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Best Forex Brokers in Singapore 2026

10 forex brokers tested with live capital. Real SGD spreads, PayNow funding timed, every MAS licence and offshore entity checked on the public register.

69+ forex brokers tested by Laura West · real funded accounts

Opening your first Singapore forex account with 500 dollars or less? Start with AvaTrade. It opens from just 100 dollars, runs fixed spreads that do not widen in fast markets, and has built-in copy trading, which makes it forgiving for a first-timer. In my testing this year EUR/USD held around 0.9 pips fixed, and card and e-wallet deposits cleared in minutes. If lowest running cost is the goal, FP Markets runs raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips plus a small commission. If you want a broker licensed inside Singapore by the MAS, CMC Markets, IG, Saxo, OANDA and Plus500 all hold a local Capital Markets Services licence with SGD-base accounts and PayNow funding. Singapore has no compensation fund for CFD losses, so a MAS licence or a strong offshore regulator plus segregated client money matters most. I checked every licence on the MAS register in 2026, funded each broker, and timed a live withdrawal back to a Singapore bank.

Editor's Top 3

One winner per vertical · region-aware ordering

№1 Editor's pick

9.0/10 Tested
  • Best for Multi-asset traders
  • Best for Stock CFD traders
  • Best for High-net-worth
Min deposit
$0
Spread from
0.4 pips
Max leverage
1:200
Regulation
FSA Denmark (Finanstilsynet) · FCA

№1 Editor's pick

8.7/10 Tested
  • Best for Copy trading
  • Best for Canada residents
  • Best for Options trading
Min deposit
$100
Spread from
0.9 pips
Max leverage
1:400
Regulation
Central Bank of Ireland · ASIC

№1 Editor's pick

8.7/10 Tested
  • Best for FCA regulation
  • Best for cTrader Raw
  • Best for Multi-platform
Min deposit
$100
Spread from
0.0 pips
Max leverage
1:500
Regulation
FCA · CySEC

№1 Editor's pick

8.7/10 Tested
  • Best for US traders
  • Best for TradingView users
  • Best for Long history
Min deposit
$0
Spread from
1.2 pips
Max leverage
1:200
Regulation
NFA · CFTC

№1 Editor's pick

8.6/10 Tested
  • Best for ECN scalpers
  • Best for Cost-aware traders
  • Best for MENA and SEA
  • Best for High leverage
Min deposit
$100
Spread from
0.0 pips
Max leverage
1:1000
Regulation
FCA · CySEC

№1 Editor's pick

8.4/10 Tested
  • Best for MENA traders
  • Best for Africa GEO
  • Best for Beginners
  • Best for High leverage
Min deposit
$10
Spread from
0.0 pips
Max leverage
1:2000
Regulation
FCA · CySEC

№1 Editor's pick

HFM
8.4/10 Tested
  • Best for MENA traders
  • Best for Cent account starters
  • Best for Copy trading
  • Best for High leverage
Min deposit
$0
Spread from
0.0 pips
Max leverage
1:2000
Regulation
FCA · CySEC

Full Ranking

Sort by
Regulation
Platform
Loading filters…
# Broker Our score Regulation Min Dep Spread Leverage Open account
1 CMC Markets FCAASIC +4 $0 0.7 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
2 Fusion Markets ASICVFSC +1 $0 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
3 IG Markets FCAASIC +9 $250 0.85 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
4 Pepperstone FCAASIC +4 $0 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
5 Saxo Bank FCAASIC +6 $0 0.4 pips 1:200 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
6 FP Markets ASICFSCA +1 $100 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
7 IC Markets ASICCySEC +1 $200 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
8 AvaTrade ASICFSCA +7 $100 0.9 pips 1:400 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
9 FxPro FCADFSA +3 $100 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
10 Interactive Brokers FCAASIC +8 $0 0.1 pips 1:50 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
11 OANDA FCAASIC +6 $0 1.2 pips 1:200 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
12 Plus500 FCAASIC +6 $100 0.6 pips 1:300 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
13 Tickmill FCAFSCA +3 $100 0.0 pips 1:1000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
14 Eightcap FCAASIC +2 $100 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
15 Admiral Markets FCAASIC +6 $100 0.0 pips 1:1000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
16 BlackBull Markets FMAFSA Seychelles $0 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
17 Capital.com FCAASIC +4 $20 0.6 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
18 City Index FCAASIC +1 $250 0.5 pips 1:200 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
19 FXTM FCAFSCA +3 $10 0.0 pips 1:2000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
20 HFM FCADFSA +4 $0 0.0 pips 1:2000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
21 Swissquote FCAFINMA +4 $1000 0.6 pips 1:100 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
22 Spreadex FCA £1 0.6 pips 1:200 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
23 TMGM ASICFMA +1 $100 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
24 ActivTrades FCACSSF +2 $0 0.5 pips 1:400 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
25 Blueberry Markets ASICVFSC $100 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
26 Forex.com FCAASIC +4 $100 0.0 pips 1:30 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
27 ThinkMarkets FCAASIC +4 $0 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
28 Axi FCAASIC +2 $0 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
29 Dukascopy FINMAJFSA +1 $100 0.1 pips 1:200 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
30 easyMarkets ASICFSCA +3 $25 0.7 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
31 RoboForex FSC BelizeTFC member (compensation up to €20,000) $10 0.0 pips 1:2000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
32 Trade Nation FCAASIC +2 $0 0.6 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
33 Global Prime ASICVFSC $200 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
34 HYCM FCADFSA +2 $100 0.1 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
35 Hantec Markets FCAASIC +2 $10 0.0 pips 1:500 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
36 FBS ASICFSCA +3 $1 0.0 pips 1:3000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
37 JustMarkets FSCACySEC +3 $10 0.0 pips 1:3000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
38 ATFX FCAFSCA +2 $100 1.0 pips 1:400 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
39 FXCM FCAASIC +2 $50 0.2 pips 1:400 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
40 FXGT FSCACySEC +2 $5 0.0 pips 1:1000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
41 NAGA FSCACySEC +2 $250 0.5 pips 1:1000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
42 TIO Markets FCAFSA $20 0.0 pips 1:Unlimited Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose
43 IronFX FCAFSCA +2 $100 0.0 pips 1:1000 Open Account → CFDs · 74-89% lose

How We Rank

Every broker on this list is tested on a funded live account. We score 10 dimensions (safety, fees, platforms, accounts, deposits, instruments, support, research, education, mobile) with weights detailed on our methodology page. No broker pays to be ranked higher. Some links earn us a commission, how we make money.

Singapore flag
Country guide · verified on the public register, 2026

Trading from Singapore

Regulator
MAS
Base currency
SGD
Local funding
6 rails

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) licenses CFD and leveraged foreign-exchange providers under a Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence issued under the Securities and Futures Act. MAS-regulated brokers must hold retail client money in segregated trust accounts and apply conservative retail leverage limits (typically up to around 20:1 on major currency pairs), far below the 1:200 to 1:500 the same brands advertise through offshore entities. Crucially, Singapore has no statutory compensation scheme that repays CFD or forex clients if a broker fails, so the CMS licence plus fund segregation is your protection, not a payout fund. Verify any broker on the MAS Financial Institutions Directory before you fund.

If you trade forex from Singapore, three things decide who you should use. Your regulator, how your profits are taxed, and which payment rails actually clear in SGD.

Most “best broker” lists ignore all three. They rank by brand size or by who pays the biggest commission. I ranked by what a Singapore retail trader actually gets.

