Which broker is better for Belgium traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Belgium traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare Global Prime and Hantec Markets, two well-regarded international brokers. Global Prime, founded in 2011 and regulated by ASIC and FSA (Seychelles), is known for its tight spreads and ECN execution. Hantec Markets, established in 2005 and regulated by the UK FCA and Japan FSA, offers a robust trading environment with MetaTrader 4. For Belgian retail traders, both brokers accept local clients and support deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, neither broker is directly regulated by the Belgian FSMA, meaning traders should weigh the benefits of offshore or FCA protection. This comparison focuses on trading costs, platforms, and local deposit options to help you decide which broker fits your Belgian trading needs.
| Instrument | Global Prime | 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 | $0 | $10 | Global Prime |
Spread costs are crucial for Belgian traders, especially those trading EUR/USD, which is popular in the region. Global Prime offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $7 round-turn commission per lot, making it cost-effective for scalpers and high-volume traders. Hantec Markets provides variable spreads from 1.0 pips on its standard account with no commission, which is simpler but more expensive per lot. For a Belgian trader executing 10 lots per month, Global Prime costs approximately $70 in commissions plus minimal spreads, while Hantec Markets could cost $100+ in spread markups depending on market conditions. The choice depends on trading frequency and volume.
| Account Type | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium (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 | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Global Prime |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | ✗ | 20+ indices | Global Prime |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Global Prime |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4), the platform most favored by Belgian retail traders for its advanced charting tools, expert advisors, and custom indicators. Global Prime also provides access to cTrader, which offers additional order types and depth of market, appealing to experienced traders. Hantec Markets sticks solely with MT4 but enhances it with in-house analytics tools. For Belgian traders who prioritize algorithmic trading via EAs, both platforms support MT4, but Global Prime’s cTrader option gives an edge for those seeking a modern interface with better execution visibility.
| Factor | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Global Prime |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Execution quality matters for Belgian traders using scalping or EAs. Global Prime uses an ECN/STP model with low latency, offering raw spreads and no requotes. Hantec Markets operates an STP platform with variable spreads and may have occasional requotes during volatile news events. For day traders in Belgium who need fast, reliable execution, Global Prime has the edge due to its direct market access. Hantec Markets is still suitable for swing traders who prioritize stability over speed.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Belgian traders due to local rules from the FSMA. Global Prime is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), offering tier-2 protection. Hantec Markets holds a license from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which provides strong client money protection and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Neither broker has direct FSMA authorization, meaning Belgian traders may not receive local default protection. However, Hantec Markets’ FCA regulation may offer higher security for EU clients, while Global Prime’s offshore status carries more risk. Traders should read the terms carefully regarding leverage limits and negative balance protection.
| Payment Method | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Global Prime processes withdrawals instantly on their end, but the time to receive your funds depends on your payment method: bank wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days, credit or debit cards take 1 to 10 days, and e-wallets are instant once completed. | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Belgium traders can fund their accounts easily using the supported local payment methods. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Global Prime requires a minimum deposit of $200, while Hantec Markets requires $500. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are usually instant, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed within minutes and are popular for their low fees. Withdrawals are processed back to the original funding method where possible. Global Prime processes withdrawals within 24 hours, while Hantec Markets may take 2-3 business days. Belgian traders should verify any transaction fees, as Skrill and Neteller charges can vary. Overall, both brokers offer a smooth deposit/withdrawal experience for Belgium-based clients.
| Islamic Account Feature | Global Prime | 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 |
Muslim traders in Belgium seeking swap-free accounts will find options at both brokers. Global Prime offers Islamic accounts upon request, with no overnight interest charges on positions, and it applies to all account types. Hantec Markets also provides Islamic accounts, but may only offer them on standard accounts and requires a genuine religious declaration. Both brokers adhere to Sharia principles by not charging or paying swaps. Belgian traders should contact support to confirm eligibility and any account restrictions before opening an Islamic account.
| Support Feature | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Global Prime |
Customer support is available in English from both brokers. Global Prime offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support, with response times generally under 5 minutes. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours (24/5) via live chat and email, with slightly slower response times but multilingual options including French. For Belgian traders who prefer French or Dutch, Hantec Markets’ support may be more accessible. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| Mobile Feature | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Global Prime |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Global Prime |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Global Prime | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | Hantec Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Global Prime |
Choose Global Prime if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Belgium traders, the choice between Global Prime and Hantec Markets depends on your priorities. Global Prime excels in low-cost trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, fast execution, and support for popular deposits like Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. It’s ideal for active traders who value tight spreads and modern platforms like cTrader. Hantec Markets offers robust FCA regulation, French-language support, and a simpler commission-free model, making it suitable for more conservative traders. Neither broker is regulated by the Belgian FSMA, so you should assess risk carefully. Both provide Bank Transfer and digital payment options. Overall, Global Prime is better for cost efficiency, while Hantec Markets offers higher regulatory comfort. Your final decision should align with your trading style and risk tolerance as a Belgian retail trader.