Which broker is better for Ukraine traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Ukraine retail traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026 face a clear choice between IC Markets (rated 4.8/5) and Hantec Markets (rated 3.6/5). IC Markets stands out with its superior trading conditions: spreads from 0.0 pips, deep liquidity from top-tier banks, and support for local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets, while regulated in multiple jurisdictions, offers higher spreads and fewer deposit options, making it less attractive for active traders. Both brokers accept Ukraine clients, but IC Markets’ lower costs and faster execution appeal to scalpers and day traders. For beginners, Hantec Markets’ lower leverage may provide a safer starting point. This comparison evaluates spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment support to help Ukraine traders decide.
| 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 Ukraine traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot (round turn) on its Raw Spread account. Hantec Markets charges spreads from 1.2 pips without commission, which translates to $12 per lot on EUR/USD. Over 100 lots traded monthly, IC Markets saves $850 in costs. Hantec Markets’ higher spreads impact profitability for high-frequency traders, especially given Ukraine’s economic volatility. IC Markets’ lower costs benefit scalpers and those using automated strategies.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine (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 optimized for low latency and fast execution—essential for Ukraine traders dealing with unpredictable market movements. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and its own WebTrader, but lacks cTrader. For Ukraine traders using VPS or automated trading, IC Markets’ cTrader offers advanced charting and algorithmic capabilities. Both platforms support mobile trading, but IC Markets’ broader platform range gives it an edge for tech-savvy users.
| 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 and no requotes, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and direct market access (DMA). Hantec Markets offers standard execution with average speeds of 100ms, which can result in slippage during high volatility—common during Ukraine news events. For scalpers and algorithmic traders, IC Markets’ execution quality is superior, reducing latency 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 ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles), providing robust client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Hantec Markets holds licenses from the FCA (UK), FSA (Japan), and VFSC (Vanuatu). For Ukraine traders, neither broker is directly overseen by the local financial regulator, but IC Markets’ ASIC oversight offers higher transparency. Both brokers comply with international standards, but IC Markets’ multi-regulatory framework provides stronger protection for retail clients.
| 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 |
Ukraine traders have several deposit options at IC Markets: Bank Transfer (1-3 days, free), Skrill (instant, 1% fee), Neteller (instant, 1.5% fee), and USDT TRC20 (instant, 0% fee). Hantec Markets accepts Bank Transfer and Skrill but not Neteller or USDT TRC20. Withdrawals at IC Markets via Skrill and Neteller are processed within 24 hours, while bank transfers take 2-5 days. USDT TRC20 withdrawals at IC Markets are processed within 1 hour with no fees. Hantec Markets’ withdrawal times are similar but lack crypto support, making IC Markets more flexible for Ukraine traders who prefer 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 |
Both IC Markets and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Ukraine Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) with no additional fees or time limits. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but typically restricts them to 90 days before applying swap charges. Ukraine traders should confirm with Hantec Markets’ support for permanent swap-free status. IC Markets’ policy is more accommodating for long-term holding of positions.
| 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 a dedicated team for Ukraine traders. Hantec Markets provides support during business hours (GMT+2) with limited weekend availability. IC Markets’ faster response times and comprehensive FAQ in Ukrainian make it more accessible for local traders. Both brokers have Russian-language support, but IC Markets’ round-the-clock service is better 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 Ukraine retail traders in 2026, IC Markets is the clear winner with a 4.8 rating versus Hantec Markets’ 3.6. IC Markets offers lower trading costs (spreads from 0.0 pips), faster execution (40ms), and flexible deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20—all crucial for navigating Ukraine’s economic landscape. Hantec Markets’ higher spreads and limited payment methods make it less competitive. While the local financial regulator does not directly oversee either broker, IC Markets’ ASIC regulation provides stronger oversight. Choose IC Markets for cost efficiency and modern payment support; choose Hantec Markets only if you value FCA regulation and lower leverage.