Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand retail traders seeking forex and CFD brokers often compare Forex.com and Libertex because both cater to local investors. Forex.com has a strong global reputation and is regulated by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA), giving Kiwis a high level of protection. Libertex, while not directly FMA-regulated, offers a modern platform with competitive pricing and access to over 300 instruments including stocks, crypto, and commodities. In 2025, local traders value low-cost execution and flexible deposit methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. This comparison breaks down spreads, regulation, platforms, and deposit options to help you decide which broker fits your trading style.
| Instrument | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Libertex |
Trading costs are a key factor for New Zealand retail traders. Forex.com charges variable spreads from 1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission on standard accounts. Libertex offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN accounts but adds a small commission per lot. For NZ traders executing high volumes, Libertex’s lower raw spreads can save significant money, especially on pairs like NZD/USD. However, on smaller trades, Forex.com’s all-in pricing may be simpler and more predictable. Always check the spread for NZD crosses, as local pairs often have wider spreads on both brokers.
| Account Type | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Forex.com provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, plus its own web and mobile platforms, which suit NZ traders who want advanced charting and automated trading. Libertex uses its proprietary platform – modern, intuitive, and optimised for social trading across devices. Kiwi traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) will prefer Forex.com, while those wanting a user-friendly mobile experience with copy trading features may find Libertex more appealing. Both platforms execute trades reliably from New Zealand, though Libertex’s interface feels more contemporary for 2025.
| Factor | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 |
Forex.com uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with low latency, achieving average order execution speeds of under 50 milliseconds on major forex pairs. Libertex also offers market execution via its price provider, with typical speeds of 60-80 milliseconds. For New Zealand scalpers or high-frequency traders, Forex.com’s faster execution may be an advantage. Slippage is rare on both brokers during normal market conditions. Overall, both provide reliable execution suitable for retail traders.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Forex.com is licensed by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in New Zealand (FSP405422), providing strong investor protection under local law. Libertex is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles, but does not hold an FMA license. This means NZ traders using Forex.com benefit from local dispute resolution, negative balance protection, and segregation of client funds. Libertex offers similar safeguards under EU regulations, but Kiwis should be aware that CySEC protection is not identical to FMA oversight. For maximum security, Forex.com has the regulatory edge.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business days | 5 business days |
Both brokers accept deposits in USD via popular New Zealand methods. Forex.com supports Bank Transfer (free, 1-3 days), Skrill (instant, no fee), and Neteller (instant, low fee). Libertex adds USDT TRC20 for crypto deposits, enabling near-instant funding with minimal costs – a major plus for tech-savvy NZ traders. Withdrawals follow the same method on both brokers: Bank Transfers take 2-5 business days, e-wallets process within 24 hours, and USDT withdrawals are fast. Minimum deposits are low: Forex.com starts at $50, Libertex at $100. No broker charges internal fees for these typical methods, but check your bank for incoming wire fees.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Forex.com and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in New Zealand. Forex.com provides swap-free accounts upon request for clients who comply with Sharia law, eliminating overnight interest on positions. Libertex includes swap-free conditions automatically on standard accounts for eligible clients – no extra paperwork needed. Neither broker charges administrative fees for maintaining an Islamic account. However, positions held open for extended periods (over 30 days) may incur a holding fee on Forex.com, so NZ Muslim traders should review each broker’s policy carefully before committing.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Forex.com offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated phone lines for Asia-Pacific including New Zealand hours. Libertex provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, with slightly faster response times during European business hours. NZ traders may find Forex.com’s local phone support more convenient for urgent queries. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQs and help centres in English. Neither offers 24/7 support on weekends, but response times are solid during weekdays.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Forex.com | Libertex | 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 Libertex if you...
For New Zealand retail traders in 2025, both brokers offer solid options, but the choice depends on your priorities. Libertex (3.7/5) edges out Forex.com (3.4/5) with lower spreads, innovative crypto deposits (USDT TRC20), and a user-friendly platform that appeals to modern Kiwi traders. Forex.com, however, wins on regulatory trust with its FMA license and provides robust MetaTrader support. If local oversight and traditional deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller matter most, Forex.com is a safe bet. If you want cost efficiency, crypto funding, and a wider asset range, Libertex is the better fit. Test both with demo accounts before committing funds.