FP Markets vs IG: Comprehensive Comparison for China Traders (2026)

When comparing trading costs, FP Markets generally offers lower spreads than IG, especially for high-volume traders. FP Markets' Raw account provides spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3 per lot per side, while IG's standard spreads start from 0.6 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. For a China trader executing 100 lots per month, FP Markets can save hundreds of dollars in spread costs. IG does not charge commission on standard accounts but has wider spreads. FP Markets also has lower swap rates for long-term positions, making it more cost-effective for swing traders in China.

Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among China traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. FP Markets additionally provides its proprietary IRESS platform for direct market access, ideal for experienced traders. IG offers its own web-based platform with integrated news and analysis, but lacks MT5 for some entities. For China traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom indicators, FP Markets' strong MT4/MT5 support is a clear advantage. IG's platform is more user-friendly for beginners but less flexible for algorithmic trading.

FP Markets offers superior execution with no dealing desk (NDD) and straight-through processing (STP), ensuring fast order execution with minimal slippage. IG also provides STP execution but has reported occasional requotes during high volatility. For China traders trading news events or scalping, FP Markets' execution speed (average 40ms) is more reliable. IG's execution is still good for most traders, but FP Markets edges ahead for those requiring precision timing.

FP Markets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), while IG is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other top-tier bodies. Neither broker is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), which does not oversee offshore forex brokers. For China traders, this means they trade under international regulation, with IG offering stronger investor protection (up to £85,000 under FSCS) and FP Markets providing negative balance protection. Both brokers segregate client funds, but IG's UK regulation offers an extra layer of security for risk-averse traders.

China traders can fund their accounts at both FP Markets and IG using USDT (Tether) and international bank transfers. FP Markets also supports credit/debit cards and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller. USDT deposits are processed instantly with low fees, making them ideal for traders avoiding traditional banking delays. International bank transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary charges. Withdrawals are similarly handled, with FP Markets processing most requests within 24 hours. IG's withdrawal process is slightly slower, taking 1-2 business days for bank transfers. Both brokers accept deposits in CNY via bank transfer, but conversion fees apply. For China traders, USDT offers the fastest and most cost-effective method.

Both FP Markets and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China who wish to trade without earning or paying interest. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types, including Raw and Standard, with no expiry date. IG offers Islamic accounts upon request, but they may incur an administration fee after a certain period. For China's Muslim traders, FP Markets' policy is more favorable as it allows indefinite swap-free trading without additional charges. Both brokers ensure compliance with Sharia law by not applying overnight swaps on positions held beyond the trading day.

FP Markets offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Mandarin-speaking agents available during Asian trading hours. IG provides 24/7 support in English, but Chinese language support is limited to specific hours. For China traders, FP Markets' localized support is a significant advantage, ensuring quick resolution of issues in their native language. IG's support is still reliable but may require more patience for Chinese-speaking clients.