Which broker is better for Saudi Arabia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Saudi Arabian traders seeking reliable forex and CFD brokers, Libertex and Hantec Markets present two distinct options tailored to different trading styles. Libertex, with a score of 3.7/5, is a well-established broker offering over 2,000 instruments including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and forex, making it ideal for high-net-worth individuals looking for diversification. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, focuses on low-cost forex and CFD trading with tight spreads and a strong reputation in Islamic finance. Both brokers accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, and cater to Saudi traders with Islamic accounts. However, neither is directly regulated by the Saudi CMA, so traders must assess the regulatory protections offered by CySEC (Libertex) or FSA (Hantec Markets). This comparison dives into costs, platforms, and local suitability to help you decide.
| 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 |
When comparing trading costs for Saudi Arabia traders, Hantec Markets generally offers lower spreads on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, with spreads from 0.1 pips on ECN accounts, while Libertex has wider spreads but no commission on most instruments. For example, a Saudi trader executing 10 standard lots per month on EUR/USD would pay approximately $100 in spreads with Hantec Markets versus $150 with Libertex. However, Libertex includes more exotic pairs and CFDs on Saudi stocks, where spreads are competitive. High-volume traders may prefer Hantec Markets for forex, while Libertex suits those trading a broader asset mix.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (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 offers its proprietary web and mobile platforms, which are user-friendly and include advanced charting tools, making them suitable for Saudi traders who prefer an all-in-one solution. Hantec Markets provides the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, known for its robust analytical tools, automated trading via Expert Advisors, and customizable interface. For Saudi high-net-worth traders who value algorithmic trading, MT4 is a clear advantage. Both platforms are available in Arabic and English, ensuring ease of use for local traders.
| 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 |
Libertex uses a market maker model with instant execution, which can lead to slippage during volatile periods. Hantec Markets offers ECN execution with low latency and no dealing desk intervention, resulting in faster order fills and fewer requotes. For Saudi traders trading major forex pairs during Riyadh hours, Hantec Markets provides superior execution speed and transparency.
| Safety Factor | Libertex | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Libertex is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and the FCA (UK), offering negative balance protection and investor compensation funds up to €20,000. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FSA (Vanuatu) and FCA (UK), with similar protections. Neither broker holds a license from the Saudi CMA, so Saudi traders must rely on the regulatory framework of the home regulator. For those prioritizing strict oversight, Libertex's CySEC regulation provides additional security, while Hantec Markets' FCA license offers strong consumer protections. Both brokers comply with international anti-money laundering standards.
| 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 |
Saudi Arabian traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card at both Libertex and Hantec Markets. Libertex requires a minimum deposit of $100 (375 SAR) and processes withdrawals within 1-2 business days via the same methods. Hantec Markets has a lower minimum deposit of $50 (188 SAR) and offers faster withdrawals, often within 24 hours. STC Pay is particularly convenient for local users, allowing instant deposits with no fees. Bank transfers are suitable for larger amounts but may take 2-5 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but credit card deposits may incur a small processing fee. Overall, Hantec Markets edges ahead for lower minimums and faster withdrawal times.
| 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 |
Both Libertex and Hantec Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Saudi Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Hantec Markets automatically applies swap-free status to all accounts for clients from Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Libertex provides Islamic accounts upon request, with the same swap-free conditions. However, Libertex may charge an administrative fee for holding positions overnight on certain instruments, while Hantec Markets does not. For strict compliance, Hantec Markets is the preferred choice.
| 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 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Arabic language support available. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support via live chat and email, also in Arabic. Response times are similar, averaging under 5 minutes for live chat. For Saudi traders, Hantec Markets has a slight edge with dedicated account managers for high-net-worth clients, while Libertex's support is more general.
| 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 Saudi Arabian traders, the choice between Libertex and Hantec Markets depends on your trading style and priorities. Libertex (3.7/5) is ideal for high-net-worth individuals who want access to a wide range of assets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies, with a simple platform and no commissions. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) excels in low-cost forex trading, superior execution, and streamlined Islamic accounts, making it perfect for Sharia-compliant traders. Both brokers support local payments like Bank Transfer, STC Pay, and Credit Card, but Hantec Markets offers lower minimums and faster withdrawals. Given the lack of direct CMA regulation, we recommend Hantec Markets for cost-conscious forex traders and Libertex for those seeking asset diversification.