Which broker is better for Brunei traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Brunei retail traders looking to trade forex and CFDs, choosing between Oanda and XM Group is a common dilemma. Both brokers are globally recognised but cater to different needs. Oanda is known for its transparent pricing and strong regulatory history, while XM Group offers a wider range of account types, lower minimum deposits, and more payment options. In Brunei, where local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are commonly used, XM Group has an edge by supporting USDT TRC20 deposits. Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, but both operate under reputable international licences. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns better with your trading style and local requirements in 2025.
| Instrument | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $5 | Oanda |
Trading costs are a major consideration for Brunei traders. XM Group offers lower spreads on its Standard account, starting from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission. Oanda’s spreads start from 0.9 pips on the same pair, also commission-free. For high-volume traders, XM Group’s Ultra Low account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a small commission. Oanda’s pricing is consistent but slightly higher overall. In Brunei, where trade sizes may vary, XM Group’s cost structure can lead to significant savings over time.
| Account Type | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $5 |
| Entity / Asset | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei (offshore) | Up to 1:100 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:100 | 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 | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Oanda |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Oanda |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Oanda |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by Brunei traders. Oanda also offers its proprietary platform with advanced charting tools and customisable layouts. XM Group additionally provides MetaTrader 5 (MT5) for those who need more asset classes and analytical tools. For Brunei traders who prefer mobile trading, both apps are well-optimised. XM Group’s platform selection is more diverse, giving traders more flexibility.
| Factor | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Oanda |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Both brokers offer reliable execution with no requotes on most orders. XM Group uses straight-through processing (STP) with an average execution speed of 0.7 seconds. Oanda also provides fast execution but may have slippage during volatile markets. For Brunei traders who trade news events, XM Group’s execution is slightly more consistent.
| Safety Factor | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Oanda is regulated by top-tier authorities like the FCA (UK) and CFTC (US), offering strong investor protection. XM Group is regulated by the CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), which also provide solid oversight. Neither broker is licensed by the local financial regulator in Brunei, so traders must rely on the broker’s international compliance. Oanda’s regulation is generally considered stricter, which may appeal to risk-averse Brunei traders.
| Payment Method | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business days | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
Brunei traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at XM Group. Oanda supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller but does not accept USDT TRC20. XM Group’s minimum deposit is only $5, making it accessible for beginners. Oanda has no minimum deposit but may charge fees for certain payment methods. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers at both brokers. XM Group’s inclusion of USDT TRC20 is a key advantage for Brunei traders seeking fast, low-cost transactions.
| Islamic Account Feature | Oanda | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Oanda and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Brunei Muslim traders. XM Group provides swap-free accounts on all account types without any additional fees. Oanda also offers Islamic accounts but may charge an administration fee if positions are held for an extended period. For Brunei traders who require Sharia-compliant trading, XM Group’s policy is more favourable as it does not impose holding period charges.
| Support Feature | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Oanda |
XM Group offers 24/5 customer support in multiple languages, including English, with live chat, phone, and email. Oanda provides support during market hours via live chat and email. For Brunei traders in the UTC+8 time zone, XM Group’s extended support hours are more convenient.
| Mobile Feature | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Oanda |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Oanda |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | Oanda |
| Resource | Oanda | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Oanda |
Choose Oanda if you...
Choose XM Group if you...
For Brunei retail traders in 2025, XM Group is the stronger choice overall due to its higher rating, lower spreads, broader payment options including USDT TRC20, and more flexible Islamic account policy. Oanda remains a solid option for those who prioritise regulatory oversight and a proprietary platform. However, given the local preference for USDT TRC20 and the absence of local financial regulator licensing for both, XM Group’s accessibility and cost-effectiveness make it the better fit for most Brunei traders. Consider your trading volume and payment method preferences before finalising your decision.