Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Australia traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers often compare FXTM and Hantec Markets for their forex and CFD trading needs. Both brokers are licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), ensuring compliance with strict local financial regulations, client fund segregation, and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. FXTM, with a 4.3 rating, is a global broker known for its diverse trading platforms, competitive spreads, and extensive educational resources. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6, is a smaller but reputable broker with a focus on personalized service and a streamlined trading experience. For Australia traders, key differences include spreads, platform variety, and payment options like BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card. This comparison helps you decide which broker aligns with your trading style, whether you prioritize low costs or simplicity.
| Instrument | FXTM | 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 | $200 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Australia traders, trading costs are a critical factor. FXTM offers tighter spreads, with its ECN account starting from 0.0 pips plus a commission of $7 per lot round-turn. Standard account spreads begin at 1.3 pips on EUR/USD. Hantec Markets’ standard account spreads start from 1.5 pips, with no commission on most instruments. For high-volume traders, FXTM’s lower spreads can save significant costs, especially on AUD pairs. Hantec Markets may suit lower-frequency traders who prefer simplicity without commission calculations. Both brokers are transparent with no hidden fees, but FXTM’s cost advantage is clear for active Australia traders.
| Account Type | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 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 | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FXTM |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | FXTM |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM provides Australia traders with MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its proprietary FXTM Trader app, offering advanced charting, automated trading, and mobile access. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and its own web-based platform, but lacks MT5. For Australia traders who value algorithmic trading or multi-asset analysis, FXTM’s MT5 support is a key advantage. Hantec Markets’ platforms are stable and user-friendly, but less feature-rich. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, ensuring flexibility for on-the-go trading.
| Factor | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FXTM |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
FXTM offers ECN execution with low latency and no requotes, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Hantec Markets uses market execution with average speeds of 50ms, suitable for most retail traders. For Australia traders trading volatile pairs like AUD/JPY, FXTM’s faster execution reduces slippage risk. Hantec Markets’ execution is reliable but may not match FXTM’s speed for high-volume strategies.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both FXTM and Hantec Markets are regulated by ASIC, which is crucial for Australia traders. ASIC regulation ensures client funds are held in segregated accounts, brokers adhere to leverage limits (max 1:30 for retail clients), and traders have access to dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). FXTM also holds additional licenses from CySEC and FCA, while Hantec Markets focuses on ASIC compliance. For Australia traders, this means both brokers offer a high level of security, but FXTM’s multi-regulatory oversight adds an extra layer of trust.
| Payment Method | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 24 hours (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 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 |
Australia traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, all in AUD. FXTM processes deposits instantly via POLi and Credit Card, with BPAY taking 1-2 business days. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours, with no fees for bank transfers. Hantec Markets also supports POLi and BPAY for deposits, but withdrawals may take 2-3 business days. FXTM offers additional e-wallet options like PayPal and Skrill, providing more flexibility. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Australia traders should check for any intermediary bank charges on international transfers. Overall, FXTM offers faster withdrawal processing and more payment methods.
| Islamic Account Feature | FXTM | 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 FXTM and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Australia Muslim traders, complying with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest charges. FXTM provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and ECN platforms, with no swap fees on positions held overnight. Hantec Markets also offers swap-free accounts, but activation may require a request to customer support. Both brokers ensure that Islamic accounts maintain the same trading conditions as standard accounts, except for the swap exemption. Australia traders should confirm eligibility and any administrative fees before opening.
| Support Feature | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FXTM |
FXTM offers 24/5 customer support in English and multiple languages, with live chat, email, and phone support. Hantec Markets provides support during Sydney business hours, with a focus on personalized service. For Australia traders, FXTM’s round-the-clock support is more convenient for after-hours trading, while Hantec Markets’ responsive team is praised for local knowledge. Both brokers have responsive support, but FXTM’s availability gives it an edge.
| Mobile Feature | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FXTM |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FXTM |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FXTM | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FXTM |
Choose FXTM if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Australia traders, FXTM is the stronger choice overall, thanks to its lower spreads, faster execution, and broader platform support including MT5. Its superior deposit/withdrawal options with BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, plus faster processing times, make it more convenient for local traders. Hantec Markets is a reliable alternative for those who prioritize simplicity and personalized service, but its higher spreads and limited platform options may deter active traders. Both brokers are ASIC-regulated, ensuring safety. If you’re an experienced Australia trader seeking cost efficiency and advanced tools, FXTM is the clear winner. For a more straightforward experience, Hantec Markets is a solid, albeit less flexible, option.