5 “Best” New Zealand Stock Brokers (March 2024)

New Zealand’s stock trading landscape is expansive and full of opportunity.  Here, we look at 10 of the top stock brokers servicing New Zealand at the time of writing.  Before investing, ensure each remains authorized to do so by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA).

Considerations Before Trading in New Zealand

Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced trader looking for new opportunities, it’s crucial to consider several key factors before choosing a broker. These include evaluating fees and commissions, the broker’s features and trading platform, and ensuring it matches your trading style.

• Regulatory Compliance and Security: Ensure the broker is authorized and regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand or another reputable regulatory authority.  This ensures the broker adheres to strict standards for investor protection, financial stability, and operational integrity.  Additionally, check the security measures the broker has in place to protect your investments and personal information from unauthorized access or cyber threats.
• Trading Platforms and Tools: The quality and user-friendliness of a broker’s trading platform are crucial for a smooth trading experience.  Look for platforms that offer real-time market data, advanced charting tools, and seamless execution.  Many brokers also provide mobile trading apps, allowing you to manage your investments on the go.  Consider if the broker offers demo accounts to test their platforms and tools before committing funds.
• Fees, Costs, and Account Features: Understand the fee structure, including any commissions on trades, account maintenance fees, and costs associated with depositing or withdrawing funds.  It’s also essential to compare the minimum deposit requirements, leverage options, and various account types available.  Some brokers offer added benefits such as educational resources, market analysis, and customer support services that can be valuable, especially for novice investors.

Warning: Regardless of broker choice or capital deployment, investing always brings a level of risk that must be understood and considered.

Interactive Brokers offers New Zealand investors an expansive gateway to various global financial markets.  Renowned for its comprehensive trading options, the platform caters to novice and experienced investors/traders, presenting an extensive portfolio that includes stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, futures, forex, and cryptocurrencies.

New Zealand traders looking to diversify their investment strategies will find Interactive Brokers an invaluable partner, thanks to its access to over 135 markets worldwide.  This includes premier financial centers such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, allowing traders to capitalize on global opportunities, day or night.

Interactive Brokers is known for boasting impressive liquidity across a cost-effective trading environment.  This is particularly advantageous for New Zealand investors seeking efficient, low-cost trading options.  The platform’s cutting-edge trading technologies and tools offer advanced charting capabilities, real-time market data, and comprehensive analytical resources to support informed trading decisions.

For those interested in stock trading, Interactive Brokers has the ability to invest in an extensive selection of over 40,000 stocks.  This includes the benefit of participating in U.S. extended-hours trading, giving traders the flexibility to respond to market changes outside of standard trading hours.

Moreover, the platform’s wide range of ETFs, exceeding 8,300, enables investors to swiftly and economically diversify their portfolios.  By investing in ETFs that track various indices and sectors, New Zealand traders can easily spread their investment across different market segments, enhancing their portfolio’s potential for growth while managing risk.

Based in the United States and adhering to the strict regulations of NYSE, FINRA, and SIPC, Interactive Brokers assures a high degree of investor protection and credibility.  This regulatory framework establishes a secure and reliable trading environment, making Interactive Brokers a trusted choice for New Zealand investors navigating the global financial markets.

As of 2023, Interactive Brokers is part of the New Zealand market under the name ‘Interactive Broker LLC.’  It is regulated by New Zealand’s Financial Market Authority as a Financial Service Provider (FSP1005789).

Plus500 stands out as a notable choice for New Zealand investors exploring stock brokers, distinguished by its broad array of offerings and a user-friendly platform.  This trading platform provides access to a diverse range of financial instruments including stocks, forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies (subject to regulation), ETFs, and options.  Its intuitive web and mobile applications enhance the trading experience by simplifying navigation and trade execution.

A key advantage of Plus500 is its regulatory framework, which is underpinned by oversight from top-tier financial authorities worldwide.  This ensures a secure trading environment, fostering trust and reliability among its users.  To accommodate beginners, Plus500 offers a demo account, enabling practice trades with virtual funds to build confidence and skill without financial risk.

While Plus500 adopts a “no commission” model, focusing on spreads for its revenue, it’s important for investors to be aware of other potential charges, such as overnight fees and currency conversion fees, which could impact overall trading costs.  Customer support is readily accessible through email and live chat, providing timely assistance when needed.

Investors should note the platform’s emphasis on CFDs (Contracts for Difference), which carry a high level of risk due to leverage.  It’s crucial for investors to assess their understanding and capacity for handling the rapid potential for losing money when engaging in CFD trading.

