Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Cyprus, two names frequently come up: FXCM and FXTM. Both are well-established, have offices in Cyprus, and are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). However, they serve different trader needs. FXCM, with a score of 3.5/5, has a long history and strong educational tools, while FXTM (Forextime) scores 4.3/5, offering tighter spreads and a wider array of local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. For Cyprus traders who primarily deposit in USD and value low-cost trading, FXTM often emerges as the preferred choice. Both brokers allow you to trade forex, CFDs, and commodities with leverage up to 30:1 under CySEC rules. This comparison explores key factors such as trading costs, platforms, regulation, and the ease of depositing via local methods—all tailored to the Cyprus trader experience. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned retail trader, understanding these differences will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in the Cypriot market.
| Instrument | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $50 | $200 | FXTM |
When comparing trading costs, FXTM has a clear advantage for Cyprus traders. FXTM’s standard account spreads on EUR/USD start from 1.3 pips, while FXCM’s standard spreads begin at 1.4 pips. For more active traders, FXTM’s Zero account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a small commission of $2 per lot per side. FXCM’s Active Trader program can reduce spreads, but it requires high monthly volumes—typically over $25 million. Additionally, FXTM does not charge deposit fees for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, whereas FXCM may impose a small fee for certain deposit methods. Over a year of frequent trading, even a 0.1 pip difference can amount to significant savings, making FXTM the more cost-effective option for Cypriot retail traders.
| Account Type | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $50 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXCM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXCM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXCM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are the industry standards favored by many Cyprus traders for their charting tools and automated trading capabilities. FXTM also provides a web-based platform called FXTM Trader, which is ideal for traders who prefer a simplified interface on desktop or mobile. FXCM’s Trading Station platform is proprietary and offers advanced features like Trade Commander and Market Scanner, but it has a steeper learning curve. For Cyprus traders who value familiarity and ease of use, FXTM’s MT4/MT5 is a safe bet. FXCM’s platform is better suited for those who want deep analysis tools. Both platforms are available in Greek and English, and mobile apps function well for on-the-go trading.
| Factor | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXCM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for day traders and scalpers. FXTM reports an average execution speed of under 40 milliseconds on its ECN accounts, with no requotes for most market orders. FXCM offers similar speeds but its re-quote rate is slightly higher on standard accounts during volatile periods. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, but FXTM’s infrastructure is optimized for high-frequency trading. For Cyprus traders who need fast, reliable fills, FXTM has a slight advantage. However, FXCM’s execution is still solid for most retail trading styles.
| Safety Factor | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXCM and FXTM are regulated by CySEC, the local financial regulator in Cyprus. This means they comply with MiFID II requirements, including client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and participation in the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000 per client. FXTM (operated by Exinity Limited) has been licensed by CySEC since 2013 and also holds additional licenses from the FCA and FSCA. FXCM is licensed under FXCM EU Ltd, a CySEC-regulated entity since 2005. For Cyprus traders, regulation by CySEC offers peace of mind that disputes can be handled locally. Both brokers provide Greek-language support and are transparent about their regulatory status. However, FXTM’s multiple licenses give it a slight edge in global credibility.
| Payment Method | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Internal Processing: FXCM reviews and processes requests in 1–2 business days.Credit or Debit Card: Arrives within 5 business days, though statements can take up to 1 billing cycle to update.Domestic Bank Wire: Arrives in 1–2 business days after processing.International Bank Wire: Arrives in 3–5 business days after processing. | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Cyprus traders at both brokers. FXCM and FXTM accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 (the latter only on FXTM). Bank transfers are free on both brokers but may take 1-3 business days to process. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant and often free of charge. FXTM additionally supports USDT TRC20, a cryptocurrency stablecoin deposit method that is becoming popular among Cypriot traders for its low fees and near-instant processing. FXCM does not offer crypto funding. For withdrawals, both brokers process requests within 24 hours, but Skrill and Neteller withdrawals are faster than bank transfers. FXTM has no withdrawal fees, while FXCM may charge a small fee for bank withdrawals over a certain limit. Overall, FXTM offers more deposit flexibility for Cyprus traders, especially those who use USDT TRC20.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXCM | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Cyprus has a significant Muslim population, and both FXCM and FXTM provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts to accommodate Sharia-compliant trading. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Zero, and ECN) with no swap fees on positions held overnight, and no additional administrative charges. FXCM also offers swap-free accounts, but after a holding period of 10 days, an administration fee may be charged. Both brokers require clients to declare that they are Muslim and that the account is for religious purposes. For Cypriot traders who require Islamic accounts, FXTM’s straightforward policy and absence of extra fees make it the more attractive option. Additionally, FXTM’s customer support team is well-versed in explaining the terms in Arabic and Greek.
| Support Feature | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXCM |
Customer support is critical for Cyprus traders, especially those who prefer Greek-language assistance. FXTM offers 24/5 live chat, phone, and email support in Greek and English, with a local Limassol office that can be visited in person. FXCM also provides Greek support via phone and email, but its live chat is primarily in English. Response times are generally fast at both brokers, but FXTM’s local presence gives it an edge. For urgent queries, FXTM’s phone support is reachable during local business hours.
| Mobile Feature | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXCM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXCM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FXCM |
| Resource | FXCM | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXCM |
Choose FXCM if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For most retail traders in Cyprus, FXTM is the stronger choice. It scores 4.3/5 against FXCM’s 3.5/5, reflecting better overall value. FXTM offers lower spreads, more flexible deposit options including USDT TRC20 alongside Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller, and a transparent Islamic account policy. Both brokers are regulated by CySEC, providing the same level of local investor protection. However, FXTM’s local presence in Limassol and dedicated Greek support make it more convenient for Cypriot traders. FXCM remains a solid alternative for those who want advanced tools or have high trading volumes. Consider your own trading style and deposit preferences—if you value cost efficiency and modern funding options, FXTM is the recommended broker for Cyprus in 2025.