Which broker is better for Vietnam traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Vietnamese traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2025, the choice between Global Prime and IC Markets comes down to your trading style and priorities. Global Prime, with a score of 3.6/5, is a smaller, boutique broker known for its strong regulation, transparent pricing, and excellent customer support. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, is a global giant favored by scalpers and algorithmic traders for its ultra-low spreads, lightning-fast execution, and vast platform selection. Both brokers accept Vietnamese clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Momo, and USDT, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. However, IC Markets' higher overall score and popularity among tech-savvy Vietnamese traders often give it the edge, especially for those trading high volumes or using Expert Advisors (EAs). Global Prime, on the other hand, appeals to traders who value a more personalized service and tighter regulatory oversight. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your goals, considering local factors like SSC Vietnam regulation and Vietnamese đồng (VND) support.
| Instrument | Global Prime | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $200 | Global Prime |
When comparing trading costs for Vietnamese traders, IC Markets generally offers lower spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $7 round-turn commission per lot. Global Prime's spreads start around 0.1 pips with a similar commission structure on its ECN account. For a Vietnamese trader executing 10 lots per month on EUR/USD, IC Markets could save approximately $5-10 in total costs. However, Global Prime's all-in pricing on its Standard account (no commission, slightly wider spreads) may be simpler for lower-volume traders. Both brokers are competitive, but IC Markets is the clear winner for cost-conscious scalpers and high-frequency traders in Vietnam.
| Account Type | Global Prime | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | Global Prime | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:5000 |
| 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 | Global Prime | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Global Prime |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | Global Prime |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Global Prime |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Global Prime | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets offers a vast array of platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and WebTrader, making it ideal for Vietnamese traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs) or automated strategies. Global Prime also supports MT4 and MT5, but lacks cTrader. For tech-savvy Vietnamese traders who value customization and speed, IC Markets' platform selection is superior. Both brokers offer mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android, but IC Markets' cTrader is particularly popular for its advanced charting and order management features. If you trade on the go, IC Markets provides a more robust mobile experience.
| Factor | Global Prime | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Global Prime |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-fast execution, with average speeds under 40ms on its Raw Spread account, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Vietnam. Global Prime offers competitive execution around 50-60ms, which is still excellent for most traders. Both use No Dealing Desk (NDD) models, but IC Markets' larger liquidity pool and multiple data centers give it a clear advantage in execution quality. For Vietnamese traders using EAs or scalping strategies, IC Markets is the better choice.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Global Prime is regulated by top-tier authorities including ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), and the FSA (Seychelles), providing strong client fund protection and negative balance protection. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA, but its main entity for Vietnamese clients is often the Seychelles FSA, which offers less rigorous oversight. While neither broker is regulated by the SSC Vietnam, Global Prime's stricter regulatory framework may appeal to risk-averse traders. However, IC Markets' larger scale and longer track record still make it a trusted choice. Vietnamese traders should consider that international regulation does not replace local SSC Vietnam oversight, but both brokers operate legally for clients in Vietnam.
| Payment Method | Global Prime | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 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. | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
Both Global Prime and IC Markets support the three key deposit methods for Vietnamese traders: Bank Transfer, Momo, and USDT. Deposits via Momo and USDT are typically instant and free, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days with possible intermediary fees. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for both brokers, with Momo and USDT being the fastest options. IC Markets also supports additional e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, but for Vietnamese traders, the core three methods are sufficient. Global Prime has a slightly lower minimum deposit of $50 compared to IC Markets' $200, making it more accessible for beginners. Both brokers do not charge internal fees for deposits or withdrawals, but bank charges may apply for Bank Transfers.
| Islamic Account Feature | Global Prime | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Global Prime and IC Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Vietnamese Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. These accounts do not charge or pay overnight interest on positions held beyond the trading day. To get one, you simply need to request it after account registration. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types, while Global Prime offers them on its ECN and Standard accounts. Both brokers require a genuine declaration of faith for approval. For Vietnamese traders observing Islamic finance principles, either broker is a suitable choice, but IC Markets' broader platform support may be more appealing for active traders.
| Support Feature | Global Prime | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Global Prime |
Global Prime is known for its responsive customer support, offering live chat, email, and phone support 24/5, with Vietnamese language support available via email. IC Markets also provides 24/5 support through live chat and email, but Vietnamese language support is more limited. For Vietnamese traders who prefer local language assistance, Global Prime has a slight edge. However, IC Markets' larger support team ensures faster response times for general inquiries.
| Mobile Feature | Global Prime | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Global Prime |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Global Prime |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Global Prime | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Global Prime |
Choose Global Prime if you...
Choose IC Markets if you...
For Vietnamese traders in 2025, the choice between Global Prime and IC Markets ultimately depends on your trading style and priorities. IC Markets (4.8/5) is the superior choice for most tech-savvy traders due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and extensive platform support, especially for scalping and algorithmic trading. It also supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Momo, and USDT, making it highly accessible. However, Global Prime (3.6/5) is a strong contender for beginners or those who prioritize regulatory safety and personalized support, with a lower minimum deposit and top-tier oversight from ASIC and FCA. While neither broker is regulated by the SSC Vietnam, both operate legally for Vietnamese clients. If you trade high volumes or use EAs, go with IC Markets. If you value security and simplicity, Global Prime is a solid alternative.