Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international forex exposure, XM Group and FP Markets are two of the most popular offshore brokers, each scoring an impressive 4.7/5. While the CSRC strictly regulates domestic forex trading, Chinese citizens can legally open accounts with these international brokers to access global markets. Both brokers support USDT deposits and international bank transfers, bypassing China’s capital controls. XM Group is known for its extensive educational resources and beginner-friendly platforms, while FP Markets attracts experienced traders with its deep liquidity and raw spread pricing. This comparison focuses on what matters most to China traders: deposit methods, spreads, platform accessibility, and regulatory safety. Whether you are in Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen, understanding these differences will help you choose the right broker for your offshore trading journey in 2026.
| Instrument | XM Group | 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 | $5 | $100 | FP Markets |
For China traders, trading costs are a critical factor when choosing between XM Group and FP Markets. XM Group offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account with a $3.50 commission per lot, while FP Markets provides raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.00 commission per lot on its Raw account. For high-volume traders (e.g., 10+ lots per day), FP Markets’ slightly lower commission can save significant costs. XM Group’s standard account has no commission but wider spreads, making it better for smaller traders. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but XM Group has a slight edge on major pairs for China traders trading during Asian hours. Overall, FP Markets is more cost-effective for scalpers, while XM Group suits those prioritizing simplicity.
| Account Type | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $100 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 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 | XM Group | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | 1,700+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both XM Group and FP Markets offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are widely used by China traders due to their stability and custom indicators. XM Group also provides its own XM WebTrader and mobile app, which are optimized for low-bandwidth connections common in some Chinese regions. FP Markets offers cTrader in addition to MT4/MT5, appealing to traders who prefer advanced charting and ECN-style execution. For China traders accessing platforms via VPN, both brokers’ platforms load smoothly, but FP Markets’ cTrader may require additional configuration. XM Group’s platform suite is more beginner-friendly, while FP Markets offers greater flexibility for experienced traders.
| Factor | XM Group | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| 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 |
FP Markets is known for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging under 30 milliseconds on its Raw ECN account, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. XM Group offers reliable execution with speeds around 50-100 milliseconds, which is still competitive for most retail traders. For China traders trading during Asian sessions, FP Markets’ lower latency can reduce slippage on volatile pairs like USD/CNH. XM Group’s execution is more consistent for standard account users. Both brokers have no requotes policy, but FP Markets’ ECN model provides deeper liquidity.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
XM Group is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia), while FP Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC. For China traders, these regulators provide a safety net, but neither broker is overseen by the CSRC. This means you must accept that your funds are held overseas and not protected by Chinese law. XM Group’s multiple regulatory licenses offer slightly more diversification, while FP Markets’ ASIC regulation is well-respected for client fund segregation. Both brokers are members of investor compensation schemes (e.g., FSCS in the UK for XM, but only for UK clients). China traders should prioritize brokers with strong tier-1 regulation, and both meet this standard.
| Payment Method | XM Group | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
For China traders, deposit and withdrawal methods are a key differentiator. Both XM Group and FP Markets accept USDT deposits via TRC20 and ERC20 networks, with XM Group processing deposits instantly and FP Markets typically within 30 minutes. International bank transfers are also supported, but can take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary bank fees. XM Group offers a local Chinese bank transfer option through its payment partners, while FP Markets relies on global bank transfers. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 24 hours for USDT, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. Neither broker supports Alipay, WeChat Pay, or UnionPay due to CSRC restrictions. Minimum deposits are $5 for XM Group and $100 for FP Markets, making XM more accessible for smaller traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | 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 XM Group and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for China Muslim traders who follow Sharia law. XM Group provides Islamic accounts on all account types with no additional fees or hidden charges, though they may be converted to standard accounts after 90 days if no trading activity occurs. FP Markets also offers swap-free accounts but applies a small administration fee after holding positions for a specified period (e.g., 10 days for forex pairs). For China Muslim traders, XM Group’s policy is more straightforward, while FP Markets may be suitable for short-term traders who avoid overnight positions. Both brokers require a declaration of faith or proof of residency in a Muslim-majority region.
| Support Feature | XM Group | FP Markets | 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, including live chat, email, and phone support. FP Markets provides 24/7 support but only in English via live chat and email, with Mandarin support available during Asian trading hours. For China traders, XM Group’s round-the-clock Mandarin support is a clear advantage, especially for resolving deposit or withdrawal issues. FP Markets’ support is responsive but may require communicating in English during off-hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and knowledge bases in Chinese.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
| Resource | XM Group | FP Markets | 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 FP Markets if you...
For China traders in 2026, both XM Group and FP Markets are excellent choices, but your decision should align with your trading style. XM Group wins for beginners and those prioritizing Mandarin support, low minimum deposits, and straightforward Islamic accounts. FP Markets is superior for experienced traders who need raw spreads, fast execution, and advanced platforms like cTrader. Both brokers accept USDT and international bank transfers, making them accessible despite CSRC restrictions. Ultimately, XM Group offers a more user-friendly experience for China traders, while FP Markets delivers professional-grade tools for serious traders. Test both with demo accounts to see which fits your strategy.