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, FP Markets and HYCM are two prominent choices, but they cater to different needs. FP Markets, with an overall score of 4.7/5, is a top-tier broker known for ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and extensive asset coverage, making it ideal for high-net-worth traders and scalpers. HYCM, scoring 3.6/5, is a well-established broker with a strong reputation but higher costs and fewer advanced features. Both brokers accept Saudi clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, which is crucial for traders in the Kingdom. However, FP Markets stands out with its superior trading conditions and dedicated Islamic accounts, while HYCM offers a more traditional platform with a focus on education and long-term trading. This comparison will help Saudi traders decide which broker aligns with their trading style, whether they prioritize low costs, local payment convenience, or Sharia-compliant accounts.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs, FP Markets clearly outperforms HYCM for Saudi Arabia traders. FP Markets offers a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3 per lot, while its Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission. In contrast, HYCM's standard spreads start from 1.2 pips, and its Fixed account has spreads from 1.8 pips, which are significantly higher. For a Saudi trader executing 10 lots per month, FP Markets could save over $200 in spread costs compared to HYCM. Additionally, FP Markets has no deposit fees, while HYCM may charge a 2.5% fee on credit card deposits. This makes FP Markets the more cost-effective choice for active traders in Saudi Arabia.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 cTrader, offering Saudi traders flexibility and advanced charting tools. cTrader is particularly favored for its intuitive interface and fast order execution. HYCM offers MT4 and its proprietary HYCM WebTrader, which is user-friendly but lacks the depth of cTrader. For Saudi traders who prefer algorithmic trading or scalping, FP Markets' platform suite is superior. Both platforms support Arabic language and local time zones, but FP Markets' cTrader gives an edge for high-frequency trading.
| 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 boasts execution speeds under 40 milliseconds with no requotes, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. HYCM has reliable execution but speeds average around 100-200 milliseconds, which may cause slippage during volatile markets. For Saudi traders trading major pairs like EUR/USD or USD/SAR, FP Markets' faster execution reduces slippage and improves trade outcomes.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities including ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), providing strong client protection through segregated accounts and negative balance protection. HYCM is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC, and DFSA (Dubai), which also ensures high safety standards. Neither broker is directly regulated by the Saudi CMA, but both comply with international regulations that protect Saudi traders. FP Markets' ASIC regulation is particularly stringent, offering an additional layer of security for high-net-worth clients. Saudi traders should verify the specific entity they open an account with to ensure optimal protection.
| 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. |
Saudi Arabia traders can fund their accounts at both FP Markets and HYCM using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card. FP Markets processes deposits instantly with no fees, and withdrawals via Bank Transfer take 1-3 business days with no charges. HYCM also supports these methods but may charge a 2.5% fee on credit card deposits and has a minimum deposit of $200 compared to FP Markets' $100. For STC Pay, both brokers offer seamless integration, but FP Markets has a lower minimum of $100. Withdrawal times are similar, but FP Markets' fee-free policy makes it more attractive for frequent transactions. Saudi traders should note that Bank Transfers may incur intermediary bank fees, so STC Pay is recommended for smaller amounts.
| 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 |
Both FP Markets and HYCM offer Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Saudi Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. FP Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types without any restrictions on trading strategies or instruments, making it highly flexible. HYCM also offers Islamic accounts but may limit them to certain account types and currency pairs, and requires a formal request. FP Markets' Islamic accounts have no hidden fees, while HYCM may charge an administration fee after a holding period. For Saudi traders prioritizing full compliance and flexibility, FP Markets is the better choice.
| 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 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Arabic language support available during business hours. HYCM provides 24/5 support with similar channels but limited Arabic assistance. FP Markets' faster response times and dedicated account managers for high-net-worth clients give it an edge for Saudi traders who value prompt, personalized service.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, FP Markets is the clear winner in 2025, offering superior trading conditions, lower costs, and better local payment support including STC Pay and Bank Transfer. Its Islamic accounts are more flexible, and its CMA-compliant practices ensure a secure trading environment. HYCM is a reliable alternative but falls short on cost and execution. High-net-worth traders and those seeking Sharia-compliant accounts will benefit most from FP Markets. We recommend opening an account with FP Markets to leverage its competitive edge in the Saudi market.