Which broker is better for Zambia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
EasyMarkets and Hantec Markets are two forex brokers widely accessible to retail traders in Zambia. Both support USD accounts and offer local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits convenient. EasyMarkets, scored 3.4/5, is known for its fixed spreads, zero-slippage execution, and user-friendly web platform—ideal for beginners. Hantec Markets, with a higher 3.6/5 score, provides variable spreads, MT4/MT5 platforms, and ECN pricing suited for active traders. While neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator in Zambia, they hold international licenses from CySEC and FCA respectively. This comparison helps Zambian traders choose based on their trading style and local payment needs.
| 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 Zambia traders, trading costs differ significantly between the two brokers. EasyMarkets offers fixed spreads starting at 1.0 pips on major pairs with no commission, providing cost predictability. Hantec Markets uses variable spreads from 0.0 pips (EUR/USD) but applies a commission per lot. This makes Hantec more cost-effective for high-volume traders, while EasyMarkets suits those who prefer fixed costs regardless of market volatility. Zambia traders trading USD/ZMW or other minor pairs may face wider spreads on both brokers compared to majors. Always check live spreads on your preferred pairs to estimate total costs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia (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 provides its proprietary WebTrader platform, MT4, and a mobile app, all designed for simplicity and reliability. The WebTrader includes deal cancellation and guaranteed stop-loss features. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and MT5, plus a WebTrader, giving Zambia traders more advanced charting tools and algorithmic trading options. MT5 is particularly valuable for those who trade CFDs on indices and commodities. Beginners may prefer EasyMarkets’ intuitive interface, while experienced traders often choose Hantec for its robust analysis capabilities and multi-asset support.
| 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 guarantees no slippage and offers fixed spreads with a guaranteed stop-loss feature, making execution exceptionally reliable for Zambia traders during news events. Hantec Markets uses ECN/STP execution with variable spreads, which can result in slippage but provides faster fills and tighter spreads in liquid markets. Active traders on Hantec may benefit from lower costs, while risk-averse traders on EasyMarkets will appreciate the execution certainty. Overall, EasyMarkets wins on consistency, Hantec on speed and cost during normal conditions.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK) and ASIC. Neither broker holds a license from the local financial regulator in Zambia. This means Zambian traders do not benefit from local investor compensation schemes but still receive protection under the brokers’ home regulators (e.g., FCA client money rules). Trading with these offshore entities is legal in Zambia, but traders should verify the legal entity they open with and consider the lack of local oversight when choosing a broker.
| 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 |
Zambia traders can fund accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both brokers. EasyMarkets accepts a minimum deposit of $100 and processes withdrawals within 24 hours. Hantec Markets requires a larger $500 minimum deposit and typically processes withdrawals in 1-2 business days. USDT TRC20 is especially useful for fast, low-cost transfers, while Skrill and Neteller provide instant e-wallet options. Bank transfers are slower but suitable for larger amounts. Both brokers charge no fees for deposits, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods. Always confirm current policies on the broker’s website.
| 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 Muslim traders in Zambia who wish to avoid overnight interest. EasyMarkets provides these accounts upon request with no swap charges and no hidden fees. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but may apply an administration fee if positions are held for more than a few days. Zambia’s Muslim minority can use these accounts, but conditions vary. It is recommended to contact customer support before opening to clarify swap-free terms and any potential costs.
| 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 customer support 24/5 via live chat, email, and phone, with fast response times. Hantec Markets also offers 24/5 support through live chat, email, and phone, but its response can be slower during peak hours. Both brokers support English, which is widely used in Zambia. Neither offers local language support, but the live chat interfaces are straightforward. For Zambian traders, EasyMarkets’ quicker resolution may be advantageous for urgent issues.
| 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 Zambia traders, Hantec Markets edges ahead with a 3.6/5 overall score, offering lower spreads and sophisticated platforms for active retail traders. EasyMarkets, at 3.4/5, remains a strong choice for beginners or those who value fixed costs and no slippage. Both support local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, ensuring smooth deposits and withdrawals. Neither is regulated by the local financial regulator, but both hold reputable international licenses. Your decision should align with your trading volume, platform needs, and risk tolerance. Start with a demo account to test execution and costs before committing real capital.