Which broker is better for Sri Lanka traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Sri Lanka traders looking to enter the forex market, choosing between EasyMarkets and FXTM is a common dilemma. Both brokers are well-known internationally and accept clients from Sri Lanka, but they cater to different needs. EasyMarkets, with a rating of 3.4/5, is a user-friendly broker that simplifies trading with fixed spreads and a straightforward platform. FXTM, rated 4.3/5, offers more advanced features, including multiple account types and tighter spreads, making it popular among retail traders in Colombo and beyond. While neither broker is regulated by the SEC Sri Lanka, they hold licenses from top-tier authorities like CySEC and FCA, providing a layer of security. Sri Lankan traders often prefer brokers that support local payment methods, and FXTM stands out by offering FriMi along with Bank Transfer and USDT. This comparison will help you decide which broker fits your trading style, whether you are a beginner seeking simplicity or an experienced trader aiming for lower costs.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Sri Lanka traders, FXTM generally offers more competitive spreads, especially on its ECN accounts where spreads can start as low as 0.1 pips on major currency pairs. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads averaging 1-2 pips, which are higher but predictable. For traders executing large volumes, the difference can significantly impact profitability. Additionally, FXTM charges a small commission on ECN accounts, while EasyMarkets includes all costs in the spread. Both brokers offer competitive margin rates, but Sri Lankan traders should consider their typical trade size and frequency. Overall, FXTM is more cost-effective for active traders, while EasyMarkets suits those who prioritise cost certainty.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets and FXTM both offer the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are reliable for Sri Lanka traders with stable internet connections. EasyMarkets also provides its proprietary web-based platform with a simplified interface, ideal for beginners. FXTM offers additional platforms like WebTrader and mobile apps with advanced charting tools. For Sri Lankan traders who often trade on mobile due to frequent power cuts or travel, both brokers deliver responsive mobile apps. However, FXTM's platforms are more feature-rich, catering to traders who need in-depth analysis. EasyMarkets' platform is easier to navigate for those new to forex.
| 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 |
Execution quality is critical for Sri Lanka traders, especially in volatile markets. FXTM uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with ECN technology, ensuring fast order processing with minimal slippage. EasyMarkets also offers market execution but may experience slightly higher slippage during news events. FXTM's execution speed averages under 50ms, while EasyMarkets is slightly slower. For traders using high-frequency strategies or trading during London/New York sessions, FXTM's execution reliability is preferable. Both brokers guarantee no requotes, but FXTM is the clear leader in this area.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while FXTM holds licenses from CySEC, FCA (UK), and FSCA (South Africa). Neither broker is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC Sri Lanka), which means they operate as offshore entities. However, their regulation by reputable international bodies ensures adherence to strict financial standards, including client fund segregation and negative balance protection. For Sri Lanka traders, this provides reasonable security, but they should be aware that local legal recourse is limited in case of disputes. Both brokers offer transparent trading conditions, with FXTM having a slight edge due to its additional FCA regulation.
| 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. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is a key consideration for Sri Lanka traders, and the two brokers differ in convenience. FXTM supports three local payment methods: Bank Transfer, FriMi (a popular mobile wallet in Sri Lanka), and USDT (stablecoin). FriMi allows instant deposits with no fees, making it ideal for small to medium amounts. EasyMarkets only accepts Bank Transfer and USDT, and its minimum deposit is $100 compared to FXTM's $10. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 1-3 business days for bank transfers, while USDT and FriMi (on FXTM) are faster. FXTM's inclusion of FriMi gives it a clear advantage for Sri Lankan traders who want seamless funding. Note that bank transfers may incur intermediary fees, so FriMi or USDT are more cost-effective.
| 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 traders in Sri Lanka who wish to trade without earning or paying interest (riba). EasyMarkets provides swap-free accounts on all its account types with no extra charges. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on its Standard and ECN accounts, also free of additional fees. However, FXTM applies a small administrative fee after a holding period on some instruments, which is disclosed in its terms. For Sri Lankan Muslim traders, both brokers are compliant, but FXTM's wider range of account types provides more flexibility. It's advisable to request the Islamic account at the time of opening.
| 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 |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with live chat, email, and phone support in English. FXTM additionally offers support in Sinhala and Tamil on its website, though live chat is primarily in English. EasyMarkets does not provide dedicated support in local languages. For Sri Lanka traders, FXTM's multilingual resources are advantageous. Response times are generally fast, with live chat resolving queries within minutes. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and educational materials that are helpful for new traders.
| 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 Sri Lanka traders, FXTM is the better choice. With a higher rating of 4.3/5, it offers lower trading costs, a wider range of local payment methods including FriMi, and robust regulatory oversight. Its support for Bank Transfer and USDT further enhances accessibility. EasyMarkets, despite its simplicity and fixed spreads, falls short in payment options and overall value. While neither broker is regulated by SEC Sri Lanka, FXTM's international licensing provides strong protection. Sri Lankan retail traders who prioritise cost efficiency and convenient funding will find FXTM more aligned with their needs. Beginners may still appreciate EasyMarkets' ease of use, but the overall advantage lies with FXTM.