Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders in 2026 face a critical choice between Exness and IG, two global brokers with distinct strengths. Exness, rated 4.8/5, excels with ultra-low spreads and high leverage up to 1:2000, making it ideal for sophisticated investors trading high volumes. IG, rated 4.2/5, is a MAS-regulated broker offering a trusted local presence, extensive research tools, and a wide range of CFDs including shares, indices, and commodities. Both support SGD deposits via PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, but Exness offers more flexible trading conditions, while IG provides stronger regulatory assurance. This comparison helps Singapore traders decide which broker aligns with their strategy, whether scalping with Exness or long-term investing with IG.
| Instrument | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | IG |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Exness offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD with a commission of $3.50 per lot, ideal for high-volume scalpers. IG’s standard spreads average 0.6-1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, but costs add up for frequent traders. Exness also provides zero commission on Standard accounts with spreads from 0.3 pips. For SGD-denominated accounts, Exness has lower overall costs, especially for traders executing 10+ lots daily.
| Account Type | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| 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 | IG | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary WebTerminal, optimized for fast execution and advanced charting. IG offers its own web platform, plus MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime, catering to Singapore traders who prefer integrated news and analysis. IG’s platform includes MAS-compliant risk management tools like guaranteed stop-losses. Exness’s platforms are better for algorithmic trading, while IG’s suite suits discretionary traders who value research.
| Factor | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 offers ultra-fast execution with no requotes on 99.9% of orders, using a hybrid model for deep liquidity. IG provides reliable execution with low latency, but occasional slippage during volatile news events. For Singapore scalpers and high-frequency traders, Exness’s execution is superior. IG’s execution is solid for swing traders but less optimal for micro-second precision.
| Safety Factor | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is directly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under a capital markets services license, offering Singapore traders strong local oversight and access to the Singapore Exchange (SGX) for trading local stocks and ETFs. Exness is regulated internationally by CySEC and FCA, but not by MAS. For Singapore traders, IG provides greater regulatory comfort and deposit protection under MAS rules, while Exness offers more trading flexibility. Both are legal for Singapore residents, but IG’s MAS status is a key advantage for risk-averse traders.
| Payment Method | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1 to 5 business days |
Singapore traders can fund both Exness and IG accounts using PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. Exness supports instant PayNow deposits with no fees and a minimum of SGD 10, plus local options like GrabPay and ShopeePay. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours via the same methods. IG also accepts PayNow with instant processing, plus Bank Transfer (1-3 days) and Credit Card deposits. IG’s withdrawal times are slightly longer (1-2 days for bank transfers). Exness is faster and more flexible for local payments, while IG offers more traditional banking options.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Exness offers swap-free Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, Zero) without any additional fees, making it ideal for Singapore Muslim traders. IG provides Islamic accounts but only on request and for specific instruments, with potential restrictions on indices and commodities. Exness’s policy is more inclusive and easier to activate, while IG’s process requires documentation and approval. For Singapore Muslim traders seeking hassle-free swap-free trading, Exness is the better choice.
| Support Feature | Exness | IG | 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 multilingual support via live chat and email, with a dedicated team for Singapore traders. IG provides support from 8am to 8pm SGT via phone, live chat, and email, with a local Singapore office. Exness’s round-the-clock support is better for night traders, while IG’s local office offers face-to-face assistance. Both have responsive service, but Exness’s 24/7 availability is a key advantage for active traders.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | IG | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
| Resource | Exness | IG | 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 IG if you...
For Singapore traders in 2026, Exness is the better choice for cost-sensitive, high-volume traders seeking low spreads and fast local payments via PayNow. Its 4.8/5 rating reflects superior trading conditions. IG, with a 4.2/5 rating, is ideal for MAS-regulated trading and those who need access to SGX products. If you prioritize low costs and flexibility, choose Exness. If regulatory safety and local market access matter more, select IG. Both support SGD deposits via PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making them accessible for Singapore traders.