Which broker is better for Taiwan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced retail traders in Taiwan, choosing between Plus500 and Hantec Markets involves weighing platform simplicity against cost efficiency. Plus500, a global CFD broker, is known for its intuitive platform and zero-commission trading on forex, indices, and commodities. Hantec Markets, a UK-based forex and CFD broker, appeals to active traders with tighter spreads and a broader range of tradable instruments. Both brokers accept Taiwan clients and support local TWD deposits via Bank Transfer and Credit Card. However, regulatory oversight differs: Plus500 is regulated by the FCA and CySEC, while Hantec Markets holds FCA and DFSA licenses. Neither is directly regulated by the FSC Taiwan, but both comply with international standards. This comparison focuses on trading costs, platforms, deposit methods, and regulatory implications specific to Taiwan traders in 2026.
| Instrument | Plus500 | 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 | $100 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Taiwan traders, Hantec Markets offers more competitive spreads on major forex pairs, starting from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a commission of $7 per lot round turn. Plus500 uses variable spreads that average around 0.6 pips on EUR/USD with no commission. For high-volume traders, Hantec Markets' lower spreads can significantly reduce costs, especially when trading multiple lots. Plus500's all-in spread model is simpler but may be more expensive for scalpers. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees, but Taiwan traders should factor in currency conversion costs if depositing in TWD.
| Account Type | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan (offshore) | Up to 1:300 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:300 | 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 | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Plus500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Plus500 |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Plus500 |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | 1,000+ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✗ | ✓ |
Plus500's proprietary web and mobile platform is highly intuitive, with features like price alerts and one-click trading, ideal for Taiwan traders who prefer simplicity. Hantec Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and a proprietary web platform, providing advanced charting tools, Expert Advisors (EAs), and automated trading capabilities. For experienced retail traders in Taiwan, MT4's flexibility and custom indicators are a major advantage. Both platforms are available in Chinese language and support all major devices.
| Factor | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Plus500 |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Plus500 uses a market execution model with no requotes, suitable for fast-paced trading. Hantec Markets offers both market and instant execution, with ECN pricing for tighter spreads. For Taiwan traders, Hantec Markets' execution is generally faster due to its ECN infrastructure, while Plus500's straight-through processing is reliable but may have slight delays during high volatility.
| Safety Factor | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Plus500 is regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), offering client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Hantec Markets is FCA-regulated and also holds a DFSA license in Dubai. Neither broker is directly regulated by the FSC Taiwan, but their international licenses ensure a high level of security for Taiwan traders. The FCA provides compensation up to £85,000, which covers Taiwan clients under UK rules. Taiwan traders should confirm that the broker's license covers retail clients from their jurisdiction.
| Payment Method | Plus500 | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✗ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✗ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | 1 to 3 business day | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Both Plus500 and Hantec Markets support Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits in TWD for Taiwan traders. Plus500 processes credit card deposits instantly with no fees, while bank transfers take 1-2 business days. Hantec Markets also offers free bank transfers but may take longer. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for both brokers, with no additional charges. Minimum deposit amounts are low: Plus500 requires $100 USD equivalent, Hantec Markets $50 USD equivalent. Taiwan traders should note that credit card withdrawals may be limited to the original deposit amount at Plus500.
| Islamic Account Feature | Plus500 | 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 Plus500 and Hantec Markets provide Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Taiwan Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. Plus500 offers automatic swap-free status upon request, with no interest charged on overnight positions for most instruments. Hantec Markets requires a formal application and approval, but also provides swap-free trading on forex and CFDs. Taiwan traders should check with customer support for specific instruments that may not be eligible for swap-free treatment.
| Support Feature | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Plus500 |
Plus500 offers 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, including Chinese, but no phone support. Hantec Markets provides 24/5 phone, email, and live chat support with dedicated Chinese-speaking agents. For Taiwan traders, Hantec Markets' phone support is a key advantage during trading hours. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites.
| Mobile Feature | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Plus500 |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Plus500 |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Plus500 | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | ✗ | 50+ videos | Hantec Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Plus500 |
Choose Plus500 if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For experienced retail traders in Taiwan, Hantec Markets edges out Plus500 due to its superior trading costs, advanced platform (MT4), and dedicated Chinese-language support. While Plus500 offers a simpler experience with no commission and 24/7 support, Hantec Markets' tighter spreads and ECN execution are better suited for active traders. Both brokers support TWD deposits via Bank Transfer and Credit Card, and neither is regulated by the FSC Taiwan but hold strong international licenses. Ultimately, Hantec Markets is the better choice for cost-conscious traders, while Plus500 remains a solid option for those prioritizing ease of use.