Last updated: October 2026 | SeaMoneyTips
Choosing among the best forex brokers in Singapore comes down to one question first: is the broker regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore? MAS-licensed brokers must keep client money in segregated accounts, publish monthly investor-account disclosures, and follow leverage caps under the Securities and Futures Act. In 2026, retail traders in Singapore can open accounts with fully MAS-regulated names such as OANDA, IG, and Saxo, or with well-known offshore brokers such as IC Markets and Pepperstone that serve Singapore traders through overseas entities.
This guide compares the best forex brokers in Singapore 2026 by regulation, costs, platforms, and funding options, then explains how to verify any broker's licence on the MAS website before you deposit a single dollar. If you are new to currency trading, read our Singapore forex trading guide first, then come back here to pick your broker.
Best forex brokers in Singapore (2026): OANDA, IG, Saxo, CMC Invest, IC Markets, Pepperstone, and Plus500 are the most-used platforms. OANDA, IG, and Saxo hold MAS licences and offer SGD-funded accounts. Leverage for retail traders is capped at 20:1 on major currency pairs, and a 50 percent margin close-out rule applies. Always confirm the licence on the MAS Financial Institutions Directory before funding an account. Source: mas.gov.sg
Quick Answer: The Best Forex Brokers in Singapore 2026
Here is the short version for readers who want a fast decision. Every broker below accepts Singapore residents, and the first three are locally licensed by MAS.
| Broker | Best for | Min deposit | Typical spread (EURUSD) | SGD account | MAS regulated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OANDA Asia Pacific | Beginners and tight spreads | SGD 0 | From 0.1 pip plus commission | Yes | Yes |
| IG Singapore | Market range and track record | SGD 0 | From 0.6 pip | Yes | Yes |
| Saxo Markets | Multi-asset and research | SGD 0 | From 0.9 pip on Classic | Yes | Yes |
| IC Markets Global | Raw spreads and scalping | USD 200 | From 0.0 pip plus commission | No | No (ASIC/FSA) |
| Pepperstone | Low-cost active trading | SGD 0 | Standard from 0.6 pip, Razor from 0.0 pip | Partial | No (FCA/ASIC) |
| Plus500SG | Simple CFD trading via app | SGD 0 | Spread only, wider | Yes | Yes |
Note: Spreads are indicative averages for standard accounts in normal market conditions and change with volatility. Verify current pricing on each broker's live pricing page before you trade.
Why MAS Regulation Matters More Than Any Other Feature
Forex trading carries real risk of losing money, and the regulator you trade under determines what protections you actually have. The Monetary Authority of Singapore licenses brokers under the Securities and Futures Act and the Financial Advisers Act. A MAS-regulated broker must segregate client money from its own funds, conduct regular reconciliation, and file monthly investor-account returns with MAS. Singapore also caps retail leverage at 20:1 for major currency pairs and requires a margin close-out at 50 percent, which limits how quickly a losing position can wipe out your account.
Offshore brokers are not necessarily scams, but protections differ. If an offshore broker fails or disappears, you cannot rely on MAS dispute resolution. For that reason, this guide treats MAS regulation as the first filter, not a nice-to-have. You can check any broker in seconds on the MAS Financial Institutions Directory, and we show you how later in this article.
Regulation is one part of risk management. The other part is position sizing. Our compound interest guide explains why protecting capital matters more than chasing returns, and the same logic applies to leveraged trading.
Best MAS-Regulated Forex Brokers in Singapore
These brokers hold MAS licences and serve Singapore retail traders under local rules, including the 20:1 leverage cap and segregated client funds.
1. OANDA Asia Pacific: Best for Beginners and Tight Spreads
OANDA is a US-founded broker whose Asia Pacific arm is licensed by MAS and headquartered in Singapore. It is one of the oldest names in retail FX with a strong reputation for pricing transparency. Standard accounts have no minimum deposit and no monthly platform fees, and pricing starts from about 0.1 pip plus a low commission on the core plan.
