Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2025, the choice between EasyMarkets and XM Group is critical. EasyMarkets, with a Trustpilot score of 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads, deal cancellation feature, and risk management tools that appeal to high-net-worth individuals. XM Group, rated 4.7/5, dominates the market with ultra-low spreads, extensive educational resources, and a massive global trading community. Both brokers accept Saudi residents and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. However, regulatory compliance and local trading conditions differ: while neither is directly regulated by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), XM Group holds licenses from CySEC and IFSC, and EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC and FSC. This comparison unpacks spreads, Islamic account options, platform suitability, and support quality to help Saudi traders make an informed decision based on their capital size, trading style, and religious obligations.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, spread differences are significant. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads averaging 1.0-1.5 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, ensuring cost predictability but higher per-trade expenses. In contrast, XM Group's raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its XM Ultra Low account (with a commission) and standard spreads from 0.6 pips on the Standard account provide much lower variable costs. For a Saudi trader executing 50 standard lots monthly, the difference could amount to hundreds of SAR in savings with XM Group. Additionally, XM Group does not charge deposit fees for local methods like STC Pay, while EasyMarkets may incur currency conversion fees for SAR deposits. High-net-worth traders in Saudi Arabia using large volumes will benefit more from XM Group's cost efficiency.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 robust trading platforms that cater to Saudi Arabia traders. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform with one-click trading, risk management tools like 'Deal Cancellation', and mobile apps (iOS/Android) with Arabic language support. XM Group offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 across desktop, web, and mobile, along with its own XM WebTrader. For Saudi traders, XM's platforms are more versatile, supporting automated trading, advanced charting, and a wide range of indicators. EasyMarkets' proprietary platform is simpler and more user-friendly for beginners or those prioritizing risk control. Both platforms are available in Arabic and facilitate local payments via STC Pay and bank transfers, but XM Group's MT4/MT5 ecosystem is preferred by experienced traders seeking full customization.
| 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 crucial for Saudi traders, especially those using scalping or high-frequency strategies. EasyMarkets offers no dealing desk (NDD) execution with fixed spreads, but its deal cancellation feature can delay execution slightly. XM Group uses straight-through processing (STP) for its Standard account and ECN execution for its Ultra Low account, providing faster order fills with minimal slippage. XM Group's execution speed averages under 100ms, while EasyMarkets is slightly slower due to its risk management tools. For high-net-worth traders in Saudi Arabia prioritizing reliability over speed, EasyMarkets' execution is consistent, but XM Group's speed and low latency give it an edge for active traders.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Saudi Arabia traders, given the Capital Market Authority (CMA) oversight. While neither EasyMarkets nor XM Group is directly licensed by the CMA, they hold reputable international authorizations. EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, offering client fund segregation and negative balance protection. XM Group is regulated by CySEC, the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), providing tier-1 regulatory coverage. For Saudi traders, this means enhanced security and compensation schemes (e.g., ICF up to €20,000 for CySEC clients). Both brokers comply with AML/KYC requirements and accept clients from Saudi Arabia without restrictions, making them legally viable options for local residents.
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Saudi Arabia traders using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, or Credit Card at both brokers. EasyMarkets supports deposits via STC Pay (SAR) with no fee for first deposits, bank transfers in multiple currencies including SAR, and credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days, with STC Pay offering faster returns. XM Group also accepts STC Pay, local bank transfers, and credit cards, with minimum deposits as low as $5 for its Micro account. Withdrawals at XM Group are free for most methods and processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and up to 5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers allow withdrawals in SAR, but XM Group has a higher daily withdrawal limit for premium accounts, catering to high-net-worth traders. For large sums, bank transfer via local Saudi banks is the most cost-effective option at both brokers.
| 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 |
Islamic (swap-free) accounts are essential for Saudi Arabia Muslim traders, and both brokers offer compliant solutions. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap fees on overnight positions for most instruments, but it may restrict certain currency pairs and commodities. XM Group automatically qualifies clients from Saudi Arabia for swap-free accounts without requiring a specific request, covering forex, indices, and metals. XM Group also does not charge any hidden fees on Islamic accounts, while EasyMarkets may apply an administrative fee for maintaining swap-free status after a certain period. Both brokers ensure that no interest is paid or received, aligning with Sharia law. For Saudi traders seeking a hassle-free Islamic account with broader instrument access, XM Group is the more accommodating option.
| 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 available in Arabic for both brokers, catering to Saudi Arabia traders. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with Arabic-speaking agents, responding within minutes during market hours. XM Group provides 24/7 customer service in Arabic via live chat, phone, and email, with dedicated Arabic support teams available around the clock. XM Group's support is generally faster and more comprehensive, including account managers for premium clients. Both brokers have extensive Arabic educational resources, but XM Group's larger support network ensures quicker resolution for issues related to deposits, withdrawals, and accounts.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, XM Group emerges as the stronger choice overall, with a 4.7/5 rating compared to EasyMarkets' 3.4/5. XM Group offers lower trading costs, superior Islamic account conditions, faster execution, and more accessible local payment methods like STC Pay and Bank Transfer. Its regulatory framework under CySEC and IFSC provides adequate protection for Saudi clients, while its 24/7 Arabic support enhances the trading experience. EasyMarkets remains a viable option for high-net-worth traders who prioritize risk management features like deal cancellation and fixed spreads over cost efficiency. However, for the majority of Saudi traders seeking a balance of low costs, regulatory safety, and Sharia-compliant accounts, XM Group is the recommended broker. Both brokers accept SAR deposits and withdrawals via Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, ensuring convenience for local users. Ultimately, while EasyMarkets caters to a niche, XM Group's overall value proposition aligns better with the needs of the Saudi trading community.