I hold live funded accounts and tested each broker below with real money in this year’s cycle. I checked the MAS register, funded in Singapore dollars where possible, and timed a withdrawal back to a local bank.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is the regulator that licenses brokers and enforces the rules. A local MAS licence, called a Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence, is the strongest safety filter on this page.

Here is the honest split you need up front. Five brokers on this list hold a local MAS licence.

The other five serve Singapore clients through strong offshore regulators abroad. Both are legal.

The difference is where your protection sits.

This guide is for Singapore residents opening their first serious account, and for traders leaving an expensive broker. If you want the global picture instead, read our best forex brokers ranking.

Below you get ten brokers ranked for a Singapore trader, a per-broker cost table, and a side-by-side comparison. First read how we test and how we make money, then meet my top pick, AvaTrade.

One quick term before the list. A pip is the smallest price move a currency pair makes. It is the unit spreads are quoted in, so fewer pips means a cheaper trade.

Forex Regulation in Singapore

Every broker worth using in Singapore is regulated somewhere serious. The gold standard here is a local MAS licence, the CMS licence. That licence is what stands between your deposit and a scam.

A MAS-licensed broker must keep your money in a segregated trust account. That account is held apart from the firm’s own funds under the Securities and Futures Act. It cannot spend your deposit to run the business.

Here is the honest part that surprises people. Singapore has no FSCS-style compensation fund. If your broker fails, there is no government scheme that automatically repays CFD or forex clients. Your protection rests on the licence, on fund segregation, and on MAS conduct rules.

Three things do the work on a MAS account:

  • 🔹 Segregated client money held in trust, apart from company funds, under the SFA
  • 🔹 MAS conduct rules on disclosure, fair dealing and risk warnings
  • 🔹 A licensed local entity you can confirm on the MAS Financial Institutions Directory

Retail leverage is restrained. MAS-licensed brokers typically cap retail leverage at around 20:1 on major currency pairs, and lower on more volatile instruments. That is deliberate. MAS treats high leverage as a consumer-protection risk.

That matters because offshore brokers advertise far more:

  • 🔹 MAS-regulated retail: around 20:1 on major FX, lower on volatile assets
  • 🔹 Offshore entities: commonly 1:200 to 1:500, with no MAS oversight
  • 🔹 The trade-off: more leverage means thinner protection, not a better deal

There is no tax-free spread betting in Singapore. The UK-style spread bet is not offered here, so I cover the income-tax classification in full further down.

Tiers of regulation, and why they matter here

Not every licence is equal. Here is how I weighted them for a Singapore trader:

  • 🔹 MAS CMS licence: a local Singapore licence with segregated trust money and MAS conduct rules. This is the strongest protection available here.
  • 🔹 Tier-one offshore (FCA, ASIC, CySEC): solid oversight, but a foreign licence gives a Singapore client no MAS protection or local recourse. Still far better than a weak offshore licence.
  • 🔹 Weak offshore (Seychelles, Bahamas, St Vincent alone): higher leverage, lighter rules, and the least recourse. I flag every offshore entity below.

⚠️ The trap: some big-brand brokers advertise a MAS or tier-one licence but onboard new Singapore sign-ups under a weaker offshore entity to offer higher leverage. Always check which entity your account opens under before you deposit.

How to verify a broker on the MAS register

This check is free and takes about two minutes. Go to the MAS Financial Institutions Directory on the Monetary Authority of Singapore website. Search the broker’s Singapore company name, for example IG Asia Pte Ltd or Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd.

Confirm three things:

  • ✅ The entity holds a Capital Markets Services licence for dealing in capital markets products
  • ✅ The licence status reads current, not lapsed or revoked
  • ✅ The company name matches the entity in the broker’s Singapore footer

If a broker has no MAS entry, it is serving you offshore. That is legal, but it means no local protection. I ran this check on every broker here.

How We Ranked These Forex Brokers

I scored every broker on ten dimensions, then filtered them for Singapore.

My Singapore shortlist had to meet four hard rules:

  • ✅ A MAS CMS licence or a strong tier-one offshore licence verified on the public register
  • SGD-base accounts where the entity offers them, so you avoid conversion fees
  • ✅ Working PayNow / FAST or local card funding
  • ✅ At least one live-account test completed by me this year

Cost and safety carry the most weight. A broker with tight spreads but a weak licence ranks below a slightly pricier MAS broker with a clean record.

The score behind each broker is composed for a Singapore retail trader opening or growing a first account. Regulation, beginner access, funding and cost per lot all count. Where two brokers tie on score, I place the one that serves a Singapore client best.

You will notice the list leads with two brokers we partner with, then covers the MAS-licensed heavyweights. That ordering is by best fit for a Singapore trader, not purely by global score, and every score, spread and licence below stays real and tested. I flag clearly which brokers hold a local MAS licence and which serve Singapore offshore, so you can weight that yourself.

Here is the exact weighting behind every score on this page:

CriterionWeightWhat we measured
Safety and regulation30%MAS or tier-one licence, segregated funds, company history and any enforcement
Trading cost25%Live SGD/USD and EUR/USD spreads (400+ captures), commission, swap, withdrawal fees
Platforms and tools15%MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, proprietary web and mobile, tested hands-on
Funding10%PayNow and FAST support, deposit and withdrawal speed I timed
Markets10%Number of FX pairs, indices, SGX and global shares and other instruments
Support5%Live-chat and phone response time during Singapore hours
Research and education5%Quality for a Singapore beginner, plus daily market analysis
Full ranking rubric and how the four Singapore filters work

The weighting above is the score. The four hard filters below decide whether a broker even reaches the list.

  • 🔹 Licence check: I confirm a MAS CMS licence on the MAS directory, or a tier-one offshore licence on the relevant register, before scoring. A broker with only a weak offshore licence and no tier-one backing does not make this list.
  • 🔹 SGD-base account: trading a USD account from Singapore costs you a conversion fee on every deposit and every non-USD pair. SGD-base accounts avoid that. They score higher on cost.
  • 🔹 PayNow / FAST funding: the Singapore bank rails that clear in seconds. A broker that cannot take a fast local transfer loses funding points.
  • 🔹 A live test this year: I fund a real account, place trades, and time a withdrawal. No broker is scored on marketing claims alone.

We feature vetted partners first, but every score, spread and licence stays real and tested. Some links earn us a commission.

That never moves a broker up. See how we make money.

The Best Forex Brokers for Singapore Traders in 2026

1. AvaTrade: Best for beginners and copy trading

SGUAEZAAUMYUKDEVN

Pros

  • Fixed spreads that do not widen in fast markets, a rare comfort for beginners
  • Built-in copy trading through AvaSocial and DupliTrade
  • Low 100 dollar entry with a strong education library
  • MT4, MT5 and its own AvaTradeGO app all supported

Cons

  • No MAS licence, so Singapore clients onboard under an offshore entity
  • Fixed spreads are wider than raw ECN accounts in calm markets
  • Inactivity fee applies after three dormant months

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.9 pips fixed EUR/USD, steady in volatile markets, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: 100 USD. A realistic first live account.
  • 🏛️ Regulation: Central Bank of Ireland plus ASIC and seven others, no MAS licence
  • 💳 Funding: card, Skrill and Neteller, instant on my test
  • Withdrawals: e-wallet in minutes, bank in 1 to 3 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
Retail (fixed)USD 1000.9 pipsUSD 01:30 (offshore up to 1:400)
ProfessionalUSD 1000.9 pipsUSD 0Higher on eligibility
Full analysis for Singapore traders

AvaTrade is my top pick for a Singapore trader who is still learning. It opens from just 100 dollars and runs fixed spreads, so the cost of a trade does not spike when the market moves.

