Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing the right forex broker is a critical decision for traders in Saudi Arabia, where the market is growing rapidly and the Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the US Dollar. For high-net-worth individuals and Islamic account seekers, two brokers stand out: XM Group and FXTM. XM Group, with a score of 4.7/5, is renowned for its ultra-low spreads, extensive product range, and robust Islamic account policy. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, is equally popular for its comprehensive educational resources, copy trading platform, and reliable customer support. Both brokers accept local payment methods like STC Pay, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, making deposits and withdrawals seamless for Saudi residents. However, there are key differences in regulation, trading costs, and account features that can significantly impact your trading experience. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns best with your trading style and local needs.
| Instrument | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 | FXTM |
For Saudi Arabia traders, trading costs are a major factor, especially for those dealing in high volumes. XM Group offers a clear advantage with its XM Zero account, which features spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, with a low commission of $3.50 per lot per side. In contrast, FXTM's spreads start from 0.1 pips on its ECN account, with a similar commission structure. On the standard accounts, XM's spreads average 1.0 pips, while FXTM's standard spreads are around 1.3 pips. For a Saudi trader executing 100 lots per month on EUR/USD, the difference in spreads alone can save over $300 in costs with XM Group. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but XM's Islamic account has no swap fees at all, which is a significant benefit for long-term position holders.
| Account Type | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 | XM Group | FXTM | 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+ | ✗ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both XM Group and FXTM provide the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely used by Saudi traders for their advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and custom indicators. XM Group also offers its own XM WebTrader, a browser-based platform that requires no download, ideal for traders who want quick access from any device. FXTM, on the other hand, provides the FXTM Trader app, which is tailored for mobile trading and includes advanced risk management features. For Saudi traders who rely on algorithmic trading, both brokers support Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5. However, XM Group has a slight edge with its superior execution speed and server stability, which is crucial for high-frequency trading strategies popular among high-net-worth individuals.
| Factor | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 |
Execution speed and reliability are vital for Saudi traders, particularly those using automated strategies or trading during volatile market hours. XM Group boasts an average execution speed of under 1 second with 99.9% fill rates, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and low-latency infrastructure. FXTM also offers fast execution, typically under 1.5 seconds, with a 99.8% fill rate. For high-net-worth traders who trade large volumes, XM Group's superior execution can reduce slippage and improve overall trading performance. Both brokers offer market execution and instant execution options.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Saudi Arabia traders, even though neither XM Group nor FXTM is directly regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA). XM Group is regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia). FXTM is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and the FSC (Mauritius). Both brokers offer negative balance protection and client fund segregation, which are important safety features. For Saudi traders, the FCA regulation provides the highest level of security, and both brokers maintain this license. However, XM Group's longer track record and larger client base (over 3.5 million clients) add an extra layer of trust. It's advisable to choose the entity that best suits your trading needs and risk tolerance.
| Payment Method | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Saudi Arabia traders at both XM Group and FXTM, thanks to the support for local payment methods. STC Pay is the most popular option, offering instant deposits and withdrawals with no fees. Bank Transfer is also available, but it may take 1-3 business days for processing, and some banks may charge a small fee. Credit Card deposits are processed instantly and are fee-free. XM Group has a slight advantage with its minimum deposit of just $5 (approx. 18.75 SAR) compared to FXTM's $10 (approx. 37.50 SAR) for standard accounts. For high-net-worth traders, both brokers offer high withdrawal limits and fast processing times. XM Group processes withdrawals within 24 hours, while FXTM typically takes 1-2 business days. Both brokers do not charge withdrawal fees, making them cost-effective for frequent transactions.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Islamic (swap-free) accounts are a must for Saudi Arabia Muslim traders who wish to comply with Sharia law, which prohibits the earning or paying of interest. XM Group offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees on all major forex pairs, metals, indices, and commodities, and it does not add any administrative charges or hidden fees. FXTM also offers swap-free accounts, but it may apply a small fee after a certain holding period (e.g., 10 days for some instruments). For long-term position holders, XM Group's policy is clearly more favourable. Both brokers require a simple request to convert a standard account to an Islamic account, with no additional documentation needed. XM Group's commitment to a completely swap-free environment makes it the top choice for Islamic traders in Saudi Arabia.
| Support Feature | XM Group | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
Customer support is crucial for Saudi Arabia traders, especially when dealing with time-sensitive issues. XM Group offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Arabic-speaking support agents. FXTM also provides 24/5 support with Arabic language options. However, XM Group has a slight edge with its faster response times (under 30 seconds on live chat) and a comprehensive FAQ section in Arabic. Both brokers offer local phone numbers for Saudi Arabia, making it easy to get help without incurring international charges.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose FXTM if you...
For Saudi Arabia traders, particularly high-net-worth individuals and Islamic account seekers, XM Group emerges as the stronger choice overall. Its 4.7/5 rating reflects its superior trading costs, completely swap-free Islamic accounts, faster execution, and broader regulatory oversight. The ability to deposit and withdraw via STC Pay, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card with no fees makes it highly convenient for local traders. While FXTM is a solid broker with excellent educational resources and a user-friendly platform, XM Group's advantages in cost and Islamic account features are more compelling for serious traders. If you prioritize low costs, fast execution, and a Sharia-compliant trading environment, XM Group is the recommended broker for your trading journey in Saudi Arabia.