Two brokers face off in a stocks-focused comparison, weighing regulation, access, and protections. The axis pits regulatory strength against market reach, setting up a tightly contested verdict.
easyMarkets demonstrates stronger regulatory backing and compensation protections, while FBS lags on this dimension; the pair remain closely matched overall.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose easyMarkets if…
Choose easyMarkets if you prioritize stronger regulatory coverage and compensation protections.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you want a $1 minimum deposit and broad MT4/MT5 automation support.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
easyMarkets is guided by top-tier regulators and offers compensation protection.
| Editorial score | 3.4/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $25 | $1▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | easyMarkets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: easyMarkets rates 3.4/5 and FBS rates 3.3/5. easyMarkets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
FBS lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with easyMarkets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
FBS has $1, while easyMarkets requires at least $25. This makes FBS more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
easyMarkets holds top-tier regulation (CNV, ASIC, HCMC), providing stronger investor protections. FBS may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
For beginners, two factors stand out: FBS requires a lower minimum deposit ($1), lowering the barrier to entry, and easyMarkets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
easyMarkets lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while FBS lists up to 3000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FBS charges $20 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for easyMarkets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
easyMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. easyMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither easyMarkets nor FBS is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
easyMarkets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
FBS wins due to higher leverage and MT4/MT5 automation support.
easyMarkets wins by offering access to more exchanges.
Equally matched; neither shows a clear low-cost pricing model.
Equally matched; neither supports fractional shares or dividend reinvestment.
| N/A |
| 2 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPayPerfect Money |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | CNV ASIC HCMC CySEC MNB | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.3 / 5
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