IC Markets vs Hantec Markets 2026: China Offshore Trader Comparison

IC Markets offers Raw Spread accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 commission per lot round turn, making it ideal for high-frequency China traders. For a standard lot of EUR/USD, the total cost is about $3.5 per side. Hantec Markets standard account spreads start from 1.2 pips with no commission, costing $12 per lot per side—over 3x more expensive. For China traders executing 50+ lots monthly, IC Markets saves thousands of CNY annually. Hantec Markets also offers fixed spreads on some pairs, which can be beneficial during volatile news events but still higher overall.

IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader—all fully compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. China traders benefit from fast VPS hosting options and API trading for algorithmic strategies. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and a proprietary web platform but lacks cTrader. For China traders using Expert Advisors (EAs) or copy trading, IC Markets is better supported. Both platforms support Chinese language interfaces.

IC Markets provides ECN execution with average order execution under 40ms and no requotes, ideal for scalping and high-frequency strategies popular among China traders. Hantec Markets uses market maker execution with occasional requotes during high volatility. IC Markets' execution quality is superior for active traders.

IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK) and FSC (Mauritius). Neither broker holds a CSRC license, meaning China traders operate as offshore clients. FCA regulation (Hantec) offers higher client fund protection (up to £85,000) compared to ASIC. However, for China traders, the key risk is capital control compliance, not broker regulation. IC Markets' Australian regulation is widely accepted by international banks for fund transfers.

For China traders, deposit methods are a critical differentiator. IC Markets accepts USDT deposits (ERC20 and TRC20) with zero fee, plus Bank Transfer (international) and credit cards. USDT deposits are processed within minutes, ideal for traders needing fast capital deployment. Hantec Markets primarily supports Bank Transfer (international) and credit cards but does not widely accept USDT. Withdrawals at IC Markets via USDT are also faster (1-24 hours) compared to Hantec's bank transfers (2-5 business days). Minimum deposit at IC Markets is $200 equivalent, while Hantec requires $500. For China traders, IC Markets offers superior flexibility and speed.

Both IC Markets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts upon request for clients who cannot receive or pay interest due to religious beliefs. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts automatically for eligible clients with no additional fees. However, IC Markets may charge a swap-free fee after a holding period (typically 7-10 days) on certain instruments, while Hantec Markets is more lenient. China Muslim traders should verify terms with both brokers before opening.

IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support in English and Chinese. Response times are under 5 minutes on live chat. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support (Monday to Friday) with Chinese-speaking agents available during Asian trading hours. IC Markets has an edge with round-the-clock availability, crucial for China traders operating during non-standard hours.