- Regulation: MAS (OANDA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd), plus licences in the US, UK, and other jurisdictions
- Platforms: OANDA Web, fxTrade mobile app, MetaTrader 5, TradingView integration
- Funding: FAST bank transfer, PayNow, wire, and cards in SGD or USD
- Best for: Beginners who want a trusted, low-cost MAS-regulated broker with strong charting
OANDA also publishes execution statistics and supports hedging and scalping, which makes it suitable for active traders as well. If you also invest in equities, our how to invest in US stocks from Singapore guide covers brokers that handle both FX and shares.
2. IG Singapore: Best for Market Range and Track Record
IG has operated in Singapore since 2015 and is licensed by MAS for CFDs and FX. IG is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has more than 45 years of history, which matters for traders who value institutional stability. Spreads on EURUSD start around 0.6 pips with no minimum deposit, and the platform gives access to about 17,000 markets, including FX, indices, commodities, and shares.
- Regulation: MAS (IG Asia Pte Ltd), plus FCA and ASIC entities
- Platforms: IG Web and mobile, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTrend
- Funding: FAST, PayNow, wire transfer, cards
- Best for: Traders who want the widest single-platform market range under MAS rules
3. Saxo Markets Singapore: Best for Multi-Asset and Research
Saxo Markets is the Singapore arm of Denmark's Saxo Bank and holds an MAS Capital Markets Services licence. It suits traders who want FX alongside stocks, bonds, and funds in one account. The Classic tier has no minimum deposit or platform fee, and spreads on majors start around 0.9 pip.
Saxo's research and market news integration are among the best available to retail traders, and the platform suite includes the SaxoInvestor and SaxoTrader platforms on web, desktop, and mobile.
- Regulation: MAS (Saxo Markets Singapore Pte Ltd), plus Danish FSA parent oversight
- Platforms: SaxoTraderGO, SaxoTraderPRO, mobile apps
- Funding: FAST, wire, and internal transfers in SGD or USD
- Best for: Traders who want institutional-grade research and multi-asset access
4. CMC Invest Singapore: Best Low-Cost All-in-One App
CMC Invest is the Singapore arm of CMC Markets, an LSE-listed brokerage founded in 1989. CMC Invest Singapore offers commission-free SGX and US stocks plus FX and CFD trading on the CMC platform, with local MAS licensing and SGD funding through FAST and PayNow. It fits beginners who want one app for long-term investing and occasional FX trading.
- Regulation: MAS (CMC Invest Singapore Pte Ltd)
- Platforms: CMC Invest app and CMC's Next Generation platform
- Best for: One app for stocks, ETFs, and occasional FX under MAS rules
Best Offshore Brokers Used by Singapore Traders
These brokers serve Singapore traders through entities licensed in other jurisdictions. Many traders still use them for raw spreads and higher leverage, but understand that MAS protections do not apply, and the 20:1 leverage cap does not either. Weigh that trade-off carefully, and remember that MAS leverage caps exist to limit how fast a leveraged loss grows.
5. IC Markets: Raw Spreads for Scalpers
IC Markets is an Australian-founded broker popular with scalpers for its Raw Spread account: from 0.0 pip on majors plus about USD 3.5 per lot per side commission, cTrader support, and fast execution. Minimum deposit is USD 200 or equivalent. IC Markets serves Singapore traders through its Australian (ASIC) and Seychelles (FSA) entities, so there is no MAS licence covering retail FX.
- Regulation: ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles)
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader
- Funding: Wire, cards, and some e-wallets; SGD funding is not available
- Best for: Scalpers who prioritise raw spreads over local regulation
6. Pepperstone: Low-Cost Active Trading
Pepperstone is an Australian broker founded in 2010 with a strong low-cost reputation. Singapore traders sign up under the FCA or ASIC entity since there is no MAS retail FX licence. The Razor account prices from 0.0 pip plus commission, and the Standard account has no commission with spreads from 0.6 pip.
- Regulation: FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), DFSA (Dubai), CySEC
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
- Best for: Active traders who want reliable execution and low total trading costs
7. Plus500SG: Simple App-First CFD Trading
Plus500SG is the local arm of Plus500, an LSE-listed company, and holds an MAS licence for CFD trading with its proprietary app. The platform is deliberately simple: one ticket, clear margin display, and risk management tools. Spreads are wider than raw-spread brokers, but the MAS oversight and clean app experience make it a reasonable choice for beginners who want simplicity.
