Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore is one of Asia's most dynamic forex trading hubs, and choosing the right broker is critical for sophisticated investors. AvaTrade and FXTM are two globally recognized brokers that cater to Singapore traders, each with unique strengths. AvaTrade, with a rating of 4.6/5, offers tight spreads, a robust MAS-regulated entity, and seamless PayNow deposits. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, provides competitive pricing and multiple account types, but its Singapore-specific infrastructure is less developed. Both brokers support SGD deposits via PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making them accessible to local traders. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Singapore traders: regulation under MAS, local payment methods, and trading costs in the financial hub context.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 | AvaTrade |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. AvaTrade offers spreads from 0.9 pips on EUR/USD for its standard account, while FXTM starts at 1.3 pips on its Standard account. On higher volumes, such as 10+ lots per month, AvaTrade's spreads can drop to 0.6 pips, whereas FXTM's ECN account offers spreads from 0.1 pips but charges a commission of $3 per lot. For typical retail traders in Singapore who trade moderate volumes, AvaTrade's all-in cost is lower. However, high-frequency traders may prefer FXTM's ECN model for tighter raw spreads. Both brokers have no hidden fees for SGD deposits or withdrawals.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:3000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among Singapore traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. AvaTrade also provides its proprietary WebTrader platform, which is browser-based and requires no download—ideal for traders who value flexibility. FXTM offers a mobile app with real-time alerts and one-click trading, but its desktop platform is limited to MT4/MT5. For Singapore traders who use multiple devices, AvaTrade's WebTrader is a distinct advantage, while FXTM's focus on MT4/MT5 suits those who prefer a traditional setup.
| Factor | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | AvaTrade |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is crucial for Singapore traders, especially those using automated strategies. AvaTrade boasts an average execution speed of 0.1 seconds, with no requotes on most orders, thanks to its STP/ECN model. FXTM's execution speed is around 0.3 seconds, with occasional slippage during volatile markets. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, but AvaTrade's faster execution and lower slippage make it more suitable for high-frequency and algorithmic traders in Singapore's fast-paced environment.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Singapore traders, and AvaTrade holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), providing direct local oversight and investor protection. FXTM is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, but it does not have a direct MAS license. This means AvaTrade offers stronger regulatory safeguards for Singapore residents, including compliance with MAS's stringent capital requirements and client fund segregation rules. For traders who prioritize local regulation, AvaTrade is the clear winner, while FXTM remains a safe option through its EU and UK licenses.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 business days | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Singapore traders enjoy convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. AvaTrade supports PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card for SGD deposits, with PayNow being the fastest—funds are credited instantly with zero fees. FXTM also accepts PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, but its PayNow processing can take up to 2 hours during business days. Minimum deposits are similar: $100 SGD for AvaTrade and $50 SGD for FXTM. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for both brokers, with no additional charges for SGD accounts. AvaTrade offers a slight edge with faster PayNow processing, while FXTM's lower minimum deposit appeals to new traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Singapore's Muslim traders, both AvaTrade and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating interest charges on overnight positions. AvaTrade provides swap-free accounts on all its account types, including standard and ECN, with no extra fees or restrictions on holding periods. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on its Standard and ECN accounts, but traders must hold positions for at least 10 days to avoid a fee. AvaTrade's policy is more flexible and trader-friendly, making it the preferred choice for Singapore's Muslim community. Both brokers require a simple request during account opening to activate the swap-free feature.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with multilingual teams that include English and Mandarin speakers—key for Singapore's diverse population. AvaTrade offers live chat, email, and phone support, with average response times under 30 seconds for chat. FXTM provides similar channels but has slightly longer wait times during peak hours. AvaTrade also has a dedicated Singapore phone number, which is a plus for local traders seeking immediate assistance.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | AvaTrade |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | AvaTrade |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | AvaTrade | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Singapore traders, AvaTrade is the superior choice overall, thanks to its direct MAS regulation, tighter spreads, and faster PayNow processing. Its 4.6/5 rating reflects strong local infrastructure that aligns with the needs of sophisticated investors in a financial hub. FXTM is a worthy competitor, particularly for high-volume traders who can benefit from its ECN pricing, but its lack of a MAS license and slower local payments give AvaTrade the edge. If you prioritize regulatory safety and cost efficiency, go with AvaTrade. If you're a scalper seeking ultra-low spreads and don't mind non-local regulation, FXTM is a solid alternative. Both brokers accept SGD deposits via PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, ensuring seamless access for Singapore residents.