Profile
This Kabu FX review explores the regulated forex services provided by Kabu.com Securities, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in Japan. The broker is known for its domestic credibility, competitive spreads, and regulatory compliance, serving primarily Japanese retail traders.
Regulation and Safety
Kabu FX is fully regulated in Japan under one of the strictest oversight frameworks:
- JFSA (Japan Financial Services Agency): Registration No. 関東財務局長(金商)第61号
- Member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA)
Client funds are segregated, and Kabu FX adheres to Japan’s investor protection rules, including fund insurance and margin requirements. Audits are conducted regularly under FSA supervision.
Execution Model and Trading Platforms
Kabu FX operates as a market maker with internal execution. However, execution quality is high due to tight local liquidity. Supported platforms include:
- Proprietary Kabu FX Web platform
- Kabu Smartphone App (iOS/Android)
- Desktop-native Windows software
MetaTrader is not supported. The focus is on high-speed trading and interface usability for domestic traders. FIX API and VPS are not available.
Markets and Instruments
Kabu FX offers trading in a limited but focused range of forex pairs:
- Major JPY pairs: USD/JPY, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, AUD/JPY
- Crosses: EUR/USD, GBP/USD, AUD/USD, NZD/USD, CHF/JPY
- Total instruments: Approximately 12 currency pairs
No CFDs, commodities, stocks, or crypto instruments are offered. Kabu FX is purely a retail forex broker focused on yen-denominated pairs.
Accounts, Spreads and Leverage
Kabu FX offers a single account type with the following features:
- Spreads: USD/JPY from 0.2 pips (fixed during Tokyo hours)
- Commission: None
- Leverage: Maximum 1:25 (as per JFSA regulation)
- Minimum trade size: 1,000 units
- Stop-out: Margin call at 100%, forced close at 50%
Funding and Base Currencies
Kabu FX supports Japanese Yen as the sole account currency. Funding methods include:
- Domestic bank transfers via MUFG and other Japanese banks
- Real-time transfer system (net banking)
Deposits are processed instantly during banking hours. No support for international wire, card payments, or crypto.
Client Protections and Features
- Regulated by Japan’s JFSA
- Segregated accounts with MUFG Trust
- Negative balance protection is enforced by local law
- 2FA login and real-time margin alerts
- Fund protection under the Financial Instruments Compensation Fund (up to ¥10 million)
Institutional and Retail Offering
Kabu FX exclusively targets Japanese retail clients. There is:
- No institutional offering
- No FIX API or white-label services
- No prime brokerage
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fully regulated by Japan FSA
- Backed by Mitsubishi UFJ Group
- Tight fixed spreads on major JPY pairs
- High-speed domestic infrastructure
- Integrated with Kabu.com Securities trading account
Cons
- Only available to Japan residents
- No MetaTrader or API access
- Limited range of currency pairs
- No CFD, crypto, or commodity trading
- Japanese-only platform language
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kabu FX regulated?
Yes, Kabu FX is fully regulated by the JFSA in Japan and is a member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association.
Can non-Japanese clients open accounts?
No, Kabu FX is only available to residents of Japan with domestic bank accounts and My Number registration.
What leverage does Kabu FX offer?
Maximum leverage is capped at 1:25 in line with Japanese FSA regulations for retail forex trading.
Does Kabu FX support MetaTrader?
No, Kabu FX uses proprietary platforms and does not support MT4 or MT5.
What currency pairs are offered?
Kabu FX offers approximately 12 currency pairs with a focus on JPY crosses and major FX pairs.