Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Cyprus-based retail traders, choosing between EasyMarkets and FP Markets requires careful evaluation of local regulation, trading costs, and platform features. Both brokers are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring client protection under EU MiFID II rules. EasyMarkets, headquartered in Limassol, offers a straightforward trading experience with fixed spreads and a proprietary platform, making it ideal for beginners who prefer simplicity. FP Markets, via its EU subsidiary, provides access to global liquidity with raw spreads from 0.0 pips, multiple platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader), and faster execution suited for active and algorithmic traders. Cyprus traders can fund accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with both brokers offering EUR and USD accounts. While EasyMarkets scores 3.4/5 and excels in user-friendliness and local presence, FP Markets scores 4.7/5 due to superior trading conditions and broader instrument range. This comparison helps Cyprus traders decide which broker aligns with their goals, whether focusing on low costs or ease of use.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 | FP Markets |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on trades. This structure is predictable and suits lower-volume traders who value transparency. FP Markets offers two account types: a Raw ECN account with spreads from 0.0 pips plus a commission (≈$3 round turn per lot), and a Standard account with spreads from 1.0 pips and no commission. For high-volume traders, the Raw account significantly reduces costs per trade. Over 100 lots, FP Markets can save hundreds of dollars versus EasyMarkets. Both brokers have no hidden fees for Cyprus clients, but FP Markets' lower spreads, especially on major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, make it more competitive for active strategies. Cyprus traders should calculate their average monthly volume to decide which cost model suits them best.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Platform availability is crucial for Cyprus traders, especially those using automated trading or advanced charting. EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web platform and mobile app, designed for simplicity with features like dealCancellation and negative balance protection. It also offers limited MetaTrader 4 (MT4) support for specific account types. FP Markets, in contrast, supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader across all accounts, giving traders access to advanced tools, custom indicators, and Expert Advisors (EAs). Many Cyprus traders prefer MT4/MT5 for algorithmic trading and backtesting. FP Markets also offers a full-featured mobile app for both platforms. For beginners who prioritise ease of use, EasyMarkets' platform is intuitive, but for experienced traders requiring flexibility and depth, FP Markets provides a superior ecosystem with raw spreads and deep liquidity.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality varies significantly between the two. EasyMarkets uses market execution with fixed spreads and no requotes, suitable for retail traders who prioritise simplicity. However, its dealing desk model can lead to slight delays under volatile conditions. FP Markets operates an ECN/STP model with direct market access, offering ultra-fast execution speeds (under 30ms) and variable spreads from 0.0 pips without requotes. Cyprus scalpers and EA users will benefit from FP Markets' low latency and deep liquidity, as order fills are more consistent. For casual traders, EasyMarkets' execution is adequate, but for those requiring precision and speed, FP Markets is clearly superior.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and FP Markets are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with EU MiFID II standards. EasyMarkets (Easy Forex Trading Ltd) is a Cyprus-incorporated firm with a direct CySEC license, offering the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) coverage of up to €20,000 per client. FP Markets operates in Cyprus through First Prudential Markets Ltd, also licensed by CySEC, providing the same ICF protection and negative balance protection. For Cyprus traders, this means both brokers segregate client funds, restrict leverage to 1:30 for retail clients, and adhere to strict reporting requirements. The local regulatory oversight gives traders peace of mind. FP Markets additionally holds licenses from ASIC and FSCA, but the Cyprus entity is the relevant one for local clients. EasyMarkets' physical presence in Cyprus may appeal to traders who prefer a local office and quicker support.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | 24 hours |
Cyprus traders can deposit and withdraw funds using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and FP Markets. EasyMarkets processes Bank Transfers within 1–3 business days with no deposit fees, though withdrawal fees may apply (free for first withdrawal per month). Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with minimal or zero fees; withdrawals via these methods are processed within a few hours. USDT TRC20 deposits are supported with low network fees and near-instant confirmation, ideal for traders using crypto. FP Markets offers similar options: free Bank Transfer deposits, instant Skrill/Neteller (no fees for deposits, withdrawal fees may apply), and USDT TRC20 deposits with fast processing. Minimum deposits vary: EasyMarkets requires $100 for its standard account; FP Markets has a $100 minimum for Standard accounts and $150 for Raw accounts. Both support EUR and USD base currencies, with competitive exchange rates for Cyprus clients. Overall, FP Markets tends to process withdrawals faster, sometimes within 24 hours, while EasyMarkets may take 2–3 business days.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both EasyMarkets and FP Markets provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Cyprus, in compliance with Sharia law that prohibits interest charges. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts upon request for all account types, with no swap fees on overnight positions. However, spreads on Islamic accounts may be slightly wider to compensate. FP Markets also offers swap-free accounts for Standard and Raw ECN accounts, with no overnight interest, and maintains competitive spreads. Traders should note that holding positions for extended periods may incur administrative fees on both platforms. Cyprus Muslim traders can contact support to activate the swap-free option, and both brokers require a declaration of faith or eligibility. FP Markets' wider range of platforms and instruments is also available on Islamic accounts. Overall, both meet the needs of Cyprus clients seeking ethical trading, but FP Markets offers more flexibility with its platform choice.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
Customer support for Cyprus traders is readily available at both brokers. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support via live chat, phone, and email, with English and Greek language options. Its local office in Limassol means faster response times for voice calls in Cypriot time. FP Markets provides 24/7 multilingual support including Greek, via live chat, phone, and email. FP Markets' round-the-clock availability is beneficial for traders active during European and Asian sessions. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and account management assistance. For immediate issues, FP Markets' 24/7 coverage gives it a slight edge, though EasyMarkets' local presence is convenient for in-person queries.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FP Markets if you...
For Cyprus traders, FP Markets emerges as the stronger choice with a 4.7/5 rating, outperforming EasyMarkets (3.4/5) in trading costs, platform choice, and execution speed. While EasyMarkets offers simplicity, local regulation, and a user-friendly interface, its fixed spreads and limited platform options restrict active traders. FP Markets appeals to both beginners (via Standard accounts) and experienced traders (via Raw ECN accounts) with competitive pricing and cutting-edge tools. Both brokers accept local deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and are CySEC-regulated, ensuring fund safety. Given Cyprus's active forex community and preference for MT4/MT5, FP Markets aligns better with typical local needs. However, absolute beginners or those who value an all-in-one broker with a local office may find EasyMarkets adequate. Ultimately, we recommend FP Markets for most Cyprus retail traders seeking lower costs and greater flexibility.