Beyond Bonuses: Insights into Malaysian Traders' Broker Preferences in 2025
Octa's latest Brand Awareness study reveals that traders are now prioritising trust, transparency, and consistent performance, not only incentives.
Here's what really matters in 2025—and why this shift promises better times for the industry and traders.
While eye-catching promotions and low-deposit offers still attract attention, they no longer affect Malaysia's trading landscape as they used to.
According to Octa's 2025 Brand Awareness study, local traders are growing more selective—looking beyond entry incentives to assess long-term value.
They're asking deeper questions about withdrawal reliability, platform transparency, and whether a broker can be trusted over time. In other words, the game is evolving—and so are the expectations.
From bonuses to basics: traders' preferences in Malaysia
Not long ago, a 'zero-deposit' campaign or a 100% bonus was enough to grab attention. But in 2025, traders are placing more weight on the fundamentals—things that actually affect their experience once the real trading begins.
The Octa survey shows that trust and transparency now rank among the top priorities, alongside platform reliability and ease of withdrawals.
That doesn't mean traders don't appreciate a good deal—they just care more about whether the platform will treat their money and time with respect.
This change in focus is not just anecdotal—it's reflected in behavioural patterns. While bonus offers and promotional leverage options still play a role in attracting attention, most now assess platforms based on what matters after signup: how quickly they can withdraw funds, how reliable the execution is, and how clearly conditions are communicated.
The data shows that traders aren't just opening accounts—they're staying only where the day-to-day trading experience feels seamless and transparent.
Trust is the new incentive
One standout finding from the study? An impressive 79% of Malaysian traders said they pay close attention to community recommendations and peer reviews when choosing a broker.
It's not just about what the broker says anymore—it's about what the users are saying. And in Malaysia, word travels fast.
When a platform earns a good name for smooth withdrawals, reliable performance and fair conditions, that trust multiplies.
Importantly, this trust is built on consistency rather than marketing. Traders who stay loyal tend to cite personal experience: fast order execution, reliable support, and no unpleasant surprises.
Once these traders find a platform that delivers what it promises, they tend to stay—and recommend it to others.
In a market like Malaysia, where word-of-mouth carries significant influence, that kind of organic credibility goes further than any campaign ever could.
Key factors valued by Malaysian traders in 2025
Let's break down the biggest factors guiding Malaysian traders this year—and why they matter:
Minimum deposit requirements : 44% of respondents said a low entry threshold remains critical. It's not just about affordability—it's about having flexibility without committing too much capital up front.
Fast withdrawals : For 36% of traders, quick and reliable access to funds is a top marker of trust and platform efficiency.
Tight spreads : 25% of those surveyed emphasised competitive spreads as a driver of long-term profitability—especially for active traders.
Clear trading terms : Vague or hidden fees are out. Transparency earns trust.
User-friendly platforms
: Whether you're trading on desktop or mobile, stability and simplicity go a long way.
Criteria for selecting a financial platform in 2025
Today's traders aren't just comparing features—they're comparing experiences. They want platforms that offer:
Speed and access : Instant deposits and reliable withdrawals that give full control over their funds.
Straightforward conditions : Clear terms, no hidden fees, and simple pricing structures.
Low friction : Easy onboarding with minimal paperwork and hassle-free verification.
Room to breathe : An environment where they can learn, explore, and develop strategies at their own pace.
Proven reliability
: Consistent performance and support that traders can count on.
One standout signal of this trust-based shift is the growing impact of peer endorsement. More and more Malaysian traders say community recommendations and real user experiences play a defining role in their platform choices.
In an increasingly competitive market, genuine reputations built on trust and service—not promotions—carry the most weight.
Malaysia's traders are no longer just looking for bonuses—they're looking for consistency, fairness, and control.
Octa's 2025 Brand Awareness study shows clearly: the platforms that win aren't the ones offering the biggest carrot but the ones offering the clearest path forward.
In a market as fast-moving and crowded as Malaysia's, the brokers who focus on delivering real, long-term value—the kind that shows through consistent performance, transparency, and reliability, not just the first click—are the ones who'll build lasting relationships with today's smarter, savvier traders. —June 30, 2025
Main image: Octa
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