Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders have access to two prominent brokers: EasyMarkets (rated 3.4/5) and IG (rated 4.2/5). Both are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and support local payment methods like PayNow, bank transfer, and credit card, making them accessible to sophisticated investors in this financial hub. However, they cater to different trading styles. IG is a global powerhouse with advanced tools and competitive variable spreads, ideal for active traders, while EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads and simple pricing for those who prefer cost certainty. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your needs, considering factors like trading costs, platforms, regulation, and local support tailored to Singapore traders in 2025.
| 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 |
For Singapore traders, trading costs vary significantly between EasyMarkets and IG. IG offers competitive variable spreads, with EUR/USD typically from 0.8 pips and USD/SGD from 1.1 pips for active traders, reducing further with higher volume. EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads, averaging 1.5 pips on EUR/USD, which remain stable even during volatility – but can be higher than IG's average. For traders in Singapore who trade high volumes or scalping, IG's lower spreads reduce costs substantially. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads benefit those who trade less frequently or during news events, as there are no slippage surprises. Both brokers have low commissions on forex; IG charges no commission on standard accounts, while EasyMarkets includes all costs in the spread. Consider your trading frequency and volume to choose the cost structure that suits you.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (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 robust suite of platforms, including its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and ProRealTime charts, appealing to sophisticated Singapore traders who need advanced analysis and automated trading. They also offer a mobile app highly rated for on-the-go trading. EasyMarkets offers its own web-based platform and mobile app, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use, but lacks MT4. For Singapore traders in a fast-paced financial hub, IG's platform diversity supports complex strategies. EasyMarkets' platform is user-friendly but limited for advanced charting. Both platforms support SGD accounts and local timezones, but IG's integration with trading tools like Autochartist gives it an edge for data-driven 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 |
IG is known for fast execution speeds with low latency, leveraging its global infrastructure and multiple liquidity providers. This suits Singapore traders who trade volatile markets like indices and forex. EasyMarkets uses a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model with fixed spreads but may have slightly slower execution during high volatility due to requotes. For traders in Singapore's fast-paced environment, IG's execution reliability and minimal slippage make it a better choice for scalping and high-frequency strategies.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and IG are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), providing Singapore traders with strong regulatory protection. MAS enforces client fund segregation, regular audits, and adherence to financial standards. IG holds a Capital Markets Services License from MAS, while EasyMarkets operates under a corresponding license. This means Singapore traders can trade with confidence, knowing their funds are protected and disputes can be addressed locally. Additionally, both brokers participate in the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation scheme for certain cash accounts, though trading accounts are not covered. For sophisticated investors in Singapore, MAS regulation ensures a level playing field and professional conduct from both brokers.
| 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 |
Singapore traders enjoy convenient deposit and withdrawal options with both EasyMarkets and IG. EasyMarkets supports PayNow, bank transfer, and credit/debit cards, with instant deposits via PayNow and card, with a minimum deposit of SGD 150. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days to the same method. IG also accepts PayNow, bank transfer, and credit/debit cards, with a minimum deposit of SGD 200. IG's PayNow deposits are also instant, and bank transfers may take 1-3 days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but credit card deposits may incur small issuer fees. Withdrawals from IG are free and typically processed within 1-2 business days. For larger withdrawals, bank transfers are recommended. The availability of PayNow makes funding seamless for Singapore residents, and both brokers support SGD account denominations, avoiding currency conversion charges.
| 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 Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Singapore Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request, applicable to all account types, with no swap charges on overnight positions. IG also offers swap-free accounts, but availability may be limited to certain instruments and requires verification of faith. For Singapore's Muslim community, both brokers comply with the principle of no riba (interest). However, EasyMarkets is more straightforward with its offering, while IG may impose restrictions on trading certain products or apply administrative fees after a holding period. Traders should contact support to confirm terms and ensure alignment with their religious requirements.
| 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 |
IG provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a dedicated Singapore hotline and local office presence. Support is available in English and Mandarin, appealing to Singapore's multicultural traders. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support via live chat, phone, and email, but no local Singapore number during weekends – a drawback for weekend traders. Response times are generally good for both. For sophisticated investors needing immediate assistance, IG's round-the-clock support and local team offer an advantage.
| 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 Singapore traders in 2025, IG stands out as the superior choice overall, with a higher rating of 4.2/5 and comprehensive offerings that cater to sophisticated investors in this financial hub. Its lower variable spreads, advanced platforms, robust execution, and 24/7 local support make it ideal for active traders. The availability of PayNow, bank transfer, and credit card deposits in SGD, along with MAS regulation, ensures a smooth experience. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is a viable option for traders who prefer fixed spreads, simpler tools, and a no-frills approach, especially for smaller-volume trading. However, for most Singapore traders seeking performance and value, IG is the recommended broker. Always consider your trading style and volume before deciding.