Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
China traders seeking international forex exposure face a critical choice between HYCM and EasyMarkets in 2025. Both brokers are well-known offshore providers, but they cater to different trading styles and priorities. HYCM, with a higher overall score of 3.6/5, is a veteran broker regulated by the FCA and CySEC, offering deep liquidity and tight spreads that appeal to active traders. EasyMarkets, scoring 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads, user-friendly platform, and innovative risk management tools like dealCancellation. For China traders, the key differences lie in trading costs, deposit methods—including USDT and international bank transfers—and regulatory oversight outside the CSRC. This comparison breaks down each aspect to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the Chinese market.
| Instrument | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $20 | $25 | HYCM |
For China traders, trading costs are a decisive factor. HYCM offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD for its Fixed account, while EasyMarkets charges from 1.0 pips on its Standard account. Over 100 trades per month, HYCM can save a China trader approximately $40 in spread costs per lot traded. HYCM also provides a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips plus a commission, ideal for high-volume scalpers. EasyMarkets' fixed spreads are simpler but higher, and its VIP account requires a larger deposit for better rates. For China traders trading USD/CNH, HYCM's tighter spreads are particularly beneficial.
| Account Type | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $20 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | HYCM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | HYCM |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | HYCM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
China traders need platforms that are fast, reliable, and accessible. HYCM offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry standards for advanced charting and automated trading. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and a mobile app, which is simpler but lacks the depth of MT4/5. For China traders using Expert Advisors (EAs) or custom indicators, HYCM is the clear choice. EasyMarkets' platform, however, includes features like dealCancellation and free guaranteed stop-losses, which can appeal to risk-averse traders. Both platforms support Chinese language interfaces, but HYCM's MT4/5 ecosystem is more robust for serious traders.
| Factor | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | HYCM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
Execution quality is critical for China traders, especially those trading volatile pairs like USD/CNH. HYCM offers fast execution with an average speed of 0.3 seconds, using a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model with minimal requotes. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can result in slightly slower execution (0.5 seconds average) and occasional requotes during news events. HYCM's execution is more suitable for scalpers and high-frequency traders, while EasyMarkets' fixed spreads provide predictability for longer-term positions. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, but HYCM's execution is generally more reliable for active China traders.
| Safety Factor | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a top concern for China traders since the CSRC does not oversee offshore brokers. HYCM is regulated by the UK's FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and Cyprus's CySEC, offering strong client fund protection and negative balance protection. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC (Australia), and the FSA (Seychelles), with tiered protection depending on the entity. For China traders, HYCM's FCA regulation provides the highest level of security, including access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. EasyMarkets' CySEC regulation offers basic protection under the EU's MiFID framework. Both brokers are considered safe, but HYCM's regulatory framework is more robust for long-term trust.
| Payment Method | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney): 1 hour to 1 business day.Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3 to 5 business days (after broker processing).Bank Wire Transfers: 3 to 7 business days depending on your bank and location. | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Depositing and withdrawing funds as a China trader requires methods that bypass capital controls. Both HYCM and EasyMarkets accept USDT (Tether) and international bank transfers. HYCM processes USDT deposits via its secure crypto gateway, typically within minutes, with no deposit fees. EasyMarkets also supports USDT through its integrated payment system, with similar speed. International bank transfers are available for both, but can take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary fees. HYCM requires a minimum deposit of $100, while EasyMarkets starts at $25. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for USDT at both brokers, while bank transfers may take 2-5 days. China traders should always verify current fees and limits on their broker's website.
| Islamic Account Feature | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For China's Muslim traders, both HYCM and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. HYCM provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no interest on overnight positions, but may charge an administrative fee after a holding period (typically 30 days). EasyMarkets offers Islamic accounts automatically for eligible clients, with no swap fees and no additional charges. EasyMarkets' approach is more straightforward for China traders seeking a hassle-free Islamic account. Both brokers allow trading in major forex pairs, indices, and commodities on these accounts. China traders should confirm eligibility and any specific terms before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | HYCM |
Customer support for China traders is available 24/5 at both brokers. HYCM offers multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Chinese-speaking team during Asian hours. EasyMarkets also provides 24/5 support in Chinese, with live chat and email. Response times are generally under 5 minutes for live chat at both brokers. HYCM's support is slightly more comprehensive, with a detailed FAQ and educational resources in Chinese. EasyMarkets is known for its responsive and friendly service. Both brokers are reliable, but HYCM edges ahead for its broader support options.
| Mobile Feature | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | HYCM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | HYCM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | HYCM | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | HYCM |
Choose HYCM if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For China traders in 2025, HYCM is the better choice for most active traders due to its lower spreads, superior regulation (FCA), and robust MT4/5 platform. It offers better value for high-volume trading, especially on pairs like USD/CNH. EasyMarkets, however, shines for beginners and risk-averse traders with its fixed spreads, innovative risk tools, and low minimum deposit. Both brokers support USDT and international bank transfers, making them accessible despite China's capital controls. While neither is overseen by the CSRC, HYCM's FCA regulation provides an extra layer of security. Ultimately, choose HYCM for trading efficiency and EasyMarkets for simplicity and risk management.