Which broker is better for Papua New Guinea traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Papua New Guinea traders seeking reliable forex brokers often compare EasyMarkets and XM Group as top contenders. Both are well-established international brokers that accept clients from PNG and support popular local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. While EasyMarkets holds a rating of 3.4/5, XM Group leads with 4.7/5, reflecting its stronger offering in spreads, execution, and account flexibility. PNG traders typically trade major pairs like AUD/USD due to regional ties and prefer brokers with low costs and fast deposits. This comparison covers every key factor — trading costs, platforms, regulation, deposit methods, Islamic accounts, and support — so you can choose the best broker for your needs in 2025.
| 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 Papua New Guinea traders, trading costs are a major consideration. XM Group offers variable spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its Ultra Low account, while EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads from 1.0 pips. On a standard lot trade, XM’s narrower spreads save around $8–10 per round turn compared to EasyMarkets on major pairs like EUR/USD. XM also has lower commission structures for its zero-spread account. For high-volume PNG traders, this difference adds up significantly over weeks. EasyMarkets' fixed spreads provide predictability, which may appeal to those who dislike variable spread widening during news events. Overall, XM is more cost-effective for active traders in Papua New Guinea.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Papua New Guinea (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms widely used by PNG traders. XM also provides its own XM WebTrader and mobile apps with additional tools, while EasyMarkets offers a proprietary web platform with risk management features like guaranteed stop loss. For PNG traders with variable internet stability, XM’s platforms are lightweight and perform well on mobile data. EasyMarkets’ platform is beginner-friendly but lacks the advanced charting that some experienced PNG traders require. Both support automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). XM’s broader platform choice gives it an edge for retail traders in Papua New Guinea.
| 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 directly impacts PNG traders’ profitability. XM Group executes orders with average speeds under 100 milliseconds and offers no re-quotes on most account types. EasyMarkets has slightly slower execution and may experience slippage during volatile markets. XM also supports hedging and scalping without restrictions, which is beneficial for short-term PNG traders. EasyMarkets' fixed spread model can cause wider gaps during news events, but it provides guaranteed stop loss on its own platform. For retail traders who prioritise speed, XM Group delivers superior execution.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, and FSA, while XM Group is regulated by CySEC, FCA, ASIC, and DFSA. For Papua New Guinea traders, this means both brokers operate under strict international oversight, offering negative balance protection and client fund segregation. However, neither broker is directly licensed by the local financial regulator (Bank of Papua New Guinea). Nonetheless, their reputable regulatory status provides sufficient safety for PNG-based retail accounts. XM’s additional FCA regulation adds an extra layer of trust for traders concerned about fund security. Always verify the specific entity accepting PNG clients before depositing.
| 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 |
Papua New Guinea traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both EasyMarkets and XM Group. XM also accepts Credit/Debit Cards and PayPal, offering more flexibility. USDT TRC20 is particularly attractive for PNG traders due to low fees and instant processing — deposits arrive in minutes with minimal network costs. Skrill and Neteller are also instant but may incur small transaction fees. Bank transfers are reliable but take 1–3 business days. Minimum deposits vary: EasyMarkets requires $100, XM requires $5 for standard accounts and $50 for Ultra Low. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 24–48 hours, with XM often being slightly faster. No deposit fees are charged by either broker, but third-party fees may apply.
| 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 |
Both EasyMarkets and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Papua New Guinea who require Sharia-compliant trading. XM provides swap-free status on all account types immediately upon request, with no expiry for most instruments. EasyMarkets also offers Islamic accounts but may require a manual request and applies swap-free conditions for a limited period on certain instruments. Neither broker charges additional fees for maintaining an Islamic account, but XM’s more flexible policy makes it the better choice for long-term swap-free traders. PNG Muslim traders can trade forex, indices, and commodities without incurring interest charges overnight.
| 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 |
Customer support is crucial for PNG traders, especially given the time zone difference (UTC+10/11). XM Group offers 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support in multiple languages, including English. EasyMarkets also provides 24/5 support but has fewer language options. XM’s response times are generally under 30 seconds on live chat, while EasyMarkets may take slightly longer. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. For Papua New Guinea traders, XM’s round-the-clock support during trading hours is more reliable for resolving issues quickly.
| 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 most Papua New Guinea retail traders, XM Group is the better choice in 2025. Its higher score (4.7/5) reflects superior trading costs, faster execution, flexible deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and robust regulation. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) remains a solid option for beginners who prioritise fixed spreads and guaranteed stop loss. However, XM’s broader account types, lower minimum deposit ($5), and swap-free availability make it more suitable for diverse trading styles in PNG. While neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, both offer international-level safety. Ultimately, XM Group provides better value for cost-conscious PNG traders seeking a reliable forex partner.