Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
China traders seeking international exposure often turn to offshore brokers like XM Group and Libertex to access global forex and CFD markets. Both brokers accept Chinese clients and support deposits via USDT and international bank transfers, bypassing China's strict capital controls. XM Group, rated 4.7/5, is known for its low spreads, multiple account types, and strong regulatory oversight from CySEC and FCA. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, offers a user-friendly platform but has higher trading costs and fewer account options. For China traders, choosing between them depends on trading frequency, preferred instruments, and the importance of local payment methods. This comparison focuses on factors most relevant to China-based traders, including CSRC regulation awareness, CNY conversion costs, and the reliability of USDT deposits.
| Instrument | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 | Libertex |
For China traders, trading costs are critical when comparing XM Group vs Libertex. XM Group offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Zero account with a $5 commission per lot, while its Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission. Libertex's spreads start from 0.5 pips on its Classic account, but its average spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD are around 1.2 pips. For a China trader executing 20 lots per month, XM Group's Zero account can save approximately $200 compared to Libertex. Additionally, XM Group has no hidden fees for USDT deposits, while Libertex charges a 2% fee on some payment methods.
| Account Type | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 1:999 |
| 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 | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are widely used by China traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and EA support. Libertex offers its proprietary platform, which is simpler but lacks the depth of MT4/5. For China traders who rely on algorithmic trading or custom indicators, XM Group is the clear choice. Libertex's platform is better for beginners who prefer a clean interface, but it does not support cTrader or other third-party platforms. Both brokers offer mobile apps, but XM Group's apps are more feature-rich and stable on Chinese networks.
| Factor | XM Group | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| 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 boasts average execution speeds of under 0.5 seconds with no requotes on major pairs, thanks to its STP/ECN model. Libertex uses a market maker model, which can lead to slippage during volatile events like Chinese economic data releases. For China traders who trade during Asian sessions, XM Group's faster execution reduces the risk of price manipulation. Libertex's execution is adequate for casual traders but may frustrate scalpers or high-frequency traders.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group is regulated by multiple top-tier bodies including the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia), while Libertex is regulated by the CySEC and the FSCA (South Africa). For China traders, neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, meaning they operate as offshore entities. However, XM Group's stronger regulatory framework provides better client fund segregation and negative balance protection. China traders should be aware that trading with offshore brokers carries no CSRC protection, but XM Group's track record and transparency offer greater security. Libertex's lighter regulation may concern some traders, but it still complies with EU standards.
| Payment Method | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 5 business days |
China traders can deposit and withdraw using USDT (Tether) and international bank transfers at both brokers. XM Group supports USDT deposits via TRC20 and ERC20 networks with zero processing fees and instant credit. Libertex also accepts USDT but may take up to 24 hours for confirmation. Bank transfers are accepted by both, but XM Group has a lower minimum deposit of $5 compared to Libertex's $100. Withdrawals at XM Group are processed within 24 hours, while Libertex can take 1-3 business days. For China traders, USDT is the fastest and most cost-effective method, avoiding bank conversion delays. XM Group also supports local Chinese e-wallets like Alipay indirectly through third-party processors, but Libertex does not.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China. XM Group provides swap-free status on request for all account types, with no additional fees. Libertex offers Islamic accounts automatically on certain account types, but traders must apply. For China's Muslim traders, XM Group's flexibility is advantageous as it allows switching between swap-free and standard accounts. Libertex's Islamic accounts have limited instrument availability, with some indices and commodities still incurring overnight fees. Both brokers comply with Sharia law principles, but XM Group's offering is more comprehensive.
| Support Feature | XM Group | Libertex | 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 customer support in Mandarin Chinese via live chat, email, and phone. Libertex provides support in English and Russian, with limited Chinese-language assistance. For China traders, XM Group's dedicated Chinese support team is a significant advantage, especially for resolving account or payment issues. Libertex's support response time is slower, often taking 24-48 hours for email queries.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Libertex | 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 | Libertex | 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 Libertex if you...
For China traders in 2026, XM Group is the superior choice over Libertex, given its higher Trustpilot score (4.7 vs 3.7), lower trading costs, and better support for local payment methods like USDT and international bank transfers. While both brokers operate offshore without CSRC regulation, XM Group's stronger regulatory oversight and faster execution make it more reliable for active traders. Libertex may appeal to beginners who prefer simplicity, but its higher spreads and limited Chinese support are drawbacks. Ultimately, XM Group's combination of low costs, robust platforms, and China-friendly features makes it the preferred broker for offshore trading from China.