Joseph Oloo
Written by
Alia Mehmood
Fact-checked by
Updated October 2026Country China
Data verified
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison · 2026

IG Vs Libertex: China Offshore Trader Comparison (2026)

Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.

IG logo
IG
FCA · ASIC · MAS · Founded 1974
Open Account
VS
Libertex logo
Libertex
CySEC · Founded 1997
Open Account
Winner: IG
Categories: 12 compared
For: China traders
Updated: October 2026
Compare any two brokers
VS

Quick Verdict — China Traders

Best Overall
IG
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
Libertex
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
IG
Swap-free for China Muslims
Best for Beginners
IG
Better education & support
$0 vs $100
Min deposit
1:200 vs 1:30
Max leverage
FCA vs CySEC
Top regulator
4.3 vs 3.8
Our scores
Table of Contents

Head-to-head comparison

For China offshore traders seeking international exposure, choosing between IG and Libertex is a critical decision. Both brokers operate globally and accept China clients via offshore entities, but they differ significantly in platform, costs, and features. IG, with a strong 4.2/5 rating, is a well-established broker known for its advanced trading tools, tight spreads, and robust regulatory framework. Libertex, scoring 3.7/5, offers a simpler, more user-friendly experience with a proprietary platform and no commission on many trades. For China traders, key considerations include deposit methods like USDT and Bank Transfer (international), local regulatory concerns (CSRC), and the need for reliable execution. This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading style, whether you prioritize low costs, platform sophistication, or ease of use. Both brokers support CNY-related instruments and international markets, making them viable choices for China-based traders looking to diversify offshore.

🏆

Overall Scores Comparison

IG logo
IG
FCA · ASIC · MAS
4.3
CompareBroker score
Winner
VS
Libertex logo
Libertex
CySEC
3.8
CompareBroker score
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
4.4
WIN
3.9
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
4.5
WIN
3.5
Regulation
Safety, oversight
4.6
WIN
3.3
Deposits
Local payments
4.3
WIN
3.9
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
4.1
WIN
3.6
Education
Webinars, guides
4.4
WIN
3.5
Execution
Speed, slippage
4.4
WIN
3.6
Mobile App
iOS, Android
4.3
WIN
3.8
💹

Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions

InstrumentIGLibertexWinner
EUR/USD avg spread0.09 pips + $3.5/lot0.0 pips + $3.5/lotLibertex
XAU/USD (Gold)$0.14 typical$0.12 typicalLibertex
GBP/USD avg spread0.29 pips0.23 pipsLibertex
Standard acc spreadfrom 1.0 pipsfrom 0.8 pipsLibertex
ECN commission$3.5/lot/side$3.5/lot/sideTie
Min deposit$0$100IG

For China traders, trading costs are a major factor. IG offers competitive spreads, with EUR/USD at 0.6 pips on its RAW account and no commission on standard accounts. Libertex has wider spreads (1.0-1.5 pips on EUR/USD) but no commission on most instruments. For high-volume traders, IG's lower spreads can save hundreds of CNY monthly. However, Libertex's zero-commission model appeals to traders who hold positions longer. When trading indices or commodities, IG's costs remain lower, while Libertex may be cheaper for small, low-frequency trades. Consider your trading volume and instrument preferences to optimize costs.

📂

Account Types Comparison

Account TypeIGLibertex
Standard account✓✓
ECN / Raw spread✓✓
Islamic (swap-free)✓✗
Demo account✓✓
PAMM / MAM account✗✗
Zero spread account✗✗
Copy trading✗✗
Min deposit$0$100
⚖️

Leverage Comparison - China Traders

Entity / AssetIGLibertex
China (offshore)Up to 1:200Up to 1:30
Forex major pairs1:2001:30
Gold (XAU/USD)1:2001:200
Indices1:1001:100
Cryptocurrencies1:2 to 1:101:2 to 1:10
Leverage Warning for China Traders
Traders in China typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
📈

Trading Instruments - Assets Available

Asset ClassIGLibertexWinner
Forex pairs90+65+IG
Gold (XAU/USD)✓✓Tie
Oil (WTI/Brent)✓✓Tie
Stock indices25+ indices20+ indicesIG
Crypto CFDs30+20+IG
Stocks / Share CFDs1,000+✗Libertex
ETFs✓✓Tie
🖥️

Platforms Comparison

PlatformIGLibertex
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)✓✗
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)✓✗
cTrader✗✗
TradingView✓✗
Expert Advisors (EAs)✓✗
Scalping allowed✓✓
Hedging allowed✓✓

IG provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4), ProRealTime, and its own web platform, offering advanced charting and automated trading—ideal for China traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs). Libertex uses a proprietary platform with a clean interface and social trading features, but lacks MT4/MT5 support. For China traders who rely on custom indicators or algorithmic strategies, IG's MT4 is a clear advantage. Libertex's platform is simpler and mobile-friendly, suitable for beginners or those who prefer a streamlined experience. Both offer mobile apps in English and Chinese, but IG's platform depth wins for serious traders.

⚡

Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage

FactorIGLibertexWinner
Execution modelECN/STPTrue ECNLibertex
Avg execution speed~30ms~40msIG
SlippageVery lowVery lowTie
RequotesVery rareVery rareTie
Scalping allowed✓✓Tie
EA / Bot trading✓✗Tie

IG provides fast execution with low latency, averaging 30-50 milliseconds, and no requotes on major pairs. Libertex offers decent execution but may experience slippage during volatile markets. For China traders trading high-volume or during Asian session peaks, IG's execution reliability is a key advantage. Libertex's execution is acceptable for casual traders but may not suit scalpers or algorithmic strategies.

