Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Singapore’s sophisticated traders operating in a high-volume financial hub, choosing between EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets is a critical decision. Both brokers cater to the local market with support for PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, but they diverge in regulatory structure, cost model, and platform offerings. EasyMarkets (rated 3.4/5) is known for its fixed spreads and simple trading experience, targeting beginners and risk-averse traders. Hantec Markets (rated 3.6/5) offers variable spreads, advanced execution, and a broader range of instruments, appealing to experienced traders who demand flexibility. While neither broker is directly regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), they operate under respected international licences. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, local payment integration, and regulatory implications to help Singapore traders decide which broker aligns with their sophisticated needs in 2025.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Singapore traders, the spread model is the key difference. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads, averaging 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which remain constant regardless of market volatility. This protects traders from slippage during news events but can be more expensive during liquid hours. Hantec Markets uses variable spreads that fall to as low as 0.8 pips on EUR/USD during peak London/New York overlaps, benefiting volume-focused traders. Additionally, Hantec charges a small commission on certain account types, while EasyMarkets is commission-free. For Singapore traders executing above 500 lots per month, Hantec’s lower variable spreads result in significant cost savings, though EasyMarkets provides predictable expenses better suited for smaller accounts.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, designed for simplicity and reliability. It includes built-in risk management tools like dealCancellation and free VPS for algorithmic traders. Hantec Markets provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and cTrader, both preferred by sophisticated Singapore traders for advanced charting, custom indicators, and fast execution. While EasyMarkets’ platform is easier to navigate, Hantec’s ecosystem supports automated trading strategies and multi-device sync. For Singapore’s fast-paced environment, Hantec’s cTrader offers superior order management, while EasyMarkets appeals to those who value an all-in-one, streamlined interface.
| 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 |
Execution quality is a differentiator for Singapore traders. EasyMarkets uses a market maker model with fixed spreads and no requotes, offering reliable execution during volatile periods. Hantec Markets operates as an ECN/STP broker, providing direct market access with average execution speeds below 40 milliseconds. Hantec’s execution is superior for high-frequency traders, while EasyMarkets’ model appeals to those who prioritise trade simplicity and slippage avoidance on major pairs.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither EasyMarkets nor Hantec Markets holds a licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), meaning Singapore traders do not have direct local regulatory protection. However, EasyMarkets is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Hantec Markets is authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Japan. For Singapore traders, the FCA regulation provides a strong client money protection framework, while CySEC imposes limited negative balance protection. It’s essential for traders to verify the specific entity they open an account with and understand that dispute resolution may require international arbitration.
| 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 |
For Singapore traders, both brokers fully support local payment methods including PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. Deposits via PayNow are credited instantly with no fees, making it ideal for starting trading quickly. Bank transfers via DBS, OCBC, or UOB take 1–2 business days and may incur intermediary charges. Credit card deposits are processed in real-time but can attract cash advance fees from your bank. EasyMarkets has a lower minimum deposit of SGD 100, while Hantec Markets requires SGD 200. Withdrawals for both brokers are processed within 24 hours for PayNow and 1–3 days for bank transfers. Neither broker charges internal withdrawal fees, but currency conversion to SGD may apply. Overall, PayNow is the most efficient method for Singapore-based traders.
| 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 |
Both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Singapore Muslim traders, complying with Sharia law by eliminating interest on overnight positions. EasyMarkets applies a holding period of 14 days before granting swap-free status, and accounts may be reviewed after 90 days. Hantec Markets provides Islamic accounts on request without a waiting period, but positions held beyond 5 days may incur a small administrative fee. Singapore traders should note that these accounts still allow trading in major, minor, and exotic pairs. It is advisable to confirm current terms directly with each broker, as conditions can change to maintain compliance with Islamic finance principles.
| 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 provides 24/5 multilingual live chat, email, and phone support with a local Singapore number. Their response time is under 30 seconds on live chat. Hantec Markets offers 24/5 support in English, Chinese, and Arabic via live chat, email, and phone, but no dedicated Singapore hotline. For Singapore traders, EasyMarkets’ immediate localised assistance is advantageous, while Hantec’s support is still responsive but may lack language specificity for Mandarin-speaking clients.
| 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 sophisticated Singapore traders operating in a financial hub, Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is the better choice due to its lower variable spreads, advanced platforms, and superior execution speed. Its FCA regulation provides an additional layer of confidence. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) remains a solid alternative for those who prioritise cost certainty, simplicity, and local support. Both brokers seamlessly support PayNow, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits, making them accessible for local currency trading. Ultimately, select Hantec for performance and flexibility, or EasyMarkets for stability and ease of use—both fit Singapore’s fast-paced trading environment.