Which broker is better for Hong Kong traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Hong Kong traders evaluating IG vs Capital.com in 2026 face two SFC-licensed brokers with distinct strengths. IG, established in 1974 and scoring 4.2/5, offers deep liquidity, advanced tools, and direct access to HK stocks via its London-listed parent. Capital.com, scoring 3.8/5, is a newer fintech broker focusing on low spreads and a user-friendly platform. Both accept HKD deposits via FPS, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, and are regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). This comparison helps sophisticated traders in Hong Kong’s financial hub choose based on costs, platform, and local support.
| Instrument | IG | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Capital.com |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Capital.com |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Capital.com |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Capital.com |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $20 | IG |
For Hong Kong traders, spread costs vary by instrument. Capital.com offers tighter spreads on forex (EUR/USD from 0.6 pips vs IG's 0.8 pips) but charges a 0.5% conversion fee on non-HKD deposits. IG provides volume discounts for high-frequency traders, reducing effective costs by up to 30% for monthly volumes above HKD 10 million. On HK-listed CFDs, IG's spreads are competitive due to local market integration. Capital.com's all-in pricing is simpler but less flexible for large volumes. Always check current spreads in HKD terms.
| Account Type | IG | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $20 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:200 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 1:200 |
| 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 | IG | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Capital.com |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG's proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4) give Hong Kong traders advanced charting, automated trading, and direct market access to HK stocks and ETFs. Capital.com’s web and mobile platforms are intuitive with built-in risk management and educational tools, but lack MT4/MT5. For sophisticated traders needing algorithmic trading or depth of market, IG is stronger. Capital.com suits beginners or mobile-first users who prefer simplicity over customization.
| Factor | IG | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Capital.com |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IG |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
IG offers Direct Market Access (DMA) on HK stocks and futures, with average execution under 30ms. Capital.com uses a market maker model with no requotes but occasional slippage during volatile times. For Hong Kong traders trading high volumes or requiring precise execution, IG's DMA is superior. Capital.com suits smaller trades where speed is less critical.
| Safety Factor | IG | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and Capital.com are licensed by the SFC in Hong Kong, ensuring compliance with local client money segregation, leverage limits (max 1:20 for retail), and strict reporting standards. IG is also regulated by the FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia, adding an extra layer of oversight. Capital.com is regulated by the FCA and CySEC. For Hong Kong traders, SFC regulation means funds are held in segregated accounts with authorized banks, and you can access the Financial Dispute Resolution Centre in case of issues. Both brokers are considered safe for local use.
| Payment Method | IG | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 24 hours |
Hong Kong traders can deposit and withdraw using FPS (Faster Payment System), Bank Transfer, and Credit Card at both brokers. FPS deposits are instant and free, ideal for quick top-ups. Bank transfers via CHATS take 1-2 business days but have no fees. Credit card deposits are instant but incur a 1-2% fee at Capital.com (IG charges 0.5%). Withdrawals at IG are free and processed within 1 business day via bank transfer or FPS; Capital.com charges HKD 50 for bank withdrawals but offers free FPS withdrawals. Minimum deposit: IG has no minimum; Capital.com requires HKD 100. For active traders, IG's zero withdrawal fees are a notable advantage.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IG and Capital.com offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Muslim traders in Hong Kong, in compliance with Sharia law. These accounts eliminate overnight interest on positions, making them suitable for long-term holding. IG requires a written request and proof of faith (e.g., mosque membership). Capital.com offers the account during registration with no additional documentation. Both brokers apply a small admin fee on positions held beyond a few days. For Hong Kong Muslim traders, either option is viable, though Capital.com's process is simpler.
| Support Feature | IG | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
IG provides 24/5 Cantonese and English phone support, plus a Hong Kong office for in-person queries. Live chat is available during trading hours. Capital.com offers 24/7 English chat support but limited Cantonese assistance (email only). For Hong Kong traders needing local language support, IG has a clear advantage with dedicated Cantonese-speaking staff and local business hours.
| Mobile Feature | IG | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IG |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IG |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | IG |
| Resource | IG | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | IG |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose Capital.com if you...
For Hong Kong traders in 2026, IG edges out Capital.com with a 4.2/5 vs 3.8/5 rating, thanks to its superior execution, local market access, and free FPS withdrawals. Capital.com wins on forex spreads and platform simplicity. Both are SFC-regulated and accept HKD deposits via FPS, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. If you trade HK stocks, use MT4, or want zero withdrawal fees, choose IG. If you prioritize low forex spreads and a beginner-friendly experience, Capital.com is a solid alternative. Always verify current terms on each broker’s Hong Kong site.