Which broker is better for United Kingdom traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For United Kingdom traders seeking a reliable forex broker, the choice between FP Markets and Hantec Markets comes down to cost, platform features, and regulatory assurance. Both brokers are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offering UK traders the security of negative balance protection and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. FP Markets, with a score of 4.7/5, is known for its ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips, extensive product range including over 60 currency pairs, and advanced platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, is a smaller, UK-focused broker offering a curated selection of forex and CFD instruments with a more traditional approach. Both support GBP accounts and local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, making them accessible for UK residents. This comparison examines key factors including trading costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods to help UK traders decide which broker aligns with their trading style and goals.
| 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 UK traders, FP Markets offers significantly lower trading costs with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw accounts and a commission of $3 per lot per side. Hantec Markets, on the other hand, has spreads from 1.2 pips on standard accounts with no commission. On a typical trade of 1 lot GBP/USD, FP Markets costs around $3 per lot in commission, while Hantec Markets costs approximately $12 in spread. For high-volume UK traders executing 100+ lots per month, FP Markets can save hundreds of pounds annually. Hantec Markets may suit lower-frequency traders who prefer simplicity over raw cost efficiency.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (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 UK traders with a choice of MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all of which are popular for their advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and fast execution. Hantec Markets offers only MetaTrader 4, which is sufficient for most retail traders but lacks the versatility of cTrader for algorithmic traders. For UK traders who use Expert Advisors or require custom indicators, FP Markets’ multi-platform support is a clear advantage. Both brokers offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, but FP Markets’ platforms are more feature-rich.
| 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 offers ECN execution with no dealing desk intervention, providing fast order fills and minimal slippage, which is ideal for UK scalpers and high-frequency traders. Hantec Markets uses a market maker model with some dealing desk intervention, which can lead to slightly slower execution and potential requotes during volatile markets. For UK traders prioritising speed and transparency, FP Markets is the superior choice.
| 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 Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, ensuring UK traders receive the highest level of protection. FCA regulation means client funds are held in segregated accounts, traders benefit from negative balance protection, and they can escalate disputes to the Financial Ombudsman Service. FP Markets also holds additional licences in Australia (ASIC) and Cyprus (CySEC), while Hantec Markets is solely FCA-regulated. For UK traders, both brokers meet strict capital adequacy and reporting standards, but FP Markets’ multi-regulatory oversight adds an extra layer of security.
| 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 |
UK traders can deposit and withdraw funds at both FP Markets and Hantec Markets using Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments. FP Markets also accepts debit/credit cards and Neteller, while Hantec Markets supports BACS and CHAPS. Deposits via Faster Payments are typically processed instantly and free of charge, making them ideal for quick account funding. Bank Transfer deposits may take 1-2 business days and can incur fees depending on the bank. Withdrawals at FP Markets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-3 days for bank transfers, while Hantec Markets aims for same-day processing for e-wallets. Both brokers do not charge internal fees for deposits or withdrawals, but third-party bank charges may apply. For UK traders who prefer PayPal or Skrill for speed and convenience, both brokers are well-equipped.
| 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 UK Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. FP Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw, and cTrader) without any additional fees, and the request can be made via customer support. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but requires a formal request and may apply a small admin fee for long-term holding. Both brokers ensure no interest is charged on overnight positions, in line with Islamic finance principles. For UK Muslim traders, FP Markets offers a more seamless and cost-free Islamic account setup.
| 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 UK traders able to call a local London number. Hantec Markets provides support during UK business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm GMT) via phone and email. FP Markets’ live chat is faster and more responsive, with average wait times under 30 seconds, while Hantec Markets is more traditional but still reliable. For UK traders needing weekend support, FP Markets has an edge.
| 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 United Kingdom traders, FP Markets is the stronger choice overall, offering lower trading costs, more platform choices, and faster execution, all under FCA regulation. Its support for GBP accounts and local payment methods like Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments makes it highly convenient for UK residents. Hantec Markets is a reliable alternative for traders who prefer a simpler, more traditional broker experience, but its higher spreads and limited platform options make it less competitive. If cost efficiency and advanced trading tools are your priority, FP Markets is the recommended broker for UK traders in 2026.