Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2025 often compare EasyMarkets and XM Group. EasyMarkets, with a rating of 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly platform, appealing to beginners. XM Group, scoring 4.7/5, offers tighter variable spreads, faster execution, and a wider range of tradable instruments—ideal for sophisticated investors in Singapore’s financial hub. Both brokers support SGD deposits via PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making them accessible locally. However, their regulatory status differs: EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC, while XM Group is overseen by the IFSC. This comparison examines key factors like trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in Singapore.
| 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 Singapore traders, trading costs are a major factor. XM Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, significantly lower than EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads around 1.5–2.5 pips. XM’s commission-free accounts on standard and micro accounts reduce costs for high-volume traders. EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads provide predictability but are higher on volatile pairs. A Singapore trader executing 10 lots per day could save up to 20% on spreads with XM Group. Swap rates are also competitive, with XM offering lower overnight fees on SGD pairs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app, emphasizing simplicity with features like DealCancellation and free VPS. XM Group offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its own XM WebTrader, catering to both beginners and advanced traders. For Singapore’s sophisticated investors, XM’s MT4/5 support algorithmic trading, custom indicators, and faster order execution via ECN. EasyMarkets’ platform is easier but lacks advanced charting.
| 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 ECN/STP execution with no requotes, offering average execution speeds under 0.5 seconds. EasyMarkets uses a hybrid model with fixed spreads and some requotes during volatile periods. For Singapore scalpers and day traders, XM’s faster execution and minimal slippage are superior. EasyMarkets’ execution is adequate for position traders but not for high-frequency strategies.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under EU MiFID, while XM Group is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize. Neither broker holds a direct license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), but they are allowed to accept Singapore clients under MAS’s Guidelines on Distribution of Foreign Funds. XM Group has more global regulatory coverage (including FCA and ASIC), which may offer stronger investor protection. Singapore traders should check the specific entity they open an account with.
| 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 in SGD is seamless for Singapore traders with both EasyMarkets and XM Group. EasyMarkets supports PayNow for instant funding with no fees, Bank Transfer (1–3 days), and Credit Card (instant, no fee). XM Group also accepts PayNow (instant, no fee), Bank Transfer (may incur intermediary charges), and Credit Card (instant, 0% fee). Minimum deposit: US$25 for EasyMarkets, US$5 for XM Group. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for both, with XM offering free withdrawals in most cases. Both brokers support SGD conversion at competitive rates.
| 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 |
Muslim traders in Singapore can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts with both brokers. EasyMarkets offers swap-free accounts across all account types, subject to a 90-day limit for non-Muslim clients—Singapore’s Islamic traders are exempted upon proof of religion. XM Group provides a dedicated Islamic account with no swap fees on all positions, valid for an unlimited period. XM’s policy is more flexible and transparent. Both brokers comply with Sharia law, but XM’s offering is more accommodating for long-term 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 |
XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a Singapore local phone number for immediate assistance. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 support via live chat and email but lacks a dedicated Singapore hotline. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections, but XM’s response times are faster—average 1 minute vs 5 minutes for EasyMarkets. For Singapore traders, XM’s local support is an advantage.
| 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 Singapore traders in 2025, XM Group (4.7/5) clearly outperforms EasyMarkets (3.4/5) in most areas important to sophisticated investors: lower spreads, faster execution, superior platforms (MT4/5), and better Islamic account terms. Both support PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits in SGD, but XM’s lower minimum deposit and faster withdrawals add convenience. While EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads and DealCancellation may appeal to cautious beginners, XM Group’s overall offering—including stronger regulation history and local phone support—makes it the preferred choice for Singapore’s financial hub traders. Always ensure you choose the correct entity for your trading needs and comply with MAS guidelines.