Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore is one of Asia's most sophisticated forex trading hubs, with traders demanding low costs, fast execution, and reliable regulation. When comparing FBS vs FP Markets for Singapore traders in 2025, the choice often comes down to trading style and priorities. FBS, scoring 3.7/5, is a global broker known for high leverage and diverse account types, appealing to traders who want flexibility. FP Markets, with a 4.7/5 rating, is an Australian broker that excels in tight spreads and ECN execution, making it a favorite among serious Singapore investors. Both brokers accept SGD deposits and support local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, but their regulatory frameworks differ—FP Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, while FBS holds international licenses. For Singapore traders who prioritize cost efficiency and institutional-grade trading conditions, FP Markets often emerges as the stronger option, though FBS may suit those seeking higher leverage or more account choices.
| Instrument | FBS | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 | FP Markets |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FP Markets offers a Raw ECN account with spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, plus a low commission of $3 per lot per side. This is ideal for high-volume traders who execute multiple trades daily. FBS, in comparison, has spreads starting from 0.5 pips on its Standard account and offers a Zero Spread account with a commission structure. For a Singapore trader trading 10 lots per month on EUR/USD, FP Markets can save approximately $50–100 in spread costs compared to FBS, depending on account type. Additionally, FP Markets does not charge deposit fees for PayNow or Bank Transfer, while FBS may have fees for certain withdrawal methods.
| Account Type | FBS | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FBS | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide industry-standard platforms, but FP Markets offers a broader selection. FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and IRESS, catering to both manual and algorithmic traders. cTrader is particularly popular among Singapore traders for its advanced charting and fast execution. FBS offers MT4 and MT5, plus its proprietary FBS Trader app, which is user-friendly but less feature-rich. For Singapore traders who rely on automated trading or need advanced order types, FP Markets’ cTrader integration is a significant advantage. FBS’s mobile app is good for beginners, but lacks the depth required by sophisticated investors.
| Factor | FBS | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| 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 |
Execution quality is a key differentiator. FP Markets uses Equinix NY4 and LD5 data centers for ultra-low latency, with ECN execution that minimizes requotes and slippage. Average execution speed is under 40ms. FBS offers market execution but may have occasional slippage during high volatility. For Singapore traders trading news events or scalping, FP Markets’ faster execution and deeper liquidity provide a significant edge, especially when trading major pairs like USD/SGD.
| Safety Factor | FBS | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top concern for Singapore traders, even though neither broker is directly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), providing a high level of investor protection and negative balance protection. FBS is regulated by the FSC (Belize) and CySEC, but its Belize license offers less stringent oversight. For Singapore traders, FP Markets’ ASIC regulation adds credibility, as ASIC is known for strict compliance standards. While both brokers accept Singapore clients, traders should be aware that offshore forex trading carries inherent risks, and due diligence is recommended. FP Markets’ adherence to ASIC’s client money segregation rules offers an extra layer of security.
| Payment Method | FBS | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 24 hours |
Singapore traders have convenient access to local payment methods at both brokers, but FP Markets offers more seamless options. FP Markets supports PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits in SGD, with PayNow processing typically within minutes and no fees. Bank transfers are also fee-free for deposits over SGD 500. FBS accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card, but does not support PayNow. Withdrawals at FP Markets are processed within 24 hours for PayNow and Credit Card, while Bank Transfers may take 1-3 business days. FBS withdrawal times vary, with e-wallets being faster but bank transfers taking up to 5 days. For Singapore traders who value speed and zero fees, FP Markets’ PayNow integration is a clear winner.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FBS and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Singapore who require compliance with Sharia law. FBS provides Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap or interest charges on overnight positions, applicable to most currency pairs and metals. FP Markets also offers swap-free accounts, but traders must apply and meet certain criteria, such as a minimum deposit and active trading volume. FP Markets’ Islamic accounts are available on its Standard and Raw ECN accounts, though the Raw ECN account may still incur commissions. For Singapore Muslim traders, FP Markets offers more flexibility in account types, while FBS provides a straightforward swap-free option without volume requirements.
| Support Feature | FBS | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Customer support is available 24/5 from both brokers, with multilingual teams including English and Chinese, which is beneficial for Singapore traders. FP Markets offers live chat, email, and phone support, with response times under 5 minutes on live chat. FBS also provides 24/7 live chat and phone support, but some users report slower email responses. FP Markets’ support team is known for handling account and technical issues efficiently, which is crucial for active traders in Singapore’s fast-paced market.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | FBS | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose FP Markets if you...
For Singapore traders in 2025, FP Markets is the clear winner with a 4.7/5 rating, offering superior trading conditions, lower costs, and better local payment integration including PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. Its ASIC regulation and ECN execution make it ideal for sophisticated investors in Singapore’s financial hub. FBS, with a 3.7/5 rating, remains a viable option for traders seeking high leverage or easy Islamic accounts, but its higher spreads and lack of PayNow support are drawbacks. While neither broker is MAS-regulated, FP Markets’ strong regulatory framework and cost efficiency make it the preferred choice for serious Singapore traders. Ultimately, your choice should align with your trading style—FP Markets for cost-conscious professionals, FBS for flexibility seekers.