FBS vs Hantec Markets: Norway Broker Comparison 2026

For Norwegian traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading pairs like EUR/NOK or USD/NOK. FBS offers tighter spreads, starting from 0.7 pips on its Standard account and 0.0 pips on the Zero Spread account (with commission), making it more cost-effective for high-volume traders. Hantec Markets typically offers spreads from 1.2 pips on its main account, which is higher than FBS. On a 1-lot trade of USD/NOK, FBS can save Norwegian traders around $5–$10 per trade compared to Hantec Markets, depending on market conditions. For traders who execute multiple trades daily, these savings add up significantly over time.

Both FBS and Hantec Markets offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry-standard platforms preferred by Norwegian traders for their advanced charting tools and automated trading capabilities. FBS also provides its proprietary FBS Trader app, which is user-friendly for mobile trading on the go. Hantec Markets focuses solely on MT4/MT5, which is sufficient for most retail traders in Norway. Neither broker offers cTrader, which may be a limitation for traders who prefer that platform. Overall, platform choice comes down to whether you want additional mobile tools (FBS) or a pure MT4/MT5 experience (Hantec Markets).

FBS offers market execution with no requotes and average execution speeds of under 0.5 seconds, which is suitable for most retail traders in Norway. Hantec Markets also provides market execution with similar speeds, but its order execution is slightly more conservative, with occasional slippage during high volatility. For Norwegian traders trading major pairs like EUR/USD or USD/NOK, both brokers deliver reliable execution, but FBS edges ahead for scalpers and news traders.

Regulation is a key concern for Norwegian traders, as neither FBS nor Hantec Markets is regulated by the local financial regulator (Finanstilsynet). FBS is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, which offers limited investor protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, providing stronger oversight and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for eligible clients. For Norwegian traders, Hantec Markets offers a higher level of regulatory safety, but FBS compensates with lower costs. It is important to note that neither broker provides negative balance protection or deposit insurance under Norwegian law, so traders should use risk management tools wisely.

Norwegian traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers. Both FBS and Hantec Markets support Bank Transfer (SEPA), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, which are widely used in Norway. FBS processes deposits via USDT TRC20 within minutes, while bank transfers may take 1–3 business days. Hantec Markets also supports these methods but may have higher minimum deposit requirements for Skrill and Neteller ($50 vs $10 at FBS). Withdrawals at both brokers are generally processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2–5 days for bank transfers. FBS offers more flexibility with lower minimum deposits, making it more accessible for small retail traders in Norway.

Both FBS and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Norway. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all account types without any additional fees, and the swap-free status is permanent. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts upon request, but clients must contact support to activate it. The swap-free feature ensures that positions held overnight do not incur interest charges, which is important for traders following Sharia law. Norwegian Muslim traders will find both options viable, though FBS offers a more straightforward and accessible process.

FBS provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with support available in English and several other languages. Hantec Markets offers support during market hours (Monday to Friday) via live chat and email. For Norwegian traders, FBS's round-the-clock support is more convenient, especially for those trading during non-European hours. Hantec Markets' support is adequate but limited to business hours.