Focus Markets vs xChief Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Focus Markets and xChief. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Focus Markets or xChief?
Our pick: xChief
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - xChief looks preferable to Focus Markets.
xChief scored 4.2/5 and ranks 38 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Focus Markets suitable for?
Focus Markets is suitable for experienced Forex/CFD traders who trade via MT5 and independently use external analytics.
Who is xChief suitable for?
xChief is suitable for traders looking for a wide range of trading instruments and low spreads. However, the broker is not suitable for those seeking a strong analytical section and educational courses
Comparison Table of Focus Markets and xChief
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2014 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Comoros, South Africa, Kazakhstan |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Focus Markets Review | xChief Review |
Focus Markets Review
Focus Markets is a broker aimed primarily at independent Forex and CFD traders who value access to popular markets, the familiar MetaTrader 5 platform, and a clear trading account structure. It is not the most versatile option for beginners who need strong education, regular analytics, and a wide selection of services within the broker’s ecosystem.
Focus Markets is best suited to experienced traders who already use external analytics sources, make trading decisions independently, and are looking for a broker for active CFD trading. For beginner clients, the broker may be less convenient due to its weak educational base and limited support in making trading decisions.
Pros and Cons of Focus Markets
Pros
- More than 700 CFD instruments are available, including Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- MetaTrader 5 is supported with WebTrader, mobile versions, Expert Advisors, and one-click trading.
- The broker does not charge internal fees for deposits and withdrawals.
- Various deposit methods are available: cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts.
- No MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or proprietary trading platform.
- Weak analytics: no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party analytical services.
- No educational materials for beginners.
xChief Review
xChief offers traders a variety of opportunities and services for successful trading in the Forex market. With a wide selection of trading instruments, reliable trading platforms, contests, and educational materials, the broker creates conditions for developing traders of all experience levels.
Pros and Cons of xChief
Pros
- A wide range of trading instruments.
- Availability of cent and PAMM accounts.
- Tight spreads and low commission per transaction.
- Scalping and algorithmic trading allowed.
Cons
- Weak analytical section.
- No educational courses and webinars for beginner traders.
xChief is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2014 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Comoros, South Africa, Kazakhstan |
| Regulators |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets combines a regulated Australian division with international structures in Mauritius and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Client protection depends on the legal entity.
Pros
- There is a division supervised by ASIC.
- The group’s international structure is disclosed.
Cons
- No compensation fund.
- No information about additional funds insurance.
xChief
xChief’s reliability can be rated as average. The group holds MISA, FSCA, and AFSA licences, but most retail clients are served by the offshore entity XCHIEF LTD, which provides a limited level of protection.
Pros
- The group includes several regulated entities.
- Holds FSCA and AFSA licences.
Cons
- Most retail accounts are regulated by MISA.
Account Opening
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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Focus Markets
Opening an account with Focus Markets is convenient and fairly fast: registration is completed online, the questionnaire is clear, and document verification usually takes up to 24 business hours.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- Clear 3-step questionnaire.
- Wide selection of account base currencies.
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification is required.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- No instant activation of a live account.
xChief
Opening an account with Forex Chief is simple and fast thanks to a clear registration and verification process.
Account Types
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ account lineup covers traders’ basic needs, but remains limited: only Standard and Raw are available, with no cent, Islamic, or fixed-spread account.
Pros
- Standard and Raw accounts are available.
- 30-day demo account.
- Trader copy trading is available.
Cons
- No cent account.
- No Islamic account.
- No fixed-spread account.
xChief
Forex Chief offers a variety of account types, satisfying the needs of different traders, from beginners to professionals.
Pros
- Wide selection of accounts: DirectFX, Classic+, cent, and Islamic.
- Demo accounts are available for novice traders.
- Investment accounts available: PAMM accounts and copy trading.
Commissions
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 0.7 |
| Commission | per 1 lot$3.50 | per 1 lot$2.50 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ fees are average: spreads and swaps on Standard are typical for the market, the Raw commission is $3.5 per lot per side, and withdrawals are free of broker fees.
Pros
- No withdrawal fee from the broker.
Cons
- An account inactivity fee may apply.
xChief
Forex Chief offers attractive commissions and tight spreads, although swaps are average for the market. Rebates add extra benefits for active traders.
