Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China-based offshore traders seeking international exposure, choosing between Global Prime and Hantec Markets is a critical decision. Both brokers score 3.6/5 in our rating, yet they cater to different trading styles and preferences. Global Prime is an Australian-based ECN broker known for its ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and transparency. It is particularly attractive to scalpers and algorithmic traders who prioritize cost efficiency. Hantec Markets, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Hong Kong, offers a more traditional brokerage experience with a strong Asian focus, including Chinese-language support and familiarity with local trading habits. Both accept Chinese clients and support deposits via USDT and international bank transfer, making them accessible despite China’s capital controls. However, neither is regulated by the CSRC, so traders must be comfortable with offshore regulation. This comparison breaks down their offerings specifically for China traders in 2025, covering costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods to help you decide.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for China traders, Global Prime generally offers lower variable spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs like EUR/USD with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. Hantec Markets uses fixed spreads, which average around 1.2 pips for EUR/USD with no commission. For a China trader executing 10 standard lots per month, Global Prime’s raw spreads can save approximately $200–$300 in spread costs compared to Hantec Markets. However, Hantec Markets provides cost certainty, which can be beneficial for traders who dislike variable spreads during volatile news events. Global Prime also charges lower swap rates, which is advantageous for longer-term positions. Overall, Global Prime is more cost-effective for active traders, while Hantec Markets suits those preferring fixed costs.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| China (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 the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by China traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and EA support. Global Prime additionally provides a proprietary web platform and mobile app, while Hantec Markets sticks strictly to MT4/MT5. For China traders, the availability of VPS hosting (Global Prime offers it free for high-volume clients) can be a key advantage for latency-sensitive strategies. Hantec Markets offers Chinese-language platform interfaces and local server options for faster connectivity. Both platforms are stable and reliable, but Global Prime’s additional tools and lower latency infrastructure give it a slight edge for professional traders.
| 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 is a strong point for both brokers. Global Prime offers ultra-fast execution with average speeds under 50ms, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and ECN model. Hantec Markets also provides fast execution under 100ms using its own liquidity providers. For China traders, latency can be higher due to distance from servers, but Global Prime’s VPS option reduces delays. Both brokers have no requotes or dealing desk intervention, ensuring fair execution. Global Prime has a slight edge for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a crucial factor for China traders, as neither broker is regulated by the CSRC. Global Prime is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC), offering strong investor protection under Australian law. Hantec Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles. For China traders, Hantec Markets’ FCA regulation provides a higher level of security, including negative balance protection and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. However, ASIC regulation is also reputable. Both brokers maintain segregated client accounts and are considered safe for offshore trading. China traders should be aware that CSRC does not oversee these brokers, so due diligence is essential.
| 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 |
Deposit and withdrawal methods are critical for China traders due to capital controls. Both Global Prime and Hantec Markets support USDT (Tether) deposits, which bypass traditional banking restrictions and allow instant funding. International bank transfer is also available for larger sums, though processing times can take 2–5 business days. Global Prime accepts deposits in CNY via USDT and offers free withdrawals. Hantec Markets also supports USDT and bank transfers, with no deposit fees. For withdrawals, USDT is the most efficient method, with same-day processing for both brokers. Global Prime has a minimum deposit of $200 (or equivalent in USDT), while Hantec Markets requires $500. Both brokers process withdrawal requests within 24 hours, making them suitable for China traders needing fast access to funds.
| 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 |
Both Global Prime and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for China’s Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Global Prime’s Islamic account eliminates swap fees on overnight positions but applies a small administrative fee after a holding period of 7–10 days. Hantec Markets provides a straightforward swap-free account with no interest charges, though it may restrict certain instruments. China traders can request an Islamic account during registration by contacting customer support. Both brokers require that the account is not used for arbitrage or hedging. Given the growing Muslim population in China, both options are viable, but Hantec Markets’ simpler policy may be more appealing for long-term holders.
| 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 for China traders is better with Hantec Markets, which offers dedicated Chinese-language support via phone, email, and live chat during Asian trading hours. Global Prime provides English-only support, though it is available 24/5 via live chat and email. For China traders who prefer communicating in Mandarin, Hantec Markets’ local support is a clear advantage. Response times for both brokers are under 5 minutes on live chat. Global Prime’s support is knowledgeable but may require basic English proficiency.
| 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 China traders in 2025, the choice between Global Prime and Hantec Markets depends on your trading style and priorities. Global Prime wins on cost efficiency, execution speed, and modern features like USDT deposits and VPS, making it ideal for active and algorithmic traders. Hantec Markets excels in regulatory strength (FCA), Chinese-language support, and a proven track record in Asia, suiting traders who value security and local familiarity. Both brokers accept USDT and international bank transfers, bypassing China’s capital controls. Neither is CSRC-regulated, so offshore trading due diligence is required. If you prioritize low spreads and technology, go with Global Prime. If you prefer a trusted Asian brand with fixed costs and local support, Hantec Markets is your choice.