Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabia traders seeking the best forex broker in 2026, comparing IC Markets and Hantec Markets is essential. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is a global ECN broker known for ultra-low spreads and high-speed execution, making it ideal for high-net-worth individuals and active traders. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 rating, offers a more traditional brokerage experience with FCA regulation and localized support. Both brokers accept Saudi residents, support SAR deposits via Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, and offer Islamic accounts for Muslim traders. However, key differences in spreads, platform technology, and regulatory oversight matter for Saudi traders. This comparison focuses on local payment methods, CMA Saudi considerations, and trading costs to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals in the Kingdom.
| 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 raw spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a $7 commission per lot round turn, resulting in total costs around $7 per lot. For Saudi traders trading 10+ lots monthly, this saves significantly compared to Hantec Markets, which charges spreads from 1.2 pips with no commission—equating to $12 per lot. IC Markets also provides lower swap rates on Islamic accounts, reducing overnight costs for long-term positions. For high-volume Saudi traders, IC Markets is clearly more cost-effective.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 Arabic for Saudi traders. These platforms offer advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and fast execution. Hantec Markets offers MT4 only, which is sufficient for most traders but lacks cTrader's depth of market features. For Saudi traders using EAs or scalping strategies, IC Markets' multi-platform support and lower latency servers in Bahrain provide a clear edge.
| 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 offers ultra-low latency execution with average speeds under 40ms on its Equinix NY4 servers, ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. Hantec Markets provides standard execution with speeds around 100ms, which is sufficient for swing traders but less optimal for day traders. For Saudi traders using automated strategies, IC Markets' execution quality is superior.
| 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 CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), and ASIC, offering client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK) and FSA (SVG), providing strong investor protection under FCA rules. Neither broker is directly regulated by the CMA Saudi, but both accept Saudi residents. For Saudi traders, FCA regulation (Hantec) offers a higher level of compensation scheme protection, while IC Markets' multi-regulator oversight ensures broader operational transparency.
| 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 |
IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card deposits in SAR with no fees. STC Pay deposits are processed instantly, while bank transfers take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals are free and processed within 24 hours for STC Pay and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Hantec Markets accepts Bank Transfer and Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) but does not support STC Pay. Deposits are free, but withdrawals may incur a small fee for bank transfers. For Saudi traders, IC Markets offers more local payment flexibility with STC Pay integration, making funding faster and cheaper.
| 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 Saudi Arabia. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) with no time limit or additional fees. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but may charge a small administrative fee if positions are held beyond 10 days. Saudi traders seeking long-term halal trading should prefer IC Markets for its more favorable Islamic account terms.
| 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 Arabic-speaking agents available during peak trading hours. Hantec Markets provides support in Arabic via phone and email during business hours (Sunday-Thursday), aligning with the Saudi workweek. IC Markets' round-the-clock support is better for traders operating outside standard hours.
| 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 Saudi Arabia traders, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 rating, lower spreads, STC Pay support, and superior Islamic account terms. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) offers FCA regulation and local support but falls short on costs and payment flexibility. If you prioritize low costs, fast execution, and modern payment methods like STC Pay and Credit Card, choose IC Markets. For those who prefer FCA oversight and a simpler trading environment, Hantec Markets remains a viable option. Always verify CMA Saudi compliance and test both brokers with a demo account before committing funds.