Which broker is better for Sao Tome and Principe traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Sao Tome and Principe traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and FXTM, two well-known international platforms that accept clients from the island nation. Both brokers offer competitive features, but their suitability varies based on your trading style and local needs. EasyMarkets, founded in 2001, is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly platform, ideal for beginners. FXTM (ForexTime), established in 2011, has grown rapidly and offers a wider range of account types, advanced tools, and lower costs for active traders. In Sao Tome and Principe, where USD is the primary trading currency and local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are common, FXTM’s flexible funding options give it an edge. This comparison examines trading costs, platforms, regulation, and specific local considerations to help retail traders in Sao Tome and Principe choose the right broker.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | 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 | $25 | $200 | FXTM |
For Sao Tome and Principe traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FXTM offers tighter spreads, especially on its Zero Account (from 0.0 pips with a small commission) and ECN Account (from 0.1 pips). EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1.0–1.5 pips on majors, which can be higher than FXTM's variable spreads during normal market conditions. While EasyMarkets guarantees no slippage on market orders, its fixed spreads can become uncompetitive when trading volume is high. Over 100 trades per month, FXTM’s lower spreads could save a typical retail trader in Sao Tome and Principe 20–30% in direct costs. FXTM also offers lower swap rates for holding positions overnight, which is beneficial for longer-term strategies.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Sao Tome and Principe (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the most popular platforms globally and widely used in Sao Tome and Principe. EasyMarkets also offers its proprietary web-based platform with a simplified interface and built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation and free guaranteed stop-loss. FXTM additionally provides a web trader and mobile apps with advanced charting, one-click trading, and copy trading through FXTM Invest. For local traders who prefer algorithmic trading or use Expert Advisors, both brokers support EA hosting, but FXTM’s VPS service is more affordable. EasyMarkets’ platform is better for novice traders who want simplicity, while FXTM appeals to those needing more features.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 |
FXTM uses advanced technology with low-latency order execution, particularly on its ECN accounts, with average execution speeds under 30ms and no requotes. EasyMarkets offers a unique no-slippage guarantee on market orders, but its execution is generally slower due to its market maker model. For scalpers and high-frequency traders in Sao Tome and Principe, FXTM’s ECN environment is preferable. For traders who prioritize fixed spreads and no slippage, EasyMarkets provides a reliable alternative.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles. FXTM holds licenses from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, CySEC, and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Mauritius. Sao Tome and Principe’s local financial regulator does not directly oversee forex brokers, so traders rely on international oversight. FXTM’s FCA regulation offers stronger investor protection (up to £85,000 under FSCS) for clients under its UK entity. Both brokers segregate client funds and adhere to strict capital requirements. For traders in Sao Tome and Principe, regulation gives confidence in fund security, but FXTM’s multi-regulatory status provides an extra layer of assurance.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Sao Tome and Principe traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with both brokers. FXTM stands out with lower deposit minimums (as low as $10 via USDT) and faster processing times—most deposit methods reflect instantly, and USDT TRC20 deposits are typically processed within minutes. EasyMarkets has a minimum deposit of $100 for most accounts and may charge a small fee for certain funding methods. Withdrawals at FXTM are speedy, often completed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, while EasyMarkets can take 1-3 business days. Both brokers accept USD, which aligns with the currency used in Sao Tome and Principe. For local traders who rely on USDT due to banking limitations, FXTM’s support for TRC20 USDT is particularly advantageous.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | 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 |
Both EasyMarkets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim clients in Sao Tome and Principe, in accordance with Sharia law that prohibits earning or paying interest (riba). EasyMarkets provides a straightforward swap-free account with no swaps on any instrument, and no additional fees for holding positions overnight. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on its Standard, Cent, and ECN account types, but charges an administrative fee if positions are kept open beyond a certain number of days (e.g., 5 days for ECN accounts). Traders should verify current terms directly. For long-term position holders in Sao Tome and Principe, EasyMarkets may be more cost-effective, while FXTM is better for shorter-term trading with swap-free conditions.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated account managers for higher-tier accounts. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support through live chat, phone, and email. Both respond within minutes for live chat. For Sao Tome and Principe traders, the time zone (UTC+0) aligns well with both brokers’ support hours. FXTM’s support is slightly more comprehensive, with faster email replies and a wider range of languages. EasyMarkets is known for friendly, personalized service.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | FXTM | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For most retail traders in Sao Tome and Principe, FXTM is the stronger choice due to its higher overall rating (4.3 vs 3.4), tighter spreads, diverse deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and faster withdrawals. Its robust regulatory framework under the FCA provides additional security. While EasyMarkets offers a simpler, all-in-one platform with fixed spreads and no slippage, its higher costs and fewer account types make it less competitive for volume traders. Given the local preference for USDT and e-wallets, FXTM’s support for multiple funding methods and low minimum deposits gives it a clear advantage. However, beginners in Sao Tome and Principe who prioritize ease of use and predictable costs may still find EasyMarkets a sensible option. Ultimately, consider your trading frequency and preferred deposit method to decide.