Which broker is better for Sri Lanka traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Sri Lanka traders in 2025, choosing between EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets requires weighing each broker's strengths against local trading needs. EasyMarkets (overall rating 3.4/5) is known for its fixed spreads and user-friendly platform, ideal for beginners who want predictable costs. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips and a broader asset range, suiting active traders. Both brokers accept Sri Lankan residents and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, FriMi, and USDT (Tether), making deposits and withdrawals convenient in LKR. However, neither is regulated by the SEC Sri Lanka, so traders must rely on offshore licenses (CySEC for EasyMarkets, FCA for Hantec Markets). This comparison focuses on spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment integration to help Sri Lankan retail traders decide.
| 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 Sri Lanka traders, spreads play a crucial role due to LKR volatility and transaction sizes. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD. This provides cost certainty but tends to be higher than variable spreads. Hantec Markets offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips, with average spreads around 0.3 pips for EUR/USD. For a Sri Lankan trader trading 1 standard lot per trade, EasyMarkets would cost approximately $10 per round turn, while Hantec Markets could cost $3 or less, depending on market conditions. Over 20 trades per month, savings with Hantec Markets can exceed $140. However, during high volatility (e.g., when USD/LKR moves sharply), Hantec Markets' spreads may widen, whereas EasyMarkets remains fixed. Commission-free trading is offered by both, but Hantec Markets may charge a small commission on raw spread accounts. Overall, cost-conscious Sri Lanka traders with moderate volume will find Hantec Markets cheaper, while those valuing predictability may prefer EasyMarkets.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer robust platforms suited to Sri Lanka traders' needs. EasyMarkets provides its proprietary web-based platform and mobile app, which are intuitive and include unique features like DealCancellation and guaranteed stop-loss orders. These tools help Sri Lankan traders manage risk without complex interfaces. Hantec Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MT5, industry-standard platforms with advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. For Sri Lankan retail traders who prefer a straightforward experience with built-in risk management, EasyMarkets’ platform is ideal. For those who want full customisation, backtesting, and algorithmic trading, Hantec Markets’ MT4/MT5 are superior. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring connectivity even with variable internet speeds common in Sri Lanka.
| 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 matters for Sri Lankan traders who scalp or trade news events. EasyMarkets uses a market execution model with no requotes, but fixed spreads mean execution speed is less variable. Average execution time is around 100 ms. Hantec Markets offers ECN execution with order execution under 50 ms on MT4/MT5, ideal for fast-moving markets. For Sri Lankan traders trading during overlapping sessions (London/New York), Hantec Markets’ lower latency provides an edge. However, during high volatility, slippage can occur with both, but EasyMarkets’ guaranteed stop-loss feature protects against negative slippage. Overall, execution is good for both, with Hantec Markets being slightly better for active traders.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Sri Lanka traders since local oversight from SEC Sri Lanka is absent for these international brokers. EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), offering negative balance protection and investor compensation schemes. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK) and FSC (Mauritius), providing strong client fund segregation and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Neither broker is directly regulated by SEC Sri Lanka, meaning Sri Lankan traders must accept the legal frameworks of the home regulators. Both are considered reliable, but Hantec Markets’ FCA regulation offers a higher perceived security due to stringent UK rules. Sri Lankan traders should confirm their eligibility and note that deposit insurance may not apply locally. For added safety, choosing a broker with clear regulatory history is advised.
| 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 |
Sri Lanka traders enjoy multiple deposit and withdrawal options with both EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets. Bank Transfer: Both support local LKR transfers via SWIFT, typically taking 1-3 business days. Fees vary: EasyMarkets charges no deposit fee but incoming wire fees may apply; Hantec Markets also absorbs deposit fees for larger amounts. FriMi: This Sri Lanka-specific mobile wallet is accepted by both brokers for instant deposits and withdrawals. Traders can transfer LKR directly from their FriMi account to the broker's local partner account. Processing times are under 1 hour, with no extra charges. USDT (Tether): Both brokers accept USDT deposits via ERC-20 or TRC-20 networks, allowing Sri Lankans to avoid bank conversion delays. Deposits are instant, and withdrawals are processed within 24 hours. Minimum deposit: EasyMarkets requires $100 (approx. LKR 30,000), while Hantec Markets starts at $50 (approx. LKR 15,000). Withdrawals: both process via same methods, with no fees for FriMi or USDT. This flexibility ensures Sri Lankan traders can fund accounts conveniently using local digital options.
| 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 Sri Lanka can use Islamic (swap-free) accounts from both brokers. EasyMarkets offers swap-free accounts upon request, with no overnight interest charges on positions held beyond one day. This applies to forex, commodities, and indices. Hantec Markets also provides Islamic accounts for Sri Lankan clients, subject to approval. They do not charge swap fees and allow unlimited holding periods. Both brokers require verification of eligibility, but the process is straightforward. For Sri Lankan Muslim traders who trade based on longer-term trends, swap-free accounts are essential to avoid riba (interest). Neither broker charges additional fees for maintaining an Islamic account.
| 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 |
Customer support for Sri Lanka traders is available from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. EasyMarkets offers 24/5 support in English, with response times under 2 minutes via chat. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 multilingual support, including English and Chinese. Neither has a dedicated Sri Lanka office, so time zone support may be limited during local holidays. EasyMarkets has a knowledge base with articles in simple English, helpful for retail traders. Hantec Markets offers more comprehensive educational resources. For urgent issues, phone support is reliable. Overall, support is adequate but not localised.
| 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...
After comparing EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets for Sri Lanka traders, the decision hinges on trading style and priorities. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is the better all-round choice for most retail traders in Sri Lanka due to lower spreads, superior platforms (MT4/MT5), and strong FCA regulation. It offers lower deposit barriers ($50) and supports local payments like FriMi, Bank Transfer, and USDT seamlessly. EasyMarkets (3.4/5) is ideal for beginners or risk-averse traders who want fixed spreads and guaranteed stop-losses, despite slightly higher costs. Both brokers accept Sri Lankan residents and provide Islamic accounts. However, note that neither is regulated by SEC Sri Lanka, so due diligence is required. For Sri Lankan traders prioritising cost efficiency and platform flexibility, Hantec Markets is recommended. For those wanting simplicity and predictability, EasyMarkets remains a solid choice.