Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets, both regulated locally by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). EasyMarkets is known for its fixed spreads, user-friendly web platform, and innovative Deal Cancellation feature, making it ideal for beginners. Hantec Markets, with its strong reputation in Asia and Europe, offers variable spreads, MetaTrader 4 and 5, and competitive pricing for active traders. Both brokers accept Cyprus-friendly payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. Whether you trade part-time or full-time, this comparison will help you decide which broker suits your trading style in the Cypriot regulatory environment.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | 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 | $25 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Cyprus traders trading in USD, trading costs vary significantly between EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets. EasyMarkets applies fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, which provides cost certainty. Hantec Markets uses variable spreads that can drop to 0.0 pips on its Razor account, but charges a $7 round-turn commission per lot. A Cyprus trader executing 10 standard lots per month on EUR/USD would pay approximately $150 on EasyMarkets versus $70 on Hantec Markets (spread + commission). For high-frequency or scalping strategies, Hantec Markets is cheaper, while low-frequency traders may prefer EasyMarkets' predictability.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 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 | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders can choose between EasyMarkets’ proprietary web platform and mobile app, which offer one-click trading, advanced charting, and the exclusive Deal Cancellation tool. Hantec Markets provides the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, known for algorithmic trading, extensive indicators, and fast execution. Both brokers offer web trader versions and mobile apps compatible with iOS and Android. For traders in Cyprus who rely on automated strategies or custom scripts, Hantec Markets is the better choice; for simplicity and innovative risk management, EasyMarkets excels.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
EasyMarkets uses fixed-spread execution with no requotes on its proprietary platform, guaranteeing the price seen at order placement. Hantec Markets employs market execution on MT4/5 with variable spreads, which can lead to slippage during volatile periods. For Cyprus day traders who prioritize speed, Hantec Markets’ ECN model offers faster fills, while EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads ensure cost certainty. Both brokers maintain good execution with average order execution under 100ms.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), a top-tier European regulator. This means Cyprus traders benefit from negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and access to the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) covering up to €20,000 per client. EasyMarkets also holds licenses from ASIC and FSA, while Hantec Markets is additionally regulated by the FCA in the UK. For Cyprus-based traders, the local CySEC oversight ensures compliance with ESMA rules, including leverage restrictions (max 1:30 for retail) and transparent reporting.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Cyprus traders can fund their accounts with EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. EasyMarkets also supports credit/debit cards, PayPal, and local bank transfers in EUR or USD. Hantec Markets adds UnionPay and accepts deposits via USDT TRC20 without network fees. Minimum deposits: EasyMarkets €100, Hantec Markets $50. Withdrawals are processed quickly: Skrill and Neteller within 24 hours, USDT TRC20 within minutes, and bank transfers in 2-5 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but EasyMarkets covers one withdrawal fee per month; Hantec Markets offers free withdrawals. Cyprus traders should note that USDT TRC20 deposits may require prior approval from the broker's finance team.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | 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 Cyprus can open swap-free Islamic accounts with both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets. EasyMarkets automatically converts standard accounts to swap-free upon request, with no time limit on holding positions. Hantec Markets also provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Razor and Standard, but requires a simple application form. Both brokers refrain from charging rollover interest, making them suitable for Sharia-compliant trading. Cyprus regulators (CySEC) permit Islamic accounts as long as they are clearly labeled and comply with ESMA guidelines.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
EasyMarkets offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated account managers for VIP clients. Hantec Markets also provides 24/5 support in English, Arabic, and Chinese, with a local Cyprus phone line. Both respond quickly to queries, but EasyMarkets edges ahead with more intuitive self-help resources for beginners. For Greek-speaking Cyprus traders, Hantec Markets may have slightly better language support.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Cyprus traders regulated by CySEC, both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets are solid choices. Hantec Markets earns a higher overall score (3.6 vs 3.4) and offers better value for active traders with its low-cost Razor account and flexible platform options. However, EasyMarkets’ fixed spreads, Deal Cancellation, and user-friendly interface are perfect for beginners or those who prefer simplicity. Local payment methods—Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT TRC20—are available on both, making deposits effortless. Ultimately, if you trade frequently and want minimal spreads, choose Hantec Markets; if stability and risk management matter more, EasyMarkets is your broker.