Helios Markets Review
Best for derivatives traders
of 10
Helios Markets is a derivatives-first venue with a mature margin engine and genuinely deep books. It rewards experienced traders and punishes newcomers who ignore its risk controls.
By Mara Okonkwo · Updated Jul 1, 2026
Perpetual markets
90+
Max leverage
50x
Taker fee (perps)
0.045%
Options expiries
Daily to quarterly
Scores
Pros
- Perpetuals and options across more than 90 underlying assets
- Cross- and isolated-margin engine with clear liquidation previews
- Deep order-book liquidity keeps funding rates stable
Cons
- Interface complexity is intimidating for first-time traders
- Spot selection is secondary to the derivatives focus
Overview
Helios is engineered for leverage. Perpetual swaps span more than 90 assets, options run from daily to quarterly expiries, and the risk engine surfaces liquidation prices and margin ratios before you confirm. The trade-off is a dense interface with a real learning curve.
Fees & costs
Derivatives fees are competitive at 0.02% maker and 0.045% taker, with funding rates that stayed tight during our observation window thanks to healthy liquidity. Volume rebates reward market makers, and there are no charges on collateral deposits.
Security
Helios keeps the bulk of collateral in cold storage and operates an insurance fund to backstop socialised losses during extreme volatility. Two-factor authentication, IP allow-listing, and anti-liquidation-cascade circuit breakers are in place. Proof-of-reserves is published, though attestation cadence could be tighter.
Who it's for
This platform is for options and perpetuals traders who understand margin mechanics and funding. Beginners, or anyone who only wants simple spot buys, will find the surface area overwhelming and should start on a gentler venue.
How it compares
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Frequently asked questions
What leverage does Helios Markets offer?
Helios offers up to 50x on major perpetual markets, with lower caps on less liquid assets to manage liquidation risk.
Does Helios have an insurance fund?
Yes. Helios maintains a publicly tracked insurance fund that absorbs bankruptcy losses before any auto-deleveraging is applied to profitable positions.
This review may contain affiliate links, which never affect our score. Nothing here is financial advice. Editorial policy.