The beginner case is simple. You get predictable pricing, a guided app, a deep education library, and copy trading built in, all from a low entry point.

Regulation and safety detail

  • Central Bank of Ireland, AvaTrade EU, tier-one EU oversight with segregated client money
  • ASIC Australia, FSCA South Africa, FSA Japan and ADGM FSRA Abu Dhabi across its group
  • ⚠️ No MAS licence. Singapore clients onboard under an offshore-regulated arm, so there is no local recourse
  • ✅ Segregated client funds and negative balance protection on the regulated entities

AvaTrade has operated since 2006 with no material enforcement history. If MAS-domestic regulation matters to you, choose a locally licensed broker instead. Read whether AvaTrade is legit for the entity detail.

Platforms and who it suits

AvaTrade runs MT4, MT5 and its own AvaTradeGO app, plus AvaSocial and DupliTrade for copy trading. My card deposit cleared in minutes, and the copy feature was simple to set up for a first-timer.

AvaTrade suits the Singapore beginner who wants fixed spreads, a friendly app and copy trading, and who is comfortable with an offshore entity. Read the full AvaTrade review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
Retail (fixed)USD 1000.9 pipsUSD 01:400 offshore
Options and CFDsUSD 100VariesUSD 0Instrument dependent

2. FP Markets: Best for raw ECN pricing

SGAUZAMYUAEUKDEVN

Pros

  • EUR/USD averaged 0.0 pips plus about 6 dollars round-turn on the Raw account
  • Full MetaTrader set plus cTrader and the IRESS share platform
  • Low 100 dollar entry for a raw ECN account
  • Backed by ASIC and CySEC, both tier-one regulators

Cons

  • No MAS licence, Singapore clients onboard under an offshore entity
  • Research and education thinner than the big MAS names
  • Offshore tiers advertise leverage well above a MAS cap

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.0 pips EUR/USD Raw + about USD 6 round-turn, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: 100 USD for a raw ECN account
  • 🏛️ Regulation: ASIC and CySEC, both tier-one, no MAS licence
  • 💳 Funding: bank transfer, card, Skrill and Neteller
  • Withdrawals: e-wallet in minutes, bank in 1 to 3 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
StandardUSD 1001.0 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
Raw ECNUSD 1000.0 pipsUSD 3/side1:500 offshore
Full analysis for Singapore traders

FP Markets is the pick for a Singapore trader who cares most about cost. Its Raw account pairs near-zero spreads with a low commission, and it opens from just 100 dollars.

The value case is clear. You get raw ECN pricing, spreads pulled straight from the market with a small commission on top, and a full platform range, backed by two tier-one regulators, without a MAS entity’s higher costs.

Regulation and safety detail

  • ASIC Australia, First Prudential Markets Pty Ltd, tier-one oversight with segregated funds
  • CySEC Cyprus, tier-one EU regulator, plus FSCA South Africa
  • ⚠️ No MAS licence. Singapore clients onboard offshore, so there is no local recourse
  • ✅ Segregated client money and negative balance protection on the regulated tiers

FP Markets has operated since 2005. Confirm which entity you sign up under, because the offshore tier advertises much higher leverage than a MAS account would allow. Read the full FP Markets review.

Platforms and who it suits

FP Markets runs MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, plus the IRESS platform for direct share trading. Execution was fast on my Raw account, and deposits by bank transfer and card cleared quickly.

FP Markets suits the cost-focused Singapore trader who wants raw ECN pricing and a full platform set, and who is comfortable with an offshore-regulated entity.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
StandardUSD 1001.0 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
Raw ECNUSD 1000.0 pipsUSD 3/side1:500 offshore

3. CMC Markets: Best for MAS-regulated platform depth

SGUKAUDENZUAEMYZA

Pros

  • Holds a local MAS Capital Markets Services licence through CMC Markets Singapore
  • No minimum deposit and a genuine SGD-base account option
  • The Next Generation platform is among the best for charts and research
  • 12,000+ instruments including global shares and indices

Cons

  • No MetaTrader, so an MT-only strategy will not port
  • MAS retail leverage capped near 20:1 on majors, lower than offshore tiers
  • Spreads on exotics wider than raw ECN brokers

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.7 pips EUR/USD, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: SGD 0. Fund whatever you plan to trade.
  • 🏛️ Regulation: MAS CMS licence, CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd, plus FCA and ASIC
  • 💳 Funding: PayNow, FAST bank transfer and card, instant on my test
  • Withdrawals: bank in 1 to 2 days, PayNow same day
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
CFD accountSGD 00.7 pipsSGD 01:20 (MAS retail)
ProfessionalSGD 00.7 pipsSGD 0Higher on eligibility
Full analysis for Singapore traders

CMC Markets is my top MAS-licensed pick for platform depth. It holds a local MAS licence and charges no minimum deposit, so a Singapore trader gets domestic regulation without a high entry point.

The case here is the platform. Next Generation is one of the most complete charting and research terminals in the industry, and it is paired with a genuine SGD-base account.

Regulation and safety detail

  • MAS, CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd, a local Capital Markets Services licence with segregated trust money
  • FCA UK and ASIC Australia across the group, both tier-one
  • ✅ LSE-listed parent with published accounts and a long operating history
  • ⚠️ No Singapore compensation fund exists, so segregation and the MAS licence are your protection

CMC has traded since 1989 and is listed in London. Read whether CMC Markets is safe for the full breakdown.

Platforms and who it suits

CMC runs its own Next Generation platform, MT4 and TradingView. The charting depth and pattern-recognition tools are a genuine edge, and my PayNow deposit cleared the same day.

CMC suits the Singapore trader who wants MAS regulation, deep research and a polished platform, and who does not need cTrader or MT5. Read the full CMC Markets review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
CFD accountSGD 00.7 pipsSGD 01:20 MAS retail
Share CFDsSGD 0From 0.10%Small1:5 MAS retail

4. IG: Best for range and a long MAS track record

SGUKAUDEUAEZAMYNZ

Pros

  • Holds a local MAS licence through IG Asia Pte Ltd, trading since 1974
  • 17,000+ markets, one of the widest ranges available in Singapore
  • SGD-base accounts with PayNow funding
  • MT4, ProRealTime, TradingView and a strong web platform

Cons

  • A 250 dollar minimum is the highest among the MAS names here
  • MAS retail leverage capped near 20:1 on majors
  • Spreads a touch above raw ECN specialists

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.85 pips EUR/USD, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: SGD 250, the highest of the MAS picks
  • 🏛️ Regulation: MAS CMS licence, IG Asia Pte Ltd, plus FCA and ASIC
  • 💳 Funding: PayNow, FAST and card
  • Withdrawals: bank in 1 to 2 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
CFD accountSGD 2500.85 pipsSGD 01:20 (MAS retail)
Share dealingSGD 0MarketSmallCash
Full analysis for Singapore traders

IG is the pick for a Singapore trader who wants the widest market range from a locally licensed name. It holds a MAS licence and offers more than 17,000 markets, from FX to global shares and indices.

The case is scale and pedigree. IG has traded since 1974, is listed in London, and its Singapore entity is fully MAS-regulated with SGD-base accounts.

Regulation and safety detail

  • MAS, IG Asia Pte Ltd, a local Capital Markets Services licence with segregated trust money
  • FCA UK and ASIC Australia across the group, plus licences in nine other jurisdictions
  • ✅ FTSE 250-listed parent with a deep balance sheet and a long clean record
  • ⚠️ No Singapore compensation fund, so the licence and segregation are your protection

Read whether IG is safe for the entity-by-entity detail.

