Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore is one of Asia's most dynamic forex trading hubs, with sophisticated investors demanding low costs, reliable execution, and strong regulatory oversight. In this FBS vs Oanda comparison for 2025, we evaluate two brokers that cater to different segments of the Singapore market. FBS, a fast-growing international broker, attracts active traders with its ultra-tight spreads, multiple account types, and support for local payment methods like PayNow. Oanda, a long-established broker regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), appeals to traders who prioritise regulatory safety and transparent pricing. Both accept SGD deposits and offer competitive trading conditions, but their approach to spreads, regulation, and platform features differs significantly. This guide helps Singapore traders decide which broker aligns with their trading style and risk preferences.
| Instrument | FBS | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $0 | Oanda |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a key differentiator between FBS and Oanda. FBS offers spreads as low as 0.1 pips on its Zero Spread account for major pairs like EUR/USD, with a small commission per lot. In contrast, Oanda's spreads start from 1.0 pip on the same pair with no commission. For high-volume Singapore traders executing dozens of trades daily, FBS's lower spreads can result in substantial savings. However, Oanda's transparent pricing model with no hidden fees may appeal to traders who prefer predictable costs over ultra-low spreads.
| Account Type | FBS | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:100 |
| 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 | Oanda | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide robust platforms suited to Singapore's sophisticated traders. FBS offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are industry standards for advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. Oanda provides its proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader 4, with a focus on intuitive design and one-click trading. For Singapore traders who value algorithmic trading, FBS's support for Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5 is a clear advantage. Oanda's platform, however, offers better mobile trading integration and real-time news feeds, which may suit discretionary traders.
| Factor | FBS | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| 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 a No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution model with ECN technology, offering fast order execution with minimal slippage—ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Singapore. Oanda also uses NDD execution but with a market maker model for some orders, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For Singapore traders trading major pairs like USD/SGD during Asian sessions, FBS's execution speed is generally superior, though Oanda's execution is reliable for standard trading volumes.
| Safety Factor | FBS | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical factor for Singapore traders, and here Oanda holds a clear advantage. Oanda is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under a Capital Markets Services Licence, offering local dispute resolution and client fund segregation. FBS is regulated offshore by the IFSC in Belize, which does not provide the same level of investor protection. While FBS has a strong global presence, Singapore traders who prioritise regulatory safety should lean towards Oanda. However, FBS's MAS oversight is limited, so traders must assess their own risk tolerance.
| Payment Method | FBS | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 1 to 5 business days |
FBS excels in local payment convenience for Singapore traders. It supports PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits in SGD with no fees and instant processing. Withdrawals are also processed quickly, typically within 24 hours. Oanda accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits but does not offer PayNow, which means funding can take 1-3 business days. For Singapore traders who value speed and convenience, FBS's PayNow integration is a major plus. Both brokers allow withdrawals in SGD, but FBS's faster processing gives it an edge for active traders needing quick access to funds.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Singapore can access Islamic (swap-free) accounts from both FBS and Oanda. FBS offers swap-free accounts on all its account types, including the Zero Spread account, with no overnight interest charges. Oanda provides Islamic accounts with no rollover fees on positions held overnight. Both brokers require a request for Islamic account activation, which is typically approved within 24 hours. For Singapore's Muslim community, both brokers offer compliant trading environments, but FBS's broader account options may provide more flexibility.
| Support Feature | FBS | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
FBS offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Bahasa Indonesia and Chinese language options—key for Singapore's diverse trader base. Oanda provides 24/7 support via phone and email, but its live chat is limited to business hours. For Singapore traders needing quick assistance during Asian trading hours, FBS's round-the-clock live chat is more responsive. Oanda's support is professional but may have longer response times outside peak hours.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Oanda | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | Oanda |
| Resource | FBS | Oanda | 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 Oanda if you...
For Singapore traders, the choice between FBS and Oanda hinges on your priorities. FBS wins on cost efficiency with lower spreads, faster deposits via PayNow, and better support for algorithmic trading—making it ideal for active, cost-conscious traders. Oanda excels in regulatory safety under MAS, transparent pricing, and a user-friendly proprietary platform. If you trade frequently and want to minimise costs with local payment convenience, FBS is the stronger choice. If you value regulatory peace of mind and simplicity, Oanda is your broker. Both accept SGD and cater to sophisticated investors in Singapore's financial hub.