Tiger Brokers is an online broker that started in 2014 and is part of a big global company listed on the US stock market. It offers a simple, low-cost way to buy and sell shares from major markets like the US, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and even China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges.
If you’re new to investing, Tiger Brokers lets you open a cash account where you can trade using the money you deposit—no complicated margin trading needed. They charge low fees, including a small 0.35% currency exchange fee when you buy foreign shares, which is cheaper than many other brokers.
Their trading app is easy to use on your phone or computer, showing useful info like company news, price charts, and market data. You can also trade US shares before and after normal market hours.
Such as options and futures, but these come with higher risks, so beginners should be cautious.
The company is fully licensed in New Zealand and Australia, keeping your money safe in separate accounts and following strict rules to protect investors. Funding your account is easy, with fast and free deposit options available.
Overall, Tiger Brokers is a great choice for beginner investors looking for a low-cost, easy-to-use platform with access to a wide range of markets.
Tiger Brokers began operations in June 2014 as a third-generation pure online broker, similar to popular platforms like Sharesies, Hatch, Stake, and the recently launched Superhero (May 2023).
Tiger Brokers NZ's parent company, UP Fintech Holding Limited, was listed on the Nasdaq exchange on March 20, 2019, under the ticker symbol TIGR. According to the company’s website and SEC filings, Tiger Brokers held a 58.4% market share of global Chinese investors in 2017.
Following its Nasdaq listing, Tiger Brokers has leveraged the scale of its Chinese business to offer a low-cost, broad range of services to markets worldwide. The group operates offices in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States.
In New Zealand, Tiger Brokers (NZ) Limited was incorporated in 2015, primarily serving overseas clients. In 2021, Tiger Fintech (NZ) Limited was established to focus on the local market, reflecting the company’s commitment to growing its New Zealand customer base.
Tiger Brokers is positioned as a low-cost broker. It currently offers competitive commissions, a 0.35% foreign exchange (FX) fee, and free level-2 market data on US-listed shares and ETFs. Considering FX fees, Tiger Brokers is a strong alternative to Hatch, Sharesies, Stake, Interactive Brokers, and Superhero for trading US stocks.
The platform provides access to a wide range of stock markets, including the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and China A-shares. Overall, more than 7,000 shares are available on the platform. (For more details, see our guide on investing in Asian markets.)
Tiger Brokers NZ also offers derivatives trading, including options from US and Hong Kong exchanges, futures contracts across multiple asset classes, as well as warrants and callable bull/bear contracts (CBBCs) on the Hong Kong market.
Uniquely in New Zealand, Tiger Brokers allows investors to trade China A-shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges via the Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect mechanism, provided by HKEX.
Tiger Brokers NZ provides a proprietary trading platform accessible via mobile apps (iOS and Android) and desktop applications (Windows and Mac). The platform features a modern, intuitive interface with extensive functionality, including:
Fundamental data and news for each listed product
Technical analysis indicators and portfolio analytics
Pre-market and post-market trading for US stocks, allowing limit orders 5.5 hours before market open and 4 hours after market close
Multiple order types: limit, market, stop-limit, stop-loss, and conditional orders
Live market data and these order options offer investors more flexibility and risk management tools compared to competitors like Hatch and Sharesies, which provide delayed market data.
Tiger Brokers invests heavily in platform development, dedicating 48% of its workforce—over 300 employees—to research and development. The platform receives monthly updates, continually improving UI/UX and adding new features.
Tiger Brokers offers a range of investment products with varying risk profiles. While investing in stocks is generally considered medium risk, and ETFs are typically low to medium risk depending on the underlying assets, derivatives such as options and warrants are leveraged and inherently higher risk. Investors should carefully consider these risks before trading on the platform.
This review of Tiger Brokers (NZ) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult independent financial advisors before making investment decisions.
With most other platforms in New Zealand (Stake, Hatch, Sharesies, Superhero, etc.) charging fees for FX conversions and brokerage, Tiger Brokers offers an unmatched value proposition, particularly due to its low FX fees.
Tiger Brokers (NZ) Limited was incorporated in New Zealand in October 2015 (Company No. 5838590) and is registered as a Financial Services Provider (FSP No. 473106).
Tiger Fintech (NZ) Limited was incorporated in May 2021 (Company No. 8187510) and is licensed under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 as a stockbroking and client money/property services provider.
In Australia, Tiger Brokers (AU) Pty Limited operates under Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) authorization with AFSL #505213.
To operate in New Zealand and Australia, Tiger Brokers acquired existing licensed entities, including Top Capital Partners Limited (NZ) and Top Capital Partners (Australia) Pty Limited, which were later absorbed by UP Fintech Holdings. The group also owns Fleming Funds Management Pty Ltd.
Contrary to common assumptions, a company listed on a US exchange is not required to be incorporated in the US. Tiger Brokers’ parent, UP Fintech Holding Limited, is registered in the Cayman Islands.
Tiger Brokers operates in multiple countries through various subsidiaries, including:
US Tiger Securities, Inc., registered with FINRA and the SEC as a broker-dealer.
Wealthn LLC (trading as UP Fintech Asset Management), regulated by the US SEC as an investment advisor.
Marsco Investment Corporation, registered with FINRA and the SEC since 1986.
Tiger Brokers (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore to deal in capital markets products and provide investment advisory services.
Tiger Brokers (NZ) Limited and Tiger Fintech (NZ) Limited, registered as Financial Service Providers in New Zealand.
You can open an account online via the Tiger Brokers website or mobile app. The registration process includes identity verification and compliance with AML and KYC regulations, requiring personal ID, proof of address, and signature. Having these documents ready will help ensure a smooth and quick account setup.
Cash Account: Allows trading only with cash, suitable for new investors. Margin trading, short selling, options, and futures are unavailable. Currency conversion is required to trade foreign markets (e.g., NZD to USD for US stocks).
Margin Account: Enables margin trading, leverage, short selling, options, and futures trading, designed for experienced investors. Intraday leverage can be up to 1:4, with overnight leverage up to 1:2, varying by stock. Margin use is optional—trading on cash is still permitted.
You can fund your account via Akahu, POLi, or bank transfer. Akahu and POLi are safe, fast, and free, with most deposits credited instantly. Bank transfers usually take 1–3 business days. Multiple currencies are accepted for deposits.
Tiger Brokers prioritizes client asset safety:
Client assets are held in segregated custody accounts, separate from the company’s own capital. Daily reconciliation and detailed accounting are performed as legally required.
Client funds undergo regular internal and external audits by auditors and regulators.
The company complies with capital adequacy and risk management regulations to protect client interests.
Custodians undergo thorough due diligence and are monitored continuously. They are regulated by authorities including the SEC and FINRA in the US, and the SFC in Hong Kong.