Taiwan Securities Company Rankings 2025: How to Choose the Broker That's Right for You?

Essential Guide for Retail Investors in Taiwan: How to Choose a Brokerage

Want to start trading in the Taiwan stock market but unsure how to pick a broker? This question has troubled many novice investors. In fact, there is no absolute “best” broker—only the one that’s “most suitable for you.” Instead of blindly following the crowd to large brokerages, it’s better to first understand your own needs, then compare the advantages of each broker. This way, you can avoid detours.

Five Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Taiwanese Securities Firm

1. Commission Discounts — Seemingly minor, but with far-reaching impact

The official fee rate for Taiwan stocks is 0.1425%, charged on both buy and sell transactions, with a minimum of NT$20 (calculated as NT$20 if less). But don’t be scared by this number. Nowadays, almost everyone places orders online, reducing broker costs and increasing competition, which means significant discount opportunities.

For example, using TSMC (TSM) as a case: buying 5 shares at NT$430 each, with a 0.1425% fee rate at a 60% discount, costs NT$1,838; selling 5 shares at NT$450 each, costs NT$1,923. The total transaction fees exceed NT$3,700, plus NT$6,750 in transaction tax, bringing the total cost close to NT$10,000. Just by negotiating commission discounts, you can save several thousand NT dollars, so it’s definitely worth comparing.

However, be aware that some small brokers, in a bid to attract clients, cut fees to the minimum, but may compromise system stability, order execution speed, and other services. So, while fees are important, don’t sacrifice trading experience just to save a few hundred NT dollars.

2. Trading Software Experience — Good tools make your work more efficient

Each broker offers free mobile apps or web-based trading platforms, but their usability varies greatly. Placing buy/sell orders is basic; you also need real-time quotes, market tracking, technical analysis, and account balance viewing.

Yuanta Securities’ “Investment Master” and KGI Securities’ “Mobile eStrategy” each have their own features. It’s recommended to try them out before opening an account to find the one that feels most comfortable. After all, your trading platform is a daily tool; using a smooth interface can save you a lot of time and trouble.

3. Number of Securities Sources and Margin Interest — Hidden advantages of large brokers

If you frequently use margin trading, pay attention to these two factors. Sufficient securities sources mean the broker has enough stocks to lend you, increasing trading opportunities. If you want to short stocks (borrow and sell, then buy back after falling), it’s also easier to execute.

Currently, the margin ratio for listed stocks in Taiwan is 60%, OTC stocks 50%, with interest rates floating between 6% and 7%. Different brokers have notable differences. Larger brokers usually have more abundant securities sources and more favorable margin interest rates, which is a competitive advantage. If this matches your trading needs, prioritizing big brokers is more cost-effective.

4. Customer Service and Trading Products — The breadth of investment options

Besides stocks, some investors want to trade futures, options, bonds, or international markets. Different brokers offer varying product combinations—some focus on options, others on US stocks via overseas derivatives. Clarify what you want to trade first, then choose a broker that provides those services.

5. Account Opening Convenience and Branch Locations — Details that can’t be ignored

Although online account opening is now mainstream, sometimes face-to-face consultation or handling special issues is necessary. Check if there’s a branch near you or inquire about the responsiveness and quality of online customer service. These factors can influence your overall investment experience.

Top 10 Taiwanese Securities Firms in 2025 and Fee Comparison

Based on the total annual trading volume share in 2024, here is the latest ranking of Taiwanese securities companies:

All are well-established firms with decades of operation, ensuring credibility and safety. Note that for overseas stocks, the derivative commission (overseas derivatives trading) tends to be higher; if your main focus is US or Hong Kong stocks, it might be more economical to choose specialized overseas brokers.

How to Choose Overseas Brokers? Comparing Three Major Platforms

For many Taiwanese investors, buying overseas stocks through local brokers is the most convenient, but their fees are often not the best. Under the derivatives model, you pay two layers of fees—brokerage fee in Taiwan plus overseas broker charges. If your main goal is overseas markets, opening an account directly with an overseas broker may save you money.

Mitrade — A Global Investment Platform for Small Investors

Mitrade is a CFD( trading platform regulated by ASIC in Australia, allowing trading of US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, indices, forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. It supports long and short positions with leverage from 1x to 200x.

What attracts Taiwanese investors most is its low threshold: starting with just US$50) (~NT$1,500)(. Withdrawals support New Taiwan Dollars, with 24-hour Taiwanese customer service, saving time zone and international call costs. The platform also offers free demo accounts for beginners to practice risk-free before trading with real funds.

Ideal for: Small investors, traders seeking leverage to amplify returns, hedging or day trading needs

Fee structure: Zero commission (cost mainly from spreads), 1-2 free withdrawals per month, after which each costs US$5

) Interactive Brokers — The Choice for Large Capital Investors

Founded in 1977, this is a veteran international broker with over a million users worldwide. It offers trading in US, UK, German, Japanese, Korean stocks, and more, plus bonds, funds, ETFs, futures, forex, and other products—meeting global asset allocation needs.

No minimum deposit, with per-share trading fees at US$0.005. Supports Chinese-language customer service. Note that if using a margin account, a minimum balance of US$2,000 is required.

Ideal for: Investors with ample funds, seeking optimized costs for large trades, requiring diverse financial products

Fee structure: Commission cap at 1%, US$10 withdrawal fee

Firstrade — The Preferred Platform for Regular ETF Investments

A US-based online broker focused on discount brokerage, regulated by FINRA and protected by SIPC. Offers US stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, with zero commissions, making it especially popular among Taiwanese dividend stock investors. The platform is simple and intuitive, suitable for beginners, with protections against unauthorized trades.

Note that withdrawal fees are high—US$25 per transaction—so frequent withdrawals are discouraged.

Ideal for: Long-term US stock and ETF investors, dividend investors, small investors regularly buying US assets at low cost

Fee structure: Zero commissions, US$25 withdrawal fee

How to Open an Overseas Broker Account Quickly? Three Steps Done

Step 1: Register online, choose your trading currency

Using Mitrade as an example: just fill in your email, set a password, and select your main currency. You can immediately practice with a demo account to familiarize yourself with the interface.

Step 2: Complete identity verification and deposit funds

After KYC verification, you can start real trading. Mitrade supports multiple deposit methods (Skrill, Poli, credit card, wire transfer). Choose the most convenient. For example, the minimum deposit is US$50, easy to get started.

Step 3: Search for assets and start trading

Log into the trading platform, enter stock name or code in the search bar, find your target, and place orders.

Summary: Ranking of Suitable Taiwanese Securities Firms

For retail investors in Taiwan, opening an account with a securities firm is essential to participate in trading. The top ten local securities firms all have decades of experience, with guaranteed credibility and safety, and their Taiwan stock trading fees are reasonable.

When choosing, compare: commission discounts, software usability, securities sources, margin interest rates, customer service responsiveness. Each broker has its pros and cons; the key is to find the one that best fits your trading style and needs.

If your target is overseas markets like US or Hong Kong stocks, directly opening an account with an overseas broker is often more cost-effective. Mitrade, Interactive Brokers, and Firstrade each have their own strengths—choose based on your capital size and investment needs. Whether local or overseas, investing time in research is always worthwhile. Wishing everyone finds the most suitable trading partner!