Which broker is better for Myanmar traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Myanmar traders looking to enter the forex market, choosing the right broker is critical. IC Markets and Hantec Markets are two well-known international brokers, but they cater to different trader needs. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is a top choice for retail traders in Myanmar due to its low spreads, fast execution, and support for popular local payment methods like KBZPay, Wave Money, and Bank Transfer. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 rating, offers a more traditional trading experience with a longer history but higher costs. For Myanmar traders, factors like deposit convenience, spread costs, and regulatory protection are key. While neither broker is directly regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Myanmar (SECM), both operate under respected international regulators. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local requirements.
| Instrument | IC Markets | 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 | $200 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
IC Markets offers significantly lower trading costs for Myanmar traders. With spreads starting from 0.0 pips on the Raw Spread account and a commission of $3.50 per lot, active traders can keep costs minimal. Hantec Markets typically offers spreads from 1.2 pips on major pairs with no commission, which is higher for frequent traders. For a Myanmar trader executing 10 lots per month, IC Markets can save approximately $200-$300 in spread costs compared to Hantec Markets. Lower costs are especially important for retail traders in Myanmar, where every pip counts.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Myanmar (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 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 | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | 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, which are popular among Myanmar traders for their reliability and advanced charting tools. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform known for its intuitive interface and depth of market, ideal for scalpers. Hantec Markets lacks cTrader, which may be a drawback for traders who prefer a more modern trading environment. For Myanmar traders, the availability of mobile trading apps is crucial, and both brokers offer robust mobile platforms compatible with local internet speeds.
| Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets provides ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, using Equinix NY4 servers and a No Dealing Desk (NDD) model. Hantec Markets uses a market maker model, which can lead to requotes and slower execution during volatile periods. For Myanmar traders, especially those using scalping or day trading strategies, IC Markets' execution quality is superior, reducing slippage and improving trade outcomes.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), offering strong client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles. For Myanmar traders, neither broker is regulated by the SECM, but international regulation provides a layer of security. IC Markets' ASIC regulation is particularly stringent, ensuring transparency and fair trading conditions.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Myanmar traders have multiple deposit options with IC Markets, including KBZPay, Wave Money, Bank Transfer, and USDT. These methods are fast and low-cost, with deposits typically processed within minutes. Hantec Markets primarily relies on international bank transfers and credit cards, which can take 1-3 business days and incur higher fees. For withdrawals, IC Markets processes requests within 24 hours using the same methods, while Hantec Markets may take longer. USDT deposits are especially useful for Myanmar traders facing banking restrictions, offering a decentralized alternative. IC Markets also supports local currency (MMK) conversion for deposits, reducing exchange rate costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | 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 IC Markets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Myanmar. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on its Standard and Raw Spread accounts, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts upon request, but may have restrictions on certain instruments. For Myanmar Muslim traders, IC Markets' transparent policy and easy activation process make it the preferred choice. These accounts comply with Sharia law by ensuring no interest is earned or paid.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with multilingual agents including English and Chinese. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours via phone and email. For Myanmar traders, IC Markets' round-the-clock support is beneficial due to time zone differences. Both brokers have responsive teams, but IC Markets' availability is a clear advantage.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For most Myanmar traders, IC Markets is the clear winner due to its superior rating (4.8/5), lower spreads, and support for local payment methods like KBZPay, Wave Money, Bank Transfer, and USDT. These features directly address the needs of retail traders in Myanmar, where deposit convenience and cost efficiency are paramount. While Hantec Markets offers a solid platform and FCA regulation, its higher spreads and limited local payment options make it less suitable. Considering the SECM's limited oversight of international brokers, IC Markets' strong regulatory framework and execution quality provide a safer and more profitable trading environment for Myanmar traders.