Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare XM Group and Capital.com, two globally recognised platforms. XM Group, with a 4.7/5 rating, is known for its low spreads, extensive product range, and strong local payment support including PayNow and bank transfers. Capital.com, rated 3.8/5, offers a modern trading experience with advanced charting tools and educational resources. For sophisticated investors in Singapore’s financial hub, the choice depends on trading style, cost sensitivity, and regulatory preferences. While both brokers are not MAS-regulated, they operate under reputable international licenses. XM Group edges ahead for local traders due to its superior local payment integration and tighter spreads on SGD pairs, making it a top pick for 2026. This comparison breaks down key factors like trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods to help you decide.
| Instrument | XM Group | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Capital.com |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Capital.com |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Capital.com |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Capital.com |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $20 | Capital.com |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading USD/SGD or EUR/USD. XM Group offers spreads starting from 0.6 pips on standard accounts and as low as 0.0 pips on its Zero account with a $5 commission per lot. Capital.com’s spreads average 0.8 pips on major pairs, with no commission on standard accounts. Over 100 lots per month, XM’s Zero account can save Singapore traders up to $200 compared to Capital.com. Additionally, XM has no withdrawal fees, while Capital.com may charge inactivity fees after 90 days. For high-volume traders in Singapore, XM Group is the more cost-effective option.
| Account Type | XM Group | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $20 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:200 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:200 |
| 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 | XM Group | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Capital.com |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely used by Singapore traders for advanced charting and automated trading. XM Group also provides its own XM WebTrader for quick access. Capital.com stands out with its proprietary platform featuring AI-powered sentiment analysis and advanced risk management tools, ideal for sophisticated investors. However, Capital.com does not support MetaTrader on desktop, which may be a drawback for some. For Singapore traders who prioritise MT4/5, XM Group is the better choice.
| Factor | XM Group | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Capital.com |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
XM Group provides fast execution with no requotes, leveraging its No Dealing Desk (NDD) model and deep liquidity. Capital.com also offers good execution but may experience slippage during volatile market conditions. For Singapore traders trading during Asian sessions, XM’s execution is more reliable.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither XM Group nor Capital.com is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), meaning they do not offer the same level of investor protection as local brokers. XM Group is regulated by the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Capital.com holds licenses from the FCA and ASIC. For Singapore traders, this means funds are not covered under MAS’s deposit insurance scheme. However, both brokers maintain segregated client accounts and negative balance protection. XM Group’s longer track record and higher trust rating may offer greater peace of mind for Singapore traders.
| Payment Method | XM Group | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days | 24 hours |
Singapore traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. XM Group processes PayNow deposits instantly with no fees, and bank transfers are free and credited within 1 business day. Capital.com also accepts PayNow but may take up to 24 hours to process. Credit card deposits are instant at both, though Capital.com may impose a 1% fee on certain cards. For withdrawals, XM Group charges no fees and processes within 24 hours, while Capital.com may take 2-3 business days. XM’s faster processing and zero fees make it more convenient for Singapore traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | Capital.com |
|---|---|---|
| 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 XM Group and Capital.com offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Singapore. XM provides swap-free accounts on all account types, including standard and zero accounts, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Capital.com offers Islamic accounts but only on standard accounts and requires a formal request. XM’s policy is more transparent and widely available, making it the preferred choice for Singapore Muslim traders who need to comply with Sharia law.
| Support Feature | XM Group | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Singapore traders. Capital.com also provides 24/5 support but has fewer localised options. XM’s support is faster and more responsive, with an average response time of under 2 minutes on live chat.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | XM Group | Capital.com | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | XM Group |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose Capital.com if you...
For Singapore traders in 2026, XM Group is the clear winner with a 4.7/5 rating compared to Capital.com’s 3.8/5. XM offers lower spreads, faster PayNow deposits, free withdrawals, and a wider range of account types including Islamic accounts. While Capital.com’s platform is innovative, it falls short on local payment integration and cost efficiency. Sophisticated investors in Singapore’s financial hub will benefit more from XM Group’s robust offering. Always consider that neither broker is MAS-regulated, so due diligence is essential.