Which broker is better for Kuwait traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Kuwait retail traders evaluating forex brokers, EasyMarkets and IG represent two distinct approaches. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5) appeals with its fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss, and beginner-friendly interface, while IG (score 4.2/5) offers a vast market range, tighter variable spreads, and advanced tools suitable for active traders. Both accept Kuwait residents, support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and provide Islamic accounts. Kuwait traders often prefer IG for its research depth and execution speed, but EasyMarkets’ simplicity and risk management features (like DealCancellation) attract those new to forex or with smaller capital. This comparison focuses on key factors: trading costs, platforms, regulation by the local financial regulator (CMA), deposit options, and account types, helping you decide which broker fits your trading style in Kuwait.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for Kuwait traders, IG generally offers lower variable spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD (from 0.6 pips) and indices like US30 (from 1.5 points), making it cost-effective for high-volume or scalping strategies. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads (e.g., 1.2 pips on EUR/USD) that are wider on average but predictable, protecting traders during volatile market movements. EasyMarkets also has no commission on standard accounts, while IG’s fixed spread accounts have no commission and its Raw Spread account adds a small commission per lot. For Kuwait traders trading in KWD-equivalent volumes, IG’s lower spreads can save more money over multiple trades, but EasyMarkets’ fixed costs suit those who dislike surprises.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Kuwait (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| 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 | IG | 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+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides a comprehensive platform suite including its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and ProRealTime, all available in Arabic and suitable for Kuwait traders. The IG platform offers advanced charting, automated trading, and an extensive education centre. EasyMarkets offers its own web-based platform and a mobile app, with a simpler interface designed for ease of use. While EasyMarkets does not support MT4, its platform includes one-click trading, guaranteed stop-loss, and DealCancellation (allowing reversal of losing trades within 60 minutes). For Kuwait traders who value advanced tools and customisation, IG wins; for those wanting a streamlined experience, EasyMarkets is adequate.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 |
IG is known for its high-speed execution with low latency, using multiple liquidity providers and a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model for most instruments. This is ideal for Kuwait traders who scalp or trade news events. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss orders, which eliminates slippage but may involve slight requotes during volatile periods. For most retail Kuwait traders trading standard lots, IG’s execution quality is superior, while EasyMarkets’ execution is reliable for those prioritising risk controls over speed.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), and ASIC (Australia) – all widely recognised, but not the local Kuwait regulator (CMA). IG is authorised by the FCA (UK), ASIC, and FSCA, offering strong investor protection under their respective compensation schemes. For Kuwait traders, neither broker is directly overseen by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), which means there is no local depositor protection. However, both brokers operate under strict international standards and segregate client funds. Kuwait traders should still exercise due diligence and consider using a broker with a clear regulatory track record – IG’s FCA regulation is generally perceived as more robust.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 1 to 5 business days |
Kuwait traders can fund their accounts at both EasyMarkets and IG using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets also accepts Visa/Mastercard and local debit card transfers, with no deposit fees and a minimum deposit of $100. IG accepts the same methods, with a $250 minimum via bank transfer but no minimum for e-wallets and card deposits. Bank transfers from Kuwaiti banks (e.g., NBK, Gulf Bank) may take 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller are instant. USDT TRC20 is a popular crypto option for fast, low-cost transfers, with EasyMarkets processing deposits within minutes. Withdrawals at both brokers are typically processed within 1-2 business days via the same method, with EasyMarkets charging no fees and IG sometimes applying a fee for bank wire transfers under $100. For Kuwait traders, USDT TRC20 and e-wallets offer the quickest turnaround.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IG offer swap-free (Islamic) accounts for Muslim Kuwait traders who want to avoid interest charges on overnight positions due to Sharia compliance. EasyMarkets automatically applies the Islamic account feature to all new accounts from Muslim-majority countries, including Kuwait, with no additional request needed. IG requires the trader to contact customer support and provide a declaration of faith before enabling swap-free status. In both cases, there are no extra fees, but instruments like commodities and indices may still incur administrative charges if held beyond 30 days (IG) or on specific instruments (EasyMarkets). Kuwait traders should confirm the exact swap-free terms and any holding period restrictions before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in Arabic and English, with response times under 2 minutes for chat. IG provides 24/5 live chat, phone support, and an extensive FAQ section, also with Arabic language options. IG’s support is generally faster for complex issues due to its larger team, but EasyMarkets’ smaller operation can be more personal. For Kuwait traders, both brokers offer local phone numbers (EasyMarkets has a UAE line) and WhatsApp support – IG does not offer WhatsApp but has a reliable callback service. Overall, IG’s support is more comprehensive, but EasyMarkets’ is more accessible for simple queries.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IG | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IG | 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 IG if you...
For Kuwait retail traders, the choice between EasyMarkets and IG depends on your trading style and priorities. IG (score 4.2) is the superior broker overall, offering lower costs, faster execution, and a broader platform ecosystem – ideal for active traders who trade in volume and value research. However, EasyMarkets (score 3.4) shines for beginners or those who prefer predictability with fixed spreads, guaranteed stop-loss, and a simpler fee structure. Both support local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20) and offer Islamic accounts, complying with Kuwaiti religious needs. While neither is regulated by the local financial regulator (CMA) directly, IG’s FCA oversight provides stronger fund protection. For most Kuwait traders seeking long-term growth, IG’s features justify its higher score, but EasyMarkets remains a solid, user-friendly alternative for those starting out or prioritising simplicity.