IG vs Hantec Markets: Norway Trader Comparison 2026
Which broker is better for Norway traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Norway Traders
When choosing a forex broker in Norway, traders often compare IG and Hantec Markets for their reliability, regulation, and trading conditions. IG, with a score of 4.2/5, is a globally established broker known for its advanced platforms, competitive spreads, and strong regulatory oversight. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, is a smaller broker offering personalised service and Islamic accounts. Both brokers accept Norway traders and comply with the local financial regulator, ensuring a secure trading environment. Norway traders can deposit using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20, making it convenient to fund accounts. This comparison will help you decide which broker suits your trading style, whether you prioritise low costs, platform features, or account flexibility.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| 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 Norway traders, trading costs are a key factor. IG offers lower spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD (from 0.6 pips) compared to Hantec Markets (from 1.2 pips). This difference can save active traders significant costs, especially when trading high volumes. IG also has competitive commission rates on indices and commodities. Hantec Markets has slightly higher spreads but offers fixed spreads on some accounts, which can be beneficial during volatile markets. Norway traders should consider their trading frequency and volume when choosing between the two.
Account Types Comparison
| 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 |
Leverage Comparison - Norway Traders
| Entity / Asset | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Norway (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 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| 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 |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | IG | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✓ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IG provides Norway traders with the industry-leading MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and its proprietary web platform, both offering advanced charting, automated trading, and mobile apps. Hantec Markets also offers MT4 and MT5, giving traders flexibility. For Norway traders, localisation features like Norwegian language support and local time zones are available on both brokers. IG’s platform is more feature-rich, while Hantec Markets offers a simpler interface suitable for beginners.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| 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 offers fast execution with no requotes on major forex pairs, thanks to its advanced infrastructure. Hantec Markets also provides reliable execution but may experience slippage during high volatility. For Norway traders, IG’s execution quality is superior, especially for scalping and high-frequency trading.
Regulation & Safety for Norway 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 Norway, ensuring they meet strict standards for client fund segregation and transparency. IG is also regulated by top-tier bodies like the FCA and ASIC, adding an extra layer of security. Hantec Markets is regulated in multiple jurisdictions but has a lower trust score. For Norway traders, this means IG offers stronger protection and a longer track record of compliance.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Norway
| 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 |
Norway traders can deposit and withdraw funds using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 at both IG and Hantec Markets. IG also accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Hantec Markets focuses on the core methods. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT are usually instant, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers charge no deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods. Norway traders should consider their preferred payment method when choosing a broker.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Norway Muslims
| 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 |
Hantec Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Norway Muslim traders, allowing them to trade without incurring overnight interest charges. IG does not provide Islamic accounts, which may be a limitation for some Norway traders. Both brokers comply with local financial regulations regarding such accounts. Norway traders requiring swap-free trading should choose Hantec Markets, while IG remains a better option for non-Islamic traders.
Customer Support Comparison
| 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 in Norwegian and English via live chat, phone, and email, with fast response times. Hantec Markets provides support during business hours in English and Chinese, with limited Norwegian language support. For Norway traders, IG’s localised support is more convenient and accessible.
Mobile App Comparison
| 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 |
Education & Research Tools
| 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 |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IG
Hantec Markets
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Norway Guide
Choose IG if you...
- Prefer lower spreads and lower trading costs for active trading.
- Need a robust platform with advanced charting and automated trading.
- Value strong regulation and a long track record of trust.
- Want 24/7 customer support in Norwegian.
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
- Require an Islamic (swap-free) account for Sharia-compliant trading.
- Prefer a smaller broker with more personalised service.
- Are a beginner looking for a simpler platform.
- Want fixed spreads on certain account types for predictable costs.
FAQ - IG vs Hantec Markets in Norway
Final Verdict - Norway 2026
For most Norway traders, IG is the superior choice due to its lower spreads, advanced platforms, stronger regulation, and localised support. However, if you require an Islamic account or prefer a more personalised experience, Hantec Markets is a viable alternative. Both brokers support local deposit methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, making them accessible for Norway traders. Consider your trading style and priorities to make the best choice.