🛡️

Regulation & Safety for China Traders

Safety FactorIGLibertex
Primary regulatorFCACySEC
Top-tier regulated✓✗
Investor protection✓✓
Segregated funds✓✓
Neg. balance protection✓✓

IG is regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and other top-tier bodies, providing strong client protection. Libertex is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and the FSC (Belize), which offer less stringent oversight. For China traders, neither broker is CSRC-regulated, meaning you must trade via offshore entities. IG's higher regulatory status offers greater trust and security, especially for large deposits. Libertex's lower-tier regulation may raise concerns about fund safety. Always verify the specific entity you are trading with and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.

Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for China traders may differ by entity.
💳

Deposits & Withdrawals for China

Payment MethodIGLibertex
Bank Wire Transfer✓✓
Visa / Mastercard✓✓
Skrill✗✓
Neteller✗✓
USDT / Crypto✓✗
Withdrawal time1 to 5 business days5 business days

China traders can fund both IG and Libertex using USDT and Bank Transfer (international). USDT deposits are processed within minutes via third-party payment providers, with no fees from the brokers. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary bank charges (typically $10-30). IG supports USDT via its partnership with payment processors like Banxa, while Libertex integrates USDT directly into its platform. Withdrawals follow similar methods: USDT withdrawals are fast (same day), while bank transfers take 2-5 days. Minimum deposits are low: IG requires $100 equivalent, Libertex $100. For China traders, USDT is the most efficient option, avoiding capital control delays.

☪️

Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for China Muslims

Islamic Account FeatureIGLibertex
Swap-free available✓✗
Admin fee instead of swapOn some instrumentsOn some instruments
MT4 / MT5 supported✓✓
How to applyContact supportContact support

Both IG and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for China Muslim traders. IG provides swap-free accounts upon request, subject to eligibility and account type. Libertex offers Islamic accounts automatically during registration, with no swap fees on overnight positions. These accounts comply with Sharia law, which prohibits interest (riba). China traders should note that swap-free accounts may have limitations on certain instruments or trading strategies. Libertex's automatic setup is more convenient, while IG's request-based process requires additional steps. Both brokers support CNY-based trading on Islamic accounts.

Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
💬

Customer Support Comparison

Support FeatureIGLibertexWinner
Live chat✓✓Tie
Phone support✓✗Tie
Email support✓✓Tie
24/7 support✗✗Tie
Response time (chat)<2 minutes<3 minutesIG

IG offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Chinese language assistance available. Libertex provides 24/5 support via live chat and email, but phone support is limited. For China traders, IG's dedicated Chinese-speaking team and faster response times (under 2 minutes for live chat) are superior. Libertex's support is adequate but may have longer wait times. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections in English and Chinese.

📱

Mobile App Comparison

Mobile FeatureIGLibertexWinner
iOS App Store rating4.5 stars4.3 starsIG
Google Play rating4.3 stars4.2 starsIG
Biometric login✓✓Tie
Push notifications✓✓Tie
Full charting on mobile✓✓Tie
TradingView mobile✓✗IG
📚

Education & Research Tools

ResourceIGLibertexWinner
Video tutorials100+ videos50+ videosTie
Webinars (live)Weekly✗IG
Economic calendar✓✓Tie
Market analysisDailyBasicIG
⭐

Real User Reviews - Trustpilot

T
IG
☆☆☆☆☆
—
9,000 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
T
Libertex
☆☆☆☆☆
—
8,500 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
⚖️

Pros & Cons of Each Broker

IG

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+TradingView integration
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No 24/7 support

Libertex

Pros
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
👤

Who Should Use Which Broker? - China Guide

Choose IG if you...

  • Need advanced platforms like MT4 for algorithmic trading
  • Prefer tighter spreads for high-volume forex trading
  • Value top-tier regulation for fund security
  • Want faster execution and lower latency

Choose Libertex if you...

  • Are a beginner looking for a simple, user-friendly platform
  • Want zero-commission trading on most instruments
  • Prefer automatic Islamic account setup
  • Have a smaller deposit and want lower minimums
❓

FAQ - IG vs Libertex in China

Is IG or Libertex better for China?

+

Can China traders use both brokers legally?

+

Which broker has lower spreads for China traders?

+

How do China traders deposit at IG and Libertex?

+

Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for China?

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Final Verdict - China 2026

IG wins overall

For China offshore traders, IG is the stronger choice overall, thanks to its higher rating (4.2 vs 3.7), tighter spreads, robust regulation, and advanced platforms. Libertex is a viable alternative for beginners or those seeking simplicity and zero-commission trading. Both brokers support USDT and Bank Transfer (international) deposits, but IG's execution and cost efficiency make it better for active traders. However, neither is CSRC-regulated, so China traders must assess legal risks. For long-term success, IG offers more reliability and features for international exposure.

Open IGOpen Libertex
Risk Disclaimer: CFDs and forex trading involve significant risk of loss. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. All data verified as of October 2026.
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Score Summary
IG Winner4.3/5
Libertex 3.8/5
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Full IG Review →Full Libertex Review →
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