Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus retail traders comparing Forex.com and Hantec Markets have two well-regulated options under CySEC supervision. Forex.com, with a score of 3.4/5, is a global giant offering extensive research tools and a robust trading platform. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, is a smaller, Cyprus-focused broker known for tight spreads and personalized customer support. Both support the euro and US dollar accounts, and accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making it easy for Cyprus residents to fund accounts. This comparison examines spreads, regulation, platforms, and deposit options to help you choose the best broker for your trading style while adhering to local financial regulations.
| Instrument | Forex.com | 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 | $100 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Cyprus traders, trading costs vary noticeably between the two brokers. Forex.com’s standard account charges spreads from 1.2 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, while Hantec Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3.5 per lot commission. On a 100,000-unit trade, Forex.com costs around $12 per round turn, whereas Hantec Markets amounts to $7, saving $5 per lot. For active Cyprus traders, these savings add up significantly. Both brokers have no hidden fees for deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, or Neteller, though USDT TRC20 transactions are processed instantly with low network fees.
| Account Type | Forex.com | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Forex.com | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (offshore) | Up to 1:50 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:50 | 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 | Forex.com | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Forex.com |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Forex.com |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Forex.com |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Forex.com | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Forex.com provides its proprietary web platform plus MetaTrader 4 and 5, which are popular among Cyprus traders for advanced charting and automation. Hantec Markets also offers MT4 and MT5, but adds a proprietary web trader tailored for mobile users. Neither broker restricts platform choice by country, so Cyprus traders get full functionality. Forex.com’s dedicated Cyprus support team assists with platform setup, while Hantec Markets provides localised training sessions. For traders who prefer algorithmic trading, both support expert advisors on MT4/5.
| Factor | Forex.com | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Forex.com |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with STP/ECN models for Cyprus traders. Forex.com reports average execution speed below 50ms, with minimal slippage during volatile news events. Hantec Markets offers similar speeds but uses a market maker model for retail accounts, which may result in slightly wider spreads during peak liquidity. Cyprus traders on high-frequency strategies favour Forex.com for transparency, while Hantec Markets suits those who prefer fixed spreads on standard accounts.
| Safety Factor | Forex.com | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Forex.com and Hantec Markets are authorized and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), offering Cyprus traders protection under the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law. This includes negative balance protection, client fund segregation, and access to the Financial Ombudsman of Cyprus. Forex.com also holds licenses from the FCA and CFTC, while Hantec Markets focuses solely on CySEC compliance. For Cyprus retail traders, this means both brokers meet strict capital adequacy requirements and participate in the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), covering up to €20,000 in case of broker insolvency.
| Payment Method | Forex.com | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 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 can fund accounts at Forex.com and Hantec Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Forex.com requires a minimum deposit of $50 and processes withdrawals within 1-2 business days via local bank transfer or e-wallet, with no fees for EUR or USD accounts. Hantec Markets sets a $100 minimum deposit, but USDT TRC20 deposits are instant and free, while bank transfers may take 1-3 days. Both brokers support withdrawals in the same method as deposits, ensuring seamless transitions. For Cyprus residents, using Skrill or Neteller offers faster processing compared to traditional bank wires, with funds typically available within 24 hours.
| Islamic Account Feature | Forex.com | 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 Forex.com and Hantec Markets offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Cyprus Muslim traders. Forex.com requires a request and submission of a declaration of faith, after which the account is set up with no overnight interest on forex positions. Hantec Markets provides automatic activation upon account opening, with zero swap on all major pairs. These accounts are available for all deposit methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Cyprus traders should note that both brokers may charge an administrative fee after a holding period (e.g., 30 days) to comply with Sharia law principles.
| Support Feature | Forex.com | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Forex.com |
Forex.com offers 24/5 customer support in English and Greek, with a dedicated Cyprus phone line and live chat. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support via phone, email, and live chat, with a local Limassol office for in-person assistance. Both brokers respond within minutes on chat, but Hantec Markets excels in personalised service. Cyprus traders can expect prompt resolution in their local time zone.
| Mobile Feature | Forex.com | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Forex.com |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Forex.com |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Forex.com | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Forex.com |
Choose Forex.com if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Cyprus retail traders, Hantec Markets edges out Forex.com with a higher overall score (3.6/5) thanks to tighter spreads, a dedicated local office, and seamless USDT TRC20 integration. However, Forex.com remains a strong choice for traders who value a wider product range, lower initial deposit, and multi-regulatory oversight. Both brokers are CySEC-regulated, ensuring safety for Cyprus residents. If you rely heavily on Bank Transfer or Skrill for deposits and prefer a global brand, Forex.com works well. For active traders seeking cost efficiency and instant crypto funding, Hantec Markets is the better fit. Consider your trading style and local payment preferences to make the final decision.