Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders in 2025 face a choice between two well-known international brokers: InstaForex and EasyMarkets. InstaForex holds a higher CompareBroker score of 3.7/5 compared to EasyMarkets’ 3.4/5, reflecting its broader product range and flexible account types. Both brokers accept SGD deposits via local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making them accessible to Singapore’s sophisticated investor base. However, neither broker is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), so traders must rely on offshore licenses (CySEC, FSC, etc.). This comparison focuses on what matters most to Singapore traders: trading costs, platform usability, local payment support, and regulatory protections. Whether you are a day trader in Raffles Place or a long-term investor, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your needs.
| Instrument | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | EasyMarkets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | EasyMarkets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | EasyMarkets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | EasyMarkets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $1 | $25 | InstaForex |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a critical factor. InstaForex offers variable spreads starting from 0.5 pips on its ECN accounts, but standard accounts have spreads around 1.5-2 pips. EasyMarkets provides fixed spreads from 1 pip on major pairs, which is beneficial for budgeting. For high-volume traders in Singapore, InstaForex’s lower raw spreads on ECN accounts can significantly reduce costs, especially when trading large lots. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads protect against slippage during volatile news events, a common concern for Singapore traders active during overlapping London/Asia sessions. Commission structures also differ: InstaForex charges commissions on ECN accounts, while EasyMarkets is commission-free on most accounts.
| Account Type | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $1 | $25 |
| Entity / Asset | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:2000 |
| 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 | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | InstaForex |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | InstaForex |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | InstaForex |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
InstaForex offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, alongside its proprietary web and mobile platforms, giving Singapore traders familiar tools for advanced charting and automated trading. EasyMarkets provides its own web-based platform and mobile app, which are user-friendly but lack the depth of MT4/MT5. For Singapore traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or custom indicators, InstaForex is the better choice. EasyMarkets’ platform is ideal for beginners or those who prefer simplicity, with built-in risk management tools like deal cancellation and negative balance protection. Both platforms support SGD as a base currency and offer real-time pricing.
| Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | EasyMarkets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | InstaForex |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
InstaForex uses a market execution model with no dealing desk on ECN accounts, offering faster execution for Singapore traders but with variable slippage during volatile markets. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can result in requotes during fast markets but ensures predictable execution. For high-frequency traders in Singapore, InstaForex’s ECN execution is superior, while EasyMarkets is better for traders who prioritize stability over speed.
| Safety Factor | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FSC BVI | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither InstaForex nor EasyMarkets is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), a key consideration for Singapore traders. InstaForex is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, while EasyMarkets holds licenses from CySEC (Cyprus) and the FSC (British Virgin Islands). This means Singapore traders do not benefit from MAS investor protection schemes like the SDIC (up to S$75,000). However, both brokers offer negative balance protection and segregated client funds as a safety measure. Sophisticated investors in Singapore should weigh the absence of local regulation against the brokers’ international reputations and track records.
| Payment Method | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 2 to 6 business days | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) |
Singapore traders can fund their accounts using PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card at both brokers. InstaForex supports instant deposits via PayNow with no fees, and Bank Transfers are processed within 1-2 business days. Credit card deposits are instant but may incur a 2% fee. Withdrawals at InstaForex are free via bank transfer but take 2-5 days. EasyMarkets also supports PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits with no fees on deposits, but withdrawals via bank transfer may have a small fee (around $10 SGD). Withdrawal times are similar, typically 1-3 business days. Both brokers allow SGD as a base currency, avoiding conversion costs for Singapore traders. Minimum deposit is $10 for InstaForex and $100 for EasyMarkets.
| Islamic Account Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Singapore. InstaForex provides Islamic accounts on request for all account types, with no swap charges on overnight positions, but may apply administrative fees on long-term holds. EasyMarkets offers swap-free accounts automatically for clients who indicate their religion or request it, with no extra fees and full compliance with Sharia law. For Singapore Muslim traders, EasyMarkets’ straightforward policy may be more convenient, while InstaForex’s flexibility across account types appeals to those wanting ECN or standard accounts.
| Support Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | InstaForex |
InstaForex provides 24/5 customer support via live chat, email, and phone in English, with a Singapore-dedicated phone number for local queries. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, but does not have a Singapore-specific line. Response times are generally fast for both, though EasyMarkets is known for slightly quicker live chat responses. For Singapore traders, InstaForex’s local phone support is a plus, especially during Asian trading hours.
| Mobile Feature | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | InstaForex |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | InstaForex |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | InstaForex | EasyMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | InstaForex |
Choose InstaForex if you...
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
For Singapore traders in 2025, InstaForex scores higher overall (3.7/5) due to its superior platform options, lower minimum deposit, and ECN account for active traders. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is better for those who prioritize fixed spreads and simplicity. Both support local payments like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, but InstaForex offers more flexibility for sophisticated investors. However, neither broker is MAS-regulated, so traders should proceed with caution and only risk capital they can afford to lose. If you are a seasoned trader in Singapore’s financial hub, InstaForex is the stronger choice; if you are new or prefer cost certainty, EasyMarkets is a solid alternative.