Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking offshore forex exposure, choosing between FXTM and Global Prime requires careful consideration of local needs. FXTM, rated 4.3/5, has a strong presence in Asia with Mandarin support and a wide range of instruments including Chinese indices like Hang Seng and CSI 300. Global Prime, rated 3.6/5, is a smaller broker known for ultra-low spreads and fast execution, but lacks dedicated Chinese market coverage. Both brokers accept Chinese clients through international entities, not regulated by the CSRC, meaning traders must rely on offshore regulation like FCA or ASIC. Deposit options include USDT (Tether) via TRC20 and international bank transfers, which are popular among Chinese traders avoiding capital controls. FXTM offers more account types and educational resources, while Global Prime focuses on raw spreads for experienced traders. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local payment preferences in 2025.
| Instrument | FXTM | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Global Prime |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Global Prime |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Global Prime |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Global Prime |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | Global Prime |
When comparing trading costs for China traders, Global Prime has an edge with raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, plus a commission of $3.50 per lot. FXTM’s standard account spreads start from 1.0 pips with no commission, while its ECN account offers spreads from 0.1 pips with a $2 per lot commission. For high-volume Chinese scalpers, Global Prime’s lower spreads can save significantly on trading costs, especially for volumes above 10 lots per month. However, FXTM’s commission-free standard account may be better for beginners or smaller traders in China who trade less frequently. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but FXTM provides Islamic accounts for Chinese Muslim traders without swap charges.
| Account Type | FXTM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| China (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 | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | ✗ | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Global Prime |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, both fully compatible with Chinese traders using Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Global Prime also provides MT4 and MT5, plus cTrader for those who prefer advanced charting and order types. For China traders, MT4 remains the most popular platform due to its availability of Chinese language support and custom indicators. FXTM’s platforms include additional tools like ForexTime app for mobile trading, while Global Prime’s cTrader offers depth of market and faster execution. Both brokers support VPS for automated trading, which is beneficial for Chinese algorithmic traders. No proprietary platforms are offered, but the MetaTrader suite is sufficient for most traders in China.
| Factor | FXTM | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Global Prime |
| 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 |
Global Prime offers faster execution speeds with an average of 30-50ms, thanks to its raw spreads and ECN model. FXTM’s execution averages 50-100ms, which is still competitive for most traders. For China traders using VPS or automated systems, Global Prime’s lower latency can be beneficial for scalping. Both brokers have no requotes on market orders, but FXTM may experience slippage during volatile news events. Overall, Global Prime has a slight edge in execution quality for high-frequency traders.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither FXTM nor Global Prime is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), meaning Chinese traders operate through offshore entities. FXTM is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa), providing strong investor protection for international clients. Global Prime is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and VFSC (Vanuatu), offering lower tier protection for Chinese traders. For China traders, FXTM’s FCA regulation is more reassuring due to the UK’s strict financial oversight and compensation schemes. However, both brokers require Chinese clients to accept terms that they are not regulated in China, and traders must ensure compliance with local foreign exchange laws. FXTM’s multiple regulatory licenses give it an advantage in terms of transparency and dispute resolution.
| Payment Method | FXTM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Global Prime processes withdrawals instantly on their end, but the time to receive your funds depends on your payment method: bank wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days, credit or debit cards take 1 to 10 days, and e-wallets are instant once completed. |
For China traders, deposit and withdrawal options are critical due to capital controls. FXTM accepts USDT deposits via TRC20 and ERC20 networks, with no fees and processing within 1-2 hours. International bank transfers in USD or EUR are also supported, but can take 2-5 business days and may incur intermediary bank fees. Global Prime also accepts USDT (TRC20) and international bank transfers, but does not support Chinese domestic methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 24 hours for USDT, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. FXTM offers slightly faster withdrawal processing for Chinese clients, with dedicated support for USDT withdrawals. Minimum deposits are $10 for FXTM and $50 for Global Prime, making FXTM more accessible for smaller Chinese traders. Both brokers require KYC verification, including Chinese ID and proof of address.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Global Prime offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China, in compliance with Sharia law. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Standard and ECN, with no swap charges on overnight positions. The account is available immediately upon request, with no additional fees. Global Prime also offers swap-free accounts but requires a written request after account opening, and may apply a fee after a certain holding period. For Chinese Muslim traders, FXTM’s Islamic account is more straightforward and accessible, with no hidden conditions. Both brokers ensure that Islamic accounts are available for major forex pairs and commodities, but FXTM offers a wider range of instruments without swap charges.
| Support Feature | FXTM | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
FXTM provides 24/5 customer support in Mandarin Chinese via live chat, email, and phone, making it more accessible for China traders. Global Prime offers support in English only, with no dedicated Chinese-speaking team, which can be a barrier for non-English speakers. FXTM also has a Chinese-language website and educational materials, while Global Prime’s resources are primarily in English. For China traders, FXTM’s localized support is a significant advantage, especially for account issues and deposit inquiries.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Global Prime | 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 | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FXTM |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FXTM |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Global Prime if you...
For China traders in 2025, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, with a higher rating (4.3/5 vs 3.6/5), Mandarin support, and broader instrument coverage including Chinese indices. Its acceptance of USDT deposits via TRC20 and international bank transfers aligns with local payment preferences, and its FCA regulation provides peace of mind despite lack of CSRC oversight. Global Prime appeals to cost-focused traders with lower spreads and faster execution, but its lack of Chinese support and limited asset selection may deter most China traders. Consider FXTM for a well-rounded offshore trading experience, and Global Prime only if you prioritize raw spreads and can operate in English. Always ensure compliance with Chinese foreign exchange regulations when trading with offshore brokers.