Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China-based traders seeking international exposure, TMGM and FBS Max represent two popular offshore brokers with distinct strengths. TMGM (score 3.3/5) is an Australian-based broker with a strong presence in Asia, offering over 12,000 trading instruments including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. FBS Max (score 3.7/5) is a global broker with a focus on low-cost trading, providing tight spreads and a user-friendly platform. Both brokers accept Chinese clients via USDT and international Bank Transfer, but they differ in regulation, trading costs, and platform features. Given China's strict capital controls and the CSRC's prohibition on domestic forex brokers, offshore trading is the only viable option for local traders. This comparison will help you decide which broker better suits your trading style, risk tolerance, and deposit preferences.
| Instrument | TMGM | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FBS Max |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FBS Max |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FBS Max |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FBS Max |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | FBS Max |
For China traders, trading costs are critical given the need to maximize returns despite currency conversion fees. FBS Max offers lower spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD (0.0 pips on ECN account) compared to TMGM's 0.1 pips on Raw account. However, TMGM charges a lower commission per lot ($3.50 vs $6 round turn on FBS Max's standard account). For high-volume traders (over 10 lots per month), TMGM's commission structure becomes more cost-effective. FBS Max's spreads remain tighter overall, making it better for scalpers and day traders. Both brokers offer CNY-denominated accounts indirectly through USDT conversions, but FBS Max's lower spreads reduce the impact of conversion costs.
| Account Type | TMGM | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | TMGM | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:3000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:3000 |
| 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 | TMGM | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | TMGM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | TMGM |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | TMGM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | FBS Max |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | TMGM | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and 5, the industry standard for Chinese traders who prefer familiar interfaces. TMGM also provides its proprietary WebTrader and mobile apps, while FBS Max offers the FBS Trader app with social trading features. For China traders, MT4/5 are essential for using Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom indicators. TMGM's platform supports more advanced order types and charting tools, while FBS Max's platform is simpler and faster for quick execution. Both support VPS hosting for automated trading, a key requirement for Chinese traders who need stable connections.
| Factor | TMGM | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FBS Max |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | TMGM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
TMGM offers ECN execution with no dealing desk intervention, ensuring fast order processing and minimal slippage. FBS Max uses a hybrid model combining STP and NDD execution, which can result in slightly slower execution during volatile markets. For Chinese traders trading indices or gold, TMGM's execution is more reliable. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, but TMGM's ASIC regulation ensures stricter adherence to best execution policies.
| Safety Factor | TMGM | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | IFSC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
TMGM is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and FMA (New Zealand), while FBS Max is regulated by IFSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus). For China traders, the CSRC does not regulate offshore brokers, so regulatory protection depends on the jurisdiction. ASIC regulation offers stronger client fund segregation and compensation schemes, giving TMGM an edge in safety. FBS Max's IFSC regulation is lighter but allows more flexibility in leverage and trading conditions. Both brokers accept Chinese clients, but TMGM's stricter compliance may limit certain high-risk strategies. Chinese traders should prioritize ASIC-regulated entities for better protection.
| Payment Method | TMGM | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 4 business days to process, with internal processing typically completed within 1 business day. | 5 to 7 business days |
For China traders, deposit and withdrawal methods are crucial due to capital controls. Both TMGM and FBS Max support USDT (Tether) and international Bank Transfer, the two most accessible options for Chinese clients. USDT deposits are processed instantly with no fees, while Bank Transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary charges. FBS Max offers a lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $100), making it more accessible for beginners. TMGM supports additional e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, which are less common in China. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for USDT and 2-5 days for Bank Transfers. Both brokers require KYC documents (passport, utility bill) for first-time withdrawals.
| Islamic Account Feature | TMGM | FBS Max |
|---|---|---|
| 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 TMGM and FBS Max offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Chinese Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. TMGM provides swap-free accounts for all account types upon request, with no additional fees but limited to certain instruments. FBS Max offers automatic swap-free status for clients from Muslim-majority regions, including China, with no restrictions on trading instruments. Both brokers eliminate overnight interest charges, but FBS Max's automatic qualification is more convenient. Chinese Muslim traders should verify eligibility with customer support before opening an account.
| Support Feature | TMGM | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | TMGM |
Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support in Mandarin Chinese via live chat, email, and phone. TMGM's support is known for faster response times (under 30 seconds) and more knowledgeable agents regarding Chinese regulations. FBS Max provides multilingual support with a dedicated Chinese team, but response times can be slower during peak hours. Both offer WeChat and QQ support, essential for Chinese traders who prefer these platforms over email.
| Mobile Feature | TMGM | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | TMGM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | TMGM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | TMGM | FBS Max | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | TMGM |
Choose TMGM if you...
Choose FBS Max if you...
For China traders, FBS Max (3.7/5) is the better overall choice due to its lower spreads, lower minimum deposit, and automatic Islamic account option. However, TMGM (3.3/5) offers stronger ASIC regulation, a wider product range, and better execution for large volumes. If you prioritize safety and advanced trading tools, choose TMGM. If cost efficiency and accessibility matter more, FBS Max is superior. Both brokers support USDT and Bank Transfer deposits, but FBS Max's lower entry barrier makes it ideal for new Chinese traders. Always check CSRC regulations and consult a financial advisor before trading offshore.