Admirals vs FBS: In-Depth Comparison for New Zealand Traders (2026)

For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Admirals offers competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account (with a $3 commission per lot) and 1.0 pips on its standard account. FBS’s standard account has spreads around 1.0–1.5 pips, with its ECN account offering from 0.0 pips plus a commission. Over 100 lots traded per month, Admirals can save a New Zealand trader approximately $150–$200 in spread costs compared to FBS. Additionally, Admirals does not charge deposit fees on e-wallets, while FBS may impose a small fee on certain withdrawals. For volume-focused traders, Admirals is the more cost-efficient choice.

Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the industry-standard platforms favoured by New Zealand traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Admirals also provides its proprietary WebTrader and a mobile app with integrated trading signals and analytics, which is useful for Kiwis who trade on the go. FBS keeps it simple with MT4 and MT5 only, plus a basic mobile app. For New Zealand traders who want extra tools like a built-in economic calendar or risk management features, Admirals’ platform suite is more comprehensive.

Admirals offers fast execution with an average order speed of 40ms, ideal for scalpers and day traders in New Zealand. FBS reports execution speeds of around 50ms, which is still competitive but slightly slower. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution on ECN accounts, reducing slippage. For New Zealand traders trading high-volatility pairs like NZD/USD, Admirals’ execution edge can make a difference in fast-moving markets.

Regulation is a top concern for New Zealand traders. Admirals is regulated by the local financial regulator, which means it must comply with strict capital adequacy requirements, client fund segregation, and dispute resolution through the local system. FBS is regulated internationally by the IFSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus), which offer some protection but not the same level of local oversight. For New Zealand traders, Admirals provides greater regulatory certainty and recourse in case of issues, making it the safer choice for those who prioritise security over flexibility.

New Zealand traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. At Admirals, deposits via Skrill and Neteller are instant and free, while USDT TRC20 is processed within minutes. Bank Transfer takes 1-3 business days and may incur a small fee from the sending bank. FBS also supports these methods, with a minimum deposit of just $1 via USDT, making it accessible for small accounts. Withdrawals at Admirals are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. FBS processes withdrawals within 1-2 business days for e-wallets. Both brokers do not charge internal withdrawal fees, but third-party bank charges may apply. For New Zealand traders, the variety of local-friendly payment options ensures flexibility.

Both Admirals and FBS offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Admirals provides swap-free accounts on request, applicable to most currency pairs and commodities, with no swap charges on overnight positions. FBS also offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees, but it applies a small administrative fee after a certain holding period (usually 3-5 days). For long-term position holders, Admirals’ Islamic account is more favourable as it does not impose extra charges. Both brokers require a simple request via customer support to activate the account.

Admirals offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated New Zealand phone number for local queries. FBS provides 24/7 live chat and email support but lacks a local phone line. Response times are similar, but Admirals’ localised support is more convenient for New Zealand traders needing quick assistance during local business hours.