Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore retains its status as a global financial hub, and traders here demand excellence from their brokers—low costs, robust platforms, and strong regulatory oversight. Two brokers frequently compared by sophisticated Singapore investors are Forex.com and FP Markets. Forex.com, part of GAIN Capital, is directly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), offering a familiar local regulatory framework with account segregation and a compensation scheme. It scores 3.4/5 overall, reflecting solid but unremarkable offerings. FP Markets, on the other hand, achieves a stellar 4.7/5, driven by ultra-tight spreads, multiple platform choices (MT4, MT5, cTrader), and a vast range of CFDs on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. While not MAS-regulated, FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and the FSA (St. Vincent), which many traders accept for the cost benefits. For the typical Singapore trader—who values efficiency, low friction through local payment methods like PayNow, and high execution speed—this comparison highlights two very different value propositions. In this detailed 2025 guide, we break down every key factor from trading costs to customer support, tailored specifically for Singapore’s sophisticated market participants.
| Instrument | Forex.com | 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 | $100 | $100 | Tie |
For Singapore traders, every pip counts, especially when trading in volume. FP Markets offers a significant cost advantage with its raw ECN account: spreads on EUR/USD start from 0.0 pips with a commission of USD 3 per lot per side. This is ideal for active traders using EA (Expert Advisor) strategies or scalping. Forex.com’s standard account spreads average 1.0–1.3 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, while its Direct Market Access (DMA) account starts from 0.2 pips with a commission. In practice, FP Markets is cheaper for the high-frequency trader, while Forex.com may appeal to those who prefer commission-free trading. Additionally, FP Markets has no hidden fees for deposits via PayNow or bank transfers, aligning with the cost-conscious nature of Singapore investors.
| Account Type | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 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 | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Forex.com |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Forex.com |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Forex.com |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Singapore traders often demand flexibility and advanced charting, and both brokers deliver but with different strengths. FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader—three of the most popular platforms globally—giving traders freedom to choose. cTrader is especially favoured for its depth of market visualization and algorithmic trading capabilities. Forex.com offers its proprietary Web Trader platform and TradingView integration, which appeals to technical analysts who prefer TradingView’s social features and advanced indicators. For Singapore mobile traders, both offer fully functional apps with localised time zones and SGD account support. However, FP Markets has the edge in platform diversity, particularly for those migrating from other brokers or running multiple strategies.
| Factor | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Forex.com |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is critical for Singapore traders, especially those using scalping or automated strategies. FP Markets operates on a true ECN/STP model, with low latency order routing and no requotes in most market conditions. It reports average execution speeds under 30ms, making it suitable for high-frequency trading. Forex.com uses a hybrid model (market maker for standard accounts, DMA for pro accounts) which can involve requotes during volatile news events. While Forex.com’s execution is reliable for longer-term swing trades, FP Markets clearly outperforms for active day traders seeking instant fills and minimal slippage. Both brokers allow hedging and Expert Advisors (EAs), but FP Markets has no restrictions regarding scalping strategies.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top concern for Singapore traders, and here the legal landscape differs sharply. Forex.com is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Securities and Futures Act, meaning client funds are held in trust with MAS-approved banks and are protected under the MAS Investor Compensation Scheme (up to SGD 50,000 per claimant). FP Markets is not MAS-regulated; it holds an Australian ASIC license (which offers client money segregation and access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority) and an FSA license in St. Vincent. Despite ASIC’s strong oversight, the lack of direct MAS oversight means FP Markets clients do not benefit from Singapore’s local compensation scheme. For risk-averse traders, Forex.com’s MAS license is a major advantage; for those prioritising trading conditions, FP Markets remains popular among Singapore sophisticated investors.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 24 hours |
Singapore traders enjoy a friction-free funding experience with both brokers, thanks to support for PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. With Forex.com, PayNow deposits are processed instantly and are free of charge; withdrawals via bank transfer (i.e., GIRO or FAST) typically take 1–2 business days. Forex.com also accepts Singapore-issued credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) with same-day processing. FP Markets supports PayNow via a dedicated local account number, and deposits are credited within minutes. For withdrawals, FP Markets processes them within 24 hours for most methods, with bank transfers arriving in 1–3 days. Credit card deposits at FP Markets carry a small processing fee (around 2–3%), but PayNow and bank transfers are free. Both brokers allow SGD-denominated accounts, eliminating FX conversion fees. Overall, the user experience is smooth, with FP Markets offering slightly faster withdrawal turnaround—an important consideration for active traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | 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 |
Singapore’s Muslim population is well served by both brokers, as each offers swap-free (Islamic) accounts compliant with Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest. Forex.com provides Islamic accounts on request after a client provides appropriate documentation; all standard features apply except no overnight swaps. FP Markets offers Islamic accounts for both standard and raw ECN accounts, with no swap charges on any CFD positions. The application process is straightforward: simply tick a box during account opening. For Muslim traders in Singapore who trade in a fee-conscious manner, FP Markets’ more transparent and quicker setup may be preferable. Both brokers ensure that swaps are not replaced with hidden administrative fees, which is a common issue with some other intermediaries.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Customer support in Singapore operates during local business hours (SGT), and both brokers offer multilingual assistance including English, Mandarin, and Malay. Forex.com provides 24/5 phone support with a dedicated Singapore helpline (+65 6320 1888) and live chat. FP Markets offers 24/7 live chat and phone support via its Australian office, but response times are generally fast. For sophisticated investors who may need immediate technical assistance, Forex.com’s local support line is a plus. FP Markets, however, excels in email and chat responsiveness, often replying within minutes during Singapore trading hours. Both brokers also maintain comprehensive FAQ sections and educational resources tailored for Singapore traders.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Forex.com |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Forex.com |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | Forex.com | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Forex.com |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose FP Markets if you...
For sophisticated traders in Singapore, the choice between Forex.com and FP Markets hinges on regulatory preferences versus cost efficiency. Forex.com offers the security of direct MAS oversight and local compensation—reassuring for risk-averse investors. However, its trading costs and platform limitations leave it behind FP Markets, which delivers industry-leading spreads, robust execution, and full local payment support including PayNow and bank transfers. FP Markets’ 4.7/5 rating reflects its appeal to active traders who maximise every pip. For most Singapore traders—especially those using PayNow for instant deposits and trading frequently—FP Markets is the recommended broker. Forex.com remains a solid option for those who demand local regulation above all else. Test both with small deposits to see which aligns with your trading style.