As an experienced forex and futures trader, I’ve learned to prioritize regulatory standing and margin requirements over simple minimum deposit figures, especially with brokers like Cathay Futures. In my own review of their offering, I could not locate a clearly published “minimum deposit” for opening a live account—a detail that is sometimes standard with more retail-oriented forex brokers. Instead, Cathay Futures operates much like a traditional futures brokerage, where the decisive factor is the initial margin required to trade specific contracts. For example, if I wanted to trade the Taiwan Stock Index (TX) future, I’d be looking at an original margin set at NT$356,000, based on their current disclosures. Similarly, trading certain U.S. futures, such as the Thirty-year U.S. ultra-long bond (UB), currently requires an initial margin of SPEC INIT 5,665.0 (denominated in the relevant currency). These are substantial figures and underline that futures trading, particularly through a broker like Cathay Futures, is capital-intensive and generally better suited to more experienced or institutional participants. What’s also important to me is that Cathay Futures is regulated by the Taipei Exchange, giving a degree of operational oversight and client protection. However, their lack of transparent information on general account minimums underscores the necessity of direct inquiry or careful consultation before funding an account. For anyone considering trading with Cathay Futures, I would urge a conservative approach—ensure you understand the margin requirements for your intended products and reach out personally to the broker to clarify all costs and account minimums before transferring any funds. This level of due diligence is essential, especially in the context of significant capital commitments.