Which broker is better for Sweden traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Sweden traders looking for a reliable forex broker, choosing between IC Markets and Hantec Markets requires careful comparison of costs, regulation, and local support. IC Markets, with a score of 4.8/5, is a global leader known for ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and extensive payment options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, is a smaller broker offering personalized service but with higher spreads and fewer advanced features. Sweden traders benefit from IC Markets’ support for local payment methods and its strong reputation among retail traders. Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator (Finansinspektionen), so traders must rely on other tier-1 licenses. This comparison helps Sweden traders decide which broker aligns better with their trading style and local needs.
| 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 |
For Sweden traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, making it highly cost-effective for high-volume traders. Hantec Markets’ standard spreads are wider, starting around 1.2 pips for EUR/USD with no commission. Over 100 trades per month, IC Markets can save Sweden traders hundreds of dollars in spread costs. Hantec Markets may suit lower-frequency traders who prefer simplicity, but for active retail traders in Sweden, IC Markets is the more economical choice.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden (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 popular among Sweden traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and fast execution. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and a proprietary web platform, which is less versatile. Sweden traders who rely on EA trading or algorithmic strategies will prefer IC Markets’ cTrader integration. Both platforms are available in English, but IC Markets’ broader platform ecosystem gives it a clear advantage for tech-savvy Swedish retail traders.
| 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 is known for its ultra-fast execution, with average speeds under 40ms on MetaTrader servers and no requotes. This is ideal for Sweden traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies. Hantec Markets offers standard execution with occasional slippage during news events. For Sweden retail traders prioritizing speed and reliability, IC Markets is the superior choice.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Neither IC Markets nor Hantec Markets is regulated by Sweden’s local financial regulator (Finansinspektionen). IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), offering strong investor protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and CySEC. For Sweden traders, CySEC regulation under ESMA rules provides negative balance protection and leverage limits, which can be beneficial. Traders should ensure they understand the regulatory framework and tax implications of trading with an offshore broker.
| 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 |
Sweden traders have several convenient deposit and withdrawal options with both brokers. IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, along with credit/debit cards and PayPal. Hantec Markets also accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, plus UnionPay. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT TRC20 are typically instant and free, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. IC Markets processes withdrawals within 24 hours for most methods, while Hantec Markets may take 1-2 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Sweden traders should verify any bank intermediary charges for wire transfers. USDT TRC20 is particularly useful for fast, low-cost transfers.
| 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 |
For Sweden Muslim traders seeking Sharia-compliant accounts, both IC Markets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. IC Markets allows swap-free trading on its Standard and Raw Spread accounts, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Hantec Markets also provides Islamic accounts upon request, but may apply a small administrative fee after a certain holding period. Sweden traders should check the specific terms, as IC Markets’ offering is more straightforward and widely available. Both brokers require a declaration of faith or identity verification for eligibility.
| 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 fast response times. Sweden traders can get assistance in English, but Swedish language support is not guaranteed. Hantec Markets provides support during business hours with a more personal touch, but limited hours may be a drawback for Swedish traders in different time zones. IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is more reliable for active traders.
| 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 Sweden traders, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8/5 score, offering lower spreads, faster execution, and more payment options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) may appeal to those seeking a smaller broker with FCA regulation, but its higher costs and limited platform choice make it less competitive. Sweden retail traders should consider their trading volume and platform needs. IC Markets is better for active, cost-conscious traders, while Hantec Markets suits those prioritizing regulatory familiarity. Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator, so due diligence is essential.