- Regulation: MAS (Plus500SG Pte Ltd)
- Platforms: Proprietary web and app platform only
- Best for: Beginners who value simplicity and MAS oversight over raw pricing
How to Compare Forex Brokers: The 7 Factors That Matter
Beyond regulation, these seven factors separate a good broker from an expensive one.
Regulation and Entity Structure
Always check which entity you are contracting with, not just the brand name. Large groups operate multiple entities: an MAS-regulated Singapore entity for local clients, an ASIC or FCA entity for other markets, and an offshore entity for high-leverage accounts. Signing up through the wrong entity can silently move you out of MAS protection. During sign-up, the terms should name the contracting entity, and that name should appear in the MAS directory.
Spreads and Commissions
Total trading cost is spread plus commission plus any financing (swap) charges. A broker quoting 0.0 pip spreads with USD 7 per lot round trip may cost more than one quoting 0.6 pip with zero commission, depending on your trade size and hold time. Active day traders should compare all-in cost per standard lot, while swing traders should compare swap rates on positions held overnight.
Execution Quality and Slippage
Execution quality decides whether the price you see is the price you get. Look for brokers that publish execution statistics or support limit orders with positive slippage policies. Fast execution matters most for scalpers and news traders.
Platforms and Tools
MetaTrader 4 and 5 remain the standard for expert advisors and custom indicators. cTrader is popular for level 2 pricing, and TradingView integration suits chart-first traders. Proprietary platforms like IG's and Saxo's are polished but lock you into one ecosystem. Choose based on how you actually trade.
Funding Methods and Speed
MAS-regulated brokers generally support FAST and PayNow in SGD with same-day processing. Offshore brokers rely on wire transfer or cards, which take 1 to 5 business days and may involve FX conversion fees. If you plan to move money in and out frequently, local SGD rails save both time and conversion cost.
Customer Support and Local Presence
Local offices matter when something goes wrong. MAS-regulated brokers with Singapore offices offer phone and chat support in your time zone and are subject to MAS complaint-handling expectations.
Account Types and Swap-Free Options
Some brokers offer swap-free accounts for traders who avoid overnight financing for religious reasons. Check the exact admin fee structure on swap-free accounts, since some brokers charge flat daily fees instead of swap.
How to Verify a Broker's MAS Licence in 3 Steps
Before depositing with any broker, spend two minutes on the MAS website. This is the single most important check in this entire article.
- Open the MAS Financial Institutions Directory. Search "Financial Institutions Directory" on mas.gov.sg and enter the broker's exact legal entity name, which you can find in the sign-up terms. For example, OANDA Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, IG Asia Pte Ltd, or Saxo Markets Singapore Pte Ltd.
- Check the licence type and status. The register shows the licence type, its status, and any historical actions. A Capital Markets Services licence for dealing in capital markets products with status Active is what you want to see for FX and CFDs.
- Match the entity name to your account agreement. The name on your account agreement must match the licensed entity exactly. If the agreement names a foreign entity, you are not trading under MAS rules regardless of the brand.
If a broker is not in the directory, do not deposit. Marketing claims like "regulated in Singapore" without a matching register entry are a red flag. Our Singapore investment scams guide lists more warning signs, and the same logic applies as with our licensed money lender guide: a licence you can verify beats any marketing promise.
Risk Management: The Part Most Beginners Skip
Between 72 and 80 percent of retail CFD accounts lose money at most brokers, and forex trading amplifies that through leverage. MAS caps retail leverage at 20:1 for majors precisely because leverage multiplies both gains and losses. Three habits will keep you trading another day:
- Risk a fixed small percentage per trade. Many traders risk 1 to 2 percent of account equity per position. At 20:1 leverage on SGD 5,000, a 5 percent adverse move can erase your margin, so position size should assume normal daily volatility can run against you.
- Always use stop-loss orders. A stop-loss converts an open-ended loss into a known maximum loss. Without one, a gap through your expected exit can cost far more than planned.
- Understand the margin close-out rule. Under MAS rules, brokers must close positions when equity falls to 50 percent of required margin. This protection limits losses but does not prevent them.
If your goal is long-term wealth rather than active trading, compare the effort against a low-maintenance option such as an SSB ladder or the passive approach in our dividend investing guide.
