Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For New Zealand traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026, the choice between FP Markets and Hantec Markets comes down to cost, regulation, and local payment support. FP Markets scores an impressive 4.7/5, offering ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips, deep liquidity, and a strong regulatory framework overseen by a local financial regulator. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 rating, provides stable execution and a straightforward platform but lacks the competitive pricing and diverse deposit options that Kiwi traders often need. Both brokers accept New Zealand residents and support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—though FP Markets leads in speed and flexibility. Whether you trade the NZD/USD pair or global indices, this comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the New Zealand market.
| 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 New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially when trading high-volume pairs like NZD/USD. FP Markets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw ECN account, with a $3 commission per lot—resulting in total costs as low as $3 per standard lot. Hantec Markets’ standard account spreads begin around 0.8 pips with no commission, which equates to roughly $8 per lot. Over 100 trades per month, FP Markets saves NZ traders up to $500 in spreads. For scalpers and day traders in New Zealand, FP Markets’ lower cost structure clearly outperforms Hantec Markets.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 New Zealand traders with MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader—all available on desktop, web, and mobile. This variety suits both novice and advanced traders, with cTrader offering advanced charting and fast execution. Hantec Markets offers only MT4 and a proprietary web platform, which may feel limited for Kiwi traders who value flexibility. For NZ traders who want automated trading or algorithmic strategies, FP Markets’ multi-platform support is a clear advantage.
| 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 delivers ultra-fast execution speeds under 40ms on its ECN infrastructure, ideal for New Zealand scalpers and high-frequency traders. Hantec Markets offers consistent execution but averages around 100ms, which can cause slippage during volatile NZD/USD moves. For Kiwi traders prioritising speed, FP Markets is the clear winner.
| 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 a local financial regulator, ensuring New Zealand traders have access to dispute resolution and segregated client funds. FP Markets holds additional licences from ASIC and CySEC, providing extra layers of oversight. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA and FSA, but its NZ-specific compliance is less transparent. For New Zealand traders, FP Markets’ stronger regulatory pedigree offers greater peace of mind, especially for larger account balances.
| 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 |
New Zealand traders can deposit and withdraw funds easily at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. FP Markets processes most deposits instantly with no fees, and withdrawals via e-wallets are typically completed within 24 hours. Hantec Markets supports Bank Transfer and Skrill but does not offer Neteller or USDT TRC20, limiting options for crypto-friendly Kiwi traders. For NZ traders who prefer fast, low-cost deposits, FP Markets provides superior flexibility with all four local payment methods.
| 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 New Zealand Muslim traders who wish to trade without earning or paying interest. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request across all account types, including Raw and Standard, with no additional fees. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but only on its standard account, with limited swap-free periods. For NZ traders seeking long-term swap-free trading, FP Markets’ broader eligibility is more accommodating.
| 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 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated New Zealand phone line for local queries. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours only, with a slower email response time. For New Zealand traders who need quick assistance during active trading hours, FP Markets’ localised support is more reliable.
| 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 New Zealand traders in 2026, FP Markets is the superior choice with a 4.7/5 rating, lower spreads, faster execution, and broader support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its strong regulatory oversight by a local financial regulator gives Kiwi traders confidence and protection. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is a reliable alternative for those who prefer simplicity and don’t need advanced platforms or crypto deposits. However, for cost-conscious NZ traders who want the best trading conditions and flexible funding, FP Markets is the clear winner.