IG vs Hantec Markets: Saudi Arabia Broker Comparison (2026)

For Saudi traders, IG offers variable spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD and 0.4 pips on gold, making it cost-effective for high-volume scalping. Hantec Markets uses fixed spreads starting at 1.2 pips on major pairs, which is simpler but 50% higher on average. On a 10-lot trade, IG's spread cost on EUR/USD is approximately SAR 22.50 versus SAR 45.00 at Hantec Markets. IG also charges a commission on share CFDs (0.1%), while Hantec Markets is commission-free. For index trading, IG's US500 spread is 0.5 points versus Hantec's 1.0 point. Saudi traders using STC Pay for deposits will find no deposit fees at either broker.

IG provides MetaTrader 4 (MT4), ProRealTime, and its proprietary web platform, all optimized for mobile trading on iOS and Android. This suits Saudi traders who need advanced charting and automated strategies. Hantec Markets offers MT4 and MT5, which are popular locally for their simplicity and EA support. IG's platform includes a news feed and economic calendar tailored to Middle East market hours (Riyadh time), while Hantec's platforms are more basic but reliable. For high-net-worth traders, IG's L2 Dealer platform offers direct market access, a feature absent at Hantec Markets.

IG uses straight-through processing (STP) with no dealing desk, offering average execution under 40ms on forex pairs. This suits Saudi scalpers who trade during London overlap. Hantec Markets uses market execution with requotes on volatile pairs during news events. IG's execution is more reliable for high-volume traders, while Hantec's fixed spreads can cause slippage on fast markets. Both offer negative balance protection.

IG is regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA license No. 2020-04), providing direct local oversight and a mandatory investor protection fund. This means Saudi clients have recourse through the CMA's dispute resolution. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FSA (Vanuatu) and accepts Saudi residents under international remittance rules, but lacks a CMA license. For Saudi traders, IG's CMA regulation ensures compliance with local Sharia and financial laws, including segregated accounts and negative balance protection. Hantec Markets offers tier-2 regulation, which may be less reassuring for high-net-worth individuals.

Saudi traders can fund accounts via Bank Transfer (SAR with local banks like Al Rajhi, NCB), STC Pay (instant), and Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard). IG requires a minimum deposit of SAR 3,750, while Hantec Markets accepts SAR 1,500. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for STC Pay and Credit Card, and 3-5 days for Bank Transfer. IG charges no withdrawal fees, while Hantec Markets may apply a SAR 50 fee on wire transfers. For high-net-worth traders, IG supports larger withdrawals (up to SAR 500,000 per day) versus Hantec's SAR 100,000 limit. STC Pay is the fastest method for both, with zero fees on deposits.

Both brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Saudi Muslim traders. IG's Islamic account applies to forex and index CFDs, with no overnight interest charges on positions held beyond market close. However, some instruments (like commodities) may incur a small admin fee after 10 days. Hantec Markets provides a pure swap-free account on all major forex pairs and indices, with no hidden fees or time limits. For long-term Saudi traders who hold positions for weeks, Hantec's policy is more Sharia-compliant. IG's Islamic account is better for short-term scalping due to lower spreads.

IG offers 24/5 Arabic-speaking customer support via phone (Riyadh local number), email, and live chat. Response times are under 30 minutes during Saudi market hours (10 AM-6 PM AST). Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support in English and Arabic via email and WhatsApp, with slower response (1-2 hours). IG also has a dedicated Saudi account manager for high-net-worth clients (deposits above SAR 200,000), a service Hantec lacks.