Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus traders comparing FBS and Hantec Markets in 2025 face a choice between two reputable brokers with distinct strengths. FBS, scoring 3.7/5, is known for low spreads, flexible account types, and strong support for retail traders, making it popular among Cypriot forex enthusiasts. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, offers a more traditional, stable trading environment with fixed spreads and a longer market presence. Both brokers accept Cyprus clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, ensuring convenient deposits and withdrawals. The local financial regulator oversees both, providing Cypriot traders with essential protections such as negative balance protection and segregated client funds. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding how these brokers differ in spreads, platforms, and regulation is key to choosing the right partner for your trading journey in Cyprus.
| Instrument | FBS | 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 | $5 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FBS offers variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account (with a commission of $6 per lot round turn), while its Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission. Hantec Markets uses fixed spreads, typically from 1.5 pips on EUR/USD, which can be higher during volatile sessions. For Cypriot scalpers or high-frequency traders, FBS's lower variable spreads can save significant costs, especially on high-volume trades. Hantec's fixed spreads offer predictability, which may appeal to traders who prefer stable costs regardless of market conditions. Overall, FBS is more cost-effective for active Cyprus traders.
| Account Type | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Cyprus traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and mobile access. FBS also offers its proprietary FBS Trader app for simplified mobile trading, while Hantec Markets focuses on MT4/MT5 exclusively. For Cypriot traders who value flexibility and customisation, MT4/MT5 on both brokers deliver robust tools. FBS's additional platform options may appeal to beginners seeking a simpler interface, while Hantec's streamlined approach suits traders who prefer a no-frills, professional setup.
| Factor | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FBS uses NDD (No Dealing Desk) execution for its Zero account, offering fast order processing with minimal slippage, which benefits Cyprus scalpers. Hantec Markets operates a market maker model with dealing desk execution, which may result in slightly slower execution and potential requotes during news events. For Cypriot traders who prioritise speed and transparency, FBS's NDD execution is superior. Hantec's model may suit traders who prefer stable, predictable order fills.
| Safety Factor | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Cyprus traders benefit from both brokers being regulated by the local financial regulator, providing a high level of security. This regulation ensures client funds are held in segregated accounts, negative balance protection is enforced, and traders have access to dispute resolution mechanisms. FBS is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), offering full investor protection under the EU framework. Hantec Markets is also regulated by CySEC, with additional oversight from the FCA in the UK. For Cyprus traders, this means both brokers comply with strict capital adequacy and reporting standards, reducing the risk of broker insolvency and ensuring fair trading conditions.
| Payment Method | FBS | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 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 |
Cyprus traders have convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both FBS and Hantec Markets. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making it easy for Cypriot traders to fund their accounts in USD or EUR. FBS supports a wider range of e-wallets and local bank transfers, with minimum deposits as low as $10. Hantec Markets has a higher minimum deposit of $100 for bank transfers and $50 for e-wallets. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for most methods, with USDT TRC20 offering near-instant processing. FBS is known for faster withdrawal approvals, while Hantec Markets may have more rigorous verification checks. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but third-party fees may apply for bank transfers.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | 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 |
For Muslim traders in Cyprus, both FBS and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating swap fees on overnight positions. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all its account types (Standard, Zero, and Cent) with no additional charges, making it accessible for retail traders. Hantec Markets also offers swap-free accounts but may require a formal request and approval, with some instruments excluded. Cyprus traders should check the list of eligible forex pairs and commodities, as some brokers limit swap-free benefits to major pairs. FBS has a more straightforward process, while Hantec Markets offers a more selective approach.
| Support Feature | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
FBS provides 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated agents for Cyprus traders who can assist in Greek. Hantec Markets offers support during market hours (Monday to Friday) via phone and email, with limited live chat availability. For Cyprus traders, FBS's round-the-clock support is advantageous for resolving issues quickly, especially during volatile trading sessions. Hantec Markets' support is reliable but less accessible outside standard hours.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Cyprus traders in 2025, FBS edges ahead with a higher score (3.7 vs 3.6), lower spreads, and more flexible deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its NDD execution and 24/7 support are ideal for active retail traders. Hantec Markets is a solid alternative for those who prefer fixed spreads and a conservative trading environment, backed by dual regulation from CySEC and FCA. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring safety for Cypriot clients. If cost efficiency and modern features matter most, choose FBS. If stability and predictability are your priorities, Hantec Markets is a reliable choice.