EasyMarkets vs IC Markets: Which Broker is Better for Papua New Guinea Traders in 2026?

For Papua New Guinea traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. IC Markets offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a commission of $7 per lot round-turn. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, and no commission. For PNG traders executing high volumes, IC Markets is far more cost-effective. A trader placing 10 lots per month on EUR/USD would pay roughly $120 in spreads with EasyMarkets, but only $70 in combined spread and commission with IC Markets. The cost advantage becomes even larger for scalpers and day traders. However, EasyMarkets fixed spreads protect during volatile news events, which can appeal to less active PNG traders.

Platform availability matters for Papua New Guinea traders. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all of which are desktop, web, and mobile compatible. These platforms offer advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and low-latency execution. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web platform and a mobile app, which is simpler but lacks the depth of MT4/MT5. For PNG traders who rely on EAs or need robust technical analysis tools, IC Markets is the clear winner. Beginners may prefer EasyMarkets’ streamlined interface with built-in risk management tools like deal cancellation.

IC Markets offers ultra-fast execution with low latency, averaging 40ms on its ECN servers, making it ideal for scalpers and EA users in Papua New Guinea. EasyMarkets uses market maker execution with no requotes but slightly higher slippage during volatile events. For PNG traders who require precise entry and exit, IC Markets’ raw execution model provides greater reliability and transparency. EasyMarkets’ execution is adequate for swing traders and hobbyists who don’t require split-second fills.

IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). EasyMarkets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles. For Papua New Guinea traders, the local financial regulator does not directly oversee forex brokers, but these international licenses provide a strong safety net. IC Markets’ ASIC regulation imposes strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection, while EasyMarkets’ FSA license offers more flexibility but weaker oversight. Both brokers are considered reliable, but IC Markets has a stronger regulatory reputation for PNG traders seeking high standards.

Papua New Guinea traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IC Markets also accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, and other e-wallets. Deposits via USDT TRC20 are processed within minutes and often incur zero fees – ideal for PNG traders wanting fast, low-cost funding. Bank Transfers may take 1-3 business days and involve intermediary bank charges. Minimum deposits are $100 for EasyMarkets and $200 for IC Markets. Withdrawals at both brokers are quick: Skrill and Neteller usually process within 24 hours, while USDT TRC20 withdrawals are almost instant. EasyMarkets offers free withdrawals once per month; IC Markets charges a small fee for some methods.

Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Papua New Guinea. These accounts comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest (swap) on positions. EasyMarkets offers swap-free accounts automatically upon request during registration, with no additional fees. IC Markets requires clients to submit a request after account opening, and approval is typically granted within a few days. Neither broker imposes hidden charges for Islamic accounts, making them suitable for PNG Muslim traders who want to trade forex while adhering to Islamic principles. It’s advisable to confirm swap-free status before trading commodity CFDs, as some brokers apply holding fees.

Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers. IC Markets offers multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with response times under 30 seconds on chat. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support in English and several other languages, plus a comprehensive FAQ. For Papua New Guinea traders, the time zone difference is manageable as both brokers cover active market hours. IC Markets’ larger support team may offer faster resolution for technical issues, while EasyMarkets is praised for personalized service for new traders.