Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When choosing a forex broker in Cyprus, traders need a partner that combines strong regulation, competitive costs, and local payment convenience. FXTM (ForexTime) and Global Prime are two reputable brokers widely used by Cyprus-based retail traders. FXTM holds a CySEC license (number 185/12), offering full investor protection under the EU framework, including negative balance protection and access to the Investor Compensation Fund. Its score of 4.3/5 reflects strong local presence and educational resources tailored to Cypriot traders. Global Prime, with a 3.6/5 rating, is regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA and ASIC, but does not have a direct CySEC license; it still accepts Cyprus clients under MiFID. Both brokers support popular local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals straightforward for Cyprus traders. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide which broker fits your trading style 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 |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are critical, especially when trading in USD. FXTM offers variable spreads starting from 1.0 pips on its Standard account and from 0.1 pips on the ECN account with a $7 round-turn commission per lot. Global Prime provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.50 commission per side, making it cheaper for high-volume traders. On a standard lot of EUR/USD, Global Prime’s total cost is about $7 per round turn versus FXTM’s $7–$10 depending on account type. However, FXTM’s fixed spread accounts can be beneficial during volatile market hours, a common scenario for Cyprus traders who often trade during overlapping London and US sessions. Both brokers are transparent about fees, but Global Prime edges ahead for pure cost efficiency.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders favor platforms that are fast, reliable, and compatible with local devices. FXTM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary FXTM Trader app, all available in English and Greek. It also provides advanced tools like Autochartist for technical analysis. Global Prime focuses exclusively on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, with a clean, low-latency setup ideal for scalping and automated trading. Both platforms support VPS hosting, which is popular among Cyprus-based algorithmic traders. For mobile traders, FXTM’s app has more educational content, while Global Prime’s MT4/5 mobile is optimized for order execution. Most Cyprus traders will find either platform adequate, but FXTM offers more built-in extras.
| 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 |
Execution quality is vital for Cyprus traders, many of whom trade during volatile London sessions. FXTM uses STP/ECN execution with no dealing desk interference, offering average execution speeds under 30ms. Global Prime also uses ECN technology with top-tier liquidity providers, achieving speeds as low as 15ms. Both brokers report minimal requotes and slippage. For scalpers and algorithmic traders, Global Prime’s slightly faster execution may be preferable, but FXTM’s reliability is proven for Cyprus clients.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Cyprus traders. FXTM is licensed by CySEC (license 185/12), meaning it operates under the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) rules. This provides Cyprus clients with negative balance protection, a maximum leverage of 1:30 for major forex pairs, and eligibility for the Investor Compensation Fund (up to €20,000). Global Prime, while regulated by the FCA and ASIC, does not hold a CySEC license; however, it accepts Cyprus residents through MiFID passporting. This means Cyprus traders are covered by the FCA’s strict standards, but they will not have the same local compensation scheme. For peace of mind, FXTM’s local CySEC oversight is a significant advantage for Cypriot retail traders.
| 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. |
Both brokers make it easy for Cyprus traders to deposit and withdraw funds using local preferences. Supported methods include Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. For USDT TRC20, deposits are processed within minutes and no fees are charged by either broker (though network fees may apply). Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant, with FXTM requiring a minimum of $10 and Global Prime $50. Bank transfers are free but may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are typically processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and crypto; bank transfers may take longer. FXTM offers an additional local bank transfer option via Euro balances, while Global Prime supports credit/debit cards. The variety of methods ensures Cyprus traders can fund their accounts conveniently, especially with the inclusion of USDT TRC20 for fast, low-cost transfers.
| 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 |
Muslim traders in Cyprus can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts at both FXTM and Global Prime. FXTM offers swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, ECN, and Cent) with no overnight interest on eligible instruments. There is a grace period for holding trades overnight, but the broker may charge administrative fees after a certain number of consecutive days. Global Prime provides Islamic accounts upon request, also without swap charges on major forex pairs. However, Global Prime’s policy is less detailed, and some instruments may incur a small fee. Both brokers require traders to confirm their Muslim faith for compliance. Overall, FXTM offers a more transparent and accessible swap-free solution for Cypriot traders.
| 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 |
Cyprus traders can access customer support in both English and Greek from FXTM via live chat, email, and phone during forex market hours. FXTM also has an office in Limassol, enabling face-to-face meetings. Global Prime offers 24/5 support via live chat and email, but only in English. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections. For local language support and in-person assistance, FXTM has a clear advantage for Cyprus traders.
| 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 retail traders in Cyprus, FXTM is the more recommended broker due to its direct CySEC regulation, local office, and comprehensive support tailored to Cypriot needs. Its higher 4.3/5 rating reflects strong trust among local traders. Global Prime, with a 3.6/5 rating, is a solid alternative if you prioritize lower spreads and faster execution, but it lacks a local regulatory presence. Both brokers support convenient payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits seamless. Ultimately, choose FXTM for peace of mind and a full-service experience, or Global Prime for cost efficiency and execution speed. For most Cyprus traders, FXTM offers the best balance of safety, features, and local relevance in 2025.