Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus has become a key hub for forex trading in the Mediterranean, with a growing community of retail traders seeking reliable brokers. When comparing HYCM vs EasyMarkets, both regulated by the local financial regulator, Cyprus traders face a choice between HYCM's comprehensive trading tools and EasyMarkets' user-friendly fixed-spread model. HYCM, founded in 1977, offers deep liquidity and advanced platforms like MT4 and MT5, while EasyMarkets, established in 2001, focuses on simplicity with its own web trader and mobile app. Both brokers accept popular local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals straightforward for Cyprus-based traders. This comparison examines key factors such as trading costs, regulation, platform features, and customer support to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in the Cyprus 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 Cyprus traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those trading frequently. HYCM offers variable spreads starting from 0.2 pips on EUR/USD for its Fixed account, while EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads that average around 1.2 pips on the same pair. Over 100 trades per month, HYCM's tighter spreads can save a Cyprus trader approximately $50-$100 in spread costs, assuming standard lot sizes. However, EasyMarkets' fixed spreads protect against slippage during volatile news events, which can be beneficial for traders who prefer cost predictability. Both brokers charge no commission on standard accounts, but HYCM's Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips includes a $6 round-turn commission per lot.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders value platform reliability and speed. HYCM offers the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, along with its proprietary HYCM Trader app, providing advanced charting tools and automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). EasyMarkets, in contrast, focuses on simplicity with its web-based platform and mobile app, which feature one-click trading and a unique 'deal cancelling' option that allows traders to undo losing trades within a set period. For Cyprus traders using VPS or algorithmic strategies, HYCM's MT4/MT5 support is superior, while EasyMarkets is ideal for beginners who prefer a streamlined, all-in-one interface.
| 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 a key differentiator for Cyprus traders. HYCM uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with access to multiple liquidity providers, resulting in average execution speeds of 30-50 milliseconds and minimal requotes. EasyMarkets operates a market maker model with fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss orders, ensuring no slippage but with slightly slower execution speeds of 50-100 milliseconds. For scalpers and day traders in Cyprus, HYCM's faster execution and deeper liquidity are advantageous, while EasyMarkets' guaranteed stops appeal to traders who prioritize risk management over speed.
| Safety Factor | HYCM | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is paramount for Cyprus traders, and both HYCM and EasyMarkets are authorized by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with strict capital adequacy, client fund segregation, and negative balance protection requirements. HYCM holds additional licenses from the FCA and CySEC, offering an extra layer of security for Cyprus residents. EasyMarkets is also regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing similar protections. For Cyprus traders, this means both brokers adhere to the same high standards, including participation in the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which covers up to €20,000 per client in case of broker insolvency.
| 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) |
Cyprus traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both HYCM and EasyMarkets. Both brokers support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making it easy to fund accounts in USD. Bank transfers are typically free and take 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with minimal fees (usually 0-2%). USDT TRC20 deposits are also instant and can be used to avoid traditional banking delays. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers. HYCM has a minimum deposit of $100, while EasyMarkets also requires $100 to start. For high-volume traders, HYCM's lower withdrawal fees (free for bank transfers) give it a slight edge over EasyMarkets, which charges a small fee for some withdrawal methods.
| 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 |
Both HYCM and EasyMarkets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Cyprus Muslim traders who require them. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight swap fees on positions held beyond the daily rollover. HYCM provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Fixed and Raw accounts, with no additional fees. EasyMarkets also offers swap-free accounts, but traders must request them via customer support. Both brokers require that Islamic accounts are not used for arbitrage or hedging strategies that exploit the swap-free benefit. For Cyprus traders observing Islamic finance principles, both options are viable, though HYCM's more straightforward application process may be preferable.
| 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 is available 24/5 for both HYCM and EasyMarkets, with phone and email support in English and Greek, catering to Cyprus traders. HYCM offers live chat support on its website and a dedicated account manager for clients with deposits above $5,000. EasyMarkets provides multilingual support via phone, email, and live chat, with response times typically under 5 minutes. For Cyprus traders, EasyMarkets' faster live chat response times may be more appealing, while HYCM's personalized account management offers added value for larger accounts.
| 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 Cyprus traders, the choice between HYCM and EasyMarkets ultimately depends on your trading style and priorities. HYCM (score 3.6/5) is the better option for active, experienced traders who benefit from tight spreads, fast execution, and the flexibility of MT4/MT5 platforms. Its regulation by the local financial regulator and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 make it a solid choice for Cyprus residents. EasyMarkets (score 3.4/5), on the other hand, is ideal for beginners or traders who prioritize simplicity and risk management, with its fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-loss. Both brokers are trustworthy and regulated, but HYCM's superior trading conditions and lower costs give it the edge for most Cyprus traders. We recommend opening a demo account with both to see which platform suits your needs best.