Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in Cyprus, choosing the right forex broker is critical for cost-effective and reliable trading. FP Markets (rated 4.7/5) and Hantec Markets (rated 3.6/5) are both regulated by the local financial regulator, making them accessible to Cyprus residents. FP Markets stands out with its deep liquidity, tight spreads, and extensive local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets offers a more traditional trading experience with fixed spreads and a focus on customer service. This comparison helps Cyprus traders decide based on their specific needs, whether they prefer low-cost ECN trading or a straightforward broker with fixed costs.
| 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 Cyprus traders trading in USD, FP Markets has significantly lower trading costs. On its Raw ECN account, spreads start from 0.0 pips with a $3 per lot commission, while Hantec Markets typically offers spreads from 1.2 pips on standard accounts with no commission. For a trader executing 10 standard lots per month, FP Markets saves approximately $200 in spread costs. Active traders and scalpers will benefit more from FP Markets' pricing model.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (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 provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, catering to both manual and algorithmic traders in Cyprus. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and its own web-based platform. For Cyprus traders who value advanced charting tools and automated trading, FP Markets' cTrader platform is a standout advantage. Hantec Markets' platforms are simpler but reliable for beginners.
| 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 Equinix NY4 servers for ultra-fast execution, with average speeds under 40ms for Cyprus traders. Hantec Markets has standard execution speeds around 100ms. For scalpers and day traders in Cyprus, FP Markets' lower latency and no requotes provide a significant edge.
| 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 the local financial regulator, ensuring Cyprus traders have access to investor protection schemes and segregated client accounts. FP Markets also holds additional licenses in Australia and the UK, adding an extra layer of security. Hantec Markets focuses on its local regulation, making it a safe but less globally diversified option. Cyprus traders can trade with confidence knowing both brokers comply with local financial laws.
| 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 |
Cyprus traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FP Markets also accepts credit/debit cards and other e-wallets, offering more flexibility. Deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are instant and fee-free, while bank transfers may take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, and 2-5 days for bank transfers. FP Markets has no withdrawal fees, while Hantec Markets may charge for certain methods. This makes FP Markets more convenient for Cyprus traders who prefer fast, low-cost transactions.
| 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Cyprus Muslim traders, complying with Sharia law by waiving overnight interest. FP Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw, and cTrader) without additional fees. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts upon request, but they may have limited account type options. For Cyprus traders seeking flexibility, FP Markets is the better choice.
| 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 offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Cyprus traders. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support in English and Arabic, but response times can be slower. FP Markets' support is more responsive and comprehensive for Cyprus-based clients.
| 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 Cyprus retail traders, FP Markets is the clear winner with a 4.7/5 rating versus Hantec Markets' 3.6/5. It offers lower spreads, faster execution, and more flexible local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, but FP Markets' global licenses and cTrader platform give it an edge. Hantec Markets may suit beginners seeking simplicity, but for cost-conscious and active traders in Cyprus, FP Markets is the superior choice.