Plus500 presents a compelling option for New Zealand investors looking to engage in the global financial markets, highlighted by its extensive instrument selection, regulatory security, and the convenience of its trading platform

As of 2016, Plus500 is part of the New Zealand market under the name ‘PLUS500AU PTY LTD.’ It is regulated by New Zealand’s Financial Market Authority as a Financial Service Provider (FSP486026).

*CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.*

CMC Markets stands out as a leading global broker, offering New Zealand investors a comprehensive and flexible trading solution. The platform is well-suited for both novice and seasoned traders, and like those listed above, provides access to a wide array of financial instruments across global markets, including shares, forex, indices, commodities, and treasuries.  What distinguishes CMC Markets is its advanced trading platform, which features an award-winning interface complete with powerful analytical tools, charting capabilities, and seamless execution.

A hallmark of CMC Markets is its commitment to transparency and competitive pricing.  Traders can benefit from tight spreads and low commissions, ensuring that trading costs are kept to a minimum.  Additionally, the platform offers a wealth of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and articles, designed to support traders at all levels in refining their strategies and understanding market dynamics.

Regulatory compliance and client security are paramount at CMC Markets, with robust measures in place to protect investor funds.  The broker is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, providing a secure and trustworthy environment for trading.

For those in New Zealand looking to engage with global financial markets, CMC Markets presents a compelling option, combining extensive market access with a user-friendly platform and a strong emphasis on trader education and support.  Whether you’re interested in diving into forex trading or exploring other investment avenues, CMC Markets provides the tools and resources to navigate the complexities of the financial markets effectively.

As of 2010, CMC Markets is part of the New Zealand market under the name ‘CMC MARKETS NZ LIMITED.’ It is regulated by New Zealand’s Financial Market Authority as a Financial Service Provider (FSP41187).

IG is a renowned global player in the online brokerage space, and its presence in New Zealand offers local investors access to over 17,000 markets including shares, indices, forex, and commodities.

One of IG’s standout features is its comprehensive trading and research tools, designed to suit both new and experienced traders.  The platform offers a variety of educational resources, webinars, and seminars to support traders on their investment journey.

IG is recognized for its transparent pricing structure, which includes competitive spreads and low commission on share CFDs.  The platform’s technology is geared towards providing a seamless trading experience, with a robust mobile app that allows traders to manage their portfolios on the go.  Furthermore, IG’s regulatory status across multiple jurisdictions underscores its commitment to client security and best practice standards in financial services.

For New Zealand investors, IG’s local presence and global reach present a compelling blend of international market access and domestic understanding.  Whether you’re looking to trade globally or focus on local NZ markets, IG offers a sophisticated platform that caters to a diverse range of trading preferences and strategies.

As of 2010, IG is part of the New Zealand market under the name ‘IG AUSTRALIA PTY LTD.’ It is regulated by New Zealand’s Financial Market Authority as a Financial Service Provider (FSP684191).

*CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved.*

ThinkMarkets is a global broker that caters to a wide range of investors, including those based in New Zealand.  What sets ThinkMarkets apart is its emphasis on combining cutting-edge technology with a robust trading environment.  Traders can access a wide variety of markets including forex, stocks, indices, cryptocurrencies, and commodities.

ThinkMarkets prides itself on providing some of the industry’s leading trading platforms, ThinkTrader and MetaTrader, which are known for their advanced charting tools, risk management features, and intuitive user interface.

Safety and security are top priorities, with ThinkMarkets being regulated by several reputable bodies.  This ensures that New Zealand investors can trade with confidence, knowing they’re backed by strong investor protection measures.

Additionally, ThinkMarkets offers educational resources to help traders at all levels enhance their trading skills and knowledge.  The company’s competitive pricing model, with low spreads and no commission on certain accounts, makes it an attractive option for cost-conscious traders.

As of 2018, ThinkMarkets is part of the New Zealand market under the name ‘TF GLOBAL MARKETS (AUST) PTY LTD.’ It is regulated by New Zealand’s Financial Market Authority as a Financial Service Provider (FSP623289).

Summary

This list presents some of the best New Zealand stock brokers, offering detailed insights into their services, fees, platforms, and customer support.  Each broker has been evaluated based on their trading platforms, ease of use, market access (including local and international stocks), trading fees, customer service quality, and educational resources.

If after reading this you have found a stock broker of interest to you, consider the FMA’s recommendation to adhere to what it calls ‘the 5 D’s of DIY investing’.

• Do you due diligence
• Don’t freak out if markets go down
• In Doubt? Talk to a financial adviser
• Diversify
• Drip feed your investments (aka dollar cost averaging)

Whether you’re looking for low-cost trading, comprehensive research tools, robust trading platforms, or excellent customer service, hopefully this guide helps you to find the broker that best fits you trading needs and financial goals.