Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders in 2026 have two compelling options when choosing a forex broker: Admirals and Hantec Markets. Both are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), ensuring a high level of investor protection. Admirals, with a strong score of 4.1/5, is known for its advanced trading platforms, competitive spreads, and extensive educational resources. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, offers a more traditional approach with fixed spreads and a focus on customer service. For sophisticated investors operating in Singapore’s financial hub, the choice often comes down to trading style and cost preference. This comparison examines key factors including local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, regulatory safeguards, and platform features to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in Singapore.
| Instrument | Admirals | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $1 | $10 | Admirals |
When comparing trading costs for Singapore traders, Admirals generally offers lower variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account, while Hantec Markets provides fixed spreads that are typically wider. For active traders executing high volumes in SGD pairs like USD/SGD, Admirals can be significantly more cost-effective. Hantec Markets’ fixed spreads provide certainty but come at a premium. Commission structures also differ: Admirals charges a small commission on its Zero account, while Hantec Markets includes all costs in the spread. Singapore traders should consider their average trade size and frequency to determine which broker offers the best overall value.
| Account Type | Admirals | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $1 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Admirals | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | Admirals | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Admirals |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Admirals |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Admirals |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Admirals | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Admirals provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary WebTrader, catering to both beginners and advanced traders in Singapore. MetaTrader 5 offers advanced charting and algorithmic trading capabilities. Hantec Markets offers MetaTrader 4 and a basic web platform, which may feel limited for sophisticated Singapore traders. For those who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or require multi-asset trading, Admirals’ MetaTrader 5 is a clear advantage. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, but Admirals provides a more versatile ecosystem for Singapore’s tech-savvy traders.
| Factor | Admirals | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Admirals |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality is critical for Singapore traders, especially those trading during Asian sessions. Admirals uses a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model with low latency, offering fast execution speeds under 30ms on most orders. Hantec Markets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads, which can lead to requotes during volatile periods. For scalpers and high-frequency traders in Singapore, Admirals’ straight-through processing (STP) provides more reliable execution. Hantec Markets suits traders who prefer predictable spreads over speed.
| Safety Factor | Admirals | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Admirals and Hantec Markets are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), offering Singapore traders a high level of security and compliance. MAS regulation ensures strict segregation of client funds, regular audits, and adherence to leverage limits. Admirals also holds licenses from other top-tier regulators like FCA and CySEC, adding an extra layer of oversight. Hantec Markets focuses primarily on MAS and FCA regulation. For Singapore traders, MAS regulation means your funds are protected under the Securities and Futures Act, and any disputes can be escalated to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC). This regulatory framework makes both brokers trustworthy choices for local investors.
| Payment Method | Admirals | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | e-wallets take instant to 1 business day, credit/debit cards take 1 business day, and bank transfers take 1 to 3 business days. | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is convenient for Singapore traders at both Admirals and Hantec Markets. Both brokers support PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits in SGD. With PayNow, funds are credited instantly with no fees. Bank transfers are free but may take 1-2 business days. Credit card deposits are processed immediately, though some cards may incur a small cash advance fee. Admirals also accepts e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, offering more flexibility. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for both brokers, with PayNow being the fastest option. Hantec Markets does not charge withdrawal fees, while Admirals may apply a small fee for certain methods. Overall, Singapore traders benefit from multiple local payment options that are fast and cost-effective.
| Islamic Account Feature | Admirals | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Muslim traders in Singapore can access swap-free Islamic accounts at both Admirals and Hantec Markets. Admirals offers Islamic accounts on request for all account types, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Hantec Markets automatically provides swap-free status upon account opening for eligible clients. Both brokers comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying interest. However, Admirals may apply a small administrative fee after a holding period on Islamic accounts, while Hantec Markets maintains a straightforward no-swap policy. Singapore Muslim traders should verify the specific terms with each broker before committing, as policies can change.
| Support Feature | Admirals | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Admirals |
Customer support is available in English and Mandarin at both brokers, catering to Singapore’s multilingual population. Admirals offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support with a dedicated Singapore hotline. Hantec Markets provides similar channels but with slightly shorter hours on weekends. Response times are generally fast, with Admirals averaging under 2 minutes for live chat. For sophisticated Singapore traders, Admirals’ comprehensive support resources, including webinars and local account managers, give it an edge.
| Mobile Feature | Admirals | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Admirals |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Admirals |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Admirals | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Admirals |
Choose Admirals if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Singapore traders in 2026, Admirals emerges as the stronger choice with a higher overall score (4.1 vs 3.6), better platform options, and tighter spreads. Its MAS regulation, support for PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, and advanced MetaTrader 5 platform make it ideal for sophisticated investors in Singapore’s financial hub. Hantec Markets remains a reliable alternative for those who value fixed spreads and a more traditional trading experience. However, for active traders seeking lower costs and greater flexibility, Admirals is the recommended broker for Singapore residents. Always consider your personal trading style and test both brokers with a demo account before committing.