Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Norwegian forex traders comparing FP Markets and Global Prime, the choice comes down to cost, product range, and platform quality. Both brokers accept clients from Norway and support local payment methods such as Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – making fund management straightforward for Norwegian kroner (NOK) conversions. However, neither broker is regulated by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet), meaning investors must rely on overseas regulators like ASIC (FP Markets) or VFSC (Global Prime). FP Markets scores 4.7/5 with tight spreads, thousands of instruments, and MetaTrader 4/5 support. Global Prime, at 3.6/5, offers clean ECN execution and a simple platform but lacks the depth and local trader resources that many Norwegian retail traders prefer. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and deposit/withdrawal options specifically for Norway’s trading environment.
| Instrument | FP Markets | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Global Prime |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Global Prime |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Global Prime |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Global Prime |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | Global Prime |
For Norwegian traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for frequent forex or index trades. FP Markets offers a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3 per lot per side, making it cheaper for high-volume traders. Global Prime’s Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips (no commission), while its Pro account starts at 0.0 pips with a $7 commission per lot. For a typical Norwegian retail trader executing 5 lots per month (EURUSD), FP Markets Raw costs about $30 compared to $70 on Global Prime Pro. Additionally, FP Markets has no withdrawal fees, while Global Prime may charge for certain methods. Keep in mind that spreads widen during volatile news events – both brokers offer competitive execution, but FP Markets’ liquidity pool gives Norwegian traders an edge on cost.
| Account Type | FP Markets | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FP Markets | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Global Prime |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Norwegian traders will find both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms. FP Markets also provides cTrader, which appeals to algorithmic and copy traders. Global Prime sticks exclusively with MT4/MT5 and its own web trader. For traders who rely on third-party tools like TradingView integration or custom indicators, FP Markets’ broader ecosystem is beneficial. Neither broker offers a dedicated Norwegian-language platform, but their interfaces are in English and suitable for experienced traders. Mobile apps for iOS and Android are available, allowing Norwegian traders to manage positions on the go. Overall, FP Markets wins with platform choice, while Global Prime offers a simpler, no-frills experience.
| Factor | FP Markets | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Global Prime |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is strong at both brokers. FP Markets uses multiple liquidity providers and offers ECN execution on MT4/5 and cTrader with minimal slippage and fast order processing (under 50ms on average). Global Prime also uses ECN technology with low latency servers in London and New York. For Norwegian traders trading during European sessions, both perform well, but FP Markets has a reputation for slightly better fill rates during news events. Slippage is rare on both platforms. Overall, execution is a marginal win for FP Markets due to its larger liquidity pool.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Norwegian traders because neither FP Markets nor Global Prime holds a license from Finanstilsynet, Norway’s financial regulator. FP Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities including ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), offering client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Global Prime is registered in Vanuatu (VFSC) and also holds a license from the FSA in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which provides less stringent oversight. Norwegian traders should understand that if a dispute arises, they will not have recourse under Norwegian investor compensation schemes. For those preferring tighter regulation, FP Markets (ASIC) is the safer choice. Always verify current regulatory status on each broker’s website before opening an account.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | Global Prime processes withdrawals instantly on their end, but the time to receive your funds depends on your payment method: bank wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days, credit or debit cards take 1 to 10 days, and e-wallets are instant once completed. |
Both brokers make it convenient for Norwegian traders to fund accounts using Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 – all popular methods in Norway. FP Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100 (or equivalent in USD) for standard accounts; Global Prime requires $200. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT TRC20 are instant and usually free, while SEPA bank transfers may take 1–3 business days and can incur intermediary bank fees. For withdrawals, FP Markets processes e-wallet and crypto withdrawals within 24 hours and has no internal fees. Global Prime also processes quickly but may charge a small fee for bank wire withdrawals (around $10–20). Norwegian traders who use Skrill or Neteller will find both brokers handle these efficiently. Crypto users (USDT TRC20) will appreciate the low costs and speed at FP Markets.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Norway who need Sharia-compliant accounts (swap-free) can obtain them from both FP Markets and Global Prime. FP Markets offers Islamic accounts on all account types upon request, with no swap charges and no hidden fees – making it ideal for long-term positions. Global Prime also provides swap-free accounts, but they are only available on certain account types and may impose an administrative fee if positions are held beyond a specific number of days (typically 30 days). Norwegian traders should confirm the exact terms with each broker’s support team before opening an Islamic account to avoid unexpected charges. FP Markets is generally more accommodating for swap-free trading.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
Norwegian traders can access customer support from both brokers in English via live chat, email, and phone. FP Markets offers 24/5 support with quick response times (usually under 1 minute for chat). Global Prime also provides 24/5 support but has fewer language options – Norwegian is not available at either broker. For urgent issues, FP Markets’ larger team is more reliable. Neither broker offers local Norwegian phone numbers, but both are responsive to requests from Norway. Documentation and help centres are in English only.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Resource | FP Markets | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose Global Prime if you...
For Norwegian retail traders, FP Markets is the clear winner with a 4.7 rating, offering tighter spreads, more instruments, and better regulation through ASIC. Global Prime (3.6) is a decent alternative for those who want a straightforward ECN broker with no added complexity. Both support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits easy from Norway. However, FP Markets’ lower costs, superior platform choice, and stronger regulatory framework give it the edge. While neither broker is regulated by Finanstilsynet, FP Markets’ ASIC oversight provides more security. Norwegian traders should open a demo account with both before committing real capital.