Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders looking for reliable forex brokers, IC Markets and FP Markets are two of the most popular choices in 2026. Both brokers are well-regarded for their competitive pricing, robust platforms, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 rating, is known for its ultra-low spreads and lightning-fast execution, making it a favorite among scalpers and algorithmic traders. FP Markets, rated 4.7/5, offers a slightly broader range of CFDs on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, appealing to traders who want more diverse trading opportunities. Both brokers accept clients from Saudi Arabia and are regulated by reputable authorities, though they are not directly regulated by the local financial regulator. This comparison will help you decide which broker better suits your trading style, whether you prioritize cost efficiency, platform features, or asset variety. We'll cover spreads, Islamic accounts, deposit methods, and regulation specifically for Saudi Arabia traders.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | FP Markets |
When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets has a slight edge for Saudi Arabia traders, especially for high-volume forex trading. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD with a commission of $3.5 per lot per side. FP Markets also offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips but charges a commission of $3 per lot per side on its Raw account, making it slightly cheaper per lot. However, IC Markets' standard account has no commission but spreads start from 0.6 pips, while FP Markets' standard account has spreads from 0.7 pips. For Saudi traders executing large volumes, IC Markets' raw account is more cost-effective, while FP Markets' raw account is better for smaller traders. Both brokers also offer competitive swap rates and no deposit fees.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| 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 | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and FP Markets provide the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Saudi Arabia traders for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also offers cTrader, a platform favored for its intuitive interface and advanced order management. FP Markets additionally provides the IRESS platform, which is popular among professional traders for its direct market access and depth of market data. For Saudi traders who prefer mobile trading, both brokers offer fully functional mobile apps. The choice depends on your preference: IC Markets is better for cTrader users, while FP Markets suits those needing IRESS.
| Factor | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-fast execution, with an average speed of 40ms, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. FP Markets also offers excellent execution, averaging 50ms, which is still very competitive. Both brokers use Equinix NY4 and LD4 data centers for low-latency trading. For Saudi traders, the difference is marginal, but IC Markets has a slight edge for those executing high-frequency strategies. Both brokers offer no requotes and deep liquidity from top-tier banks.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Saudi Arabia, which is the Capital Market Authority (CMA). However, both brokers accept Saudi clients and operate under international regulations that provide a high level of investor protection, including negative balance protection for retail clients. Saudi traders should be aware that they will not benefit from local dispute resolution mechanisms, but both brokers have strong reputations for client fund security. It is advisable to choose the entity regulated by ASIC or CySEC for higher protection.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 24 hours |
Saudi Arabia traders can deposit and withdraw funds at both IC Markets and FP Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. Bank transfers are free but can take 1-3 business days for processing. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with fees typically under 1%, making them ideal for quick funding. USDT deposits are also supported, offering a low-cost and fast option for traders who prefer cryptocurrencies. Both brokers process withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 days for bank transfers. Minimum deposits are $200 for IC Markets and $100 for FP Markets, making FP Markets more accessible for beginners. Both brokers support USD accounts, which is convenient for Saudi traders as they avoid conversion fees. For large deposits, Bank Transfer is the most reliable, while Skrill and Neteller are best for small, frequent deposits.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FP 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 |
Both IC Markets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Saudi Arabia Muslim traders, ensuring compliance with Sharia law by eliminating interest charges on overnight positions. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including standard and raw, with no additional fees. FP Markets also offers Islamic accounts on its standard and raw accounts, but traders must request the conversion via support. Neither broker charges extra for maintaining an Islamic account, though FP Markets may apply a small administrative fee after a certain number of days. For Saudi traders seeking a fully compliant and cost-effective Islamic account, IC Markets is slightly more transparent, while FP Markets offers comparable conditions. Both brokers allow Muslim traders to trade without worrying about riba (interest).
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Arabic language support available. FP Markets also provides 24/7 support through live chat, email, and phone, but Arabic support is limited to business hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and educational resources. For Saudi traders who prefer Arabic assistance, IC Markets has a slight advantage with round-the-clock Arabic support. Response times are generally fast for both, with live chat queries answered within minutes.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose FP Markets if you...
For Saudi Arabia traders in 2026, both IC Markets and FP Markets are excellent choices, but the best broker depends on your specific needs. IC Markets stands out for its ultra-low spreads, faster execution, and 24/7 Arabic support, making it ideal for active traders and scalpers. FP Markets offers a lower minimum deposit, a wider asset range, and a slightly lower raw commission, appealing to beginners and those seeking diversification. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and offer Islamic accounts. While neither is regulated by the local financial regulator in Saudi Arabia, their international licenses provide solid protection. Ultimately, IC Markets edges ahead for cost-conscious traders, while FP Markets is a strong alternative for those prioritizing asset variety and lower entry barriers.