Deriv is a global derivatives broker with roots dating back to 1999, operating under its current brand identity since 2020. Unlike traditional multi-asset brokers that combine investment products with speculative instruments, Deriv focuses exclusively on derivatives. Its core proposition revolves around maximum accessibility, flexible account structures, and a broad selection of trading platforms designed to accommodate retail traders with varying levels of experience and capital.
Between 60 to 80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
| Regulators | FSC VFSC MFSA FSA |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Leverage | Between 1:10 and 1:1000 | Payment Methods | Bank Transfer Visa Mastercard Skrill Neteller Cryptocurrencies ApplePay GPay PayPal |
From the outset, Deriv positions itself as a broker that removes many of the traditional barriers associated with market entry. With a minimum deposit requirement of $0, high leverage options, and a wide range of account configurations, the broker appeals strongly to retail traders across Asia who seek low entry thresholds and operational freedom. However, this flexibility comes with trade-offs, particularly in the areas of regulatory protection and long-term capital safety.
Deriv’s offering is intentionally broad in terms of platform choice and instrument coverage, but narrow in terms of product philosophy. Everything offered by the broker is derivative-based. There are no real stocks, no physical ETFs, and no traditional investment accounts. This makes Deriv a pure trading environment rather than a hybrid trading–investment ecosystem. For Asian traders who focus on short-term strategies, leverage-based positioning, or synthetic instruments, this model can be appealing. For investors seeking stability or ownership, it is inherently limiting.
Regulation
Deriv operates under a multi-jurisdiction regulatory structure composed of several mid- and lower-tier authorities. The broker is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC), the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and the Labuan Financial Services Authority (FSA).
- Mauritius — Financial Services Commission (FSC)
- Vanuatu — Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
- Malta — Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)
- Labuan — Financial Services Authority (FSA)
This regulatory mix allows Deriv to operate globally while offering conditions that would not be possible under stricter first-tier regulators. Higher leverage, fewer restrictions on account structures, and more flexible product design are direct outcomes of this framework. However, it also means that client protection is weaker than what traders would receive under authorities such as the FCA, ASIC, MAS, or JFSA.
For Asian traders, this is a critical consideration. While Deriv is legally regulated and not unlicensed, none of its regulatory bodies provide robust investor compensation schemes or strong guarantees in the event of broker insolvency. As a result, Deriv is best approached as a high-flexibility trading venue rather than a capital-preservation-focused institution.
Account Opening and Accessibility
One of Deriv’s most distinctive characteristics is its extreme accessibility. Traders can open an account with no minimum deposit, making it possible to explore the platform and trading conditions with minimal financial commitment. This is particularly attractive in parts of Asia where retail traders often start with small account sizes or test multiple brokers simultaneously.
The registration process is fully digital and relatively fast. Identity verification follows standard KYC procedures, though the requirements may vary depending on jurisdiction and account type. Funding options are extensive and include bank transfers, Visa and Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, cryptocurrencies, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. This wide range of payment methods is a strong operational advantage for Asian traders who rely on digital wallets and alternative payment systems.
Withdrawals generally follow the same method as deposits and are processed within reasonable timeframes, though exact processing speeds may vary depending on the chosen payment channel and compliance checks.
Overall, Deriv’s onboarding experience reflects its core philosophy: remove friction, lower entry barriers, and allow traders to access markets quickly. While this improves convenience, it also reinforces the broker’s retail-first, high-risk orientation.
Account Types
Deriv offers a wide variety of account types designed to cater to different trading styles, religious requirements, and cost preferences. These include standard accounts, swap-free (Islamic) accounts, Zero Spread accounts, and other specialized configurations depending on platform and region.
The availability of swap-free accounts is particularly relevant for traders in Muslim-majority regions of Asia. These accounts remove overnight interest charges, replacing them with alternative cost structures where applicable. However, traders should note that swap-free does not necessarily mean cost-free, and pricing adjustments may still apply.
One of Deriv’s strengths is that most account types do not charge mandatory trading commissions. Instead, costs are embedded in spreads, which vary depending on the instrument, account configuration, and market conditions. This simplifies cost calculations at a basic level but can obscure true trading expenses for less experienced traders.
| Account Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Swap-Free Accounts | Yes |
| Zero Spread Accounts | Yes (selected conditions) |
| Commission-Free Trading | Most accounts |
| Maximum Leverage | Up to 1:1000 |
While the variety of account types adds flexibility, it also increases complexity. Traders must carefully understand the pricing logic behind each account type, as spreads and execution behavior can differ significantly.
Platforms
Deriv supports multiple trading platforms, offering one of the most flexible platform lineups among retail-focused brokers. Traders can access markets through MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and Deriv’s proprietary trading applications, including deriv.app.
MetaTrader 5 provides a familiar environment for traders who rely on advanced charting, multi-asset support, and algorithmic trading through expert advisors. cTrader offers a more modern interface with enhanced order execution visibility and is favored by traders who prioritize precision and transparency.
