Which broker is better for Monaco traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Monaco’s retail forex traders have two solid choices in 2025: EasyMarkets (rated 3.4/5) and XM Group (rated 4.7/5). Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, providing a secure environment for trading. However, they differ significantly in cost structure, platform features, and deposit flexibility. EasyMarkets appeals to beginners with its fixed spreads and user-friendly tools, while XM Group offers tighter spreads, faster execution, and a wider range of funding methods – including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – all crucial for Monaco-based traders who value low‐cost trading. This comparison dives into local considerations such as USD‐denominated accounts, local payment options, and regulatory oversight to help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style.
| 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 Monaco traders, cost is a decisive factor. XM Group consistently delivers lower spreads, with EUR/USD starting from 0.6 pips on standard accounts and as low as 0.0 pips on zero accounts (commission applies). EasyMarkets, in contrast, uses fixed spreads that are typically wider – around 1.5 to 2 pips on majors – which can add up over many trades. A Monaco trader executing 50 lots per month would save hundreds of USD with XM Group. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees for local payment methods, but XM Group’s variable spreads make it the more cost‐effective option for active traders who can benefit from lower per‑trade costs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Monaco traders demand reliability and speed. XM Group offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary XM WebTrader, all available on desktop, mobile, and web. EasyMarkets provides its own web‐based platform, plus MT4 and the EasyTrade app with one‑touch trading. For traders who need advanced charting and automated trading, XM Group’s MT4/MT5 suite is superior. EasyMarkets’ platform is simpler and ideal for beginners, but lacks the depth that more experienced Monaco retail traders often require.
| 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 |
XM Group uses an Electronic Communication Network (ECN) model, delivering straight‑through processing with average execution speeds under 0.3 seconds. EasyMarkets relies on a market maker model where orders are filled internally, which can lead to requotes in fast markets. For Monaco traders who scalp or trade news events, XM Group’s execution is far superior due to lower latency and no dealing desk intervention.
| 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 authorized and regulated by the local financial regulator in Monaco. This means client funds are held in segregated accounts, and both brokers comply with local capital adequacy requirements. XM Group additionally holds multiple international licenses (CySEC, FCA, ASIC), giving Monaco traders an extra layer of global oversight. EasyMarkets is regulated by the same local authority and also by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. For Monaco residents, the key benefit is that trading with a locally regulated broker ensures dispute resolution is accessible and compliant with Monaco’s own financial laws.
| 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 |
Monaco traders can fund accounts in USD using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – all supported by both EasyMarkets and XM Group. XM Group processes digital wallets and crypto instantaneously, whereas EasyMarkets also offers instant credit for Skrill and Neteller but may take a few hours for USDT TRC20. Bank transfers at both brokers typically take 1–3 business days and are fee‑free. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at XM Group (same day for e‑wallets) and within 1–2 business days at EasyMarkets. Both brokers have a minimum deposit of around $50 (XM) and $100 (EasyMarkets), making them accessible to retail traders in Monaco.
| 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 Monaco, both brokers offer swap‑free (Islamic) accounts that comply with Sharia law. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts as a standard option during registration, with no time limit or hidden costs. XM Group also offers Islamic accounts upon request via email, applicable to standard and zero accounts. Neither broker charges additional fees for maintaining an Islamic account, though XM Group may close positions held overnight during certain holidays. Monaco-based Muslim traders can trade confidently with either broker, but EasyMarkets’ no‑questions‑asked setup is slightly more convenient.
| 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 |
XM Group provides 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, phone, and email, with a dedicated team that understands the Monaco market. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support as well, but response times can be slower during peak hours. Both brokers have helpful FAQ sections and account managers for VIP clients. Monaco traders who prefer immediate assistance will appreciate XM Group’s faster chat response and phone availability in French and English.
| 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 the vast majority of Monaco retail traders, XM Group is the clear winner. Its 4.7/5 rating reflects low trading costs, excellent execution, a wide range of platforms, and seamless support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets, with a 3.4/5 rating, is a decent alternative for absolute beginners or those who prefer fixed spreads and a no‑frills experience. However, when considering value, reliability, and regulatory alignment with the local financial regulator, XM Group offers Monaco traders a more competitive and flexible trading environment in 2025.