This SBI FX Trade review covers the broker’s regulatory credentials, trading platform, currency pair offering, and trading conditions. Operated by SBI Liquidity Market Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan’s SBI Holdings, it serves Japanese retail forex traders with competitive spreads and deep local liquidity.

Regulation and Safety

SBI FX Trade is fully regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan under license number 関東財務局長(金商)第2635号. The broker is also a member of the Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ) and adheres to strict domestic compliance standards, including:

• Client fund segregation with top-tier Japanese banks
• Compensation coverage via the FFAJ system
• Audited financial statements
• Strict leverage limits as per Japanese law

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

SBI FX Trade offers a proprietary trading platform developed specifically for Japanese traders. It features:

• Web-based and mobile app access
• Real-time rate streaming and one-click execution
• Depth of market (DoM) visibility
• Fixed and variable spread options

Execution is based on an STP model with internal matching via SBI’s own liquidity network. MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), cTrader, or FIX API access is not supported. No VPS service is offered.

Markets and Instruments

SBI FX Trade is exclusively focused on spot forex trading, offering:

• 34 currency pairs including USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, AUD/JPY
• Exotic pairs involving ZAR, TRY, and MXN

No CFDs, cryptocurrencies, indices, commodities, or equities are available. The platform is built for low-latency, high-frequency FX trading.

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

There is one standard account type. Key trading conditions include:

• Spreads from as low as 0.09 pips (USD/JPY)
• No trading commissions (spread-only model)
• Maximum leverage: 1:25 (regulated cap in Japan)
• Minimum order size: 1 unit (micro lot equivalent)
• Stop-out level: 100% margin maintenance requirement

There are no ECN or Islamic account options. SBI FX Trade does not accept professional or non-resident foreign traders.

Funding and Base Currencies

Supported base currencies include JPY only. Funding and withdrawal methods:

• Domestic bank transfers (Japanese banks only)
• Real-time payment networks (e.g., Pay-easy, Net Banking)

Deposits and withdrawals are processed on the same business day during Tokyo trading hours. No credit card or crypto payments are supported.

Client Protections and Features

As a fully regulated Japanese broker, SBI FX Trade includes the following protections:

• Client money is held separately from operational funds
• Loss compensation coverage by FFAJ in case of broker failure
• Negative balance protection enforced
• Mandatory identity verification (eKYC) for all clients
• Encrypted trading environment

Institutional and Retail Offering

SBI FX Trade is focused solely on retail forex traders in Japan. It does not provide:

• Institutional trading access
• White-label or liquidity services
• FIX API or advanced algorithmic hosting

Retail clients benefit from ultra-tight spreads and very low trade size flexibility, but advanced tools are limited.

Pros

• Fully licensed by Japan FSA with strong protections
• Spreads from 0.09 pips on major FX pairs
• Minimum trade size of 1 currency unit
• Mobile and browser-based proprietary platform
• Reliable same-day funding via domestic banks

Cons

• Only available to Japan-based residents
• No CFD or crypto trading available
• No MT4/MT5, FIX API, or VPS support
• Base currency limited to JPY only

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SBI FX Trade regulated?

Yes, SBI FX Trade is regulated by the Japan FSA and is a member of the Financial Futures Association of Japan (FFAJ).

Can I trade CFDs or crypto with SBI FX Trade?

No, SBI FX Trade offers only spot forex trading with no CFDs, indices, commodities, or cryptocurrencies.

What is the minimum trade size?

SBI FX Trade allows trading from just 1 currency unit, one of the lowest minimums in the market.

Does SBI FX Trade support MetaTrader?

No, the broker uses its proprietary platform and does not offer MT4 or MT5.

Who can open an account with SBI FX Trade?

Only residents of Japan with domestic bank accounts are eligible to open and fund accounts.