Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Cyprus traders looking to choose between IC Markets and FXTM in 2026, the decision hinges on trading style, costs, and local support. IC Markets, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is renowned for its ultra-low spreads and institutional-grade execution, making it ideal for scalpers and high-volume retail traders. FXTM, rated 4.3/5, excels in education and user-friendly platforms, appealing to beginners and those who value comprehensive market analysis. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure environment for Cyprus-based clients. Trading in USD and supporting local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, both brokers cater well to the Cyprus market. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account, while FXTM provides standard accounts with spreads from 1.3 pips. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals, whether you prioritise cost efficiency or educational resources in the Cyprus trading landscape.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | FXTM |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account, with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. This makes it highly cost-effective for scalpers and day traders who execute many trades. FXTM’s standard account has spreads from 1.3 pips with no commission, which can be cheaper for low-volume traders but more expensive for high-frequency trading. With Cyprus traders often trading in USD, IC Markets’ lower spreads can save significant costs over time, especially on major pairs like EUR/USD. FXTM’s fixed spreads may appeal during news events, but overall, IC Markets provides better value for active traders in Cyprus.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders need reliable platforms. IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all with advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. These platforms are ideal for technical traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs). FXTM provides MT4 and MT5 as well, plus its proprietary FXTM Trader app for mobile trading. For Cyprus traders who prefer customisation and speed, IC Markets’ cTrader is a standout. FXTM’s platforms are more beginner-friendly, with integrated educational tools. Both support local payment methods, but IC Markets’ platform suite offers more flexibility for experienced traders in Cyprus.
| Factor | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Dealing desk | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| News trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets provides institutional-grade execution with low latency and no requotes, thanks to its True ECN model. This is ideal for Cyprus scalpers and algo traders. FXTM uses a market maker model, which can result in slippage during volatile markets. For Cyprus traders who prioritise speed and transparency, IC Markets’ execution quality is superior, especially for high-frequency strategies. FXTM’s execution is reliable for standard trading but less suited for high-volume needs.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Reg number | #335692 | #600475 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and FXTM are regulated by the local financial regulator in Cyprus, providing a high level of security for traders. IC Markets is also regulated by ASIC and CySEC, ensuring strict compliance with European financial standards. FXTM holds multiple licenses, including CySEC and FCA, offering additional investor protection. For Cyprus traders, this means both brokers adhere to client fund segregation and negative balance protection. IC Markets’ regulatory framework is particularly robust for international trading, while FXTM’s local presence ensures responsive support. This regulation gives Cyprus traders confidence in the safety of their funds and fair trading conditions.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Deposit fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Cards instant (up to 2h EU); e-wallets instant-2h; bank/local transfer 1 business day; crypto up to 24h |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Cyprus traders can deposit and withdraw funds easily at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets has a minimum deposit of $200 and processes withdrawals within 1 business day, with no fees for most methods. FXTM requires a minimum deposit of $10, making it more accessible for beginners, but may charge fees for certain withdrawal methods. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant at both brokers, while bank transfers can take 1-3 days. USDT deposits are supported via Tron (TRC20) and Ethereum (ERC20) networks. IC Markets’ faster withdrawal processing and lower fees make it preferable for active traders, while FXTM’s lower minimum deposit suits those starting with smaller capital. Both brokers support USD accounts, aligning with Cyprus traders’ currency preferences.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gold swap-free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto swap-free | ✓ | — |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Cyprus Muslim traders, complying with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts automatically upon request for eligible clients, with no additional fees. FXTM also offers swap-free accounts, but traders must contact support to activate them. For Cyprus traders who observe Islamic finance principles, both brokers are suitable, but IC Markets’ straightforward process is more convenient. FXTM’s Islamic accounts may have restrictions on certain instruments, so it’s advisable to check terms. Overall, both cater well to the Muslim trading community in Cyprus.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| 24/5 support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
Cyprus traders benefit from localised customer support at both brokers. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, including Greek. FXTM provides 24/5 support with a dedicated Cyprus phone line and local office. For urgent issues, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is advantageous, while FXTM’s local presence ensures face-to-face assistance. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQs and educational resources tailored to Cyprus traders.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5★ | 4.3★ | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3★ | 4.2★ | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Cyprus traders in 2026, IC Markets is the superior choice for cost-conscious, high-volume traders seeking tight spreads and fast execution. Its 4.8/5 rating reflects its excellence in trading conditions, supported by local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. FXTM, with a 4.3/5 rating, is better suited for beginners and those who value educational tools and local support. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety. If you trade frequently and prioritise low costs, IC Markets is recommended. For a more guided experience with lower entry barriers, FXTM is a solid option. Consider your trading style and capital size to make the best choice for your Cyprus-based trading journey.