Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore remains a key forex trading hub in Asia, with traders seeking reliable brokers that offer competitive costs, strong regulation, and local payment options. AvaTrade, scoring 4.6/5, and Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, are both popular among sophisticated Singapore investors. AvaTrade provides over 1,250 instruments across forex, CFDs, and crypto, while Hantec Markets focuses on forex and CFDs with a more streamlined offering. Both brokers accept SGD deposits and support local payment methods like PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. However, AvaTrade’s higher rating reflects its superior platform variety, tighter spreads, and broader market access. This comparison helps Singapore traders decide which broker aligns with their trading style and regulatory expectations under MAS oversight.
| Instrument | AvaTrade | 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 | $100 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Singapore traders, trading costs directly impact profitability. AvaTrade offers spreads starting from 0.9 pips on EUR/USD, with no commission on standard accounts. Hantec Markets has spreads from 1.2 pips on the same pair, also commission-free. On a typical lot size of 100,000 units, AvaTrade’s lower spread saves approximately $3 SGD per trade compared to Hantec Markets. For high-frequency traders executing dozens of trades daily, this difference compounds significantly. AvaTrade also provides lower swap rates and a wider range of zero-spread account options, making it more cost-effective for active Singapore traders.
| Account Type | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (offshore) | Up to 1:400 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:400 | 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 | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | AvaTrade |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | AvaTrade |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | AvaTrade |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, AvaTradeGO, and WebTrader, giving Singapore traders flexibility across desktop, mobile, and web. Hantec Markets offers only MetaTrader 4 and a proprietary web platform. For sophisticated traders in Singapore who require advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading, and custom indicators, AvaTrade’s multi-platform ecosystem is more suitable. Both brokers provide mobile apps for iOS and Android, but AvaTrade’s platforms include more advanced risk management features like guaranteed stop-loss orders, which are valuable in volatile markets.
| Factor | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | AvaTrade |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
AvaTrade offers fast execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds, thanks to its No Dealing Desk (NDD) model. Hantec Markets also provides NDD execution but with slightly higher slippage during volatile periods. For Singapore traders trading major forex pairs, AvaTrade’s execution quality ensures minimal requotes and better price stability. Hantec Markets is adequate for casual traders but may not meet the demands of high-frequency or algorithmic traders.
| Safety Factor | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
MAS regulation is a top priority for Singapore traders. Hantec Markets is directly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), providing a strong layer of local oversight. AvaTrade is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and holds an MAS exemption, allowing it to accept Singapore clients under certain conditions. Both brokers adhere to strict client fund segregation and negative balance protection. For traders who prefer direct MAS supervision, Hantec Markets offers more reassurance, but AvaTrade’s international regulation and long track record also meet high standards. Ultimately, both brokers provide a safe trading environment for Singapore residents.
| Payment Method | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Card/e-wallet 24-48hrs after approval; Wire Transfer up to 7-10 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 seamless for Singapore traders with both brokers. AvaTrade supports PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, with a minimum deposit of $100 SGD. Deposits via PayNow and Credit Card are instant, while Bank Transfers take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for PayNow and Credit Card, and 1-3 days for Bank Transfers. Hantec Markets also supports PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, but requires a higher minimum deposit of $500 SGD. Withdrawals at Hantec Markets are typically processed within 2-5 business days. AvaTrade offers faster withdrawal processing, which is crucial for traders needing quick access to funds. Both brokers charge no deposit fees, but credit card deposits may incur a small processing fee.
| Islamic Account Feature | AvaTrade | 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 |
Both AvaTrade and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Singapore. AvaTrade provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including standard and ECN, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Hantec Markets also offers swap-free accounts, but availability may be limited to specific account types and requires verification of religious eligibility. For Singapore Muslim traders, AvaTrade’s broader Islamic account availability and transparent swap-free terms make it a more accessible option. Traders should confirm with customer support before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | AvaTrade |
AvaTrade provides 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Singapore hotline. Hantec Markets offers support during Asian trading hours via live chat and email. For Singapore traders who need immediate assistance, AvaTrade’s round-the-clock support is more reliable. Both brokers have responsive teams, but AvaTrade’s extended hours and local language support give it an edge.
| Mobile Feature | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | AvaTrade |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | AvaTrade |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | AvaTrade | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | AvaTrade |
Choose AvaTrade if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For sophisticated Singapore traders, AvaTrade is the stronger choice due to its higher rating, lower spreads, broader product range, and faster payment processing via PayNow and Bank Transfer. Hantec Markets, while directly regulated by MAS, offers fewer instruments and higher costs, making it less competitive for active traders. Both brokers accept SGD and support local payment methods, but AvaTrade’s superior execution and platform variety align better with the needs of financial hub traders. If you prioritise cost efficiency and advanced tools, go with AvaTrade. If direct MAS regulation is your primary concern, Hantec Markets remains a solid, albeit more limited, option.