IC Markets vs Hantec Markets for Australia Traders (2026)

For Australian traders, spread costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD and a $7 AUD commission per lot round turn. In contrast, Hantec Markets’ standard account spreads start around 1.2 pips with no commission. On a 10-lot trade, IC Markets costs roughly $70 AUD in commission, while Hantec Markets would cost $120 AUD in spread—a $50 AUD saving per trade with IC Markets. For high-frequency traders, this difference compounds significantly over a month.

IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader—all preferred by Australian traders for their advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and custom indicators. Hantec Markets offers only MT4 and a proprietary web platform, which may feel limited for power users. Australian traders who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs) or require low-latency execution will find IC Markets’ platform ecosystem far more suitable.

IC Markets boasts average execution speeds of under 40 milliseconds, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data centre and low-latency infrastructure. Hantec Markets does not publicly disclose execution speeds but is known to be slower, with average fills around 100-200 milliseconds. For Australian scalpers and algorithmic traders, IC Markets’ speed is a decisive advantage.

Both IC Markets and Hantec Markets are regulated by ASIC, which means Australian clients benefit from strict leverage limits (max 30:1 for retail), negative balance protection, and segregated client funds. IC Markets also holds additional licences in Cyprus (CySEC) and the Seychelles (FSA), while Hantec Markets is solely ASIC-regulated. For Australian traders, ASIC oversight provides peace of mind, but IC Markets’ broader regulatory footprint adds an extra layer of security for international operations.

Australian traders can fund both accounts using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card in AUD. IC Markets processes deposits instantly via POLi and Credit Card, while bank transfers take 1-2 business days. Hantec Markets also supports these methods but may take up to 1 business day for POLi and BPAY. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 24 hours (free via bank transfer), whereas Hantec Markets can take 2-3 business days. For active Australian traders, IC Markets’ faster turnaround is a clear advantage.

Both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Australian Muslim traders who cannot earn or pay interest. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request via customer support, applicable to all account types. Hantec Markets automatically offers Islamic accounts during registration without needing a separate request. However, IC Markets’ account remains fully functional with no restrictions on trading style, while Hantec Markets may limit certain strategies on swap-free accounts.

IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support with a dedicated Australian phone number. Hantec Markets provides support during Sydney business hours via phone and email, with live chat available. For Australian traders who trade outside standard hours, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is more reliable.