How to Open Your First Forex Account in Singapore
Once you have picked a broker, opening an account takes one to three business days for verification.
- Choose your entity and account type. For MAS protection, sign up with the Singapore entity of an MAS-regulated broker. Choose standard (spread-only) or raw (spread plus commission) pricing based on your trading style.
- Prepare your documents. You will need your NRIC or passport, proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement under 3 months old, and sometimes proof of income for the suitability assessment.
- Complete the sign-up and risk assessment. MAS-regulated brokers must assess your knowledge and experience with leveraged products. Answer accurately, because this assessment determines what the broker must warn you about.
- Fund via FAST or PayNow. Local transfers usually credit same day. Start with an amount you can afford to lose entirely, such as SGD 500 to 2,000 for a first account.
- Practise, then trade micro lots. Run a demo account for at least two weeks, then trade micro lots (0.01 lots) live until you have 20 to 30 trades of data about your own behaviour.
FAQ: Best Forex Brokers in Singapore
Which forex broker is the best in Singapore?
For most Singapore traders, OANDA, IG, or Saxo are the best starting points because all three are MAS-regulated, fund in SGD, and have local support. OANDA suits cost-sensitive beginners, IG suits traders who want the widest market range, and Saxo suits those who want research depth and multi-asset access.
Is forex trading legal in Singapore?
Yes. Forex trading is legal in Singapore when done through MAS-regulated brokers. The activity itself is legal regardless, but MAS protections, leverage caps, and dispute resolution apply only when you use a locally licensed entity.
How much money do you need to start forex trading in Singapore?
MAS-regulated brokers like OANDA and IG have no minimum deposit, so you can technically start with any amount. Practically, SGD 500 to 2,000 is a sensible start because it allows proper position sizing with micro lots while keeping potential losses manageable.
What is the maximum leverage for forex in Singapore?
MAS caps retail leverage at 20:1 for major currency pairs, with lower caps for minor pairs, gold, and indices. A 50 percent margin close-out rule also applies. Offshore brokers may offer 100:1 or more, but those accounts are not covered by MAS protections.
Do I need to pay tax on forex profits in Singapore?
For most individual traders, forex trading gains are not taxed because Singapore has no capital gains tax and casual individual trading gains are generally not considered taxable income. However, frequent trading that amounts to a trade or business can be taxable. IRAS assesses this case by case, so check the IRAS website or consult a tax adviser for your situation.
Are offshore forex brokers safe for Singapore traders?
Some are well-run businesses, but they operate outside MAS supervision. You lose MAS segregated-funds oversight, the 20:1 leverage cap, and local dispute resolution. If you use one, keep balances small, verify the offshore licence, and withdraw profits regularly.
Can I use MetaTrader 4 and 5 in Singapore?
Yes. Most brokers reviewed here support MT4, MT5, or both, including OANDA, IC Markets, and Pepperstone. IG and Saxo support MetaTrader alongside their proprietary platforms.
Key Takeaways
- MAS regulation is the first filter: it gives you segregated client funds, a 20:1 leverage cap, and a 50 percent margin close-out rule.
- OANDA, IG, and Saxo are the strongest MAS-regulated choices, with zero minimum deposits and SGD funding via FAST and PayNow.
- IC Markets and Pepperstone offer raw spreads but serve Singapore through offshore entities, so weigh the protection trade-off.
- Compare all-in cost per lot, not headline spreads, and check swap rates if you hold positions overnight.
- Verify every broker on the MAS Financial Institutions Directory before depositing, and match the contracting entity name exactly.
Conclusion
The best forex brokers in Singapore 2026 share one trait: they let you verify their licence on the MAS register before you deposit. Start with an MAS-regulated broker such as OANDA, IG, or Saxo, fund via FAST or PayNow, and trade micro lots until you have real data about your own discipline. If raw spreads offshore tempt you, keep the balance small and withdraw often. And if active trading turns out not to be your path, the passive alternatives in our dividend and SSB guides will grow your money with far less screen time.
This article was written by the SeaMoneyTips Editorial Team, focused on personal finance education for Indonesia and Singapore readers. For inquiries, please contact us.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Trading forex and CFDs carries a high risk of losing money. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Broker features, spreads, and regulations change; verify details on official websites before opening an account.