Forex.com vs Hantec Markets (2026): Which ASIC Broker Suits Australian Traders?

When trading forex pairs like AUD/USD or EUR/USD, Hantec Markets generally offers lower spreads — as low as 0.3 pips on its Raw/ECN account with a small commission. Forex.com’s standard account spreads average 0.5–0.7 pips with no commission, but its Raw Pricing account also brings spreads near 0.2 pips plus a commission. For active Australian traders executing high volumes, the difference becomes significant. Hantec Markets also does not charge deposit fees, while Forex.com may apply a small fee on certain credit card deposits. Swap rates on both brokers are competitive, but Hantec Markets provides more transparency on rollover costs through its trading platform.

Forex.com leads with multiple platform choices: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, a web-based Trading Platform, and Advanced Trading Tools with charting modules like AutoChartist. Australian traders who use technical indicators and algorithmic trading will appreciate MT5’s depth. Hantec Markets offers only MetaTrader 4 and MT5, which are sufficient for most experienced traders but lack proprietary tools. However, Hantec Markets provides dedicated Australian-based customer support for platform issues, which can be valuable during Sydney market hours. For traders who prioritise platform variety and customisation, Forex.com is the stronger choice; those who prefer simplicity and local support may lean toward Hantec Markets.

Forex.com uses a hybrid execution model that combines market maker and ECN elements, allowing order execution in under 50ms on liquid pairs. Hantec Markets relies on straight-through processing (STP) to route orders directly to liquidity providers, which can result in fewer requotes and slippage during volatile periods. For Australian traders trading during the overlapping London/Sydney session, Hantec Markets’ STP model may offer more reliable execution, especially for high-frequency strategies. Forex.com's execution is consistent but can show slight slippage on major news events.

Both brokers hold Australian Financial Services Licences (AFSL) issued by ASIC, ensuring they comply with local client money segregation and leverage restrictions (maximum 1:30 for retail clients). Forex.com is also regulated by multiple global bodies including the FCA in the UK and CFTC in the US, adding an extra layer of oversight. Hantec Markets is regulated by ASIC and the FCA in the UK. For Australian traders, the key advantage is that both brokers must keep client funds in segregated accounts with Australian authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), providing a high level of protection. There is no significant regulatory advantage for either broker from an ASIC perspective.

Australian traders can fund both accounts using BPAY, POLi, direct bank transfer (EFT), or credit/debit cards. BPAY and POLi deposits are almost instant and free — ideal for activating trades quickly. Bank transfers may take 1–3 business days but have no fees from either broker. Credit card deposits are processed instantly; Forex.com may charge a small processing fee (typically 1–2%), while Hantec Markets does not pass on any credit card surcharge. For withdrawals, both brokers process requests via bank transfer to your nominated Australian bank account (usually free and within 1–3 business days). POLi and BPAY are not available for withdrawals. Hantec Markets offers slightly faster withdrawal processing times (often within 24 hours), while Forex.com may take 1–2 business days. Overall, both brokers provide competitive local payment options suited to Australian clients.

Both Forex.com and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia principles by not accruing or charging overnight interest on open positions. Hantec Markets provides swap-free status on both its standard and raw spread accounts, giving Muslim traders in Australia more flexibility in choosing account types. Forex.com’s Islamic accounts are available but limited to specific account types and may require a formal request. Neither broker restricts Islamic accounts to Australian residents, but both require the account to be opened under a non-interest-based declaration. Hantec Markets is generally more forthcoming about its swap-free terms, making it a better fit for devout Muslim traders.

Forex.com offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, phone, and email. Australian traders can reach a dedicated local phone number (Sydney-based) during market hours. Hantec Markets also provides Australian-based support with phone and email during Sydney business hours, plus a responsive live chat. While both offer quality support, Hantec Markets is often praised for faster response times and more personalised assistance due to its smaller client base. For urgent issues during Asian sessions, both brokers are well-equipped.