Which broker is better for Sri Lanka traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Sri Lankan retail traders comparing EasyMarkets and FP Markets, the choice comes down to trading style, cost preferences, and platform needs. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, has been serving clients since 2001 and is known for its fixed spreads, user-friendly web platform, and zero-commission accounts. FP Markets, scoring 4.7/5, is a globally established broker founded in 2005, offering tight spreads from 0.0 pips, multiple trading platforms, and deep liquidity. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, FriMi, and USDT, making deposits convenient for Sri Lankans. While the SEC Sri Lanka does not directly regulate these offshore brokers, both hold licenses from top-tier regulators such as ASIC and CySEC, providing a layer of trust. This comparison examines trading costs, platforms, regulation, and local payment support to help Sri Lankan traders make an informed decision.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Sri Lankan traders, spreads and commissions are key factors. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD with no commission, which is simple but relatively expensive for active trading. FP Markets offers a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3 per lot commission, significantly lowering costs for high-volume traders. The Standard account at FP Markets has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, matching EasyMarkets but with variable spreads that can be tighter during liquid hours. For Sri Lankan traders who trade 10+ lots per month, FP Markets' raw pricing model can reduce spread costs by over 50% compared to EasyMarkets. However, casual traders may prefer EasyMarkets' fixed spreads for budget certainty.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (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 Sri Lankan traders who often rely on mobile and web trading. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web platform, which is intuitive and risk-managed with features like DealCancellation, alongside MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). FP Markets offers a wider selection including MT4, MT5, cTrader, and IRESS, catering to both manual and algorithmic traders. Both brokers have fully functional mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android, important given Sri Lanka's mobile-first internet usage. FP Markets' additional platforms give experienced traders more tools for advanced charting and automated trading, while EasyMarkets' proprietary platform is ideal for beginners seeking simplicity.
| 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 directly affects trading outcomes for Sri Lankan traders. EasyMarkets uses market execution with fixed spreads, guaranteeing no requotes on most orders, but order speed can vary. FP Markets employs true ECN/STP execution with no dealing desk, offering ultra-fast order processing and deep liquidity from multiple banks. FP Markets is better suited for scalpers and algorithmic traders who require minimal slippage. EasyMarkets' execution is reliable for everyday trading but may not match FP Markets' speed during high volatility.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top concern for Sri Lankan traders as the SEC Sri Lanka does not license forex brokers directly. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Europe), ASIC (Australia), and FSA (Seychelles), while FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both brokers adhere to client fund segregation and negative balance protection under these regulators. For Sri Lankans, ASIC and CySEC oversight provide strong investor protections, though these apply mainly to clients under those entities. Neither broker is registered with the SEC Sri Lanka, but they operate legally for offshore clients. Traders should verify which entity they are onboarded with and understand the corresponding regulatory protections.
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) is straightforward with both brokers. EasyMarkets and FP Markets support Bank Transfer, FriMi, and USDT (crypto) as local payment methods. FriMi is particularly popular in Sri Lanka for instant transfers with low fees; both brokers process FriMi deposits instantly. Bank Transfers are accepted but may take 1-3 business days and incur conversion fees from LKR to USD. USDT deposits are fast and avoid bank delays. Minimum deposit is $100 for both brokers. Withdrawals are processed via the same methods: Bank Transfer (1-5 business days), FriMi (up to 24 hours), and USDT (instant). FP Markets charges a small withdrawal fee for bank wires, while EasyMarkets does not charge for withdrawals. Sri Lankan traders should check their bank's foreign transaction policies to avoid unexpected charges.
| 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 |
For Sri Lankan Muslim traders requiring Sharia-compliant accounts, both EasyMarkets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. EasyMarkets provides an Islamic account option across all account types with no swap charges on overnight positions, though holding periods may be limited. FP Markets offers swap-free accounts on request for clients of Muslim faith, available on standard and raw accounts, with no additional fees. Both brokers ensure no interest is paid or received, aligning with Islamic principles. Sri Lankan traders should confirm the specific terms with customer support before opening an Islamic account.
| 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 is essential for Sri Lankan traders, especially with time zone differences. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in English, with average response times under 5 minutes. FP Markets provides 24/7 support via live chat, email, and phone, covering Sri Lanka's working hours and weekends. FP Markets' round-the-clock availability is advantageous for traders who need assistance outside regular hours. Both brokers have knowledgeable support teams, but FP Markets' 24/7 service gives it an edge for local traders.
| 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 Sri Lankan retail traders, FP Markets is the clear winner with a score of 4.7/5 compared to EasyMarkets' 3.4/5. FP Markets offers lower trading costs, a wider platform selection, and 24/7 support, making it better suited for both beginners and experienced traders. Both brokers support Sri Lankan payment methods like Bank Transfer, FriMi, and USDT, ensuring easy deposits and withdrawals. While neither is regulated by SEC Sri Lanka, FP Markets' strong ASIC and CySEC licenses provide reliable oversight. EasyMarkets remains a solid choice for those who value fixed spreads and a simple platform, but for cost efficiency and flexibility, FP Markets is the preferred broker for Sri Lanka in 2025. We recommend testing both with demo accounts before committing real capital.