Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For New Zealand traders choosing between IG and Hantec Markets, the decision hinges on trading costs, platform features, and regulatory trust. IG, with its 4.2/5 score, is a global leader offering over 17,000 markets, including forex, indices, and commodities, with tight spreads starting from 0.6 pips on NZD/USD. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, is a smaller but reliable broker focusing on forex and CFDs with fixed spreads. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator in New Zealand, ensuring client fund segregation and compliance with local laws. New Zealand traders benefit from multiple deposit options including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making funding accounts convenient. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you pick the right broker for your retail trading needs in New Zealand.
| 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 New Zealand traders, IG offers lower variable spreads, especially on major forex pairs like NZD/USD (from 0.6 pips) and EUR/USD (from 0.8 pips). Hantec Markets provides fixed spreads averaging 1.2 pips on the same pairs, which can be higher during volatile periods. For high-volume traders, IG’s lower spreads result in significant cost savings over time. Additionally, IG charges no commission on standard accounts, while Hantec Markets also has zero commission but slightly wider spreads. New Zealand traders should consider their trading frequency and average trade size to see which broker offers better value.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 New Zealand traders with its proprietary web platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and ProRealTime, offering advanced charting, automated trading, and mobile apps. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and a simple web trader, which is easier for beginners but lacks the depth of IG’s tools. For New Zealand traders who need fast execution and customizable indicators, IG’s platform suite is superior. Hantec Markets’ platform is suitable for those who prefer a straightforward, no-frills trading experience on desktop or mobile.
| 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 speeds with no requotes on most markets, using STP/ECN technology that suits scalpers and day traders. Hantec Markets offers market execution with occasional slippage during news events, but overall reliable for standard retail trading. New Zealand traders who prioritize speed and precision will prefer IG, while Hantec Markets’ execution is adequate for casual traders.
| Safety Factor | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IG and Hantec Markets are regulated by the local financial regulator in New Zealand, providing a high level of security for New Zealand traders. IG holds a derivatives issuer license from the FMA and adheres to strict client fund segregation rules. Hantec Markets also holds an FMA license and is a member of the Financial Dispute Resolution Service. This means New Zealand traders have access to compensation schemes and dispute resolution if issues arise. Regulation by the local authority ensures both brokers meet capital adequacy and reporting standards, giving traders peace of mind.
| 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 |
New Zealand traders can fund their accounts at both IG and Hantec Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IG also accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Hantec Markets supports additional local bank transfers. Bank transfers are free but take 1-3 business days, while Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant with minimal fees. USDT TRC20 deposits are also instant and offer low transaction costs, ideal for crypto-savvy traders. Withdrawals at both brokers are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-2 days for bank transfers, with IG offering faster processing times overall. No deposit fees are charged by either broker, making it cost-effective for New Zealand traders.
| 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 New Zealand Muslim traders. IG provides Islamic accounts upon request, with no swap or interest charges on overnight positions, but may have a limited number of instruments available. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts automatically, covering all forex and CFD instruments without swap fees, and with no additional spreads. For New Zealand traders adhering to Sharia law, Hantec Markets’ straightforward Islamic account setup may be more convenient, while IG’s offering is still robust but requires a request process.
| 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 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email, with dedicated New Zealand phone lines and local business hours support. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours (Monday to Friday) via email and phone, with limited weekend availability. For New Zealand traders, IG’s around-the-clock support is a clear advantage, especially for those trading overnight or needing immediate assistance.
| 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 New Zealand traders, IG is the stronger choice overall due to its lower spreads, superior platform selection, and 24/7 support. Its 4.2/5 rating reflects its global reputation and strong regulation by the local financial regulator. While Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is a solid alternative for beginners or those seeking fixed spreads and automatic Islamic accounts, IG offers better value for active retail traders. Both brokers support deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making funding easy for New Zealanders. If cost efficiency and advanced tools matter most, go with IG; if simplicity and fixed costs are your priority, Hantec Markets is a viable option.