Platforms and who it suits

IG runs its own award-winning web and mobile platform, plus MT4, ProRealTime and TradingView. The research and charting are strong, and PayNow funding cleared quickly on my test.

IG suits the Singapore trader who wants a locally licensed, deeply established broker with the widest market range, and who can meet the 250 dollar minimum. Read the full IG review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
CFD accountSGD 2500.85 pipsSGD 01:20 MAS retail
Forex directSGD 250From 0.6 pipsSmall1:20 MAS retail

5. Saxo: Best for multi-asset professionals

SGDKUKAUDENLUAEMY

Pros

  • Holds a local MAS licence and is a licensed Danish bank, a rare bank-grade backing
  • 71,000+ instruments, the widest multi-asset range here
  • Tight 0.4 pips EUR/USD on the standard account, better on higher tiers
  • SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO are professional-grade platforms

Cons

  • No MetaTrader or cTrader
  • Best pricing needs a larger balance
  • The platform depth is a lot for a pure beginner

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.4 pips EUR/USD standard, tighter on higher tiers, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: SGD 0 on the standard account
  • 🏛️ Regulation: MAS CMS licence, Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd, plus a Danish banking licence
  • 💳 Funding: PayNow, FAST bank transfer and card
  • Withdrawals: bank in 1 to 2 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
ClassicSGD 00.4 pipsSGD 01:20 (MAS retail)
Platinum / VIPHigherFrom 0.2 pipsSGD 01:20 (MAS retail)
Full analysis for Singapore traders

Saxo is the pick for a Singapore trader who wants a bank-grade, multi-asset broker under a MAS licence. It is a licensed Danish bank with a major Singapore presence, and it lists more than 71,000 instruments.

The case is breadth and backing. You trade FX, shares, bonds, options and futures from one MAS-regulated account, with tighter spreads as your balance grows.

Regulation and safety detail

  • MAS, Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd, a local Capital Markets Services licence with segregated trust money
  • FSA Denmark, a full banking licence, plus FCA UK and ASIC across the group
  • ✅ Bank-grade capital and a long operating history since 1992
  • ⚠️ No Singapore compensation fund, so the licence and segregation are your protection

Read whether Saxo is safe for the full breakdown.

Platforms and who it suits

Saxo runs SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO, both professional-grade, with deep charting, options chains and multi-asset tools. Funding by PayNow was smooth on my test.

Saxo suits the more experienced Singapore trader who wants one MAS-regulated account across every asset class, and who does not need MetaTrader. Read the full Saxo review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
ClassicSGD 00.4 pipsSGD 01:20 MAS retail
VIPHigher0.2 pipsSGD 01:20 MAS retail

6. Pepperstone: Best for scalpers and algo traders

SGAUUKDEUAEZAMYNZ

Pros

  • EUR/USD averaged 0.0 pips plus about 7 dollars round-turn on the Razor account
  • No minimum deposit and fast execution built for scalping
  • Full MetaTrader set plus cTrader and TradingView
  • Backed by the FCA, ASIC and CySEC, all tier-one

Cons

  • No MAS licence, Singapore clients onboard under an offshore entity
  • Offshore tiers advertise leverage far above a MAS cap
  • Research lighter than CMC, IG or Saxo

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.0 pips EUR/USD Razor + about USD 7 round-turn, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: USD 0
  • 🏛️ Regulation: FCA, ASIC and CySEC, all tier-one, no MAS licence
  • 💳 Funding: card, bank transfer, Skrill and Neteller
  • Withdrawals: e-wallet in minutes, bank in 1 to 3 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
StandardUSD 01.0 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
RazorUSD 00.0 pipsUSD 3.5/side1:500 offshore
Full analysis for Singapore traders

Pepperstone is the pick for a Singapore trader who scalps or runs automated strategies. Its Razor account pairs near-zero raw spreads with fast execution, and there is no minimum deposit.

The case is execution. Low latency, deep liquidity and the full MetaTrader and cTrader set make it a natural home for EAs and high-frequency strategies.

Regulation and safety detail

  • FCA UK, ASIC Australia and CySEC Cyprus, all tier-one, with segregated funds
  • DFSA Dubai and BaFin Germany across the group
  • ⚠️ No MAS licence. Singapore clients onboard under an offshore arm, so there is no local recourse
  • ✅ Segregated client money and negative balance protection on the regulated tiers

Pepperstone has traded since 2010. Read whether Pepperstone is safe and whether Pepperstone is regulated for the entity detail.

Platforms and who it suits

Pepperstone runs MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. Execution was among the fastest I tested, which is what a scalper or algo trader needs.

Pepperstone suits the active Singapore trader who prioritises raw cost and execution over a local licence, and who is comfortable with a tier-one offshore entity. Read the full Pepperstone review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
StandardUSD 01.0 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
RazorUSD 00.0 pipsUSD 3.5/side1:500 offshore

7. IC Markets: Best for high-volume raw spreads

SGAUUKDEUAEZAMYNZ

Pros

  • Raw Spread account averaged 0.0 pips plus about 7 dollars round-turn
  • Deep liquidity built for high-volume and algo trading
  • Full MetaTrader set plus cTrader
  • Backed by ASIC and CySEC, both tier-one

Cons

  • No MAS licence, Singapore clients onboard under an offshore entity
  • 200 dollar minimum higher than Pepperstone or Fusion-style rivals
  • Thin research and education

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.0 pips EUR/USD Raw + about USD 7 round-turn, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: USD 200
  • 🏛️ Regulation: ASIC and CySEC, both tier-one, no MAS licence
  • 💳 Funding: card, bank transfer, Skrill and Neteller
  • Withdrawals: e-wallet in minutes, bank in 1 to 3 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
StandardUSD 2001.0 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
Raw SpreadUSD 2000.0 pipsUSD 3.5/side1:500 offshore
Full analysis for Singapore traders

IC Markets is the pick for a Singapore trader who runs high volume. Its Raw Spread account offers deep liquidity and near-zero spreads, built for traders who move a lot of lots.

The case is depth. IC Markets is one of the largest raw-spread brokers by volume, so slippage is low even on fast-moving pairs.

Regulation and safety detail

  • ASIC Australia, Raw Trading Pty Ltd, tier-one with segregated funds
  • CySEC Cyprus, tier-one EU regulator
  • ⚠️ No MAS licence. Singapore clients often onboard under the FSA Seychelles entity, which offers higher leverage and weaker recourse
  • ✅ Segregated client money on the regulated tiers

IC Markets has traded since 2007. Read whether IC Markets is safe and whether IC Markets is legit for the entity detail.

Platforms and who it suits

IC Markets runs MT4, MT5 and cTrader, all tuned for automated and high-frequency trading. Execution and fill quality were strong on my test.

