Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus has long been a hub for forex trading, thanks to its robust regulation under the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and a thriving community of retail traders. For local investors seeking reliable brokers, EasyMarkets and XM Group are two prominent names, but they serve different preferences. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, has built a reputation for its user-friendly platform, fixed spreads, and innovative tools like deal cancellation. However, its higher trading costs can add up over time. XM Group, scoring 4.7/5, dominates the Cypriot market with ultra-low spreads, extensive educational resources, and a massive selection of over 1,000 instruments. Both firms operate under CySEC oversight, providing EU-compliant client protection, negative balance protection, and access to the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) for accounts up to €20,000. Cyprus traders often prioritise cost efficiency and platform flexibility, making XM the go-to choice for active traders, while EasyMarkets appeals to beginners who value simplicity and risk management features like guaranteed stop-loss orders. Whether you prefer bank transfers, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20 for deposits, both brokers accommodate your local payment preferences seamlessly. This comparison dissects every aspect relevant to Cyprus-based retail traders in 2025, from trading costs and regulation to deposit methods and customer support, helping you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and goals.
| 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 |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs directly impact profitability, especially when trading in USD. XM Group offers significantly lower spreads: on EUR/USD, spreads start from 0.0 pips on the XM Ultra Low account (with a $3.50 commission per side per lot), making it ideal for scalpers and day traders. The standard XM account has spreads from 1.0 pip with no commission. EasyMarkets counters with fixed spreads averaging 1.2-1.5 pips on EUR/USD, which can be less competitive during high liquidity but protect against widening during news events. For traders executing high volumes, XM's variable spreads reduce progressively based on trading volume (up to 50% discount on spreads for Platinum and Executive members). EasyMarkets has no volume-based discounts, meaning every trade costs the same regardless of frequency. Swap rates (overnight financing) are also lower at XM, particularly on major pairs. Overall, Cyprus active traders will save considerably with XM, while EasyMarkets suits those who value fixed costs over lower variable ones.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders expect robust, multi-device platforms, and both brokers deliver – but with different focus. XM Group provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) for desktop, web, and mobile. These platforms offer advanced charting, custom indicators, Expert Advisors (EAs), and automated trading. XM also offers a dedicated XM WebTrader for quick access without downloads. EasyMarkets offers MT4 as well, plus its proprietary web and mobile platforms designed for simplicity. The EasyMarkets platform includes built-in risk management tools like deal cancellation (allows you to cancel a losing trade for a small fee) and guaranteed stop-losses. For Cyprus traders who rely on automated strategies or need full EA compatibility, XM's MT4/MT5 are more flexible. Beginners may prefer EasyMarkets' cleaner interface and one-click trading. Both brokers support Greek-language interfaces and local market hours.
| 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 |
Execution quality is critical for Cyprus retail traders who trade volatile forex pairs. XM Group uses a market execution model with no requotes, average execution speed of 0.07 seconds, and 99.35% order fill rate on MT4/MT5. EasyMarkets uses instant execution with guaranteed fills but occasionally requotes during news events. EasyMarkets' standout feature is the 'deal cancellation' tool – allows traders to cancel a losing trade within 60 minutes for a small fee, mimicking a risk-free period. For scalpers and algorithmic traders, XM's faster, requote-free execution is superior. EasyMarkets also offers guaranteed stop-loss orders, which XM does not provide, though XM's negative balance protection covers extreme gaps. Overall, XM wins on speed and reliability, while EasyMarkets wins on flexible risk management.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and XM Group are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license numbers 079/07 (EasyMarkets – Easy Forex Trading Ltd) and 120/10 (XM – Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd). This means Cyprus traders benefit from full EU regulatory compliance, including negative balance protection, leverage limits (up to 1:30 for retail clients under ESMA), and client fund segregation in Tier-1 banks. Additionally, both brokers participate in the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which covers eligible clients up to €20,000 in case of broker insolvency. While both operate under the same regulatory umbrella, XM has a longer track record with CySEC since 2009 and has received multiple industry awards for regulatory compliance. EasyMarkets also holds additional licenses (e.g., ASIC, FSA) but for Cyprus clients, the local CySEC oversight is identical in scope. Traders can verify both licenses directly on the CySEC registry, ensuring transparency and safety.
| 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 |
Cyprus traders have convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers, supporting the four key local payment methods: Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. At EasyMarkets, the minimum deposit is $50 for most methods; Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with no fees, USDT TRC20 deposits arrive in minutes, and bank transfers take 1-3 business days (may incur intermediary charges). Withdrawals at EasyMarkets are free for e-wallets and crypto, processed within 24 hours, but bank transfers can take up to 5 days and may have fees. XM Group has a lower minimum deposit of $5 for all methods. Skrill and Neteller deposits are also instant and free, USDT TRC20 deposits are processed quickly, and bank transfers are free for deposits. XM's withdrawal process is notably fast: e-wallet withdrawals are processed within 24 hours, and USDT withdrawals are typically same-day. XM does not charge deposit fees, but bank withdrawals may incur a small charge depending on the bank. Both brokers allow withdrawals back to the original deposit method, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering rules. For Cyprus traders dealing in USD, there are no conversion fees since both accounts are denominated in USD.
| 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 |
For Muslim traders in Cyprus who require Sharia-compliant accounts, both EasyMarkets and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. EasyMarkets' Islamic account has no swaps or interest on overnight positions, but a small administrative fee may apply for positions held beyond 3 days, and there is no charge for long-term positions on certain instruments. XM Group provides swap-free accounts on all three account types (Micro, Standard, and Ultra Low). XM does not charge any overnight fees, but for positions held beyond 5 days, a small administrative fee per lot per night may be applied. Both brokers require a declaration of faith upon opening, and the accounts are available to Cyprus residents. XM's Islamic account is more flexible with lower spreads and no swap on most instruments, which benefits active traders. EasyMarkets' Islamic account retains its fixed spreads and deal cancellation feature, making it suitable for cautious traders who want to avoid interest but still manage risk. Overall, both are viable, but XM offers better cost efficiency for frequent traders.
| 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 |
Cyprus traders value responsive local-language support. Both brokers offer 24/5 customer service with Greek-speaking agents via live chat, email, and phone. EasyMarkets provides personalised support with account managers for premium clients, but response times can be slower during off-peak hours. XM Group excels with a dedicated Cyprus phone line (+357 25 030 600), 24/5 live chat in Greek, and a comprehensive FAQ section in the local language. XM also has a physical office in Limassol, enabling in-person visits for urgent issues. Traders report faster resolution times at XM, particularly for withdrawal queries. For beginners, EasyMarkets' educational support includes Greek webinars and articles, while XM offers daily market analysis in Greek. Overall, XM has a slight edge due to its local presence and speed.
| 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 Cyprus retail traders in 2025, XM Group is the clear winner with a score of 4.7/5 compared to EasyMarkets' 3.4/5. XM offers significantly lower trading costs, faster execution, and a broader product range, all while being regulated by CySEC – the same local regulator that oversees both. Its local presence in Limassol, dedicated Greek-language support, and fast deposits/withdrawals via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 make it extremely convenient for Cypriots. EasyMarkets remains a solid alternative for beginners who prioritise fixed spreads, deal cancellation, and guaranteed stops, but its higher spreads and limited platform options hold it back. If you are an active trader or value cost efficiency, XM Group is the optimal choice for Cyprus. However, if you are risk-averse and prefer all-in-one risk tools, EasyMarkets can still serve you well. Ultimately, XM's overall value, combined with its CySEC regulation and local-friendly payments, positions it as the top broker for Cyprus traders in 2025.