Exness vs IG 2026: Complete Comparison for Cyprus Traders
Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Cyprus Traders
For Cyprus traders in 2026, choosing between Exness and IG is a critical decision that impacts trading costs, convenience, and safety. Exness, with a stellar 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating, is a powerhouse for retail traders, offering ultra-low spreads and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IG, scoring 4.2/5, is a globally trusted broker with strong regulatory oversight by the local financial regulator, making it a safe choice for conservative traders. Both brokers are regulated locally, ensuring Cyprus traders benefit from investor protection and transparent operations. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, deposit options, and more to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in the Cyprus market.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 | IG |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD with zero commission on standard accounts, making it ideal for high-volume traders. IG’s spreads start from 0.6 pips plus a small commission on direct market access accounts, which can add up for active traders. Over 100 lots per month, Exness can save Cyprus traders up to 40% in costs compared to IG. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring transparent pricing, but Exness clearly wins on cost efficiency for retail traders.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $0 |
Leverage Comparison - Cyprus Traders
| Entity / Asset | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness provides MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTerminal, all optimized for fast execution and mobile trading—perfect for Cyprus traders who need flexibility. IG offers its own advanced platform, plus MT4, with strong charting tools and news integration. For Cyprus traders, Exness’s MT5 is particularly appealing for multi-asset trading, while IG’s platform excels in research and education. Both support desktop and mobile access, but Exness’s platform suite is more familiar to retail traders in Cyprus.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness boasts ultra-fast execution with no requotes and low latency, ideal for Cyprus scalpers and day traders. IG offers reliable execution with smart order routing but may experience slippage during volatile markets. Exness’s execution speed is superior for high-frequency trading, while IG suits longer-term strategies.
Regulation & Safety for Cyprus Traders
| Safety Factor | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and IG are regulated by the local financial regulator, providing Cyprus traders with robust investor protection, including negative balance protection and dispute resolution. Exness also holds licenses from FCA and CySEC, while IG is regulated by the FCA and ASIC. For Cyprus residents, this dual oversight means funds are held in segregated accounts and trading is transparent. The local financial regulator ensures both brokers comply with strict operational standards, giving traders peace of mind.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Cyprus
| Payment Method | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | 1 to 5 business days |
Cyprus traders enjoy a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. Exness supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with instant processing and no fees—ideal for crypto-savvy traders. IG accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, and Neteller but does not offer USDT TRC20, which may limit options for those preferring cryptocurrency deposits. Exness’s inclusion of USDT TRC20 is a major advantage for Cyprus traders seeking low-cost, fast transfers. Both brokers process withdrawals within 24 hours, but Exness’s crypto option provides added flexibility.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Cyprus Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Cyprus Muslim traders, both Exness and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. Exness provides these accounts automatically upon request with no extra fees, covering all instruments. IG requires a formal application and may restrict swap-free status to certain currency pairs or charge administrative fees after a holding period. Exness is more accommodating for Cyprus traders seeking a straightforward Islamic account solution.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Greek-speaking agents—a plus for Cyprus traders. IG provides 24/5 support with a strong knowledge base but limited weekend availability. For Cyprus traders needing after-hours assistance, Exness’s round-the-clock service is more reliable.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | IG |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | Exness | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
Exness
IG
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Cyprus Guide
Choose Exness if you...
- Want the lowest spreads starting from 0.0 pips for cost-effective trading
- Prefer deposit methods like USDT TRC20, Skrill, and Neteller for fast transfers
- Trade high volumes and need zero-commission accounts
- Require 24/7 customer support in Greek or English
Choose IG if you...
- Value a globally trusted brand with strong research and education tools
- Trade less frequently and prefer a more traditional broker
- Need access to a wider range of international markets and CFDs
- Are comfortable with higher spreads and occasional commissions
FAQ - Exness vs IG in Cyprus
Final Verdict - Cyprus 2026
For Cyprus retail traders in 2026, Exness is the clear winner with its 4.8/5 rating, lower trading costs, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its regulation by the local financial regulator ensures safety, while IG remains a strong alternative for those prioritizing brand reputation and educational resources. However, for active traders seeking the best value and flexibility, Exness is the recommended choice for Cyprus.