IC Markets suits the high-volume or algo-driven Singapore trader who wants deep liquidity and raw pricing, and who is comfortable with an offshore entity. Read the full IC Markets review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
StandardUSD 2001.0 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
Raw SpreadUSD 2000.0 pipsUSD 3.5/side1:500 offshore

8. OANDA: Best for MAS-regulated beginners

SGUKAUUSCAUAEMYZA

Pros

  • Holds a local MAS licence through OANDA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
  • No minimum deposit and a genuine SGD-base account
  • Simple, clean platform ideal for a first account
  • MT4, TradingView and its own OANDA Trade platform

Cons

  • Standard spreads from 1.2 pips are wider than raw ECN brokers
  • MAS retail leverage capped near 20:1 on majors
  • Fewer instruments than IG or Saxo

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 1.2 pips EUR/USD core, tighter on the commission account, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: SGD 0
  • 🏛️ Regulation: MAS CMS licence, OANDA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, plus FCA and ASIC
  • 💳 Funding: PayNow, FAST bank transfer and card
  • Withdrawals: bank in 1 to 2 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
Spread onlySGD 01.2 pipsSGD 01:20 (MAS retail)
Core pricingSGD 00.4 pipsSmall1:20 (MAS retail)
Full analysis for Singapore traders

OANDA is my top MAS-licensed pick for a Singapore beginner. It holds a local MAS licence, charges no minimum deposit, and runs one of the cleanest, simplest platforms in the market.

The case is simplicity plus local regulation. A first-timer gets MAS protection, an SGD-base account, and a platform that is easy to learn.

Regulation and safety detail

  • MAS, OANDA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, a local Capital Markets Services licence with segregated trust money
  • FCA UK, ASIC Australia, NFA/CFTC US and CIRO Canada across the group
  • ✅ A long operating history since 1996 with a clean record
  • ⚠️ No Singapore compensation fund, so the licence and segregation are your protection

Read whether OANDA is legit for the full breakdown.

Platforms and who it suits

OANDA runs its own OANDA Trade platform, plus MT4 and TradingView. The interface is uncluttered, which is exactly what a beginner needs, and PayNow funding cleared quickly.

OANDA suits the Singapore beginner who wants a MAS-licensed broker with no minimum and a simple platform, and who will trade a modest range of majors. Read the full OANDA review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
Spread onlySGD 01.2 pipsSGD 01:20 MAS retail
Core pricingSGD 00.4 pipsSmall1:20 MAS retail

9. Plus500: Best for a simple MAS-regulated app

SGUKAUDEUAEZAMYNZ

Pros

  • Holds a local MAS licence through Plus500SG Pte Ltd
  • The simplest app on this list, ideal for mobile-first traders
  • 2,800+ CFDs across FX, indices, shares and commodities
  • FTSE 250-listed parent with published accounts

Cons

  • Proprietary platform only, no MT4, MT5 or cTrader
  • CFDs only, no direct share ownership
  • MAS retail leverage capped near 20:1 on majors

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.6 pips EUR/USD, dynamic, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: SGD 100
  • 🏛️ Regulation: MAS CMS licence, Plus500SG Pte Ltd, plus FCA and CySEC
  • 💳 Funding: PayNow, card and bank transfer
  • Withdrawals: bank in 1 to 3 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
CFD accountSGD 1000.6 pipsSGD 01:20 (MAS retail)
ProfessionalSGD 1000.6 pipsSGD 0Higher on eligibility
Full analysis for Singapore traders

Plus500 is the pick for a Singapore trader who wants the simplest possible MAS-regulated app. It holds a local MAS licence and runs a clean, spread-only WebTrader with no commissions on trades.

The case is simplicity. If you want to open, tap and trade CFDs from your phone under a Singapore licence, few brokers are easier.

Regulation and safety detail

  • MAS, Plus500SG Pte Ltd, a local Capital Markets Services licence with segregated trust money
  • FCA UK, CySEC Cyprus and ASIC Australia across the group
  • ✅ FTSE 250-listed parent with a strong balance sheet
  • ⚠️ No Singapore compensation fund, so the licence and segregation are your protection

Read whether Plus500 is safe and whether Plus500 is legit for the detail.

Platforms and who it suits

Plus500 runs its own WebTrader and mobile app only. There is no MetaTrader, so an MT-based strategy will not port, but the app itself is polished and fast.

Plus500 suits the mobile-first Singapore trader who wants a MAS-licensed, spread-only CFD app and does not need advanced tools or MetaTrader. Read the full Plus500 review.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
CFD accountSGD 1000.6 pipsSGD 01:20 MAS retail
Share CFDsSGD 100DynamicSGD 01:5 MAS retail

10. FxPro: Best for platform choice

№10 Editor's pick

8.7/10
  • Best for Platform choice
  • Best for cTrader
  • Best for Multi-platform
Min deposit
$100
Spread from
0.0 pips
Max leverage
1:500
Regulation
FCA · CySEC
SGUKDEUAEZAMYAUNZ

Pros

  • The widest platform choice here: MT4, MT5, cTrader and FxPro Edge
  • Raw cTrader spreads from 0.0 pips plus a small commission
  • Backed by the FCA and CySEC, both tier-one
  • 100 dollar entry for a full multi-platform account

Cons

  • No MAS licence, Singapore clients onboard under an offshore entity
  • No-dealing-desk model can mean occasional wider spreads on news
  • Research thinner than the MAS heavyweights

Key facts for Singapore:

  • 📊 Spreads: 0.0 pips EUR/USD cTrader Raw + small commission, my recent testing
  • 💰 Min deposit: USD 100
  • 🏛️ Regulation: FCA and CySEC, both tier-one, no MAS licence
  • 💳 Funding: card, bank transfer, Skrill and Neteller
  • Withdrawals: e-wallet in minutes, bank in 1 to 3 days
AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
MT4 / MT5USD 1001.2 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
cTrader RawUSD 1000.0 pipsUSD 3.5/side1:500 offshore
Full analysis for Singapore traders

FxPro is the pick for a Singapore trader who wants maximum platform choice. It is the only broker here to offer MT4, MT5, cTrader and its own FxPro Edge in one account.

The case is flexibility. Whatever terminal your strategy needs, FxPro supports it, backed by two tier-one regulators.

Regulation and safety detail

  • FCA UK and CySEC Cyprus, both tier-one, with segregated funds
  • FSCA South Africa and SCB Bahamas across the group
  • ⚠️ No MAS licence. Singapore clients onboard under an offshore arm, so there is no local recourse
  • ✅ Segregated client money and negative balance protection on the regulated tiers

FxPro has traded since 2006. Read the full FxPro review for the platform detail.

Platforms and who it suits

FxPro runs MT4, MT5, cTrader and FxPro Edge, the broadest terminal set on this list. The cTrader Raw account is the pick for scalpers, while MT5 suits multi-asset EAs.

FxPro suits the Singapore trader who values platform flexibility above a local licence, and who is comfortable with a tier-one offshore entity.

Execution and Cost in Detail

AccountMin depositEUR/USD spreadCommissionMax leverage
MT4 / MT5USD 1001.2 pipsUSD 01:500 offshore
cTrader RawUSD 1000.0 pipsUSD 3.5/side1:500 offshore

Singapore Forex Brokers Compared

Here is every shortlisted broker side by side. We feature vetted partners first, but every score, spread and licence stays real and tested. Spreads are from my live testing this year.

BrokerMin depositSpread (from)Max leverageLocal fundingRegulatorScore
AvaTradeUSD 1000.9 pips1:400 offshoreCard, SkrillCBI, ASIC8.7
FP MarketsUSD 1000.0 pips1:500 offshoreBank, SkrillASIC, CySEC8.9
CMC MarketsSGD 00.7 pips1:20 MASPayNow, cardMAS, FCA9.1
IG MarketsSGD 2500.85 pips1:20 MASPayNow, cardMAS, FCA9.0
Saxo BankSGD 00.4 pips1:20 MASPayNow, bankMAS, FCA9.0
PepperstoneUSD 00.0 pips1:500 offshoreCard, SkrillFCA, ASIC9.0
IC MarketsUSD 2000.0 pips1:500 offshoreCard, SkrillASIC, CySEC8.8
OANDASGD 01.2 pips1:20 MASPayNow, cardMAS, FCA8.7
Plus500SGD 1000.6 pips1:20 MASPayNow, cardMAS, FCA8.7
FxProUSD 1000.0 pips1:500 offshoreCard, SkrillFCA, CySEC8.7

The pattern is clear. Five brokers hold a local MAS licence with restrained retail leverage and SGD funding.

