Which broker is better for Bhutan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in Bhutan, choosing between EasyMarkets and XM Group is a key decision. Both brokers are well-known internationally and accept clients from Bhutan. EasyMarkets has an overall score of 3.4/5, while XM Group scores 4.7/5, reflecting differences in cost, platform variety, and customer service. Bhutan traders often prefer trading in USD and need reliable deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – both brokers support these options. EasyMarkets offers a simple fixed-spread platform with guaranteed stop-loss, ideal for beginners. XM Group provides tighter spreads, more instruments, and multiple platforms such as MT4 and MT5. The local regulatory environment in Bhutan does not specifically license forex brokers, so traders rely on the brokers' international licenses from trusted jurisdictions like CySEC, FCA (for XM) and ASIC (for EasyMarkets). This comparison will help Bhutan traders decide which broker best suits their trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 | EasyMarkets |
Cost is critical for Bhutan traders, especially when trading in USD. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, with EUR/USD starting at 1.5 pips, and a commission-free model. XM Group offers variable spreads from 0.6 pips on its Standard account and 0.0 pips (plus commission) on its Ultra Low account. For a Bhutan trader executing 10 lots per month on EUR/USD, XM’s lower spreads could save over $100 in spread costs compared to EasyMarkets. XM also has no hidden fees, while EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads are higher but provide cost predictability. Swap rates are competitive at both brokers, with XM offering swap-free options for Islamic accounts. Overall, XM Group provides better cost efficiency for active Bhutan traders.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Bhutan (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | XM Group | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and XM’s own WebTrader, all accessible on desktop, web, and mobile. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app. For Bhutan traders who may have limited internet bandwidth, XM’s MT4/MT5 are lightweight and can run on low-spec devices. EasyMarkets’ platform is intuitive but lacks advanced charting tools. XM also offers social trading via copy trading features, which is beneficial for novice Bhutan traders. Both platforms support real-time quotes and one-click trading, but XM’s ecosystem is more comprehensive for a wider range of trading strategies.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| 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 |
EasyMarkets uses market execution with no requotes and guaranteed stop-loss orders, which can be beneficial in volatile markets. XM Group provides instantaneous execution on 99.35% of orders, with no requotes and an advanced liquidity pool. For Bhutan traders with typical internet speeds, both brokers offer low latency. XM’s execution is generally faster and more reliable due to its larger infrastructure, while EasyMarkets’ guarantee on stops provides an extra safety net.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Bhutan’s local financial regulator, the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, does not directly regulate forex brokers. Therefore, Bhutan traders rely on the international licenses of EasyMarkets and XM Group. EasyMarkets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA (Seychelles). XM Group is regulated by CySEC, FCA (UK), ASIC, and IFSC. XM’s FCA regulation provides strong client fund protection and compensation schemes, while EasyMarkets’ ASIC license also ensures a high regulatory standard. For Bhutan traders, these licenses offer security, but they should be aware that investor compensation may not apply to non-EU residents. Both brokers follow strict segregation of client funds.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
Both EasyMarkets and XM Group support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 for Bhutan traders. EasyMarkets also accepts credit cards and PayPal, while XM adds more e-wallet options like WebMoney. For USDT TRC20 deposits, both brokers process instantly with zero or low fees – ideal for Bhutan traders seeking fast crypto transfers. Bank transfers can take 2-5 business days depending on the local bank in Bhutan. Minimum deposits are low: EasyMarkets requires $100, XM Group requires just $5. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT TRC20, while bank transfers may take longer. Both brokers do not charge withdrawal fees, but intermediaries may apply charges. Using Skrill or Neteller is recommended for Bhutan traders due to speed and lower costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
EasyMarkets and XM Group both offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Bhutan. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts on request, with no swap fees on overnight positions for forex and commodities. XM Group offers swap-free accounts across all account types (Standard, Micro, and Ultra Low) with no time limit and no extra spread markup. Bhutan traders can easily request an Islamic account during registration. EasyMarkets requires a declaration of faith, while XM only needs account type selection. Both brokers treat Islamic accounts transparently. For Bhutan Muslim traders, XM Group offers more flexibility with lower spreads on swap-free accounts.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with limited language options. XM Group offers 24/7 multilingual support including English, Hindi, and Chinese – better suited for Bhutan traders. XM also has a dedicated account manager for VIP clients. EasyMarkets’ response times are good, but language support is fewer. For Bhutan traders, XM’s round-the-clock availability and multiple language options are more convenient.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | XM Group | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | XM Group | 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 XM Group if you...
For Bhutan retail traders, XM Group is the stronger overall choice with a 4.7/5 rating compared to EasyMarkets’ 3.4/5. XM offers lower spreads, more platforms, better execution, and superior customer support. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals straightforward for Bhutan users. While EasyMarkets provides simplicity and guaranteed stops, XM’s cost advantages and flexibility outweigh these benefits for most Bhutan traders. The local financial regulator’s lack of forex oversight means traders should choose a broker with strong international regulation – both have this, but XM’s FCA license adds extra trust. We recommend XM Group for Bhutan traders seeking low costs and a robust trading environment.