Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Singapore traders operating in the financial hub of Southeast Asia, choosing the right forex broker is critical for success. FBS and FXTM are two globally recognized brokers that cater to sophisticated investors in Singapore, offering access to the global markets with competitive conditions. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is known for high leverage and low minimum deposits, making it accessible for retail traders. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, is favored by experienced traders for its robust regulation, tight spreads, and multi-asset platform. Both brokers accept SGD deposits via popular local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, ensuring convenience for Singapore-based clients. However, it's important to note that neither broker is directly licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), so traders must evaluate their risk tolerance. This comparison will dive into trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit options to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in 2025.
| Instrument | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 | FXTM |
When comparing trading costs for Singapore traders, FXTM generally offers lower spreads, especially on its ECN account with spreads from 0.1 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. FBS's Zero Spread account starts from 0.2 pips but includes a commission. For a Singapore trader executing 10 standard lots per month, FXTM's tighter spreads can result in savings of SGD 200-300 annually. FBS, however, has lower commission on its Standard account, which may appeal to casual traders. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but FXTM's cost structure is more transparent for volume traders. Always consider the impact of SGD conversion on deposits and withdrawals.
| Account Type | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FBS and FXTM offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms that Singapore traders rely on for advanced charting, automated trading, and fast execution. FXTM also provides a proprietary web-based platform for multi-asset trading, which includes stock CFDs—a plus for diversified investors. FBS offers a mobile app with one-click trading and copy trading features. For Singapore traders who value speed and stability, both platforms are optimized for low-latency connections to global servers. FXTM's platform supports more order types and advanced risk management tools, making it suitable for sophisticated traders in Singapore's fast-paced financial environment.
| Factor | FBS | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 matters for Singapore traders who rely on fast order fills. FXTM uses a mix of ECN and STP execution, offering low latency and minimal slippage, with average execution speeds under 50ms. FBS also provides STP execution but may experience occasional requotes during high volatility. For scalpers and high-frequency traders in Singapore, FXTM's execution is more reliable, especially when trading major pairs during Asian sessions. Both brokers offer no dealing desk (NDD) execution on certain accounts.
| Safety Factor | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Singapore traders, especially since MAS does not directly oversee offshore forex brokers. FBS is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize and CySEC in Europe, offering basic client protection. FXTM, on the other hand, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and CySEC, providing stronger oversight and negative balance protection. For Singapore traders, FXTM's FCA regulation adds a layer of trust, though neither broker is MAS-licensed. Traders should ensure their funds are segregated and check if the broker participates in compensation schemes. FXTM's higher regulatory standing makes it a safer choice for risk-averse Singapore investors.
| Payment Method | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Singapore traders will appreciate that both FBS and FXTM support local payment methods: PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. FBS allows instant deposits via PayNow with no fees and a minimum of $1 SGD equivalent. FXTM also supports PayNow with a minimum deposit of $10 SGD. Bank transfers are free for both but take 1-2 business days. Credit card deposits are processed instantly, though some banks may charge cash advance fees. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for both brokers, with PayNow being the fastest option for Singapore traders. FBS offers more withdrawal options including e-wallets, while FXTM has a more streamlined process. Both brokers support SGD accounts, reducing conversion costs for Singapore clients.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Singapore's Muslim traders, both FBS and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. FBS provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and Cent accounts, with no swap fees on overnight positions. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on its Standard and ECN accounts, also free of swaps. Both require a request to activate the account, and FXTM may have a waiting period. FBS is more flexible with a lower minimum deposit for Islamic accounts. Singapore traders should check if the broker charges administrative fees for holding positions long-term. Overall, both brokers are suitable for Muslim traders in Singapore seeking ethical trading options.
| Support Feature | FBS | FXTM | 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 critical for Singapore traders, especially during volatile market hours. FXTM offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Asian clients. FBS provides 24/7 support but response times can vary. Both brokers have Singapore-friendly hours, but FXTM's support is more responsive and knowledgeable about local payment methods like PayNow. FXTM also offers a comprehensive FAQ and video tutorials in English, catering to sophisticated investors in Singapore.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | 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 FXTM if you...
For Singapore traders in 2025, FXTM emerges as the stronger choice due to its higher trust score (4.3/5), tighter spreads, and robust regulation from FCA and CySEC. While both brokers support local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, FXTM's execution quality and multi-asset platform better serve sophisticated investors in Singapore's financial hub. FBS remains a viable option for retail traders seeking high leverage and low deposits, but its lower regulatory standing and higher spreads make it less suitable for volume traders. Ultimately, FXTM aligns better with the needs of Singapore traders who prioritize reliability, cost efficiency, and regulatory oversight, even though neither broker is MAS-licensed. Choose FXTM for a professional trading experience in Singapore.