Last verified: 27 April 2026. Futures trading lets you take positions on indices, commodities, and other derivatives using margin, but it can magnify losses and lead to forced liquidation if margin requirements are not met. This listicle is for retail traders comparing RHB Invest’s futures trading platform options (not different brokers). “Best” here means: (1) the platform matches your experience level (beginner vs active vs professional), (2) you can access the markets you need (Bursa Malaysia Derivatives and/or foreign futures), and (3) you can plan risk using published platform requirements and margin tables. Always check the latest platform terms and margin requirements before placing trades.
Quick Summary
- Best for beginners: RHB Futures GTS — positioned as beginner-friendly, with desktop + mobile access and foreign futures access. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Best for high volume traders: RHB Futures QST — web + desktop + mobile; platform waiver requirement is 20 lots/month (as of 27 April 2026). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Best for professional traders: CQG Desktop — web browser + mobile; platform waiver requirement is 50 lots/month (as of 27 April 2026). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Best for risk planning: RHB’s margin tables list initial/maintenance margin by product and effective date (e.g., FKLI initial margin RM5,000). RHB also lists access to Bursa Malaysia Derivatives plus 3 foreign futures exchanges (HKEX, SGX, CME) (as of 27 April 2026). (Sources: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html ; https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/index.html)
Direct quote (RHB): “Futures price quotes are live feeds updated in real time.” — RHB Invest Trading Platform FAQ (verified 27 April 2026). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/trading_platform.html)
Direct quote (RHB): “Dedicated 24-hour assistance.” — RHB Invest Futures overview (verified 27 April 2026). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/index.html)
Comparison Table (Last updated: 27 April 2026)
| Platform | Recommended for | Foreign futures access | Channels | Platform waiver requirement | Key limitation to note |
| RHB Futures GTS | New trader | Yes | Desktop + mobile (no web browser listed) | FREE | May not suit advanced workflows vs QST/CQG. |
| RHB Futures QST | High volume trader | Yes | Web browser + desktop + mobile | 20 lots/month | May require volume to maintain waiver (check latest). |
| CQG Desktop | Professional trader | Yes | Web browser + mobile (no desktop app listed) | 50 lots/month | Higher platform requirement and learning curve. |
How to Choose a Futures Trading Platform
- Pick your markets first (local vs foreign): RHB states access to Bursa Malaysia Derivatives and foreign futures (HKEX, SGX, CME). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/index.html)
- Match the platform to your workflow: GTS is positioned for beginners, QST for intermediates/active traders, and CQG for professionals. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Plan margin up front: Use RHB’s margin tables to estimate initial and maintenance margin per contract (margin is “subject to change”). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
- Check platform requirements and support: RHB lists platform waiver requirements by platform and references “dedicated 24-hour assistance” on its futures overview. (Sources: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html ; https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/index.html)
Related resources (RHB): Platforms and requirements: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html | Margin schedule: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html | Trading platform FAQ: https://www.rhbinvest.com/trading_platform.html
The 4 Best Futures Trading Options at RHB Invest
#1 RHB Futures GTS
One-line verdict: A beginner-oriented futures trading platform with desktop + mobile access and foreign futures access, designed to keep the interface simple while retaining global market reach. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
Best for: Newer futures traders who want a straightforward desktop/mobile setup.
- Price/fees: Platform waiver requirement is listed as FREE (verify latest terms). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Key requirement/eligibility: Desktop requirements include Windows 7+ and 4GB RAM+; mobile app requires iOS 15+ or Android 10+. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Key inclusions/exclusions: Foreign futures access is listed as “Yes”; web browser is listed as “No” for GTS. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Last verified: 27 April 2026
- Evidence: RHB’s platform chart labels GTS as “Designed for Beginners” and lists foreign futures access as “Yes.” (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Why it made the list: It combines a free waiver requirement with multi-device access for new traders. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
Learn more: See platform details and requirements at https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html
- Trade-offs: If you need a web browser interface or more advanced tooling, QST or CQG may fit better. (Platform channels: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
#2 RHB Futures QST
One-line verdict: A more advanced futures trading platform with web + desktop + mobile access, positioned for intermediates to experts managing more complex workflows. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
Best for: Active traders who value browser access and customisable layouts.
- Price/fees: Platform waiver requirement listed as 20 lots/month. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Key requirement/eligibility: Web browser is listed as “Yes”; desktop and mobile guides/downloads are provided on the platform page. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Key inclusions/exclusions: Foreign futures access is listed as “Yes.” (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Last verified: 27 April 2026
- Evidence: RHB’s platform chart labels QST as “High volume trader” and lists web browser, desktop, and mobile as “Yes.” (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Why it made the list: It supports browser-based trading while still offering desktop/mobile options. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
Learn more: Compare QST vs other platforms at https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html
- Trade-offs: If you don’t meet the volume requirement, you may not qualify for the waiver—confirm current platform charges with RHB. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
#3 CQG Desktop
One-line verdict: A professional-grade futures trading platform option positioned for performance and advanced analytics, with a higher stated waiver requirement. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
Best for: Professional traders who prioritise execution performance and deep analysis.
