Which broker is better for Pakistan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Pakistan traders looking for a reliable online broker face a choice between EasyMarkets and IG, two well-known names in the industry. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, stands out for its high leverage (up to 1:400) and easy local payment methods like JazzCash and Easypaisa, making it popular among retail traders in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. IG, with a stronger 4.2/5 score, offers deeper liquidity, tighter spreads, and globally trusted regulation from the FCA and ASIC, appealing to more experienced traders. While both provide Islamic accounts and support USDT TRC20, the decision often comes down to cost versus convenience. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Pakistan traders: leverage, platform usability, deposit methods, and compliance with local practices. Understanding the 2025 landscape helps traders choose the right partner for Forex, indices, and commodities trading in PKR terms, especially given the volatile rupee environment.
| 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, IG generally outperforms EasyMarkets for Pakistan traders. IG's raw spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD average 0.6–0.8 pips, while EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads around 1.2–1.5 pips. For a trader executing 50 lots per month, the difference can accumulate to thousands of PKR. However, EasyMarkets does not charge commission on standard accounts, whereas IG's RAW spread account incurs a small per-lot fee. For swing traders in Pakistan, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads provide predictability, especially during volatile PKR swings. Overall, IG is more cost-efficient for active traders, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer predictable costs and higher leverage on smaller accounts.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer powerful platforms tailored to different trading styles. IG provides its proprietary web platform plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and ProRealTime, all of which are reliable on Pakistan's internet connections. EasyMarkets also offers MT4 and its own web trader, but its standout feature is the web-based platform with built-in risk management tools like DealCancellation and Freeze Rate. For Pakistan traders with variable internet speeds, EasyMarkets' lightweight web trader loads quickly. IG's mobile app is more feature-rich, offering advanced charting and research. Beginners in Pakistan may prefer EasyMarkets' simplicity, while IG is better for analysis-heavy traders.
| 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 |
Execution quality varies between the two. IG is known for fast order execution with minimal slippage, backed by direct market access (DMA) and deep liquidity. This is crucial for Pakistan traders trading volatile pairs like USD/PKR or gold. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and no requotes, but execution can be slower during news events. For scalpers in Pakistan, IG is clearly superior. For position traders who prioritize spread stability, EasyMarkets' execution is acceptable.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is regulated by top-tier authorities including the UK FCA and Australian ASIC, while EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australian entity). For Pakistan traders, neither broker is directly supervised by the SECP, but IG's FCA regulation is widely regarded as more robust, offering negative balance protection and access to the Financial Ombudsman. EasyMarkets, while still legitimate, operates under a lower regulatory tier. Pakistan traders should note that SECP does not block these offshore brokers, but client fund segregation is standard with both. IG's stronger regulation reduces the risk of sudden fund freezes, which is important for Pakistan traders dealing with PKR volatility.
| 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 |
Deposit methods are a key differentiator for Pakistan traders. EasyMarkets directly supports JazzCash, Easypaisa, USDT TRC20, and bank transfers, allowing instant deposits in PKR. Withdrawals via JazzCash and Easypaisa are typically processed within 24 hours, making it the most convenient option. IG, however, does not offer JazzCash or Easypaisa directly. Pakistan traders can fund IG accounts via USDT TRC20 (by first buying USDT on a local exchange) or international bank transfers, which take 2–5 business days and incur conversion fees. For traders who require fast, low-cost deposits in PKR, EasyMarkets is clearly superior. IG compensates with larger withdrawal limits and no deposit fees, but the lack of local methods is a hurdle for many.
| 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 brokers cater to Pakistan's majority Muslim population with Islamic (swap-free) accounts. EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts on all account types with no swap charges and no additional documentation, making it instantly accessible for Muslim traders in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar. IG also provides Islamic accounts, but they are available only upon request and typically for forex pairs only, with wider spreads to compensate for the absence of swaps. For day traders in Pakistan who hold positions overnight, EasyMarkets' approach is simpler and more transparent. However, IG's Islamic account still offers tighter raw spreads than EasyMarkets' fixed spreads, so cost comparison remains important.
| 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 availability matters for Pakistan traders operating in GMT+5 time zone. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat and phone support with English and Urdu-speaking agents, plus a quick response time. IG offers 24/7 support via phone and live chat but may have longer wait times during peak hours. IG's knowledge base is more extensive with local webinars, but EasyMarkets' responsive Urdu support gives an edge for less experienced traders. Both brokers are adequate, but EasyMarkets is more Pakistan-friendly in terms of language and response speed.
| 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 Pakistan traders in 2025, IG is the better choice due to its stronger regulation, lower spreads, and superior execution, making it ideal for active forex and CFD traders. However, EasyMarkets wins on convenience with local payment methods (JazzCash, Easypaisa, USDT TRC20) and higher leverage that appeals to smaller retail accounts. If you value instant PKR deposits and Islamic accounts with zero swap, EasyMarkets is a solid entry point. Traders in Pakistan should also consider that while the SECP does not regulate either broker, IG's FCA status offers more protection. Ultimately, if you can manage deposits via USDT or bank transfer, IG provides better long-term value. If local payment ease is paramount, start with EasyMarkets but be mindful of trading costs.