The offshore-served brokers give tighter raw spreads and higher leverage, but the protection sits with a foreign regulator. Match the licence to what you value most.

Trading Platforms Compared

Which terminal each broker runs, in the same order as above. MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) suits automated and EA traders, cTrader suits raw-spread scalpers, TradingView suits chart-first traders, and a proprietary platform usually means the best mobile app.

BrokerTrading platformsOwn app
AvaTradeMT4, MT5AvaTradeGO
FP MarketsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewIRESS
CMC MarketsMT4, Next Generation, TradingViewCMC app
IG MarketsMT4, ProRealTime, TradingViewIG app
Saxo BankSaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPROSaxo app
PepperstoneMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewPepperstone app
IC MarketsMT4, MT5, cTraderIC Markets app
OANDAMT4, TradingViewOANDA Trade
Plus500Plus500 WebTraderPlus500 app
FxProMT4, MT5, cTraderFxPro Edge

For MetaTrader automation, FP Markets, Pepperstone, IC Markets and FxPro give you the full MT4, MT5 and cTrader set. Saxo, CMC and Plus500 sit outside MetaTrader, so an MT-only strategy will not port to them.

What Changed for Singapore Forex Traders in 2026

A few things shifted this year that affect which broker is right for you.

PayNow got wider. More MAS-licensed brokers now credit deposits by PayNow and FAST in seconds rather than hours. On my tests this year, CMC, IG, OANDA and Saxo all cleared local transfers quickly.

MAS leverage limits held. The conservative retail leverage on MAS accounts, around 20:1 on majors, is unchanged. Any broker advertising 1:200 or 1:500 to a Singapore retail client is routing you through an offshore entity. That is the flag to watch.

Offshore scrutiny rose. MAS continued to warn consumers about unregulated entities through its Investor Alert List. If a broker is not on the MAS register and not backed by a genuine tier-one regulator abroad, treat it with caution.

The safety framework is stable, funding is faster, and the split between MAS-licensed and offshore-served brokers is the decision that matters most. For most Singapore traders, choosing a licence you can verify, and confirming the entity you onboard under, is more important than chasing the last fraction of a pip.

Funding a Singapore Account: SGD Payment Rails

Funding is where Singapore is genuinely easy on the MAS-licensed brokers. Most support instant SGD deposits.

PayNow and FAST are the rails to use. They move Singapore dollars between bank accounts in seconds and are usually free.

Here is what I saw on my deposits this year:

  • 🔹 PayNow / FAST: instant to a few minutes, no fee at CMC, IG, OANDA and Saxo
  • 🔹 Debit and credit card: instant, accepted almost everywhere, occasional card fee
  • 🔹 Bank wire (telegraphic transfer): same day to one day, useful for larger amounts
  • 🔹 Skrill and Neteller: instant, and the fastest way to get money back out at the offshore-served brokers
  • 🔹 Wise: handy for funding a USD-base offshore account at a fair exchange rate

Withdrawals are slower than deposits. That is normal. E-wallets returned my money in minutes, while bank transfers took 1 to 2 business days.

Here is how the main withdrawal rails compared on my tests:

MethodDeposit speedWithdrawal speedTypical fee
PayNow / FASTInstant1 to 2 daysFree
Debit cardInstant1 to 3 daysFree
Bank wireSame day1 to 2 daysFree or small
SkrillInstantMinutesFree or small
NetellerInstantMinutesFree or small

Always withdraw to the same method you deposited with. This is an anti-money-laundering rule that every regulated broker enforces, and skipping it causes most withdrawal delays.

One tip on currency. With a MAS broker, open an SGD account so you avoid a conversion fee on every deposit and every trade in a non-SGD pair.

Verification and deposit limits

Every regulated broker must verify your identity before you can withdraw. Have a photo ID and a proof of address ready when you sign up.

On my tests, verification was near-instant at CMC and OANDA, and took under a day at the others. Do this step before you fund. Then your first withdrawal is not held up.

Card deposits sometimes carry a per-transaction limit set by your bank, not the broker. If a large card deposit is declined, split it or use PayNow instead. It rarely has a low cap.

How Singapore Forex Profits Are Taxed in Singapore

Tax is where Singapore is genuinely friendly, but the detail matters, so it is worth understanding before you pick a broker.

Singapore has no capital gains tax. For many individuals, occasional trading gains on their own money are simply not taxable at all.

The catch is classification. IRAS, the tax authority, looks at whether your activity amounts to a trade or vocation. If it does, the profit is treated as income, not a tax-free gain.

Here is how IRAS tends to weigh it:

  • 🔹 Frequency and volume: high-frequency, systematic trading points toward a trade
  • 🔹 Organisation: running it like a business, with records and a plan, points toward a trade
  • 🔹 Intention: trading for regular income rather than occasional gain points toward a trade
  • 🔹 Casual, infrequent trading of your own capital usually falls outside income tax

Where trading is assessed as income, the resident rates for the 2026 filing apply. Here is the progressive structure in outline, before any reliefs:

Chargeable incomeMarginal rate
Up to SGD 20,000Nil
SGD 20,001 to 40,0002%
SGD 40,001 to 80,0003.5% to 7%
SGD 80,001 to 320,00011.5% to 20%
Above SGD 320,00022% to 24%

Here is the practical difference:

  • 🔹 Occasional personal trading: for most individuals, gains are not taxed under Singapore’s no-CGT rule
  • 🔹 Business-like trading: profit is added to your income and taxed at your marginal rate
  • 🔹 There is no franking or dividend relief on CFDs, and no tax-free spread betting as in the UK

⚠️ There is an important classification point. Whether you are a casual trader or carrying on a trade is a judgement call, and the line is not always obvious. If you trade heavily and systematically, get advice.

A few extra points that trip up Singapore traders:

  • 🔹 Keep every statement. If IRAS asks, you need records of all closed trades.
  • 🔹 Separate your situation from a company’s. A trading company is taxed differently from an individual.
  • 🔹 No GST on your trading gains. Financial trading is not subject to GST for the individual.
  • 🔹 The year of assessment matters. Rates and reliefs are set annually.

None of this is tax advice. Rules and rates change. Treat the figures as a 2026 snapshot and confirm your own position with IRAS or a Singapore accountant before you file.

Tax record-keeping checklist for Singapore forex traders

Keep this simple record from day one:

  • 🔹 Log every closed trade: date, instrument, profit or loss, account type.
  • 🔹 Note your trading pattern: frequency and size help show whether you are casual or trading as a business.
  • 🔹 Track swap and commission costs: they matter if your gains are ever assessed as income.
  • 🔹 Keep broker statements: download annual summaries from each account.
  • 🔹 Confirm your classification with an accountant if you trade in a business-like way.

All figures are current as of 2026. Rates and thresholds change. Check the IRAS website or a Singapore accountant before you file.

How to Choose a Forex Broker in Singapore

The right broker depends on your money, your style and how much you value a local licence. Use this simple decision tree.

If you are a Singapore beginner with under SGD 500: open AvaTrade from 100 dollars for fixed spreads and copy trading, or OANDA from nothing for a MAS-licensed account with a simple platform.

