Which broker is better for Paraguay traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Paraguay traders seeking a reliable forex broker have two strong contenders: IC Markets and Hantec Markets. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is a global leader known for its ultra-tight spreads, fast execution, and extensive platform support. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, is a smaller broker with a focus on personalized service and a more curated trading environment. For Paraguay residents, both brokers accept local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making deposits and withdrawals straightforward. The local financial regulator oversees forex activities in Paraguay, but neither broker is directly regulated there—both rely on top-tier international licenses. This comparison breaks down costs, platforms, regulation, and deposit methods to help Paraguay traders choose the best fit for their retail trading needs in 2026.
| 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 the lowest trading costs for Paraguay traders, with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account plus a $3.50 commission per lot per side. Hantec Markets has higher spreads, typically from 0.8 pips on its standard account with no commission. For a Paraguay trader executing 10 standard lots per month in USD pairs, IC Markets can save approximately $50–$80 in total costs compared to Hantec Markets. The difference is even more pronounced for scalpers and high-frequency traders who benefit from IC Markets’ tighter pricing and lower swap rates.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Paraguay (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader—all available in Spanish for Paraguay traders. These platforms offer advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and mobile apps for on-the-go trading. Hantec Markets offers only MetaTrader 4, which is sufficient but less versatile. For Paraguay traders who value flexibility and algorithmic trading, IC Markets is the clear winner. Both brokers support web trading, but IC Markets’ cTrader platform is particularly popular among active traders for its intuitive interface and depth of market visibility.
| 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 delivers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms, using Equinix NY4 data centers and No Dealing Desk (NDD) model. Hantec Markets has slower execution, averaging 100–150ms, which can impact slippage for Paraguay traders during volatile markets. IC Markets’ execution quality is ideal for scalpers and news traders, while Hantec Markets suits longer-term traders who prioritize stability over speed.
| 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 top-tier authorities including ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while Hantec Markets holds licenses from the FCA (UK) and FSA (St. Vincent). Neither broker is directly regulated by the Paraguayan local financial regulator, but both comply with international standards that offer client fund segregation and negative balance protection. For Paraguay traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts with reputable banks, providing a layer of security. IC Markets’ ASIC regulation is particularly robust, ensuring strict oversight and investor compensation schemes.
| 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 |
Paraguay traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IC Markets processes Skrill and Neteller deposits instantly with no fees, while bank transfers take 1–3 business days. USDT TRC20 deposits are also instant and fee-free, ideal for crypto-savvy Paraguay traders. Hantec Markets supports similar methods but may charge a small fee for bank transfers and has higher minimum deposits for certain options. Withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, while Hantec Markets may take up to 2 business days. Both brokers require verification documents to comply with KYC regulations.
| 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 |
IC Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts on both Standard and Raw Spread accounts, with no overnight interest charges or fees. Hantec Markets also provides Islamic accounts upon request, but approval may take longer and is subject to review. For Paraguay Muslim traders, IC Markets is the more convenient option as the swap-free feature is available immediately without special application. Both brokers require that Islamic accounts are not used for pure swap arbitrage, and IC Markets reserves the right to convert accounts if such activity is detected.
| 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 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Spanish-speaking agents available for Paraguay traders. Hantec Markets provides support during business hours only, with a more limited team. IC Markets’ response time is under 30 seconds on live chat, while Hantec Markets may take several minutes. For Paraguay traders needing quick assistance, IC Markets is the better choice.
| 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 Paraguay retail traders, IC Markets is the superior choice due to its higher rating (4.8/5), lower costs, faster execution, and extensive platform options. It supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making it easy to fund and withdraw in USD. While Hantec Markets offers a more personalized experience, its higher spreads and slower execution make it less competitive for active traders. Both brokers are accessible to Paraguay residents and operate under strong international regulation. If you prioritize cost efficiency and trading flexibility, IC Markets is the recommended broker for Paraguay in 2026.