Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders in 2025 have two compelling forex broker choices: Libertex and Oanda. Libertex, scoring 3.7/5, is a European-based broker with a proprietary platform and social trading features, appealing to sophisticated investors who want an all-in-one experience. Oanda, scoring 3.6/5, is a globally recognized broker regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), offering institutional-grade execution and advanced charting through its renowned platform. For Singaporean traders, the decision often comes down to regulation and local payment support. Libertex supports local payments like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making deposits easy, while Oanda's MAS regulation provides peace of mind for compliance-conscious traders. Both brokers cater to financial hub traders, but their strengths differ: Libertex excels in simplicity and social trading, while Oanda shines in transparency and low-cost execution. This comparison breaks down costs, platforms, and local features to help you choose the right broker for trading from Singapore.
| Instrument | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Oanda |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Oanda |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Oanda |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Oanda |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $10 | $0 | Oanda |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Libertex uses fixed spreads, averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on most accounts. Oanda offers variable spreads starting from 0.6 pips on the same pair, plus a small commission on its Core Pricing account. For high-volume Singapore traders, Oanda's variable spreads can significantly reduce costs, especially when trading multiple lots daily. Libertex's fixed spreads provide cost certainty, which benefits traders who prefer predictable expenses. Both brokers have no hidden fees for deposits via PayNow, Bank Transfer, or Credit Card, but Oanda's lower spreads make it more cost-effective for active scalpers and day traders in Singapore.
| Account Type | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $10 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:999 | Up to 1:100 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:999 | 1:100 |
| 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 | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Libertex |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Libertex |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Libertex |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Oanda |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Libertex provides a proprietary web and mobile platform with a clean interface, one-click trading, and integrated social trading features—ideal for Singapore traders who value simplicity and community insights. Oanda offers its award-winning web platform, mobile app, and API access for algorithmic trading, plus integration with MetaTrader 4 and TradingView. For Singapore's sophisticated investors, Oanda's advanced charting tools and custom indicators are superior for technical analysis. Libertex's platform is more user-friendly for beginners, but Oanda's platform depth suits experienced traders needing detailed market analysis.
| Factor | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Oanda |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Libertex |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
Oanda uses a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model with straight-through processing (STP), ensuring fast execution with minimal slippage—ideal for Singapore scalpers. Libertex uses a market maker model, which may result in requotes during volatile markets. Oanda's execution is superior for high-frequency traders, while Libertex's execution is adequate for swing traders. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, but Oanda's execution transparency is better suited for sophisticated investors.
| Safety Factor | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is crucial for Singapore traders. Oanda holds a Capital Markets Services license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the country's top financial regulator, ensuring strict compliance with local laws and client fund segregation. Libertex is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and FSCA (South Africa), but not by MAS. While Libertex operates legally for international clients, Oanda's MAS license provides Singapore traders with direct regulatory oversight and investor protection under Singapore law. For those prioritizing local regulation and dispute resolution, Oanda is the safer choice.
| Payment Method | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 5 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
Both Libertex and Oanda support PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits for Singapore traders—making funding fast and convenient. Libertex also accepts e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while Oanda adds PayPal. Deposits via PayNow are instant and free, while Bank Transfers may incur fees from intermediary banks but are typically free from the broker. Withdrawals at Libertex take 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers; Oanda processes withdrawals within 1-3 business days. Both brokers do not charge withdrawal fees, but third-party bank charges may apply. For Singapore traders, PayNow is the fastest method, with funds available immediately for trading.
| Islamic Account Feature | Libertex | Oanda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Libertex and Oanda offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Singapore Muslim traders who need Sharia-compliant trading. Libertex provides swap-free accounts upon request, with no overnight interest charges on positions held beyond one day. Oanda automatically offers Islamic accounts for eligible clients, with the same low spreads and no swap fees. Both brokers require that Islamic accounts are used for genuine trading purposes and not for arbitrage. For Singapore's Muslim community, Oanda's automatic setup is more convenient, while Libertex's request-based process is straightforward.
| Support Feature | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Libertex |
Libertex offers 24/5 live chat and email support in English, with a dedicated Singapore phone line for urgent queries. Oanda provides 24/5 support via phone, email, and live chat, with a local Singapore office for in-person assistance. Oanda's support is generally faster and more comprehensive, especially for technical issues, while Libertex's support is reliable but may have longer response times during peak hours.
| Mobile Feature | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Libertex |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Libertex |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | Oanda |
| Resource | Libertex | Oanda | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Libertex |
Choose Libertex if you...
Choose Oanda if you...
For Singapore traders in 2025, the choice between Libertex and Oanda depends on your trading style and regulatory priorities. Oanda's MAS license offers unmatched security for local traders, while its low variable spreads and advanced platforms suit sophisticated investors. Libertex excels in convenience with PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card support, plus a user-friendly platform with social trading. If you prioritize local regulation and execution quality, Oanda is the better choice. If you value simplicity and fixed costs with fast local payments, Libertex is a strong alternative. Both brokers are reliable, but Oanda's MAS oversight gives it an edge for Singapore's financial hub traders.