Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking offshore exposure, FP Markets and Libertex are two popular forex and CFD brokers, but they cater to different needs. FP Markets, with a strong 4.7/5 rating, is known for its low-cost trading, advanced platforms (MT4/MT5), and deep liquidity, making it ideal for active traders. Libertex, scoring 3.7/5, offers a user-friendly web platform and fixed spreads, appealing to beginners. Both support CNY via USDT and international bank transfers, crucial for China traders navigating capital controls. However, FP Markets' superior execution and tighter spreads give it an edge for those focused on cost efficiency. This comparison helps China traders decide based on their trading style and local payment preferences.
| Instrument | FP Markets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Libertex |
FP Markets offers significantly lower spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw account with a small commission, ideal for high-volume China traders. Libertex has wider spreads (1.0-1.5 pips) but no commission, which can be costlier for frequent trading. For example, trading 10 lots of EUR/USD daily, FP Markets saves about $50-100 per day in spread costs compared to Libertex. China traders should consider their trade frequency and size to choose the most cost-effective option.
| Account Type | FP Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FP Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | 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+ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets provides MT4, MT5, and cTrader, which are widely used by China traders for advanced charting, automated trading, and fast execution. Libertex offers its proprietary web platform and mobile app, which are simpler but lack advanced tools like EAs. For China traders needing algorithmic trading or deep analysis, FP Markets is superior, while Libertex suits beginners seeking ease of use.
| Factor | FP Markets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 ECN execution with average speeds under 40ms and no requotes, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. Libertex uses market execution with fixed spreads, which can lead to slippage during volatile periods. For China traders needing fast, reliable execution, FP Markets outperforms Libertex significantly.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), offering strong client fund protection. Libertex is regulated by CySEC and the FSC (Belize). Neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, but both operate legally offshore. For China traders, this means they can trade without CSRC oversight but must be aware of higher risk. FP Markets' stricter regulation provides an extra layer of security for offshore trading.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 5 business days |
China traders can deposit using USDT (Tether) for instant, low-cost transactions at both brokers, ideal for avoiding bank delays. FP Markets also accepts international bank transfers (SWIFT), credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like Skrill. Libertex supports USDT, bank transfers, and e-wallets including Neteller. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 days for USDT, while bank transfers may take 3-5 days. USDT is the most efficient method for China traders, minimizing currency conversion fees.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China, eliminating overnight interest on positions. FP Markets provides them on all account types (Standard, Raw, and cTrader) with no additional fees. Libertex offers swap-free accounts upon request, typically for standard accounts. China traders should verify terms with each broker, as some conditions like holding periods may apply.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Libertex | 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 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times (under 5 minutes for chat). Libertex provides 24/5 support via live chat and email, but response times can be slower (10-15 minutes). For China traders, FP Markets' English support is adequate, but neither broker offers Mandarin support, which may be a challenge for non-English speakers.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Libertex | 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 | Libertex | 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 Libertex if you...
For China traders seeking offshore exposure, FP Markets is the clear winner with its low spreads, advanced platforms, and fast execution, earning a 4.7/5 rating. Libertex, at 3.7/5, is suitable for beginners but falls short on cost and features. Both support USDT and international bank transfers (SWIFT), crucial for CNY-based traders. While neither is CSRC-regulated, FP Markets' ASIC oversight offers better protection. Consider FP Markets for active trading and Libertex for simplicity. Always check local laws before trading.