Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore is one of Asia’s most dynamic forex hubs, and sophisticated traders here demand brokers that combine tight spreads, robust regulation, and local payment convenience. FXTM (ForexTime) and Admirals (formerly Admiral Markets) are two top-tier choices, both regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). FXTM scores 4.3/5, edging out Admirals at 4.1/5, thanks to its broader account customization and local payment integration. For Singapore traders using SGD, both brokers offer PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, but FXTM’s ECN accounts and lower minimum deposits appeal to high-volume investors. This comparison breaks down every factor—from spreads to Islamic accounts—so you can decide which broker fits your trading style in Singapore’s competitive market.
| Instrument | FXTM | Admirals | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Admirals |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Admirals |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Admirals |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Admirals |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $1 | Admirals |
When comparing trading costs for Singapore traders, FXTM holds a clear edge on spreads, especially for high-volume forex pairs. On its ECN account, EUR/USD spreads start from 0.1 pips, compared to Admirals’ 0.5 pips on its Zero account. For standard accounts, FXTM’s spreads average 1.2 pips versus Admirals’ 1.5 pips. Commission structures also differ: FXTM charges $4 per lot on ECN, while Admirals’ Zero account has a $3 commission per side. For a Singapore trader executing 50 lots monthly, FXTM could save approximately SGD 150 in total costs. Both brokers have no deposit fees, but FXTM’s lower swap rates on long-term positions benefit local swing traders.
| Account Type | FXTM | Admirals |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $1 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Admirals |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FXTM | Admirals | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Admirals |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | Admirals |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Singapore traders value stability and speed, and both brokers deliver with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). FXTM also offers its proprietary FXTM Trader app, optimized for mobile trading on the go. Admirals stands out with its WebTrader platform, which requires no download and supports advanced charting. For algorithmic traders, both support Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5, but FXTM’s VPS hosting is more affordable at $15/month. Admirals’ platform selection is slightly more limited, but its integration with TradingCentral for analysis is a plus for fundamental traders in Singapore.
| Factor | FXTM | Admirals | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Admirals |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXTM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is critical for sophisticated Singapore traders. FXTM uses a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model on its ECN accounts, with average execution speeds of 0.15 seconds. Admirals also offers NDD execution on its Zero account, with speeds around 0.2 seconds. Both brokers have no requotes on major pairs, but FXTM’s deeper liquidity pool from multiple banks results in slightly better fill rates during volatile Asian sessions.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Admirals |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Singapore traders, and both FXTM and Admirals are licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Securities and Futures Act. FXTM holds a CMS license with a capital adequacy requirement of SGD 1 million, while Admirals also complies with MAS’s client asset segregation rules. This means your funds are kept in separate accounts from the broker’s operating funds, providing strong protection. Both brokers also adhere to MAS’s leverage limits (max 1:50 for retail clients) and negative balance protection. For sophisticated investors, this regulatory oversight ensures transparency and recourse in case of disputes, making either broker a safe choice for Singapore-based trading.
| Payment Method | FXTM | Admirals |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. | e-wallets take instant to 1 business day, credit/debit cards take 1 business day, and bank transfers take 1 to 3 business days. |
Depositing and withdrawing in SGD is seamless with both brokers, thanks to local payment methods. FXTM supports PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits with no fees and instant processing for PayNow. Admirals also accepts these methods, with PayNow deposits credited within minutes. Minimum deposits are SGD 100 for FXTM and SGD 50 for Admirals, making Admirals slightly more accessible for smaller accounts. Withdrawals are processed within 1 business day for both, but FXTM offers free withdrawals, while Admirals may charge a small fee for bank transfers (SGD 10-20). For Singapore traders who prefer fast, low-cost funding, FXTM’s zero-fee PayNow and credit card options are a clear advantage.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | Admirals |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FXTM and Admirals cater to Muslim traders in Singapore with swap-free Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law. FXTM offers Islamic accounts on all standard, ECN, and cent accounts without additional fees, and they can be activated instantly upon request. Admirals provides Islamic accounts but requires a manual request via customer support, which may take 1-2 days. Neither broker charges swap fees on overnight positions, and both ensure no hidden interest. For Singapore’s sizable Muslim trading community, FXTM’s instant activation and broader account compatibility make it the more convenient option.
| Support Feature | FXTM | Admirals | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with English-speaking teams based in Singapore. FXTM offers live chat, email, and phone support with average response times under 2 minutes. Admirals provides similar channels but has a slightly slower email response (up to 4 hours). Both have local phone numbers for Singapore traders, but FXTM’s dedicated account managers for high-volume clients give it an edge.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Admirals | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXTM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXTM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FXTM | Admirals | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Admirals if you...
For Singapore traders in 2026, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, with a 4.3 rating that reflects its superior spreads, local payment support (PayNow, Bank Transfer, Credit Card), and MAS regulation. It suits sophisticated investors who trade frequently and need fast, cost-effective execution. Admirals is a solid alternative for beginners or those who prefer a lower entry barrier and a straightforward platform. Both brokers are safe and compliant, but FXTM’s broader account options and zero-fee deposits give it the edge for Singapore’s financial hub traders. Whichever you choose, you’re trading with a regulated partner in one of the world’s most competitive forex markets.