Which broker is better for Singapore traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Singapore, as a global financial hub, attracts sophisticated traders who demand low costs, fast execution, and reliable regulation. Libertex and Hantec Markets are two well-regarded brokers serving the Singapore market, each with distinct strengths. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, is known for its diverse asset selection—over 2,000 instruments including forex, stocks, ETFs, and crypto—and competitive spreads. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, focuses on forex and CFDs with a reputation for institutional-grade execution and strong regulatory oversight. Both accept SGD deposits and support local payment methods like PayNow, bank transfer, and credit card, making them accessible for Singapore traders. However, their regulatory status with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) differs: Libertex operates via a CySEC-regulated entity with a MAS license, while Hantec Markets holds an FCA license and a MAS license. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style, whether you prioritise low spreads, platform variety, or local support. We'll examine spreads, platforms, regulation, deposit methods, and more, specifically for Singaporeans trading in SGD.
| 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 Singapore traders, trading costs directly impact profitability, especially for high-volume strategies. Libertex offers spreads starting from 0.8 pips on EUR/USD and 1.2 pips on USD/SGD, with no commission on standard accounts. Hantec Markets provides spreads from 1.0 pips on EUR/USD and 1.5 pips on USD/SGD, also commission-free. Over 100 trades per month, Libertex's lower spreads save approximately SGD 20-30 compared to Hantec. For indices like the Straits Times Index (STI), Libertex's spread is 0.5 points vs Hantec's 0.8 points. Libertex also charges a 0.5% fee on crypto CFDs, while Hantec does not offer crypto. Overall, Libertex is more cost-effective for active SGD-based 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore (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 platforms, which are intuitive and feature advanced charting tools, 100+ indicators, and one-click trading. It also offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) for Singapore traders who prefer customisable EAs. Hantec Markets primarily uses MT4, a favourite among experienced traders for its algorithmic trading capabilities. For Singapore traders, Libertex's proprietary platform is better for beginners and multi-asset investors, while Hantec's MT4 focus suits forex scalpers. Both platforms are available in English and Chinese, catering to Singapore's bilingual community. Mobile apps from both brokers support real-time quotes and push notifications, essential for busy traders in the financial hub.
| 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 |
Execution quality is critical for Singapore traders in a fast-paced market. Libertex uses a market execution model with an average execution speed of 50ms, suitable for most strategies, but slippage can occur during volatile news events. Hantec Markets offers ECN execution with speeds under 30ms, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. Hantec also provides depth of market (DOM) data, giving traders more transparency. For Singapore traders trading SGD pairs or indices during Asian hours, Hantec's faster execution and lower slippage provide an edge, while Libertex's execution is sufficient for swing and position traders.
| Safety Factor | Libertex | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is critical for Singapore traders, and both brokers hold MAS licenses. Libertex is regulated by CySEC (license 164/12) and has a local MAS representative office, ensuring compliance with Singapore's financial laws. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA (UK) and holds a MAS Capital Markets Services license for forex and CFD trading. For Singapore traders, this means both brokers must adhere to strict client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and regular audits. Libertex's MAS oversight is indirect, while Hantec's direct MAS license offers stronger local recourse. However, Libertex's CySEC regulation provides EU-level investor protection. Both are considered safe, but Hantec's direct MAS registration may give more confidence to risk-averse Singapore investors.
| 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 |
Singapore traders can deposit and withdraw funds using PayNow, bank transfer, and credit card at both brokers. Libertex accepts a minimum deposit of SGD 100 via PayNow (instant, free), bank transfer (1-2 days, free), and credit card (instant, 2% fee). Hantec Markets requires a minimum deposit of SGD 500 via PayNow (instant, free), bank transfer (1-2 days, free), and credit card (instant, 2% fee). Withdrawals: Libertex processes PayNow withdrawals in under 24 hours with no fee, while bank transfers take 1-3 days (SGD 5 fee). Hantec Markets offers PayNow withdrawals within 24 hours (free) and bank transfers in 1-3 days (SGD 10 fee). Both support SGD-denominated accounts, avoiding conversion costs. For frequent deposits, Libertex's lower minimum and faster PayNow processing edge out Hantec.
| 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 Singapore Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Libertex provides swap-free accounts on all account types, covering forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, with no additional fees. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts only upon request and limits them to major forex pairs (e.g., EUR/USD, USD/JPY), with a holding period restriction of 30 days for some instruments. Libertex's policy is more flexible and comprehensive, making it a better choice for Singapore Muslim traders seeking a wider range of halal trading options. Both brokers ensure no interest charges on overnight positions, but Libertex's broader coverage is a clear advantage.
| 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 |
Customer support is vital for Singapore traders, especially during Asian trading hours. Libertex offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in English and Chinese, with a dedicated Singapore hotline. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, also in English and Chinese, with a local Singapore office. Both respond within minutes on live chat. Libertex's support is slightly faster for account queries, while Hantec excels in technical support for MT4 issues. Both offer comprehensive FAQ sections and local contact numbers, ensuring reliable assistance for Singapore traders.
| 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 Singapore traders, the choice between Libertex and Hantec Markets depends on your trading style and priorities. Libertex offers a higher overall rating (3.7 vs 3.6), lower spreads, a broader asset range, and a lower minimum deposit with fast PayNow processing—ideal for cost-sensitive multi-asset investors. Hantec Markets counters with direct MAS regulation, superior ECN execution, and a strong MT4 platform, making it better for forex scalpers and institutional traders. Both support SGD accounts and local payment methods like PayNow and bank transfer, but Libertex's lower fees and faster withdrawals give it a slight edge for most Singapore traders. If you want versatility and low costs, choose Libertex. If you need raw speed and direct local regulation, Hantec Markets is your pick. Consider your trading volume and asset preferences to make the best decision.