Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2025, the choice between FP Markets and Global Prime is critical. FP Markets, with a strong 4.7/5 rating, stands out for its deep liquidity, tight spreads, and comprehensive support for Islamic accounts—essential for Muslim traders in the Kingdom. Global Prime, rated 3.6/5, offers a streamlined platform but lacks the same local payment integration and regulatory depth. Saudi traders often prioritize brokers that accept STC Pay for instant deposits, offer competitive spreads on major pairs like USD/SAR, and provide robust customer support in Arabic. This comparison evaluates both brokers across trading costs, platforms, regulation, and local payment methods to help you make an informed decision.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially when trading in large volumes. FP Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw account with a commission of $3 per lot, making it highly cost-effective for high-net-worth traders. Global Prime's spreads start at 0.1 pips with a similar commission structure, but its overall costs are slightly higher. Over 100 trades per month, FP Markets can save Saudi traders up to 20% in spread costs. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates on Islamic accounts, but FP Markets' deeper liquidity ensures lower slippage during volatile market hours, such as when Saudi economic data is released.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the preferred platforms for Saudi traders due to their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. FP Markets also provides cTrader, which offers superior order execution and a user-friendly interface for scalpers. Global Prime focuses solely on MT4/5, which may limit traders who want alternative platforms. For Saudi traders using mobile devices, both platforms are well-optimized, but FP Markets' cTrader app provides faster trade execution and more customization options, ideal for traders in Riyadh or Jeddah who need reliable mobile trading.
| 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 |
FP Markets provides ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40 milliseconds, using Equinix NY4 servers for low latency. This is ideal for Saudi traders who engage in scalping or high-frequency trading. Global Prime offers reliable execution but with slightly higher latency due to fewer server locations. FP Markets' deep liquidity pools from multiple banks ensure minimal slippage, even during major news events like OPEC meetings, which directly impact oil prices and the Saudi economy.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities including ASIC and CySEC, offering strong client fund protection. Global Prime is regulated by ASIC and VFSC, but its regulatory coverage is narrower. For Saudi Arabia traders, neither broker is directly regulated by the CMA (Capital Market Authority) of Saudi Arabia, but both accept international clients. FP Markets' multiple regulatory licenses provide an extra layer of security, which is crucial for high-net-worth traders in Saudi Arabia who need assurance of fund safety. Traders should verify that their chosen broker complies with Saudi financial laws and offers negative balance protection.
| 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. |
Saudi Arabia traders can deposit and withdraw funds using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card at FP Markets. STC Pay is a standout feature, enabling instant deposits in SAR with minimal fees—ideal for traders who need quick funding. Global Prime supports Bank Transfer and Credit Card but does not offer STC Pay, which may be a drawback for local traders. FP Markets processes withdrawals within 24 hours via STC Pay, while Global Prime's bank transfers can take 2-5 business days. Minimum deposits are low at both brokers (around $100), but FP Markets' local payment integration makes it more convenient for Saudi traders.
| 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 |
Both FP Markets and Global Prime offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law, allowing Muslim traders in Saudi Arabia to trade without earning or paying interest. FP Markets provides a comprehensive Islamic account with no swap charges on all instruments, including forex, indices, and commodities, and it does not charge administrative fees for holding positions overnight. Global Prime's Islamic account is available but may have restrictions on certain instruments and can charge a fee after a holding period. For Saudi traders who hold positions for extended periods, FP Markets' Islamic account is more favorable and transparent.
| 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 |
FP Markets offers 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, including Arabic, via live chat, email, and phone. This is a significant advantage for Saudi traders who prefer communicating in Arabic during local business hours. Global Prime provides support in English only, with limited hours, which can be a challenge for Saudi traders needing immediate assistance. FP Markets also has a dedicated account manager for high-net-worth clients, a valuable resource for professional traders in Saudi Arabia.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders in 2025, FP Markets is the clear winner with its higher rating, tighter spreads, and superior local payment integration via STC Pay. Its Islamic account is more comprehensive, and its Arabic support is a significant advantage for local traders. While Global Prime is a solid broker, it lacks the same level of customization and convenience for Saudi clients. High-net-worth traders who value low costs, fast execution, and regulatory security will find FP Markets better suited. However, if you prefer a minimalist platform and don't need STC Pay, Global Prime remains a viable option. Always consider your trading style and local payment preferences when choosing.