Which broker is better for Syria traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For traders in Syria, choosing the right forex broker is critical given the unique economic and regulatory environment. FP Markets, rated 4.7/5, and Oanda, rated 3.6/5, are two internationally recognized brokers accessible to Syrian residents. FP Markets is an Australian-based broker known for its competitive spreads, extensive asset coverage, and flexible deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Oanda, a US-founded broker, offers reliable execution and a user-friendly platform but has fewer local payment methods and higher costs. This comparison focuses on key factors for Syrian retail traders: trading costs, deposit convenience, Islamic account availability, and regulatory compliance with the local financial regulator. Whether you trade forex, indices, or commodities, understanding these differences will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in Syria.
| Instrument | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | Oanda |
For Syrian traders, trading costs are a primary concern due to the need for cost-efficient strategies. FP Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN account with a commission of $3 per lot per side, making it highly competitive for high-volume traders. In contrast, Oanda's spreads on EUR/USD typically range from 0.5 to 1.2 pips with no commission on standard accounts. Over 100 trades per month, FP Markets can save Syrian traders up to 30% in costs compared to Oanda. Additionally, FP Markets charges no deposit or withdrawal fees for methods like Skrill and Neteller, while Oanda may apply fees for certain transfers. For traders in Syria monitoring every pip, FP Markets offers a clear advantage in overall cost efficiency.
| Account Type | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Syria (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:100 |
| 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 | Oanda | 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+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide robust trading platforms suited to Syrian traders. FP Markets offers MetaTrader 4 and 5, plus its proprietary IRESS platform for advanced charting and direct market access. Oanda provides its own web-based platform and MetaTrader 4, but lacks MT5. For Syrian traders with varying internet speeds, FP Markets' platforms are optimized for low latency and stable connections. Oanda's platform is intuitive but may be less customizable. Mobile trading is strong on both, with FP Markets' apps supporting full functionality including one-click trading. For traders in Syria who need flexibility and reliability, FP Markets' platform suite is more comprehensive.
| Factor | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| 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 |
Execution quality directly impacts trading results for Syrian traders. FP Markets offers ECN execution with no requotes and average execution speeds under 40 milliseconds. Oanda uses a market maker model with instant execution but may experience slippage during volatile periods. FP Markets' execution is more reliable for scalpers and day traders in Syria, while Oanda suits longer-term traders. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, but FP Markets' faster execution gives it an edge for active strategies.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key consideration for Syrian traders. FP Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing strong investor protection. Oanda is regulated by multiple authorities including the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, for Syrian traders, the local financial regulator does not directly oversee these international brokers. FP Markets' multi-regulatory framework offers greater security through segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Oanda's US and UK regulation adds credibility but may limit leverage for Syrian clients. Overall, FP Markets provides a more balanced regulatory environment for Syria-based traders.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | 1 to 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is a critical aspect for Syrian traders. FP Markets supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most methods processed instantly. USDT TRC20 is particularly beneficial for Syrian traders facing banking restrictions, as it bypasses traditional banking delays. Oanda accepts Bank Transfer and Skrill but does not support Neteller or USDT TRC20, limiting options for local traders. Minimum deposits are $100 for FP Markets and $1 for Oanda, though Oanda's lower minimum is less relevant given deposit method constraints. Withdrawals at FP Markets are free for e-wallets, while Oanda may charge fees. For Syrian traders needing reliable and fast deposits, FP Markets' support for USDT TRC20 and multiple e-wallets is a significant advantage.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Muslim traders in Syria, Islamic (swap-free) accounts are essential to comply with Sharia law. FP Markets offers Islamic accounts on all account types with no swap fees on overnight positions, including forex, indices, and commodities. Oanda also provides swap-free accounts but requires a request and may limit holding periods to 30 days. FP Markets' policy is more flexible and transparent, with no additional charges for Islamic account holders. Both brokers require a declaration of faith, but FP Markets processes requests faster. For Syrian traders prioritizing religious compliance, FP Markets is the more accommodating option.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
Customer support is vital for Syrian traders, especially when dealing with time-sensitive issues. FP Markets offers 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, with Arabic language support available. Oanda provides 24/5 support but lacks dedicated Arabic assistance. Response times are faster with FP Markets, averaging under 2 minutes for live chat. For Syrian traders in different time zones, FP Markets' extended hours and localized support ensure quicker resolution of account or trading queries.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Oanda | 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 | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | FP Markets | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For Syrian traders, FP Markets is the superior choice overall with a 4.7/5 rating compared to Oanda's 3.6/5. FP Markets excels in trading costs, offering raw spreads from 0.0 pips and commission-based ECN accounts that save money over time. Its support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 deposits is crucial for Syrian traders facing banking restrictions, while Oanda's limited options are a drawback. The availability of Islamic accounts without restrictions and faster execution further solidify FP Markets' position. While Oanda offers strong regulation and a simple platform, its higher costs and fewer local payment methods make it less suitable for Syria. For retail traders in Syria seeking a reliable, cost-effective broker with local payment support, FP Markets is the recommended option.