Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, choosing between Exness and FBS is a key decision that impacts trading costs, account flexibility, and local payment convenience. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is a top-tier broker known for its tight spreads, high-volume execution, and robust Islamic account options. FBS, scoring 3.7/5, is a more accessible broker with lower minimum deposits and a simpler platform. Both accept Saudi Riyal (SAR) and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, making them convenient for traders in the kingdom. However, the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) does not directly regulate either broker, so traders must rely on international licenses. This comparison dives deep into spreads, Islamic account terms, deposit speeds, and regulation to help you decide which broker fits your trading style—whether you are a high-net-worth investor or a beginner seeking a swap-free account.
| Instrument | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $10 | $5 | Exness |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, Exness clearly leads with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account, while FBS's ECN account starts from 0.2 pips. For a standard lot trade on EUR/USD, Exness charges approximately $1 per side, versus FBS's $2.50. This difference compounds for high-volume traders in Saudi Arabia, who often trade larger positions. Exness also offers commission-free accounts with slightly wider spreads, suitable for cost-sensitive traders. FBS provides fixed spread accounts for beginners, but these are wider than Exness's variable spreads. Overall, Exness offers lower costs for active Saudi traders.
| Account Type | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $10 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FBS |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and FBS offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms preferred by Saudi Arabia traders for their reliability and advanced charting tools. Exness also provides its own WebTerminal for browser-based trading, while FBS offers a mobile app with social trading features. For Saudi traders who value speed and customization, Exness's platforms are optimized for low latency. FBS's platforms are user-friendly but may lack some advanced order types. Exness's platform ecosystem is more comprehensive for serious traders.
| Factor | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is vital for Saudi Arabia traders, especially those scalping or trading news. Exness offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds and no requotes, thanks to its NDD model. FBS also provides decent execution but may experience slippage during high volatility. Exness's execution is more reliable for active traders, ensuring orders are filled at expected prices. For high-net-worth traders, Exness's execution is superior.
| Safety Factor | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical factor for Saudi Arabia traders, as neither broker is directly regulated by the CMA. Exness is regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK) and CySEC, offering strong investor protection and negative balance protection. FBS is regulated by CySEC and IFSC, with a lower regulatory tier. For Saudi traders, Exness's FCA license provides greater trust and security, especially for high-net-worth individuals. FBS may be suitable for smaller traders but lacks the same level of oversight. Always check the broker's license status before depositing.
| Payment Method | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. |
Saudi Arabia traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card at both Exness and FBS. Exness supports STC Pay with instant deposits and no fees, while FBS also accepts STC Pay but may charge a small processing fee. Bank transfers are available at both but can take 1-3 business days. Credit card deposits are instant and widely used. For withdrawals, Exness processes requests within 24 hours, while FBS may take up to 48 hours. Exness has no withdrawal fees, whereas FBS may charge a small fee for certain methods. Overall, Exness offers faster and cheaper local payment options for Saudi traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Saudi Arabia, Islamic (swap-free) accounts are essential. Exness offers swap-free accounts with no hidden fees and full transparency across all account types, including the Zero and Standard accounts. FBS also provides Islamic accounts but may restrict certain instruments or apply conditions after a holding period. Exness's Islamic account terms are more favorable, with no extra charges and wider asset coverage. Saudi traders seeking a compliant swap-free experience will find Exness a better fit, especially for long-term positions.
| Support Feature | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Customer support in Arabic is crucial for Saudi Arabia traders. Exness offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in Arabic, with fast response times. FBS also provides Arabic support but only during business hours. Exness's support team is more responsive and knowledgeable, handling local payment queries efficiently. For Saudi traders, Exness's round-the-clock Arabic support is a significant advantage.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Exness | FBS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose FBS if you...
For Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, Exness is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 rating, offering lower spreads, faster execution, and superior Islamic account conditions. It supports local payments like STC Pay and Bank Transfer with no fees, and its FCA regulation provides peace of mind. FBS (3.7/5) is a decent alternative for beginners or those on a tight budget, but it lacks the same level of trust and cost efficiency. If you are a high-net-worth trader or seek a swap-free account, Exness is the optimal choice. For small traders, FBS can work, but Exness remains the better overall broker for Saudi Arabia.