Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare FBS Max and RoboForex, two popular international platforms. FBS Max, with a score of 3.7/5, is known for its low-cost trading and diverse account types, while RoboForex, scoring 3.2/5, offers advanced tools like copy trading and multiple platforms. Both brokers accept New Zealand clients and support local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy for Kiwis. However, since neither is regulated by the local financial regulator (e.g., the FMA), traders should understand the risks of offshore brokers. This comparison focuses on spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit options to help you choose the best broker for your trading style in New Zealand.
| Instrument | FBS Max | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | RoboForex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | RoboForex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | RoboForex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | RoboForex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 | FBS Max |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are a key factor. FBS Max offers tighter spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on its ECN account, which is ideal for scalpers and high-volume traders. RoboForex's spreads begin at 0.3 pips on its Pro account, making it slightly more expensive. Both charge commissions on certain account types, but FBS Max's overall cost structure is more competitive. If you trade frequently in NZD pairs or major forex, FBS Max can save you money over time.
| Account Type | FBS Max | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS Max | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 Max | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS Max |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS Max |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS Max |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | RoboForex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS Max | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry standards for New Zealand traders. RoboForex also offers its proprietary R StocksTrader platform, which includes advanced charting and copy trading features. FBS Max focuses on user-friendly access with MT4/MT5 and a web trader. For Kiwis who prefer simplicity, FBS Max is sufficient; for those wanting more tools, RoboForex has the edge.
| Factor | FBS Max | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | RoboForex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS Max |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Both brokers offer fast execution speeds, but FBS Max has an advantage with its ECN accounts that provide direct market access and minimal slippage. RoboForex's execution is reliable but may have occasional delays during high volatility. For New Zealand traders who trade news events or scalping, FBS Max's execution quality is more consistent.
| Safety Factor | FBS Max | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither FBS Max nor RoboForex is regulated by New Zealand's local financial regulator, meaning they operate under offshore licenses (e.g., IFSC Belize or FSC Mauritius). This means no FMA oversight or local investor protection. New Zealand traders should be aware of this risk and consider using brokers with local regulation if they prioritize security. Both brokers do, however, follow basic safety protocols like segregated accounts.
| Payment Method | FBS Max | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 5 to 7 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both FBS Max and RoboForex. Deposits are typically instant with e-wallets and crypto, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. FBS Max has a lower minimum deposit of $5 compared to RoboForex's $10. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and crypto, but bank transfers may take longer. Both brokers support NZD conversion, though fees may apply.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS Max | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Max and RoboForex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders. These accounts eliminate overnight swap fees, aligning with Sharia law. FBS Max's Islamic account is available on most account types, while RoboForex offers it on request. Kiwi traders should confirm any additional conditions, such as longer holding periods or inactivity fees, before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | FBS Max | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS Max |
FBS Max provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English-speaking agents available. RoboForex offers similar channels but has mixed reviews on response times. For New Zealand traders, FBS Max's faster support and dedicated account managers give it an edge, especially during local business hours.
| Mobile Feature | FBS Max | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS Max |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS Max |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS Max | RoboForex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS Max |
Choose FBS Max if you...
Choose RoboForex if you...
For New Zealand traders, FBS Max is the better choice overall due to its lower costs, better support, and higher broker score. It also supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits simple. RoboForex is suitable if you need advanced platforms or copy trading, but its higher spreads and lower score make it less competitive. Since neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, always trade responsibly and consider your risk tolerance.