Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus traders looking for a reliable forex broker face a strong choice between IG and FxPro, two industry leaders with local regulation by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a global giant with over 45 years of experience, offering access to 17,000+ markets including forex, indices, shares, and commodities. FxPro, scoring 4.1/5, is a specialized forex and CFD broker founded in 2006, known for its tight spreads and fast execution. Both brokers are popular among Cypriot retail traders due to their EU compliance, negative balance protection, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Whether you're a beginner in Nicosia or an experienced trader in Limassol, this comparison helps you decide which broker suits your trading style and local needs in 2026.
| Instrument | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | IG |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a key factor, especially for those trading volumes above $10,000 monthly. IG's standard spreads on EUR/USD average 0.8 pips, while FxPro's Raw Spread account offers from 0.6 pips on the same pair. However, IG charges a commission of $5 per lot on its direct market access (DMA) accounts, whereas FxPro's Raw Spread account has a commission of $3.50 per lot. On indices like the Germany 40, IG's spread is 1 point versus FxPro's 1.5 points. For Cyprus traders who trade frequently, FxPro's lower forex spreads can save significant costs, but IG's tighter index spreads may be better for diversified portfolios.
| Account Type | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 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 |
| Asset Class | IG | FxPro | 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+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer robust platforms tailored for Cyprus traders. IG provides its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and ProRealTime, which are well-suited for retail traders who want advanced charting and automated trading. FxPro also offers MT4, MT5, and its own cTrader platform, which is popular among Cypriot scalpers for its fast order execution and depth of market. For mobile traders, both have dedicated apps with full functionality, including alerts and one-click trading. IG's platform is more intuitive for beginners, while FxPro's cTrader appeals to experienced traders needing granular control.
| Factor | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| 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 |
FxPro boasts an average execution speed of 0.1 seconds on its cTrader platform, using No Dealing Desk (NDD) technology, which is ideal for Cyprus scalpers. IG offers execution under 0.5 seconds on its proprietary platform, with market execution on MT4. For high-frequency traders, FxPro's faster speeds and lower slippage are advantageous, whereas IG provides reliable execution for longer-term positions. Both use liquidity providers to ensure deep liquidity during volatile sessions.
| Safety Factor | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and FxPro are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) under license numbers 203/13 and 078/07, respectively. This means Cyprus traders benefit from MiFID II protections, including negative balance protection, segregation of client funds, and access to the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) covering up to €20,000 per client. IG also holds FCA and ASIC licenses, while FxPro has additional licenses from the FCA and FSCA. For Cyprus residents, local CySEC regulation ensures that disputes can be handled within the EU legal framework, offering peace of mind.
| Payment Method | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | 1 business day |
Cyprus traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both IG and FxPro. IG supports EUR, USD, and GBP accounts, with Skrill and Neteller deposits processed instantly and no fees. Bank transfers from Cypriot banks take 1-2 business days, and USDT TRC20 deposits are credited within minutes. FxPro also accepts these methods, with USDT TRC20 available for crypto-savvy traders, and offers free withdrawals via bank transfer for amounts over $100. Withdrawal times vary: e-wallets take 24 hours, bank transfers 2-5 days, and USDT TRC20 is processed within 1 hour. Both brokers have no deposit fees, making them cost-effective for Cyprus users.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | FxPro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Cyprus Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. IG provides swap-free accounts upon request, but they are limited to certain instruments and may incur administrative fees after a holding period. FxPro offers Islamic accounts across all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader) with no swap charges on overnight positions, and no additional fees. For Cyprus traders seeking full compliance with Islamic finance principles, FxPro's policy is more accommodating, though both brokers require a declaration of faith for eligibility.
| Support Feature | IG | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
IG offers 24/7 customer support in English and Greek, with phone, live chat, and email options, plus a local office in Limassol for face-to-face assistance. FxPro also provides 24/5 support in multiple languages, including Greek, via phone, live chat, and email, with a local presence in Limassol. IG's 24/7 availability is a plus for weekend traders, while FxPro's phone support is known for faster response times during market hours.
| Mobile Feature | IG | FxPro | 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 | FxPro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose FxPro if you...
For Cyprus traders in 2026, both IG and FxPro are excellent choices regulated by CySEC, but the best pick depends on your trading style. IG wins for market variety, beginner-friendly tools, and 24/7 support, making it ideal for diversified retail investors. FxPro excels in forex trading with lower spreads, faster execution, and flexible Islamic accounts, suiting active day traders. Both support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, ensuring easy deposits and withdrawals. If you trade mostly forex and value low costs, choose FxPro; for broader market access and educational support, IG is the better fit.