Which broker is better for United Kingdom traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Choosing the right forex broker in the United Kingdom is critical, especially with FCA regulation ensuring client fund safety. IC Markets (scoring 4.8/5) and Hantec Markets (3.6/5) are both regulated in the UK, but they serve different trader profiles. IC Markets is known for ultra-low spreads and high execution speed, ideal for active day traders and scalpers. Hantec Markets, a smaller broker, focuses on personalised service and a more traditional trading environment. For UK traders using local payment methods like Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments, both brokers offer these options. However, IC Markets provides faster deposit processing and lower overall costs, making it the preferred choice for cost-conscious traders. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment support to help you 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 UK traders, trading costs are a key factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a $3.50 commission per lot, while Hantec Markets has spreads averaging 1.2 pips on standard accounts with no commission. For a UK trader executing 10 standard lots per month on EUR/USD, IC Markets costs approximately $35 in commission versus Hantec Markets' $120 in spread costs—a saving of $85. IC Markets also has lower swap rates for overnight positions. Volume-based traders will benefit significantly from IC Markets' cost structure, especially when using Faster Payments for funding.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (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 UK traders for their custom indicators and algorithmic trading. IC Markets additionally provides cTrader, a platform favoured by scalpers for its advanced order management and depth of market. Hantec Markets sticks to MT4 and MT5, which is sufficient for most retail traders. IC Markets' platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, with faster chart loading and execution. For UK traders needing advanced tools like hedging or copy trading, IC Markets' cTrader is a distinct advantage. Both support UK-based VPS services for low-latency trading.
| 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 No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with an average order execution speed of 40ms, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Hantec Markets uses a dealing desk model, which can lead to requotes and slippage during volatile markets. IC Markets' execution is more transparent and faster, especially for UK traders trading major forex pairs during London session. Hantec Markets may offer fixed spreads but at the cost of execution quality.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and Hantec Markets are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, providing UK traders with protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000. IC Markets holds FCA licence number 579202, while Hantec Markets holds FCA licence number 478586. This means client funds are segregated, and negative balance protection is mandatory. For UK traders, FCA regulation ensures compliance with leverage limits (max 30:1 for retail) and strict reporting standards. Hantec Markets also offers professional account options with higher leverage, but IC Markets has a more streamlined process for reclassification.
| 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 |
UK traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments at both brokers. IC Markets processes PayPal and Skrill deposits instantly, while Bank Transfer via Faster Payments typically clears within hours. Withdrawals at IC Markets are usually processed within 24 hours, with PayPal withdrawals being the fastest. Hantec Markets also supports these methods but may take 1-2 business days for Bank Transfer withdrawals. IC Markets charges no deposit fees, but Hantec Markets may apply a 1% fee on certain card deposits. For UK traders, IC Markets' faster processing and zero fees make it more convenient. Both brokers allow GBP accounts, avoiding currency conversion costs. Minimum deposits are $200 at IC Markets and £100 at Hantec Markets.
| 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 and Hantec Markets both offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for UK Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free status on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) with no time limit, while Hantec Markets offers it on request but may restrict certain instruments. IC Markets does not charge additional fees for Islamic accounts, whereas Hantec Markets may apply a small administrative fee after a holding period. For UK traders adhering to Sharia law, IC Markets' more flexible and cost-free option is preferable. Both require a declaration of faith to open an Islamic account.
| 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 UK-dedicated phone line. Hantec Markets provides support during UK trading hours (8am-5pm GMT) via phone and email, with slower response times. IC Markets' live chat is faster, typically under 30 seconds, while Hantec Markets may take several hours for email queries. For UK traders needing immediate assistance, IC Markets is more reliable.
| 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 UK traders, IC Markets is the clear winner with a score of 4.8/5 versus Hantec Markets' 3.6/5. Its FCA regulation, ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and support for local payments like Bank Transfer, PayPal, Skrill, and Faster Payments make it ideal for active traders. Hantec Markets offers a more traditional experience but falls short on cost and execution. If you prioritise low trading costs and modern platforms, choose IC Markets. If you prefer a smaller broker with personal service and a lower minimum deposit, Hantec Markets may suit, but be prepared for higher spreads. Overall, IC Markets delivers better value for UK traders under FCA oversight.