Which broker is better for North Macedonia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For retail traders in North Macedonia, choosing between IG and Hantec Markets depends on trading style, cost sensitivity, and platform preferences. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, is a globally recognized broker offering over 17,000 markets, including forex, indices, and commodities, with competitive spreads and advanced tools. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, is a smaller broker focusing on forex and CFDs with a more streamlined approach. Both accept deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making them accessible for local traders. However, IG’s superior education, research, and lower costs give it an edge for most North Macedonia traders, while Hantec Markets may suit those seeking simplicity and personalized service. This comparison examines key factors like regulation, spreads, platforms, and local payment methods to help you decide.
| 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 |
For North Macedonia traders, trading costs are critical, especially when trading in USD. IG offers tighter spreads, with EUR/USD averaging 0.6 pips on standard accounts, while Hantec Markets starts at 1.2 pips. For a typical retail trader executing 10 lots per month, IG’s lower spreads could save approximately $60 monthly compared to Hantec Markets. IG also has no commission on forex, whereas Hantec Markets may charge commissions on certain account types. Overnight swap fees are similar, but IG’s swap-free accounts are available on request. Overall, IG is more cost-effective for active traders in North Macedonia.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia (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 proprietary IG Trading Platform, plus MetaTrader 4 (MT4), ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer, offering flexibility for North Macedonia traders. The IG platform is web-based and mobile-friendly, with advanced charting and automated trading. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and its own web platform, which is simpler but less feature-rich. For North Macedonia traders who value customization and third-party tools, IG’s MT4 and ProRealTime access is superior. Hantec Markets’ platforms are suitable for beginners but lack depth for advanced analysis.
| 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 minimal slippage, using No Dealing Desk (NDD) technology for most forex trades. Hantec Markets uses straight-through processing (STP), but execution speeds are slower, with occasional requotes during volatile markets. For North Macedonia traders trading in USD, IG’s superior execution ensures better entry and exit prices, particularly for scalpers and day traders.
| 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 like the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and the FSCA (South Africa), providing strong client fund protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FSA (Vanuatu) and holds an FCA license, though its main operations are offshore. For North Macedonia traders, this means IG offers greater regulatory oversight and compensation schemes, while Hantec Markets’ offshore regulation may pose higher risk. Local financial regulators in North Macedonia do not directly oversee these brokers, so traders should prioritize IG’s robust framework for safety.
| 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 |
North Macedonia traders can fund accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. IG also supports credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Hantec Markets focuses on the listed methods. Minimum deposits: IG requires $250 (or equivalent), while Hantec Markets starts at $100. USDT TRC20 deposits are processed instantly with no fees, making it ideal for crypto users. Bank Transfers take 1-3 business days and may incur intermediary bank charges. Withdrawals: IG processes within 1-2 days via Skrill/Neteller, while Hantec Markets takes up to 5 days for Bank Transfer. USDT TRC20 withdrawals are fast but subject to network fees.
| 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 traders in North Macedonia who require Sharia-compliant trading. IG provides swap-free accounts on request for eligible clients, with no swap charges on overnight positions, though some products like indices may be restricted. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts automatically upon account opening, with no swap fees on forex and CFDs. However, IG’s Islamic accounts come with a wider range of markets, while Hantec Markets’ offering is more limited. North Macedonia traders should verify specific terms, as both brokers may apply administrative fees for long-held positions.
| 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 account managers for higher-tier clients. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours (Monday–Friday) via live chat, email, and phone, but lacks 24/7 availability. For North Macedonia traders in time zones close to GMT+1, IG’s round-the-clock support is more convenient, especially for urgent trading issues.
| 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 most retail traders in North Macedonia, IG is the better choice due to its superior regulation, lower spreads, extensive market access, and advanced platforms. While Hantec Markets offers a lower minimum deposit and automatic Islamic accounts, its higher costs and limited regulation make it less attractive. Both support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, but IG’s overall value and safety under international regulators outweigh Hantec Markets’ simplicity. If you prioritize cost efficiency and regulatory peace of mind, IG is recommended for North Macedonia traders in 2026.