Which broker is better for Guyana traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in Guyana comparing FBS vs IC Markets in 2025, the choice comes down to cost, trust, and convenience. Both brokers accept Guyanese clients and support local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, their trading conditions differ significantly. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, appeals to beginners and smaller traders with a low $5 minimum deposit and numerous promotions. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, is favored by experienced and volume traders for its institutional-grade spreads, fast execution, and robust regulation under ASIC and CySEC. While the local financial regulator does not directly oversee either broker, both operate under recognized international licenses. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style, budget, and goals in Guyana.
| Instrument | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 | IC Markets |
When comparing trading costs for Guyana traders, IC Markets has a clear edge. On its Raw Spread account, spreads start from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn. FBS offers spreads from 0.7 pips on its ECN account with no commission, but effective costs are higher for active traders. For a Guyanese trader executing 10 standard lots per month on EUR/USD, IC Markets would cost approximately $35 in commission versus FBS's spread cost of around $70. Over a year, this difference adds up significantly. Both brokers support USDT TRC20 deposits, enabling low-cost funding for cost-sensitive traders.
| Account Type | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Guyana (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:5000 |
| 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 | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FBS and IC Markets offer the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are widely used by traders in Guyana. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform favored for its advanced charting and faster order execution. FBS offers a proprietary mobile app with simplified features, suitable for beginners. For Guyanese traders, reliable internet connectivity is crucial; both platforms run smoothly on standard connections. IC Markets' cTrader is particularly advantageous for scalpers and day traders who need quick order placement and depth of market data.
| Factor | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is critical for traders in Guyana, especially those using scalping or news trading strategies. IC Markets offers ultra-fast execution with an average latency of under 40ms and no requotes. FBS execution is reliable but slightly slower, with occasional slippage during high volatility. IC Markets uses Equinix NY4 data centers, providing low-latency access for traders in the Americas. For Guyanese traders, IC Markets is the better choice for precision and speed.
| Safety Factor | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key factor for Guyana traders. FBS is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) in Belize, offering basic investor protection but no compensation scheme. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing stronger oversight and client fund segregation. While the local financial regulator in Guyana does not directly supervise either broker, IC Markets' higher-tier licenses offer greater security. For Guyanese traders, this means IC Markets is the safer choice for larger deposits and long-term trading.
| Payment Method | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Guyana traders at both brokers. FBS and IC Markets accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FBS has a $5 minimum deposit, making it accessible for small traders. IC Markets requires a $200 minimum, which suits more committed traders. USDT TRC20 is processed within minutes at both brokers, ideal for fast funding. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary bank fees. Withdrawals at FBS are typically processed within 24 hours, while IC Markets processes them within 1 business day. Both brokers do not charge internal fees, but third-party fees may apply for bank transfers.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Guyana can open Islamic (swap-free) accounts at both FBS and IC Markets. FBS offers Islamic accounts on all its account types with no swap charges, but a minimum deposit of $5 is required. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on Standard and Raw Spread accounts, with a $200 minimum deposit. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by not applying or receiving overnight interest. For Guyanese Muslim traders, FBS may be more accessible due to the lower entry barrier, while IC Markets offers better trading conditions for active traders.
| Support Feature | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Customer support for Guyana traders is available 24/7 at both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. FBS offers support in English and several other languages, with quick response times. IC Markets also provides 24/7 support with a dedicated team for technical and account queries. Given the time zone difference (Guyana is UTC-4), both brokers' round-the-clock support is beneficial. IC Markets' support is generally rated higher for its professionalism and speed.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose IC Markets if you...
For most retail traders in Guyana, IC Markets is the superior choice due to its lower costs, faster execution, and stronger regulatory oversight. Its 4.8/5 score reflects high trust and performance. FBS, with a 3.7/5 score, is a viable alternative for beginners and those with smaller budgets, especially given its $5 minimum deposit and support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, for serious traders aiming to minimize costs and maximize reliability, IC Markets stands out. Consider your trading volume, experience, and deposit size before deciding. Both brokers are accessible from Guyana, but IC Markets offers a more professional trading environment.