Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For China traders seeking international exposure through offshore forex brokers, IG and Hantec Markets are two prominent options, but they cater to different needs. IG, with a strong 4.2/5 rating, is a globally recognized broker offering access to over 17,000 markets, including forex, indices, and commodities. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, is a smaller broker with a focus on Chinese-speaking clients, providing localized support and a straightforward trading platform. Both brokers accept China traders and support USDT and international bank transfers for deposits, making them accessible despite capital controls. However, IG’s superior trading costs, advanced platform features, and broader market access make it a better fit for experienced offshore traders. Hantec Markets, on the other hand, appeals to those who prioritize Chinese-language support and a simpler trading environment. This comparison will help China traders decide which broker aligns with their goals, considering local factors like CSRC regulation (both are offshore) and payment preferences.
| Instrument | IG | 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 | $0 | $10 | IG |
When comparing trading costs for China traders, IG clearly leads with lower spreads on major forex pairs. IG’s RAW account offers spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD, while Hantec Markets’ standard account starts at 1.0 pip. For a China trader executing 100 standard lots per month, IG’s tighter spreads could save approximately $400 in spreads alone. IG also charges a commission of $3.50 per lot on RAW accounts, whereas Hantec Markets includes spreads in its commission-free model. Over time, IG’s cost structure is more favorable for high-volume traders, especially those trading indices and commodities where spreads are also narrower.
| Account Type | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:30 | 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 | IG | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IG |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IG |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IG |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides the industry-leading MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its proprietary web platform, both fully customizable and available in Chinese. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and MT5, but its platform lacks the advanced charting tools and automated trading features that IG’s platform provides. For China traders who rely on technical analysis and algorithmic trading, IG’s superior platform ecosystem is a clear advantage. Hantec Markets’ platform is simpler and easier for beginners, but lacks the depth needed for sophisticated strategies.
| Factor | IG | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IG |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IG provides fast execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds and no requotes on market orders, thanks to its advanced infrastructure. Hantec Markets also offers reliable execution, but its speed averages 0.3 seconds, and slippage can occur during volatile periods. For China traders trading high-frequency or news-driven strategies, IG’s superior execution quality is a clear edge.
| Safety Factor | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IG is regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and the FMA (New Zealand), ensuring high standards of client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FSCA (South Africa) and VFSC (Vanuatu), which are less stringent. For China traders, neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, but IG’s stronger regulatory oversight provides greater security for funds and dispute resolution. This is especially important for offshore traders who cannot rely on local consumer protection.
| Payment Method | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 5 business 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 |
Both IG and Hantec Markets support USDT deposits and international bank transfers for China traders, making it easy to fund accounts despite capital controls. USDT deposits are processed instantly with no fees, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary charges. IG has a minimum deposit of $250, while Hantec Markets requires $500. Withdrawals are similarly handled: USDT withdrawals are processed within 24 hours, and bank transfers take 2-5 days. IG offers free withdrawals, while Hantec Markets charges a small fee for bank transfers. For China traders, USDT is the most convenient option due to speed and low costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | IG | 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 IG and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim China traders who require compliance with Sharia law. IG provides Islamic accounts on request, with no swap charges on overnight positions across forex and indices. Hantec Markets also offers swap-free accounts, but traders must contact support to activate them, and some instruments may be excluded. IG’s Islamic account is more transparent and easier to obtain, making it a better choice for China’s Muslim traders.
| Support Feature | IG | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IG |
IG offers 24/5 multilingual support via live chat, email, and phone, with Chinese language support available during Asian trading hours. Hantec Markets provides dedicated Chinese-speaking support via WeChat, phone, and email, which is a significant advantage for China traders who prefer local communication channels. However, IG’s broader support hours and comprehensive knowledge base compensate for its less personalized approach.
| Mobile Feature | IG | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IG |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IG |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✓ | ✗ | IG |
| Resource | IG | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IG |
Choose IG if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For China traders in 2026, IG is the superior choice overall, offering lower trading costs, better platforms, stronger regulation, and faster execution. Its support for USDT deposits and international bank transfers aligns with the needs of offshore traders seeking international exposure. While Hantec Markets provides excellent Chinese-language support, its higher spreads, weaker regulation, and limited market access make it less competitive. IG’s 4.2 rating versus Hantec Markets’ 3.6 reflects this gap. However, Hantec Markets remains a viable option for beginners or those who prioritize local support. Ultimately, IG is the recommended broker for most China traders aiming for cost efficiency and global reach.