Pros
- Low commission per trade.
- Tight spreads.
- No inactivity fees and no withdrawal fees.
Cons
- High swaps.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Focus Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Focus Markets are convenient: many methods are available, there are no internal fees, and withdrawal times are usually 1–3 business days.
Pros
- Cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets are available.
- No internal broker fees.
- Most deposits are processed quickly.
Cons
- Withdrawals are reviewed by the finance department.
- Fees from banks and providers may apply.
xChief
ForexChief offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods without any fees on their part, with fast processing of requests.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Forex | 50 | 39 |
| Precious Metals | 5 | 2 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 3 |
| Indices | 8 | 10 |
| Stocks | 500 | 100 |
| Cryptocurrency | 140 | 5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers a wide selection of CFD instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- More than 700 instruments.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Cons
- No real stocks or ETFs.
- No soft commodities.
xChief
Forex Chief offers a respectable variety of trading instruments.
Pros
- Wide range of currency pairs and CFDs.
- Access to cryptocurrency trading.
- Flexible margin requirements.
Cons
- Lack of soft commodities.
- Limited number of stock CFDs.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers the reliable and functional MT5 platform, but the selection is limited: there is no MT4, cTrader, or proprietary broker platform.
Pros
- MetaTrader 5 is available.
- WebTrader and mobile versions are available.
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4.
- No cTrader.
- No proprietary platform.
xChief
Forex Chief offers widely used and functional MT4 and MT5 platforms, providing convenience and accessibility for traders.
Pros
- Use of popular and proven MT4 and MT5 platforms.
- Availability of platforms on various OS (Windows, iOS, Android).
Cons
- Lack of proprietary unique platform.
- Limited selection of platforms compared to some competitors.
Analytics
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ analytics are weak: there are no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party services such as Trading Central or Autochartist.
Cons
- No market reviews.
- No trading signals.
- No analytics from third-party providers.
xChief
ForexChief offers basic analytical tools, but they are generally insufficient for serious trading.
Pros
- Current central bank interest rates.
- Convenient trader's calculator.
Cons
- Outdated economic articles.
- Insufficient variety of analytical tools.
Education
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Focus Markets
Education at Focus Markets is poorly developed: instead of a full knowledge base, the broker offers only an FAQ, with no courses, webinars, video lessons, or market analysis materials.
Pros
- There is an FAQ on key questions.
Cons
- No educational courses.
- No webinars or video lessons.
- No materials on strategies or market analysis.
xChief
ForexChief's educational materials cover the basics, but do not offer in-depth training.
Pros
- Wide range of article topics for beginners.
- Various trading strategies and indicators are presented.
Cons
- Lack of more advanced materials.
- No video tutorials or webinars.
Customer Support
| Broker | Focus Markets | xChief |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones | — |
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| Social Media | — |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
TelegramFocus Markets
Focus Markets’ technical support is basic: online chat, email, and an FAQ are available, with a 24/5 schedule, but there are few contact channels and limited public feedback on service quality.
Pros
- Online chat is available on the website.
- Support operates 24/5.
Cons
- No clearly specified social networks or messengers.
- Limited number of public reviews.
xChief
ForexChief support is well-organized and easily accessible, but has limited operating hours.
Comparisons of Focus Markets and xChief with other brokers
Conclusion
xChief stands out as the better overall pick, while Focus Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
xChief scored 4.2/5 and ranks 38 in our rating; Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Focus Markets or xChief?
xChief comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.2/5, position 38) versus Focus Markets (score 3.8/5, position 60).
Which broker is better for beginners: Focus Markets or xChief?
xChief is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Focus Markets or xChief?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Focus Markets and xChief?
Focus Markets: MetaTrader 5. xChief: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Focus Markets and xChief?
Focus Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. xChief: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Focus Markets and xChief?
Focus Markets: Standard, Raw. xChief: CENT, Classic+, DirectFX, xPRIME. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Focus Markets and xChief?
Focus Markets: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. xChief: Skrill, Neteller, Volet, WebMoney, FasaPay, SEPA, Credit and Debit Cards, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Focus Markets or xChief — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