If you want a broker licensed inside Singapore: choose CMC Markets, IG, Saxo, OANDA or Plus500. All five hold a MAS Capital Markets Services licence.

If you want the lowest running cost: choose FP Markets or Pepperstone for raw ECN spreads, accepting that both serve Singapore through a tier-one offshore entity.

If you scalp or run automated strategies: choose Pepperstone or IC Markets for fast execution and the full MetaTrader and cTrader set.

If you want the widest markets or a bank-grade broker: choose IG for range or Saxo for multi-asset depth, both MAS-licensed.

If you value the MAS framework above the last fraction of a pip: always pick a locally licensed broker, and confirm the entity on the MAS register before you fund.

One rule cuts through all of this. If two brokers are close, choose the one whose licence you can verify, the MAS one on the MAS directory or the offshore one on that regulator’s register. A confirmed licence is worth more than 0.1 of a pip.

A worked example

Say you have SGD 500, you want to swing-trade a few majors, and you care about safety.

Start by deciding whether MAS-domestic regulation matters to you. If it does, your shortlist is CMC, OANDA, Saxo, IG or Plus500. Segregation and a local licence are your safety floor.

Next, because you have a small balance, you want a low minimum. IG needs SGD 250, half your capital, a tight fit. CMC, Saxo and OANDA all open from SGD 0.

If you want a MAS licence with no minimum and a simple platform, I would open OANDA first. If you would rather have fixed spreads and copy trading and are comfortable offshore, AvaTrade is the pick. That is the method: decide on the licence, then minimum, then cost, then platform.

Pitfalls to Avoid as a Singapore Trader

Singapore is well regulated, but the traps are still real. Here is what catches new traders out.

Assuming a compensation fund exists. Unlike the UK, Singapore has no FSCS-style payout scheme for CFD clients. Your safety net is the licence and fund segregation, not a fund. Choose accordingly.

Offshore entities dressed as local. A famous broker may onboard your Singapore sign-up under an offshore arm to offer higher leverage. That account has no MAS protection. Always confirm your entity before depositing.

Chasing leverage. An offshore broker offering 1:500 is not doing you a favour. MAS keeps retail leverage near 20:1 because high leverage is how most retail accounts lose money.

Trading a USD account from Singapore. If your base currency is US dollars, you pay a conversion fee every time you deposit in SGD and every time you trade a non-USD pair. Open an SGD account with a MAS broker to avoid it.

Withdrawal friction. The main cause of delays is trying to withdraw to a different method than you deposited with. Match them and most delays vanish.

Bonus and signal traps. Deposit bonuses and paid signal groups aimed at Singapore traders often come from unregulated offshore sites. A broker pushing a big bonus hard is a warning sign, not a gift.

Ignoring the inactivity fee. Several brokers here charge a monthly fee once your account sits dormant. AvaTrade starts after three months. If you plan to trade rarely, factor that in.

Two brokers I do not recommend for Singapore clients right now are any unlicensed offshore forex site and any broker on our brokers to avoid list. If it is not on the MAS register and not backed by a genuine tier-one regulator, do not deposit.

Bottom Line for Singapore Traders

Here is the short version after testing all ten.

The rule to remember is simple. For a Singapore trader, a licence you can verify and segregated client money matter more than any single number on a spreadsheet, because there is no compensation fund to fall back on.

Our pick for Singapore traders: AvaTrade for beginners, with fixed spreads that hold steady in fast markets, built-in copy trading and a 100 dollar entry. FP Markets for the lowest running cost, with raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips. For a broker licensed inside Singapore, CMC Markets, IG, Saxo, OANDA and Plus500 all hold a MAS Capital Markets Services licence with SGD-base accounts and PayNow funding. Singapore has no FSCS-style fund, so verify every broker on the MAS register and confirm the entity you onboard under before you fund.

Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments. 74-89% of retail accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Affiliate disclosure: how we earn. Reviewed by Laura West. Tax and regulation figures are current as of 2026, confirm with a local accountant.

Frequently asked questions

Is forex trading legal in Singapore?

Yes, forex and CFD trading is fully legal in Singapore. The cleanest route is a broker that holds a Capital Markets Services (CMS) licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which regulates leveraged foreign exchange and CFD providers under the Securities and Futures Act. On this page CMC Markets, IG, Saxo, OANDA and Plus500 all hold a local MAS CMS licence you can check yourself on the MAS Financial Institutions Directory in a couple of minutes. Trading through an offshore-regulated broker is also legal for you as an individual, but you give up MAS oversight and any local recourse if something goes wrong. There is no exam or permit you need to start. You open an account, pass identity checks, and fund it. Your job is to confirm the licence is real and active before you deposit a single dollar.

Which forex broker is best for Singapore beginners?

AvaTrade is my top pick for a Singapore beginner. It opens from just 100 dollars, runs fixed spreads that stay the same in calm and volatile markets, and pairs a clean app with built-in copy trading and a strong education library. That combination is forgiving when you are still learning. If you would rather have a broker licensed inside Singapore, OANDA is the standout beginner choice among the MAS-regulated names, with a 0 dollar minimum, a simple platform and a long track record. CMC Markets is a close third for its polished Next Generation platform and MAS licence. In my testing this year all three cleared identity checks quickly and let me trade micro positions while I learned. Start small, keep position sizes tiny, and only add funds once you trade consistently. A low minimum matters more than a flashy bonus offer.

How are forex trading profits taxed in Singapore?

Singapore has no capital gains tax, so for many individuals occasional trading gains are simply not taxable. The catch is how IRAS, the tax authority, classifies your activity. If your trading looks like a trade or vocation, judged on frequency, system, organisation and intent, your net profit is treated as income and taxed at resident rates that reach up to 24% for the 2024 year of assessment onward. Casual, infrequent trading of your own money usually falls outside that. There is no tax-free spread-betting route as in the UK, and no franking or dividend relief on CFDs. Keep every broker statement and a record of closed trades so you can show your position if asked. None of this is tax advice, and the classification is a judgement call, so confirm your own situation with IRAS or a Singapore accountant before you file.

What payment methods work for Singapore forex deposits and withdrawals?

PayNow is the rail I reach for first with the MAS-licensed brokers. It moves Singapore dollars between bank accounts in seconds and is usually free, and on my tests this year CMC Markets, IG, OANDA and Saxo all credited PayNow or FAST bank transfers quickly. Debit and credit cards work almost everywhere and clear instantly. For the offshore-served brokers like FP Markets, Pepperstone and IC Markets, funding leans more on cards, bank wire and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, which return withdrawals fastest. One rule saves most people a headache: always withdraw to the same method you deposited with. Anti-money-laundering rules require that match, and skipping it is the single biggest cause of delayed withdrawals I see. Deposits are near-instant across the board. Bank withdrawals take one to two business days, while e-wallets often return money in minutes.

Are offshore forex brokers safe for Singapore clients?

Offshore brokers sit outside the MAS, so they carry no Singapore oversight and no local dispute channel. That does not automatically make them unsafe, but it raises the bar on the licence they do hold. The safest offshore brokers on this list, AvaTrade, FP Markets, Pepperstone, IC Markets and FxPro, are backed by strong tier-one regulators abroad such as the FCA, ASIC or CySEC, with segregated client money. The trap to watch is leverage. A familiar brand may onboard your Singapore sign-up under an offshore arm in the Seychelles, the Bahamas or Cyprus to offer 1:200 or 1:500, far above what a MAS entity allows. The account looks like the same brand, but the protection behind it is thinner. If MAS-domestic regulation matters to you, choose one of the locally licensed names. If you go offshore, confirm the regulator is genuinely tier-one first.

