Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
When comparing FP Markets vs Hantec Markets for Australia traders, the key differences centre around trading costs, platform variety, and local payment methods. FP Markets, rated 4.7/5, is a well-established broker with ASIC regulation and a strong reputation among experienced Australian traders. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, offers a more niche service but still holds ASIC authorisation. Both brokers are legally available to Australia residents, but FP Markets provides a more comprehensive trading environment with lower spreads, multiple platform choices (MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS), and seamless local deposits via BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. Hantec Markets focuses on personalised support and a simpler product range, which may suit traders who prefer a less complex setup. For Australia traders prioritising cost efficiency and advanced tools, FP Markets is the stronger option, while Hantec Markets appeals to those seeking a boutique experience.
| Instrument | FP Markets | 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 Australia traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FP Markets offers a Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3 commission per lot per side, making it highly competitive for scalpers and high-volume traders. Its Standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, suitable for casual traders. Hantec Markets provides a single account type with spreads from 1.2 pips and no commission, which is less cost-effective for frequent trading. Over 100 trades per month, FP Markets can save Australian traders $200–$500 in spread costs compared to Hantec Markets. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated, ensuring transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
| Account Type | FP Markets | 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 | FP Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 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 | FP Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FP Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FP Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FP Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FP Markets offers a superior platform selection for Australia traders, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and IRESS (for advanced equities trading). This variety supports different trading styles, from automated strategies to manual chart analysis. Hantec Markets provides only MetaTrader 4, which is reliable but limited. For Australian traders who value flexibility and advanced tools like depth of market or custom indicators, FP Markets is the clear winner. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, but FP Markets' broader ecosystem gives it an edge.
| Factor | FP Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FP Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FP Markets uses Electronic Communication Network (ECN) execution for its Raw accounts, providing direct market access with no dealing desk intervention and average execution speeds under 40ms. Hantec Markets uses a hybrid model with some market maker characteristics, which can result in requotes during volatile periods. For experienced Australia traders who require fast, reliable execution, FP Markets is the superior option.
| Safety Factor | FP Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FP Markets and Hantec Markets are regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), providing Australian traders with strong investor protections, including client money segregation and access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). FP Markets holds an AFSL (no. 286354), while Hantec Markets holds AFSL (no. 403322). This means both brokers must comply with strict capital adequacy and reporting standards. For Australia traders, ASIC regulation ensures a high level of trust and security, though FP Markets has a longer track record and higher rating in this area.
| Payment Method | FP Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Australia traders have convenient deposit options at both brokers, but FP Markets offers more local methods. FP Markets supports BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard), all fee-free and with instant processing for most methods. Withdrawals are processed within 1 business day via the same methods. Hantec Markets accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card, but lacks BPAY and POLi, which are popular among Australian clients. Minimum deposits are $100 for FP Markets and $200 for Hantec Markets. For Australia traders who prefer fast, local payments, FP Markets is the more practical choice.
| Islamic Account Feature | FP Markets | 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 FP Markets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Australia. FP Markets provides these accounts on request for all account types (Raw, Standard, cTrader), with no swap charges on overnight positions. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts, but they are limited to its standard MT4 account. FP Markets' broader availability across platforms gives it an advantage for Australia Muslim traders who want to use advanced tools like cTrader or IRESS while adhering to Sharia principles.
| Support Feature | FP Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FP Markets |
FP Markets provides 24/5 customer support in English, with live chat, phone, and email options. Its support team is based in Australia and responds quickly, often within minutes. Hantec Markets offers similar 24/5 support but with a smaller team, leading to longer response times during peak hours. For Australia traders, FP Markets' local support and faster resolution make it the better choice.
| Mobile Feature | FP Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FP Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FP Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | FP Markets |
| Resource | FP Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FP Markets |
Choose FP Markets if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Australia traders, FP Markets is the clear winner in this comparison. Its ASIC regulation, lower spreads, wider platform choice, and local payment methods (BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, Credit Card) make it a better fit for experienced traders. Hantec Markets is a legitimate alternative but lacks the cost efficiency and flexibility that most Australian traders need. If you prioritise value, speed, and convenience, choose FP Markets. If you prefer a more personal touch and don't mind higher costs, Hantec Markets may be suitable. Overall, FP Markets' 4.7/5 rating reflects its superior offering for the Australian market.