Which broker is better for Moldova traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Moldovan traders exploring online forex trading, choosing between EasyMarkets and IG is a key decision. Both brokers are well-established but cater to different needs. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, is a globally recognised market leader offering over 17,000 markets, tight spreads, and FCA regulation. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, focuses on simplicity, fixed spreads, and innovative risk management tools like guaranteed stop loss. Moldova’s trading environment is evolving, with increasing interest in forex and support for modern payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—particularly important given limited local banking options for international transfers. Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, but both operate under reputable licences. This comparison covers spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods tailored specifically to Moldova retail traders.
| 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 Moldovan traders using USD accounts, IG generally offers lower variable spreads. For instance, the average EUR/USD spread on IG’s standard account is around 0.6 pips, while EasyMarkets charges a fixed 1.0–1.2 pips. On other major pairs like GBP/USD, IG’s spread averages 1.0 pips versus EasyMarkets’ 1.5 pips. For high-volume traders, these differences accumulate significantly. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide predictability—helpful during volatile market events when variable spreads can widen. IG charges no commission on forex, while EasyMarkets includes all costs in the spread. For Moldovan traders who trade frequently, IG’s lower spreads reduce overall cost, making it the more economical option for active retail trading.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Moldova (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 offers multiple platforms: its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and a mobile app, all optimized for speed and advanced charting. EasyMarkets provides its user-friendly web trader and also supports MT4. For Moldovan traders, platform reliability on slower internet connections matters—both brokers perform well. IG’s platforms offer more advanced tools for technical analysis, while EasyMarkets’ platform is simpler and includes built-in risk management features like deal cancellation. Mobile trading is crucial in Moldova, where many traders use smartphones; both brokers have robust mobile apps available in English and limited Romanian support. IG’s platform is better for experienced traders, while EasyMarkets’ interface suits beginners.
| 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 offers straight-through processing (STP) with no dealing desk intervention, resulting in fast execution speeds and minimal slippage—ideal for Moldovan traders who scalp or trade during news events. EasyMarkets uses a hybrid model with dealing desk for some accounts, but offers guaranteed stop loss on certain trades, which prevents slippage beyond the stop price. For retail traders in Moldova, IG’s execution is superior for active strategies, while EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stops provide peace of mind for risk-averse traders. Both brokers offer low latency, which is adequate for standard retail trading.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key factor for Moldovan traders. IG is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)—both top-tier authorities offering strong client protection, including negative balance protection and compensation schemes. EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Australian ASIC, and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA). Neither broker is regulated by Moldova’s local financial regulator. While IG’s FCA licence provides the highest level of protection for international clients, EasyMarkets’ CySEC regulation also ensures adherence to European standards. Moldovan traders should note that without local regulation, they rely on the brokers’ foreign licences, which may limit legal recourse in case of disputes.
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds from Moldova is straightforward with both brokers. EasyMarkets accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and notably USDT TRC20, a popular crypto option for Moldovan traders seeking fast, low-cost transfers with no banking intermediaries. IG accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller but does not support cryptocurrency deposits. Bank Transfers from Moldova can take 1–3 business days and may incur intermediate bank fees. Skrill and Neteller are instant and widely used among Moldovan traders for their speed and low fees. Withdrawals are processed quickly—EasyMarkets typically within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, while IG processes within 1–2 business days. Always verify if the broker charges withdrawal fees; both are generally free for standard methods. USDT TRC20 offers a unique advantage for EasyMarkets users in Moldova.
| 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 provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Moldova, who require compliance with Sharia law prohibiting interest (riba). EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees on all overnight positions, and the process is simple—just contact support. IG also offers Islamic accounts, but requires submission of a declaration or proof of Muslim faith. Holding periods and administration fees may apply with IG, so Moldovan traders should compare the fine print. EasyMarkets’ policy is generally more accessible for those who want a straightforward swap-free experience. Given Moldova’s small but present Muslim community, both brokers cater adequately to this requirement.
| 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 |
Customer support for Moldovan traders is available 24/5 from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. IG provides dedicated phone support in multiple languages, but Romanian is not explicitly listed—English support is responsive. EasyMarkets offers multilingual support including live chat and callback services. Both have extensive FAQ and knowledge bases. For Moldovan traders, the availability of email and live chat is sufficient, though IG’s phone support may be more reliable for urgent queries. Response times are generally under 30 minutes for both brokers.
| 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 most retail traders in Moldova, IG is the better choice due to its higher overall score (4.2), lower spreads, vast market selection, and robust regulation. It suits active traders and those who prioritise cost efficiency. EasyMarkets, while lower rated, offers distinct advantages: fixed spreads, guaranteed stop loss, and acceptance of USDT TRC20 for deposits—a valuable alternative given Moldova’s banking landscape. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, but EasyMarkets’ crypto support is a key differentiator. Neither is regulated by the local financial regulator, so traders should assess the protection offered by foreign licences. Ultimately, choose EasyMarkets if risk management and crypto deposits matter; otherwise, IG provides a superior overall trading experience for Moldova.