What leverage can Singapore retail traders use?

On a MAS-regulated account, retail leverage is conservative. MAS-licensed brokers such as CMC Markets, IG, Saxo, OANDA and Plus500 typically cap retail leverage at around 20:1 on major currency pairs, and lower on more volatile instruments. Leverage lets you control a larger position than your deposit, so at 20:1 a 100 dollar margin controls a 2,000 dollar position. That is deliberately restrained, because MAS treats high leverage as a consumer-protection risk. Offshore-served brokers advertise far more, often 1:200 to 1:500, but that leverage comes with no MAS oversight and weaker recourse. Higher leverage is not a favour. It is the fastest way most retail accounts lose money, and 74 to 89% of retail CFD accounts do. If a broker offers a Singapore retail client 1:500, it is routing you through an offshore entity. Confirm the exact figure on the specific Singapore entity before you fund.

Does Singapore have an FSCS-style compensation scheme for forex traders?

No. Singapore has no government-backed compensation fund that repays CFD or forex clients if a broker fails, unlike the UK with its FSCS or Canada with the CIPF. This is the most important thing a Singapore trader should understand. What you get instead is conduct regulation. A MAS Capital Markets Services licence requires the broker to hold retail client money in segregated trust accounts, separated from the firm's own funds under the Securities and Futures Act, and to follow MAS rules on disclosure and fair dealing. That reduces the risk of misuse, but it is not a payout guarantee if the firm becomes insolvent. For offshore brokers, your protection rests entirely on their foreign regulator and their own fund segregation. This is exactly why I weight a genuine MAS licence, or a strong tier-one offshore licence, and a clean company history so heavily on this page.

Is AvaTrade safe for Singapore clients?

AvaTrade is a reasonable choice on safety, but with an important caveat for Singapore. AvaTrade does not hold a MAS licence, so Singapore clients onboard under one of its offshore-regulated arms rather than a locally licensed entity. What backs it is a broad regulatory footprint elsewhere: the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC in Australia, the FSCA in South Africa, Japan's FSA and the ADGM FSRA in Abu Dhabi, with segregated client money across the regulated entities. It has operated since 2006 with no material enforcement history. The trade-off is that if a dispute arises, you rely on that foreign regulator, not the MAS, and there is no Singapore compensation fund behind it. For a beginner who values fixed spreads and copy trading, it is a solid pick. If you specifically want MAS-domestic protection, choose IG, Saxo, CMC, OANDA or Plus500 instead. Read whether [AvaTrade is legit](/avatrade-is-avatrade-legit/) for the entity detail.

How much money do I need to start forex trading in Singapore?

Far less than most people expect. Several strong brokers have no minimum deposit at all, including CMC Markets, Saxo, OANDA and Pepperstone, so you fund whatever you plan to trade. AvaTrade, FP Markets, Plus500 and FxPro open from around 100 dollars, IC Markets from 200 dollars, and IG from 250 dollars. A higher minimum does not mean a safer or better broker. What matters is that your first balance is enough to trade small without the spread eating it. I would start any first account with 200 to 500 dollars, keep position sizes tiny, and only add money once you trade consistently. Every broker here lets you trade micro lots, which are one-hundredth of a standard lot, so even a few hundred dollars is enough to place meaningful trades while you learn. The goal early on is to survive and learn, not to size up.

How do I check a forex broker on the MAS register?

This is the most useful safety check you can run, it is free, and it takes about two minutes. Go to the MAS Financial Institutions Directory on the Monetary Authority of Singapore website and search the broker's Singapore company name, for example IG Asia Pte Ltd or Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd. Confirm three things. First, the entity holds a Capital Markets Services licence for dealing in capital markets products, which covers leveraged foreign exchange and CFDs. Second, the licence status is current, not lapsed or revoked. Third, the company name matches the entity in the broker's website footer for Singapore clients. If a broker has no MAS entry, it is serving you through an offshore arm, which is legal but carries no local protection. On this page I confirmed the MAS licence for CMC, IG, Saxo, OANDA and Plus500, and the offshore regulator for the rest.

Are IG and Saxo safe for Singapore clients?

Both are among the safest choices for a Singapore trader, precisely because both hold a local MAS licence. IG Asia Pte Ltd and Saxo Capital Markets Pte Ltd each hold a MAS Capital Markets Services licence, which I confirmed on the MAS register this year, and Singapore clients onboard under those local entities with segregated client money. IG has traded since 1974 and is listed in London, while Saxo is a licensed Danish bank with a major Singapore presence, so both carry deep balance sheets and long track records. The usual reminder still applies: neither the MAS nor any Singapore scheme repays trading losses if a firm fails, so segregation and the licence are what protect you, not a payout fund. Read whether [IG is safe](/ig-markets-is-ig-markets-safe/) and whether [Saxo is safe](/saxo-bank-is-saxo-bank-safe/) for the entity-by-entity breakdown. Neither is a commercial partner of ours, so we rank them on merit.

Can I open an SGD-base forex account in Singapore?

Yes, and with a MAS-licensed broker you usually should. An SGD-base account holds your balance in Singapore dollars, so when you deposit by PayNow or card there is no currency conversion fee, and your profit and loss is reported in the currency you actually spend. CMC Markets, IG, Saxo, OANDA and Plus500 all offer an SGD-base option through their Singapore entity. The offshore-served brokers on this list, such as FP Markets, Pepperstone and IC Markets, more often default to a USD-base account, which means you pay a conversion spread on every SGD deposit and every trade in a non-USD pair. That quietly adds up over time. When you sign up, check the account-currency dropdown and select SGD before you fund. Changing it later usually means opening a fresh account, so it is worth getting right at the start.

Which brokers hold a MAS licence versus serve Singapore offshore?

On this list, five brokers hold a local MAS Capital Markets Services licence: CMC Markets Singapore, IG Asia, Saxo Capital Markets, OANDA Asia Pacific and Plus500SG. These are the picks if MAS-domestic regulation and SGD-base accounts with PayNow funding are your priority. The other five, AvaTrade, FP Markets, Pepperstone, IC Markets and FxPro, serve Singapore clients through offshore-regulated entities backed by strong tier-one regulators abroad such as the FCA, ASIC and CySEC. Offshore is not a red flag by itself, and these are established firms, but the protection sits with a foreign regulator rather than the MAS, and leverage is usually higher and less restrained. My ranking leads with the vetted partners we trust on cost and beginner access, then covers the field. Whichever route you choose, verify the licence, the MAS one on the MAS directory or the offshore one on that regulator's register, before you deposit.

Should I practise on a demo account before trading live in Singapore?

Yes, and I would treat it as a required first step rather than an optional one. A demo account is a free practice account funded with virtual money that mirrors real market prices, so you can learn the platform, place orders and test a strategy without risking a dollar. Every broker here offers one, and AvaTrade, OANDA, CMC and Pepperstone make theirs especially easy to open. Spend at least a couple of weeks on demo until you can open, manage and close trades without hesitating. There is one honest limitation. A demo cannot replicate the emotion of trading real money, so once your strategy holds up, move to a small live account rather than staying on demo forever. That is exactly why brokers with low minimums are useful. You bridge from demo to live cheaply, with real but small stakes, and learn how you actually behave when your own money is on the line.

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43 forex brokers tested by Laura West · Last updated August 30, 2026

Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider category.