Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Singapore traders navigating the forex market, choosing between Exness and HYCM can be pivotal. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is renowned for its ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and local payment support including PayNow. HYCM, scoring 3.6/5, offers a more traditional trading experience with a long history. Both brokers accept Singapore residents and cater to sophisticated investors in Singapore's financial hub. However, Exness edges ahead with better cost efficiency and modern features, while HYCM appeals to those seeking a regulated, legacy broker. This comparison helps Singapore traders decide based on their specific needs, from deposit methods to trading costs.
| Instrument | Exness | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | HYCM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | HYCM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | HYCM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | HYCM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 | Exness |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are critical. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with a small commission of $3 per lot. This is ideal for high-volume traders in Singapore's fast-paced environment. HYCM's spreads start from 0.6 pips on standard accounts, with no commission but wider spreads. Over 100 lots, Exness can save traders hundreds of SGD, especially when using PayNow for fast deposits to capture market moves.
| Account Type | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | HYCM | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | HYCM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness provides MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its own WebTerminal, all optimized for fast execution. HYCM also offers MT4 and MT5, plus the HYCM Trader app. For Singapore traders, Exness's platforms are more user-friendly with local language support and faster order execution. HYCM's platforms are reliable but slightly slower, which matters in volatile Asian sessions.
| Factor | Exness | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | HYCM |
| 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 |
Exness boasts execution speeds under 100 milliseconds, ideal for Singapore traders using scalping strategies. HYCM's execution is slightly slower at around 200 milliseconds. For high-frequency traders in Singapore's fast market, Exness's speed and no requotes provide a clear advantage.
| Safety Factor | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and FSA, but not directly by MAS. HYCM is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and DFSA, also not MAS-regulated. For Singapore traders, this means both are offshore brokers. However, Exness's stronger financial stability and higher client fund segregation offer better protection. HYCM's longer history provides some comfort, but Exness's transparency and audit practices are more reassuring for sophisticated Singapore investors.
| Payment Method | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney): 1 hour to 1 business day.Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3 to 5 business days (after broker processing).Bank Wire Transfers: 3 to 7 business days depending on your bank and location. |
Singapore traders benefit from Exness's support for PayNow, bank transfer, and credit card deposits, all processed instantly. Withdrawals are also fast, often within minutes via PayNow. HYCM accepts bank transfers and credit cards but lacks PayNow, which may delay deposits. Exness also supports SGD accounts, avoiding conversion fees. For frequent traders, Exness's local payment methods make it more convenient and cost-effective.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Exness and HYCM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Singapore Muslim traders. Exness provides swap-free accounts on Standard, Raw, and Zero accounts, with no time limit. HYCM offers Islamic accounts on request, with a maximum period of 180 days. Exness's policy is more flexible, allowing indefinite swap-free trading, which is better for long-term holders in Singapore.
| Support Feature | Exness | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 live chat and phone support in English, while HYCM provides 24/5 support. For Singapore traders, Exness's round-the-clock support is crucial during Asian trading hours. Both have responsive teams, but Exness's faster response times and local language options give it an edge.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | HYCM | 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 | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose HYCM if you...
For Singapore traders, Exness is the clear winner with its 4.8/5 rating, lower spreads, and local payment support including PayNow and bank transfers. It suits sophisticated investors in Singapore's financial hub who need speed and cost efficiency. HYCM, scoring 3.6/5, is a reliable alternative for those who prioritize history over modern features. While neither is MAS-regulated, Exness's stronger financials and faster execution make it the top choice for Singapore traders in 2025.