Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore traders in 2025 face a competitive landscape when choosing between Global Prime and Hantec Markets. Both brokers hold MAS licences, offering local payment methods like PayNow, bank transfer, and credit card deposits in SGD. Global Prime is known for its raw spreads and ECN execution, appealing to sophisticated investors who demand low latency. Hantec Markets, a well-established brand in Asia, emphasises relationship-based service and educational support for traders at all levels. With Singapore’s financial hub status, traders here require brokers that combine tight pricing with robust regulation. This comparison breaks down spreads, platforms, and local support to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and goals.
| 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 |
For Singapore traders, trading costs are critical. Global Prime offers spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs with a $7 commission per lot round turn, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Hantec Markets uses a spread-only model, starting at 0.8 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. On a standard lot, Global Prime’s total cost is about $7, while Hantec Markets costs $8 (based on 0.8 pips). For traders executing 50+ lots per month in Singapore, Global Prime’s lower per-lot cost can save hundreds of dollars annually. However, Hantec Markets’ fixed spreads may suit those who prefer predictable costs without variable spreads during news events.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (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 and MetaTrader 5, the industry standards favoured by Singapore traders for their custom indicators and algorithmic trading capabilities. Global Prime also provides cTrader, a platform known for its advanced order types and transparency—popular among institutional-level traders in Singapore. Hantec Markets focuses exclusively on MT4/MT5, which is sufficient for most retail traders. For Singapore traders who need multi-asset charting and direct market access, cTrader gives Global Prime an edge. Mobile trading apps from both are fully functional on iOS and Android, supporting local time zones and SGX hours.
| 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 |
Global Prime uses Equinix NY4 data centres and low-latency fibre connections, offering execution speeds under 50 milliseconds—suitable for Singapore’s high-speed traders using VPS. Hantec Markets processes orders via its own liquidity pool, with average execution times of 100-200 milliseconds. No requotes are reported on either platform under normal market conditions. For scalpers and algorithmic traders in Singapore, Global Prime’s faster execution and ECN model provide a tangible performance edge.
| Safety Factor | Global Prime | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✗ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Global Prime and Hantec Markets are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), providing Singapore traders with the highest level of fund protection under local law. MAS requires strict segregation of client funds, regular audits, and compliance with capital adequacy standards. Global Prime also holds an Australian ASIC licence, adding an extra layer of oversight. Hantec Markets is a subsidiary of Hantec Group, a Hong Kong-based financial conglomerate with a long track record in Asia. For Singapore traders, MAS regulation ensures that disputes can be resolved locally and that brokers adhere to Singapore’s stringent financial conduct rules.
| 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 |
Singapore traders can fund both accounts easily using PayNow, local bank transfer, or credit card. PayNow deposits are processed instantly at Global Prime with no fees, making it the fastest option for starting trades. Hantec Markets also supports PayNow but may take up to 30 minutes for confirmation. Bank transfers via DBS, OCBC, or UOB are free at both brokers, though Hantec Markets may require 1-2 business days for clearing. Credit card deposits are accepted but may incur a 2-3% fee at Global Prime; Hantec Markets waives this fee for first deposits. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at Global Prime, while Hantec Markets takes 1-3 days. Both return funds via the original payment method, ensuring security for Singapore residents.
| 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts to accommodate Singapore’s Muslim traders. Global Prime provides swap-free status on all account types, including its ECN account, with no additional fees or expiry periods. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts only on its standard and premium accounts, with a 90-day limit after which a fee may apply. For long-term position traders, Global Prime’s unlimited swap-free policy is more favourable. Both brokers require a simple request via customer support to activate the account. Singapore traders should note that Islamic accounts are not available for certain exotic pairs or CFDs, which is standard across the industry.
| 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 during Singapore trading hours (9am-6pm SGT) is available from both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. Global Prime offers support in English only, while Hantec Markets provides multilingual support including Mandarin and Malay, which is advantageous for Singapore’s diverse population. Hantec Markets also has a local office in Singapore, enabling face-to-face consultations. Global Prime’s support is responsive but primarily remote. For Singapore traders who value in-person service, Hantec Markets has a clear advantage.
| 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 sophisticated Singapore traders prioritising low costs and fast execution, Global Prime is the stronger choice—especially for scalpers and algo traders who benefit from its ECN model and cTrader platform. Hantec Markets appeals to those who value localised support, a commission-free structure, and a trusted Asian brand. Both are MAS-regulated and support PayNow, bank transfers, and credit cards in SGD. If you trade above 10 lots per month, Global Prime’s raw spreads will save you money over time. For relationship-driven traders who prefer speaking to someone in Mandarin or visiting a local office, Hantec Markets offers a more personalised experience. Test both with a small deposit to see which fits your workflow.