Deriv’s proprietary platform is designed for simplicity and accessibility, targeting traders who prefer a lightweight interface without complex configuration requirements. This platform also supports Deriv’s synthetic indices, which are unique, algorithmically generated instruments that simulate market volatility independently of real-world events.
The availability of synthetic indices is one of Deriv’s most distinctive features. These instruments trade 24/7 and are not affected by economic news or geopolitical events. While this appeals to traders seeking constant opportunities, it also introduces a unique risk profile, as price behavior is entirely governed by the broker’s algorithms.
Assets
Deriv offers a broad selection of CFD instruments across multiple asset classes.
Available Assets
Below you can see which assets are available for trading with Deriv:
| Asset | Availability |
|---|---|
| Currencies | 70 |
| Real Stocks | ✗ |
| Stock CFDs | ✓ |
| Commodities | ✓ |
| Indices | ✓ |
| Real ETFs | ✗ |
| ETFs CFDs | ✓ |
| Futures | ✗ |
| Options | ✗ |
| Bonds | ✗ |
| Cryptocurrency CFDs | ✓ |
| Real Cryptocurrencies | ✗ |
*Availability of certain assets may vary based on account type, platform, or region.
Available markets include forex pairs, equity CFDs, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, bonds, and ETFs. All instruments are traded exclusively as derivatives, with no access to real asset ownership.
The inclusion of bonds and ETFs in CFD form expands tactical trading opportunities, but it does not replace the functionality of real investment products. For Asian traders focused on leveraged trading and short-term speculation, this breadth can be attractive. For long-term investors, the absence of real assets is a clear limitation.
Spreads
Deriv’s pricing structure varies significantly depending on account type and instrument. While many accounts advertise low or zero commissions, spreads can fluctuate widely, particularly on synthetic indices and certain CFD instruments.
Spreads Offered
Below a visual representation of Deriv's spreads across several currency pairs:
*Spreads are variable and may change based on market conditions, account types and trading volumes.
In some cases, spreads are competitive, especially on major forex pairs under standard market conditions. In other cases, particularly on specialized or synthetic instruments, spreads can be considerably higher than industry averages. This inconsistency requires traders to evaluate costs on an instrument-by-instrument basis rather than relying on headline claims.
Other Trading Costs
Beyond spreads, traders may incur overnight financing costs on leveraged positions, unless operating under a swap-free account. Additionally, while Deriv does not promote inactivity fees or account maintenance charges, platform-specific costs and pricing adjustments may apply.
Because Deriv’s cost structure is highly flexible and account-dependent, transparency can be challenging for inexperienced traders. Monitoring real-time trading costs inside the platform is essential.
Trading Conditions
Deriv offers leverage of up to 1:1000, which is significantly higher than what is permitted under strict regulatory regimes. This level of leverage amplifies both opportunity and risk. For Asian traders, particularly those with limited experience, such leverage requires disciplined risk management to avoid rapid capital loss.
Execution quality varies by platform and instrument. While forex and major CFD markets generally execute smoothly, synthetic indices operate under a different model entirely. Since these instruments are internally generated, execution behavior cannot be compared directly with ECN or STP environments.
Deriv does not position itself as an institutional execution venue. Instead, it provides a flexible trading environment designed to accommodate a wide range of retail trading behaviors.
Is Deriv a Good Option for Asian Traders?
Deriv can be suitable for Asian traders who prioritize flexibility, low entry barriers, and access to unique trading instruments such as synthetic indices. Its wide platform support and zero minimum deposit policy make it accessible to traders with small accounts or experimental strategies.
However, traders who prioritize strong regulatory protection, real asset ownership, or institutional-grade transparency may find Deriv unsuitable. The broker’s regulatory structure requires traders to assume greater responsibility for capital risk.
Our Verdict
Deriv is a high-flexibility, retail-oriented derivatives broker that offers broad platform support, low entry barriers, and unique synthetic trading instruments. Its strengths lie in accessibility and product variety rather than regulatory strength or capital security.
For Asian traders who understand the risks of operating under mid-tier regulation and who trade with controlled exposure, Deriv can serve as a versatile trading platform. It should not be treated as a primary venue for long-term capital preservation or conservative investment strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deriv regulated?
Yes. Deriv is regulated by several authorities, including the FSC (Mauritius), VFSC (Vanuatu), MFSA (Malta), and FSA (Labuan). These are considered mid- to lower-tier regulators.
What is the minimum deposit at Deriv?
The minimum deposit at Deriv is $0, allowing traders to start with any amount.
Does Deriv offer synthetic indices?
Yes. Deriv is well known for its synthetic indices, which are algorithmically generated and trade independently of real-world markets.
Can Asian traders open swap-free accounts?
Yes. Deriv offers swap-free (Islamic) account options.
Does Deriv offer real stocks or ETFs?
No. All instruments at Deriv are offered exclusively as CFDs, with no real asset ownership.
Note: Any opinions expressed in this article are not to be considered investment advice and are solely those of the authors. Singapore Forex Club is not responsible for any financial decisions based on this article's contents. Readers may use this data for information and educational purposes only.
