Which broker is better for Belgium traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Belgian retail traders exploring forex and CFD brokers, Libertex and Hantec Markets stand out as two distinct options in 2026. Libertex, with a score of 3.7/5, is a well-established European broker known for its user-friendly platform and wide asset coverage, including stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, is a Hong Kong-based broker with a strong focus on forex and CFD trading, offering competitive spreads and institutional-grade execution. Both brokers accept Belgium traders and comply with local financial regulator requirements, including leverage caps and negative balance protection. Key differences emerge in trading costs, platform choices, and local payment support—especially Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. This comparison helps Belgium traders decide based on their specific needs, whether they prioritize low spreads, diverse assets, or convenient deposits.
| Instrument | Libertex | 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 | $10 | $10 | Tie |
For Belgium traders, trading costs vary significantly between Libertex and Hantec Markets. Libertex operates on a spread-based model with no commission on most instruments, but its spreads are wider—typically 1.0–1.5 pips on EUR/USD. Hantec Markets offers tighter spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on its ECN account, plus a small commission per lot. For a Belgian trader executing 10 standard lots per month on EUR/USD, Libertex’s cost would be around $150–$200 in spread, while Hantec Markets could be as low as $70–$100 including commission. However, Libertex’s all-in pricing is simpler for smaller accounts, while Hantec Markets favors high-volume traders.
| Account Type | Libertex | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $10 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Libertex | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium (offshore) | Up to 1:999 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:999 | 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 | Libertex | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Libertex |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Libertex |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Libertex |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Libertex | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Libertex provides its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is intuitive and supports social trading features like copy trading—ideal for Belgian beginners. It also offers MetaTrader 4 and 5 via a separate account. Hantec Markets focuses on MetaTrader 4 and 5 exclusively, which are preferred by experienced traders for advanced charting, automated trading, and custom indicators. For Belgium traders who value ease of use and social tools, Libertex is stronger; for those needing full MT4/MT5 functionality, Hantec Markets is the better fit.
| Factor | Libertex | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Libertex |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Hantec Markets uses ECN/STP execution with low latency and no requotes, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in Belgium. Libertex uses market execution with occasional slippage during volatile periods. For day traders and news traders, Hantec Markets offers superior execution quality, while Libertex is adequate for position traders and long-term investors.
| Safety Factor | Libertex | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Libertex and Hantec Markets are regulated by the local financial regulator in Belgium, ensuring compliance with MiFID II rules. This includes strict leverage limits (up to 30:1 for major forex), negative balance protection, and client fund segregation. Libertex is also regulated by CySEC in Cyprus, while Hantec Markets holds licenses from the FCA in the UK and VFSC in Vanuatu. For Belgium traders, the local regulatory oversight provides a safety net, but Hantec Markets’ additional FCA regulation adds a layer of credibility. Always check the latest license status on the regulator’s official register.
| Payment Method | Libertex | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 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 |
Belgium traders can fund both Libertex and Hantec Markets using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Libertex also supports credit/debit cards and PayPal, while Hantec Markets offers bank wire and major e-wallets. Deposits via USDT TRC20 are processed instantly with minimal fees, making them a cost-effective option for crypto users. Withdrawals at both brokers are typically processed within 1-3 business days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers. Libertex charges no deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods. Hantec Markets is free for deposits but may charge a small fee for withdrawals via bank wire. Belgium traders should verify current fees on each broker’s website.
| Islamic Account Feature | Libertex | 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 |
Libertex does not offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts, meaning Belgian Muslim traders will incur overnight swap charges on leveraged positions. Hantec Markets provides Islamic accounts upon request, which waive swap fees for eligible traders. To open an Islamic account with Hantec Markets, Belgium traders must submit a request and confirm they are Muslim. This makes Hantec Markets the only viable option for swap-free trading in Belgium, though availability is subject to regulatory approval.
| Support Feature | Libertex | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Libertex |
Libertex offers 24/5 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Belgium traders. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support in English and several other languages, but lacks a dedicated Belgian support line. Response times are similar at both brokers, though Libertex’s live chat is slightly faster. For Belgium traders, Libertex’s localized support is a minor advantage.
| Mobile Feature | Libertex | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Libertex |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Libertex |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Libertex | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Libertex |
Choose Libertex if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Belgium traders in 2026, the choice between Libertex and Hantec Markets depends on trading style and priorities. Libertex earns a slight edge with its higher score (3.7 vs 3.6), user-friendly platform, and broader local payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. It is ideal for retail traders who value simplicity and asset diversity. Hantec Markets excels in cost efficiency and execution quality, making it better for serious forex traders and scalpers. Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring a safe trading environment. If you prioritize low spreads and MT4/MT5, choose Hantec Markets. For a versatile, beginner-friendly experience with flexible deposits, Libertex is the recommended option.