notice.
This independent review was prepared for informational purposes. For more trading guides and broker reviews, visit our stock CFD trading guide or explore our HSI CFD trading strategies.