Which broker is better for Hong Kong traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Hong Kong, as one of Asia's premier financial hubs, attracts sophisticated traders who demand low costs, robust platforms, and reliable execution. When comparing FBS vs EasyMarkets, Hong Kong traders must weigh each broker's offerings against local needs such as FPS deposits, HKD support, and access to global markets. FBS, with a rating of 3.7/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and high leverage, appealing to active day traders in Hong Kong's fast-paced environment. EasyMarkets, rated 3.4/5, differentiates itself with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss, catering to traders who prioritize risk control. Both brokers accept Hong Kong traders and support FPS, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, making them accessible. However, neither is regulated by the SFC, so due diligence is essential. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local requirements in 2025.
| Instrument | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $25 | EasyMarkets |
For Hong Kong traders, trading costs are a decisive factor. FBS offers spreads from 0.7 pips on Standard accounts and from 0.1 pips on ECN accounts, making it highly competitive for high-frequency traders. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads from 1 pip on major pairs, which eliminates uncertainty but is generally higher. A Hong Kong trader executing 100 lots per month on EUR/USD would pay approximately $700 in spreads with FBS (ECN) versus $1,000 with EasyMarkets. FBS also charges no commission on Standard accounts, while ECN accounts have a small commission. EasyMarkets has no hidden fees but includes the spread cost. For HKD-denominated pairs, FBS offers tighter spreads, benefiting local traders.
| Account Type | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MT4 and MT5, the platforms of choice for Hong Kong traders who rely on advanced charting, automated trading, and fast execution. FBS also offers its proprietary FBS Trader app, which is mobile-optimized for on-the-go trading in Hong Kong's busy lifestyle. EasyMarkets provides its own web-based platform with dealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss features, which are unique and valuable for risk management. Hong Kong traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs) will find FBS more compatible due to its support for MT4/MT5 EAs without restrictions. EasyMarkets also supports MT4 but limits certain EA functionalities on its proprietary platform. Both platforms are available in English and Chinese.
| Factor | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
FBS uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with ECN technology, offering average execution speeds of 0.3 seconds. EasyMarkets uses market execution with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss, which can cause slight delays during high volatility. For Hong Kong traders trading major pairs like USD/HKD or EUR/USD, FBS provides faster execution and less slippage, especially during news events. EasyMarkets is better for traders who prioritize risk management over speed.
| Safety Factor | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical concern for Hong Kong traders accustomed to SFC oversight. FBS is regulated by the IFSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus), while EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC (Australia), and the FSCA (South Africa). Neither broker holds an SFC license in Hong Kong, meaning they are not subject to local investor compensation schemes. However, both adhere to international standards, with EasyMarkets offering negative balance protection and FBS providing segregated client accounts. Hong Kong traders should assess the regulatory tier: CySEC offers EU-level protection, while IFSC is less stringent. For high-net-worth traders, the lack of SFC regulation may be a drawback, but both brokers have a long operational history.
| Payment Method | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 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. | 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) |
Hong Kong traders benefit from multiple deposit methods at both brokers. FBS supports FPS (Faster Payment System) deposits in HKD, which are instant and free, with a minimum of $10 USD equivalent. Bank transfers are accepted but may take 1-2 business days, while credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are processed immediately. EasyMarkets also supports FPS, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, with a minimum deposit of $100 USD. Withdrawals at FBS are processed within 2-3 hours for e-wallets and 1-2 days for bank transfers, with no fees. EasyMarkets processes withdrawals within 1 business day for bank transfers and instantly for credit cards, with no fees for the first withdrawal per month. Both brokers support HKD accounts, reducing conversion costs for local traders. FPS is the most efficient method for Hong Kong traders due to its speed and zero fees.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Hong Kong Muslim traders, both FBS and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FBS provides Islamic accounts on request, with no swap charges on overnight positions, and they are available on Standard and ECN accounts. EasyMarkets automatically applies swap-free conditions for clients in Muslim-majority regions, including Hong Kong, without requiring a separate account type. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying interest. However, FBS may have a holding period limit (usually 30 days) after which a swap fee applies, while EasyMarkets offers indefinite swap-free trading. Hong Kong traders should confirm terms before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
FBS offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with support available in English, Chinese, and other languages. EasyMarkets provides 24/5 live chat and email support, with phone support during business hours. For Hong Kong traders, FBS's 24/7 availability is an advantage given the time zone and active trading hours. Both brokers have responsive teams, but FBS's round-the-clock support is more aligned with Hong Kong's 24-hour market access.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Hong Kong traders in 2025, FBS is the better choice for active, cost-sensitive traders due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and support for FPS deposits. Its higher rating (3.7 vs 3.4) reflects these advantages. EasyMarkets appeals to risk-averse traders who prioritize guaranteed stop-loss and fixed spreads, as well as those who value regulatory oversight from ASIC and CySEC. While neither broker is SFC-regulated, both have proven track records. Ultimately, FBS suits traders seeking low costs and high leverage, while EasyMarkets is ideal for those who want risk management tools. Consider your trading style and use FPS for fastest deposits.