- Price/fees: Platform waiver requirement listed as 50 lots/month. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Key requirement/eligibility: Web browser is listed as “Yes” for CQG Desktop on the platform chart. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Key inclusions/exclusions: Foreign futures access is listed as “Yes.” (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Last verified: 27 April 2026
- Evidence: RHB’s platform chart lists CQG Desktop for “Professional trader,” with web browser and mobile marked “Yes” and desktop application marked “No.” (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- Why it made the list: It’s the highest waiver tier and is positioned for professional workflows. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
Learn more: Check CQG Desktop availability and requirements at https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html
- Trade-offs: The higher waiver requirement and complexity may be unnecessary for casual traders. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
#4 RHB Futures Margin Requirements Tables
One-line verdict: A practical planning tool that lists initial and maintenance margin by product and effective date, helping you estimate the cash required to open and hold positions. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
Best for: Readers who want document-level rate and fee definitions.
- Price/fees: Not a fee schedule—this is a margin schedule; RHB notes margin requirements are subject to change. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
- Key requirement/eligibility: Margin is product-specific and may have different fields (initial, maintenance, spread, spot month) depending on contract. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
- Key inclusions/exclusions: Example listing includes FKLI with initial margin RM5,000 and maintenance margin RM5,000 (effective date shown on the table). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
- Last verified: 27 April 2026
- Evidence: RHB’s margin page shows “Last updated” and “Effective Date” fields for margin figures. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
- Why it made the list: It helps you budget initial vs maintenance margin before sizing positions. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
- Trade-offs: Margin tables don’t replace your broker’s risk controls; intraday margin calls can still happen if markets move quickly.
Learn more: Start your futures trading journey with RHB Invest’s futures overview at https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/index.html
Best for (Use Cases)
- If you want a beginner-friendly setup → RHB Futures GTS. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- If you want web + desktop + mobile → RHB Futures QST. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- If you want professional tooling → CQG Desktop. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html)
- If you want margin planning → RHB margin requirements tables. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
FAQs
1) What are the requirements to sign up for Futures Online Trading with RHB?
RHB’s FAQ states you must have an existing Futures trading account with RHB Investment Bank Berhad and a valid email address registered with the bank to sign up for Futures Online Trading. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/faq/futures/trading-futures-online/index.html)
2) Can I apply for Futures Online Trading if I don’t have a futures account yet?
RHB’s FAQ says you can apply, but your online trading application will not be processed until you open a Futures trading account with RHB Investment Bank Berhad. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/faq/futures/trading-futures-online/index.html)
3) Are futures quotes real time, and can I access the platform from overseas?
RHB’s platform FAQ states futures price quotes are live feeds updated in real time, and that the platform can be accessed from overseas as long as you have internet access and meet minimum system requirements. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/trading_platform.html)
4) What happens to my orders after the trading session ends?
RHB’s platform FAQ states day orders are valid for one day/session and unexecuted orders will be cancelled automatically at the end of each trading day/session. It also states changing order validity to GTC (Good till cancel) or GTD (Good till date) allows an order to continue working after the day trading session. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/trading_platform.html)
5) How do margin requirements work for RHB futures trading?
RHB publishes margin tables showing initial and maintenance margin (and other fields for some products) and notes that margin requirements are subject to change from time to time. Use the “effective date” field to check recency. (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html)
6) What futures markets can I access through RHB Invest?
RHB’s futures overview lists access to Bursa Malaysia Derivatives and 3 foreign futures exchanges: HKEX, SGX, and CME (as of 27 April 2026). (Source: https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/index.html)
References (verified 27 April 2026)
- RHB Invest — Futures Overview (markets access, positioning, support): https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/index.html
- RHB Invest — Futures Trading Platforms (GTS/QST/CQG features and waiver requirements): https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures/platforms/index.html
- RHB Invest — Futures Margin Requirements (initial/maintenance margin; last updated/effective dates): https://www.rhbinvest.com/futures_margin_requirements.html
- RHB Invest — FAQ: Trading Futures Online (eligibility and registration): https://www.rhbinvest.com/faq/futures/trading-futures-online/index.html
- RHB Invest — Trading Platform FAQ (real-time quotes, overseas access, order validity): https://www.rhbinvest.com/trading_platform.html
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Futures trading involves leverage and can result in losses exceeding your initial deposit. Margin requirements and platform terms can change—always verify current requirements and consider independent advice if needed.
