Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus traders seeking a reliable forex broker face a key decision between FP Markets and HYCM. FP Markets leads with a 4.7/5 rating, offering tight spreads, fast execution, and a wide range of deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. HYCM, rated 3.6/5, is a well-established broker but trails in cost efficiency and modern features. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment for Cyprus residents. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Cyprus retail traders: trading costs, platform usability, and local payment options. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your needs in 2025.
| Instrument | FP Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | HYCM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | HYCM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | HYCM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | HYCM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 | FP Markets |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FP Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw account, making it ideal for scalpers and high-volume traders. HYCM’s spreads start at 1.2 pips on its Fixed account, which is significantly higher. Over 100 trades per month, FP Markets can save Cyprus traders up to $200 in spread costs compared to HYCM. Additionally, FP Markets charges no commission on standard accounts, while HYCM’s commission-free accounts have wider spreads. For Cyprus traders focused on cost efficiency, FP Markets is the clear winner.
| Account Type | FP Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $20 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (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 | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | HYCM |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary IRESS platform, all optimized for desktop and mobile. Cyprus traders benefit from fast charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and a user-friendly interface. HYCM offers MT4 and its own HYCM Trader platform, but lacks MT5 and advanced tools like depth of market. For Cyprus traders who value customization and speed, FP Markets’ platform suite is superior. Both brokers support local time zones and offer demo accounts for practice.
| Factor | FP Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | HYCM |
| 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 offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40 milliseconds, ideal for Cyprus scalpers and day traders. HYCM’s execution is slower, averaging 100 milliseconds, which can lead to slippage during volatile markets. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, but FP Markets’ infrastructure is more robust, reducing requotes and ensuring order accuracy.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FP Markets and HYCM are regulated by the local financial regulator, which enforces strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation rules. This means Cyprus traders’ deposits are protected in case of broker insolvency. FP Markets also holds an Australian ASIC license, adding an extra layer of oversight. HYCM’s regulation is more limited, with only local licensing. For Cyprus traders, this means FP Markets offers stronger regulatory protection, while HYCM still provides a safe environment under local rules.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney): 1 hour to 1 business day.Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3 to 5 business days (after broker processing).Bank Wire Transfers: 3 to 7 business days depending on your bank and location. |
Cyprus traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FP Markets processes deposits instantly with no fees, making it ideal for quick market entry. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for Skrill and Neteller, and 1-2 business days for bank transfers. HYCM also supports these methods but charges a 1% fee on Skrill deposits and takes 2-3 days for bank withdrawals. USDT TRC20 is available at both, offering a fast, low-cost crypto option. For Cyprus traders, FP Markets’ faster processing and zero fees provide a better experience.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Cyprus Muslim traders, both FP Markets and HYCM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types with no additional charges or restrictions, allowing trading on forex, indices, and commodities. HYCM requires a formal request and may limit swap-free accounts to certain instruments or charge a fee after a holding period. This makes FP Markets more accommodating for Cyprus traders seeking Sharia-compliant trading.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | HYCM | 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 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Cyprus traders. HYCM provides similar channels but has limited hours on weekends. Both brokers offer support in Greek and English, but FP Markets’ response times are faster, typically under 30 seconds for live chat. For Cyprus traders, FP Markets’ round-the-clock support ensures help is always available during trading hours.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | HYCM | 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 | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose HYCM if you...
For Cyprus traders in 2025, FP Markets is the superior choice over HYCM. With a 4.7/5 rating, it offers tighter spreads, faster execution, and more deposit options like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, all processed instantly with no fees. Regulation by the local financial regulator ensures a secure trading environment. HYCM, while reliable with a 3.6/5 rating, falls short on cost efficiency and modern features. If you prioritize low costs, fast deposits, and strong regulation, FP Markets is the clear winner for Cyprus retail traders.