Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For North Macedonia retail traders evaluating forex brokers, Hantec Markets and HYCM both present compelling options in 2025. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, providing a layer of security and legal compliance essential for traders in North Macedonia. Hantec Markets, founded in 1990, brings over three decades of experience and is known for its competitive pricing and straightforward trading conditions. HYCM, established in 1977, offers a robust global presence and a wider range of trading instruments, including CFDs on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Both support popular local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals convenient for North Macedonia traders. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding the nuances of each broker—from spreads and platforms to regulation and customer support—will help you make an informed decision tailored to your trading goals.
| Instrument | Hantec Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | HYCM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | HYCM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | HYCM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | HYCM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $10 | $20 | Hantec Markets |
When comparing trading costs for North Macedonia traders, Hantec Markets generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs, with EUR/USD spreads starting from 0.1 pips on its ECN account, while HYCM’s Raw account starts from 0.2 pips. However, Hantec Markets charges a commission on its ECN account, whereas HYCM’s standard account has no commission but wider spreads. For high-volume traders in North Macedonia, Hantec Markets may be more cost-effective, especially when trading larger lot sizes. HYCM’s standard account is better suited for smaller retail traders who prefer simplicity without commission fees. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but Islamic account holders pay no overnight fees.
| Account Type | Hantec Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $10 | $20 |
| Entity / Asset | Hantec Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (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 | Hantec Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Hantec Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Hantec Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Hantec Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | ✗ | HYCM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Hantec Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Hantec Markets and HYCM provide the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, which is widely used by North Macedonia traders for its reliability and advanced charting tools. Hantec Markets also offers MT5 and a proprietary web trader, while HYCM supplements MT4 with its proprietary platform and mobile apps. For traders in North Macedonia who value algorithmic trading and custom indicators, both brokers support Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4. HYCM’s additional platforms may appeal to traders seeking a more modern interface, but MT4 remains the top choice for most retail traders in the region.
| Factor | Hantec Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | HYCM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Hantec Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Both brokers offer competitive execution speeds, with Hantec Markets boasting average execution times of under 50ms on its ECN accounts. HYCM’s execution is also fast, typically under 100ms, using No Dealing Desk (NDD) technology. For North Macedonia traders engaged in scalping or high-frequency trading, Hantec Markets’ lower latency may be advantageous. Both brokers support automated trading via Expert Advisors without requotes.
| Safety Factor | Hantec Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a critical factor for North Macedonia traders, and both Hantec Markets and HYCM are licensed by the local financial regulator, ensuring compliance with local laws and investor protection standards. Hantec Markets is also regulated by the FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia, while HYCM holds licenses from the FCA, CySEC, and other international bodies. This multi-jurisdictional oversight provides North Macedonia traders with additional confidence, as both brokers must adhere to strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation requirements. Always verify current licenses on the regulator’s website to ensure ongoing compliance.
| Payment Method | Hantec Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days | E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney): 1 hour to 1 business day.Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3 to 5 business days (after broker processing).Bank Wire Transfers: 3 to 7 business days depending on your bank and location. |
North Macedonia traders can fund their accounts at both Hantec Markets and HYCM using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets processes deposits instantly via e-wallets and USDT TRC20, with no fees for these methods, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days and incur intermediary bank charges. HYCM offers similar terms, with zero deposit fees on Skrill and Neteller, and USDT TRC20 deposits credited within minutes. Withdrawals at both brokers are typically processed within 24 hours for e-wallets, while bank transfers take 2-5 business days. Minimum deposit amounts vary: Hantec Markets requires $100 for standard accounts, while HYCM’s minimum is $100 for its standard account. Always check each broker’s current fee schedule for international transfers, as costs may vary.
| Islamic Account Feature | Hantec Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in North Macedonia, both Hantec Markets and HYCM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight swap fees. Hantec Markets provides Islamic accounts on request, requiring a valid reason and documentation to confirm eligibility. HYCM offers Islamic accounts automatically upon request, with no additional paperwork. Both brokers maintain the same trading conditions on Islamic accounts, including spreads and commissions, ensuring no disadvantage for Muslim traders. It is advisable to confirm account terms with customer support before opening an Islamic account, as some brokers may impose restrictions on certain instruments.
| Support Feature | Hantec Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Hantec Markets |
Customer support for North Macedonia traders is available in English from both Hantec Markets and HYCM via live chat, email, and phone. Hantec Markets offers 24/5 support, while HYCM provides 24/7 support for urgent queries. HYCM’s multilingual team may offer limited support in Macedonian, but English is the primary language. Both brokers have responsive live chat, but HYCM’s 24/7 availability gives it an edge for traders in different time zones.
| Mobile Feature | Hantec Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Hantec Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Hantec Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Hantec Markets | HYCM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | Hantec Markets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Hantec Markets |
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
Choose HYCM if you...
For North Macedonia retail traders in 2025, both Hantec Markets and HYCM are reliable brokers regulated by the local financial regulator. Hantec Markets is the better choice for cost-conscious, active traders who prioritize low spreads and fast execution. HYCM suits beginners and those who value educational support and a broader product range. Both support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits seamless. Ultimately, your decision should align with your trading style and experience level. Demo accounts from both brokers are recommended to test platforms and conditions before committing real funds.