Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore is a global financial hub, and its traders demand brokers that combine reliability, low costs, and local convenience. IG and Tickmill are two leading choices, but they serve different trading styles. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, is a MAS-regulated giant offering a comprehensive trading ecosystem—perfect for sophisticated investors who need advanced charting, research, and a wide range of markets. Tickmill, rated 4/5, is a low-cost specialist known for razor-thin spreads and fast execution, appealing to active traders and scalpers. Both brokers support local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making deposits in SGD seamless. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and more to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in Singapore’s dynamic market.
| Instrument | IG | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Tickmill |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Tickmill |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Tickmill |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Tickmill |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $100 | IG |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Tickmill offers lower spreads, especially on its Pro account, where EUR/USD starts at 0.0 pips with a small commission of $3 per lot. IG’s standard spreads on EUR/USD average around 0.8 pips with no commission, but its active trader programme can reduce costs for high-volume traders. Over 100 lots per month, IG’s rebates can narrow the gap. Tickmill edges ahead for scalpers and day traders, while IG suits those who prefer predictable costs without commission.
| Account Type | IG | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | Tickmill |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides its proprietary web platform, plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and ProRealTime, all optimised for Singapore traders with local market data and SGD pricing. Its platform is feature-rich, with advanced charting, automated trading, and a mobile app. Tickmill focuses on MT4 and MT5, offering speed and customisation but fewer built-in tools. For Singapore traders who value research and ease of use, IG’s platform is superior. Tickmill’s MT4/MT5 setup is ideal for algorithmic traders and those who prefer a lean, fast interface.
| Factor | IG | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Tickmill |
| 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 |
Both brokers offer excellent execution speeds. IG uses a market maker model with no requotes, providing instant execution on most orders. Tickmill operates as an ECN broker, offering direct market access with average execution under 40ms. For Singapore traders, Tickmill’s ECN model is better for scalping and high-frequency strategies, while IG’s reliability suits longer-term traders who value stability.
| Safety Factor | IG | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Singapore traders. IG holds a Capital Markets Services licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), ensuring compliance with local investor protection rules, including segregation of client funds and access to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC). Tickmill is regulated by the FCA in the UK and CySEC in Cyprus, offering negative balance protection and fund segregation, but it lacks direct MAS oversight. For Singapore-based traders, IG’s MAS regulation provides stronger local recourse, while Tickmill’s international licences are still reputable but may require cross-border dispute resolution.
| Payment Method | IG | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | Most withdrawals 1 business day; bank wire 1-3 days, Credit/Debit Cards: Up to 8 working days. |
Both brokers cater to Singapore traders with local payment methods. IG supports PayNow, Bank Transfer (local and international), and Credit Card, with SGD deposits processed instantly and no fees. Minimum deposit is SGD 250. Tickmill also accepts PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, with no minimum for classic accounts and deposits credited within hours. Withdrawals at both brokers are efficient: IG processes within 1-2 business days via bank transfer, while Tickmill offers same-day processing for PayNow and credit cards. Bank Transfer fees are minimal, making both cost-effective for Singapore users.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | Tickmill |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Singapore’s Muslim traders can access Islamic (swap-free) accounts at both brokers. IG provides Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap charges on overnight positions, but some instruments may incur admin fees. Tickmill offers Islamic accounts automatically on its Pro account, with no swap fees and full Sharia compliance. Tickmill is more straightforward for Muslim traders, as it doesn’t require a separate request, while IG’s offering is still competitive but may involve additional paperwork.
| Support Feature | IG | Tickmill | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
IG offers 24/5 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with a dedicated Singapore hotline for local queries. Tickmill provides 24/5 support via live chat and email, but no local phone number. IG’s support is more accessible for Singapore traders, especially during Asian trading hours, while Tickmill’s response times are still fast but less personalised.
| Mobile Feature | IG | Tickmill | 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 | Tickmill | 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 Tickmill if you...
For Singapore traders, the choice between IG and Tickmill hinges on your priorities. IG’s MAS regulation, local support, and all-in-one platform make it the safer bet for sophisticated investors who value convenience and compliance. Tickmill excels in cost efficiency, with lower spreads and faster execution, ideal for active traders who want to maximise returns. Both support PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits in SGD, so local accessibility is strong. If you trade high volumes or need an Islamic account, Tickmill is the better value. If you want a trusted, locally regulated broker with a rich feature set, IG is the winner. Consider your trading style and volume to make the final call.