Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For high-net-worth traders in Saudi Arabia, choosing between FXTM and Hantec Markets depends on trading costs, local payment convenience, and regulatory comfort. FXTM, with a score of 4.3/5, is a globally recognized broker offering tight spreads, multiple account types, and support for STC Pay—a crucial feature for local traders who prefer instant mobile deposits. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, is a smaller, UK-headquartered broker known for personalized service and a focus on premium clients. Both brokers accept Saudi residents and provide Islamic accounts, but only FXTM integrates with local payment methods like STC Pay and Bank Transfer seamlessly. For traders trading large volumes in SAR, FXTM’s lower spreads and broader deposit options give it a clear edge. However, Hantec Markets appeals to those who value a more bespoke, relationship-driven trading experience. This comparison evaluates both brokers specifically for Saudi Arabia’s trading environment, including CMA considerations and local banking habits.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. FXTM offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its ECN account and a commission of $2 per lot, while Hantec Markets starts at 0.8 pips with no commission on standard accounts. Over 100 lots per month, FXTM saves approximately $200 in spread costs. FXTM also provides a 50% deposit bonus for new clients, which can offset initial costs. Hantec Markets lacks such promotions but offers fixed spreads on certain pairs, which can be beneficial during volatile news events. Overall, FXTM is more cost-effective for active 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and 5, the industry standard for Saudi traders. FXTM also provides its proprietary FXTM Trader app, optimized for mobile trading with one-click execution and real-time charts. Hantec Markets sticks to MT4/5 without a proprietary platform. For Saudi traders who trade on the go, FXTM’s mobile app offers better usability and faster order placement. Both platforms support Arabic language and local time zone settings.
| 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 uses ECN execution with no requotes and average execution speed of 0.1 seconds. Hantec Markets uses market execution with occasional requotes during high volatility. For Saudi day traders who need fast fills, FXTM’s ECN model is superior. Both offer negative balance protection.
| Safety Factor | FXTM | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
FXTM is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSCA (South Africa), while Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA and FSC. Neither broker is directly regulated by the CMA Saudi, meaning Saudi traders rely on international oversight. FXTM’s multi-regulator status provides stronger client fund protection, including negative balance protection. Hantec Markets’ FCA regulation offers similar safeguards. For Saudi traders, this means both brokers are legally accessible but lack local CMA protection.
| 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 |
Saudi Arabia traders can deposit using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card with both brokers, but with notable differences. FXTM supports STC Pay deposits instantly with no fees, while Hantec Markets does not accept STC Pay. Bank transfers take 1-3 business days for both, but FXTM processes withdrawals within 24 hours for e-wallets. Credit card deposits are instant at FXTM; Hantec Markets may take up to 24 hours. For high-net-worth traders, FXTM’s faster withdrawal times and STC Pay integration are major advantages. Minimum deposits: FXTM starts at $10, Hantec Markets at $100.
| 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 accounts compliant with Sharia law, which is essential for Saudi Muslim traders. FXTM provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, ECN, and Cent) with no additional fees. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts upon request, but may charge a small administration fee after 30 days. For long-term hold traders in Saudi, FXTM’s policy is more favorable as it remains swap-free indefinitely without extra costs.
| 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 live chat, phone support, and email in Arabic, with response times under 2 minutes on chat. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support but only in English, with slower response times (up to 10 minutes). For Arabic-speaking Saudi traders, FXTM’s local language support is a clear advantage.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, especially high-net-worth individuals, FXTM is the stronger choice overall. Its lower spreads, STC Pay integration, and robust Islamic account policy align perfectly with local trading habits and Sharia compliance. The 4.3/5 rating reflects its superior cost structure and deposit convenience. Hantec Markets, while reliable with FCA regulation, lacks the local payment support and cost efficiency that active Saudi traders need. If you trade large volumes in SAR and value fast, fee-free deposits via Bank Transfer or STC Pay, FXTM is the recommended broker. However, if you prefer a more exclusive, relationship-driven service, Hantec Markets remains a viable alternative. Always verify current terms with each broker before opening an account.