IC Markets vs XM Group: Which Broker Suits Singapore Traders Better?
Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders seeking a reliable forex broker often narrow their choice to IC Markets and XM Group, two globally recognised brands. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is known for its institutional-grade execution and ultra-low spreads, appealing to active retail traders in Singapore who trade high volumes on pairs like USD/SGD and EUR/USD. XM Group, scoring 4.7/5, offers a more accessible platform with a lower minimum deposit, extensive educational materials, and a generous bonus programme. Both brokers accept Singapore clients via offshore entities and support local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. However, regulatory differences and cost structures matter—IC Markets’ raw spreads from 0.0 pips can save significant costs for frequent traders, while XM’s fixed spreads and no-commission model suit beginners. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment options to help Singapore traders choose the right broker for 2026.
| Instrument | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 | IC Markets |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account with a $3.50 commission per lot (round turn). This model is ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders who trade 5-10 lots daily, as spreads on USD/SGD can be as low as 0.1 pips. XM Group’s Zero account starts from 0.6 pips with a $5 commission per lot, while its Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pip with no commission. Over 100 lots per month, IC Markets saves approximately $200 in spreads compared to XM’s Zero account. For Singapore traders who hold positions longer, XM’s fixed spreads provide predictability, but IC Markets remains cheaper for active trading.
| Account Type | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | XM Group | 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+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the preferred platforms for Singapore traders. IC Markets also provides cTrader, which offers advanced charting and depth-of-market for scalpers. XM Group focuses on MT4/MT5 with custom indicators and a web trader. For Singapore traders, IC Markets’ cTrader is a standout for those requiring high-speed execution and customisable layouts. XM’s platforms are more beginner-friendly with integrated educational content. Mobile trading apps from both brokers support local payment notifications and real-time quotes, but IC Markets’ platform performance is slightly faster due to its Equinix NY4 data centre, beneficial for latency-sensitive strategies.
| Factor | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| 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 uses Equinix NY4 data centres with low-latency execution averaging 40ms, ideal for scalpers in Singapore. XM Group offers execution under 100ms with no requotes on standard accounts. For Singapore traders trading major pairs during Asian session, IC Markets’ execution is more consistent, especially during high volatility. XM’s execution is reliable for retail traders but may experience slippage on news events. IC Markets’ raw spreads and faster fills make it the better choice for high-frequency strategies.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Reg number | #335692 | #443670 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus), ASIC (Australia), and the FSA (Seychelles). XM Group holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, and the FSC (Belize). Neither broker is directly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), meaning Singapore traders open accounts under international entities. This provides flexibility but limited local investor protection. IC Markets’ ASIC regulation offers stronger client fund segregation, while XM’s CySEC license provides negative balance protection. Singapore traders should weigh the lack of MAS oversight against the benefits of higher leverage (up to 1:500) and lower costs. Always check the specific entity you register with.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Singapore traders can fund accounts via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT with both brokers. IC Markets accepts local SGD bank transfers with a 1-2 business day processing time, converting to USD at interbank rates. XM Group supports instant Skrill and Neteller deposits with no fees, and USDT deposits via TRC20 or ERC20 networks. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 business days for bank transfers. IC Markets charges no withdrawal fees, while XM Group offers one free withdrawal per month. For Singapore traders, USDT deposits are particularly convenient for avoiding currency conversion fees. Both brokers require verified accounts before processing withdrawals.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 XM Group offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Singapore Muslim traders. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on request for all account types, with no additional fees or hidden charges. However, leverage may be capped on certain instruments like indices and commodities. XM Group automatically offers Islamic accounts to clients from majority-Muslim regions, including Singapore, with no swap fees on overnight positions. XM’s policy is more straightforward, as it applies to all account types without requiring a separate request. Singapore traders should confirm with support that their account is swap-free, especially for long-term positions on USD/SGD or gold.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | 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 |
IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in English, with wait times under 2 minutes. XM Group provides 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, phone, and a comprehensive FAQ. For Singapore traders, XM’s support includes local trading hours (8 AM to 10 PM SGT) and a Singapore-dedicated phone line. IC Markets’ support is faster for technical issues, while XM’s team is more helpful for account setup and deposit questions. Both brokers have responsive support, but XM’s local hours may be more convenient for Singapore traders.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | 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 | XM Group | 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...
- are a scalper or day trader prioritising ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips
- trade high volumes (10+ lots per day) and need low commissions
- prefer cTrader for advanced charting and depth-of-market
- want faster execution for latency-sensitive strategies
Choose XM Group if you...
- are a beginner or part-time trader with lower capital
- want a lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $200 for IC Markets)
- value educational resources and bonus programmes
- prefer fixed spreads for predictable trading costs
For Singapore traders, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on trading style and experience. IC Markets (4.8/5) is the superior option for active, cost-conscious traders due to its raw spreads, fast execution, and cTrader platform. It suits scalpers and high-volume traders who can benefit from lower costs on pairs like USD/SGD. XM Group (4.7/5) is better for beginners and casual traders who value low minimum deposits, educational support, and fixed spreads. Both brokers support local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT) and offer Islamic accounts. While neither holds a MAS license, their offshore regulation provides adequate protection. Ultimately, IC Markets wins on cost and execution; XM wins on accessibility and support.