Which broker is better for Belgium traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Belgium retail traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026 face a clear choice between XM Group (score 4.7/5) and Hantec Markets (score 3.6/5). Both brokers are regulated by the local financial regulator (FSMA) and offer essential payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. However, XM Group stands out with its superior trading conditions, including tighter spreads, faster execution, and a broader selection of platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5. Hantec Markets, while reputable, lags in cost efficiency and platform diversity. For Belgian traders prioritizing low costs and flexibility, XM Group is the stronger option, though Hantec Markets may appeal to those seeking a more traditional broker with personalized support. This comparison breaks down every key factor—regulation, costs, platforms, deposits, and more—to help you decide based on your specific trading style.
| Instrument | XM Group | 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 | $5 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Belgian traders, trading costs are a decisive factor. XM Group offers spreads as low as 0.6 pips on EUR/USD for standard accounts, with zero-commission options for high-volume traders. Hantec Markets’ spreads start at 1.2 pips on the same pair, making it 50% more expensive per trade. Over 100 trades per month, this difference can cost Belgian traders an extra $60–$120 in spreads alone. XM Group also provides lower swap rates for overnight positions, further reducing costs for swing traders. While Hantec Markets has no hidden fees, its wider spreads make it less competitive for cost-conscious Belgian users.
| Account Type | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium (offshore) | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1000 | 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 | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | XM Group |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | XM Group |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | XM Group |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Belgian traders benefit from XM Group’s full suite of platforms, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the XM WebTrader, all accessible on desktop and mobile. Hantec Markets offers only MetaTrader 4 and a basic web platform, limiting advanced charting and automated trading options. For Belgian traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs) or require multi-asset analysis, XM Group’s MT5 support is a clear advantage. Both brokers provide demo accounts, but XM Group’s platform ecosystem is more robust and user-friendly for retail traders.
| Factor | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | XM Group |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
XM Group uses No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with an average order speed of 0.7 seconds, ensuring minimal slippage for Belgian traders. Hantec Markets relies on a hybrid execution model, with average speeds of 1.2 seconds, which can lead to more requotes during volatile markets. For scalpers and day traders, XM Group’s faster execution is a significant advantage.
| Safety Factor | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both XM Group and Hantec Markets are authorized by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA), ensuring compliance with local MiFID II regulations. This means client funds are segregated, and negative balance protection is mandatory. XM Group also holds licenses from CySEC and FCA, adding an extra layer of oversight. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA and VFSC but lacks the same multi-regulatory footprint. For Belgian traders, both brokers offer a safe trading environment, but XM Group’s broader regulatory coverage provides additional peace of mind.
| Payment Method | XM Group | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several 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 |
Belgian traders can fund their accounts at both brokers using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. XM Group processes deposits instantly for e-wallets and crypto, with no fees, and bank transfers take 1-2 business days. The minimum deposit is just $5, making it accessible for all retail traders. Hantec Markets supports the same methods but requires a minimum deposit of $100 and may charge a small fee for USDT TRC20 withdrawals. Withdrawals at XM Group are typically processed within 24 hours, while Hantec Markets takes 1-3 business days. For speed and low barriers, XM Group is the better choice for Belgian users.
| Islamic Account Feature | XM Group | 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 brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Belgian Muslim traders, which comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest. XM Group provides these accounts on all account types—Standard, Micro, and Zero—without extra fees. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but requires a manual request via customer support and may apply a small administrative charge. XM Group’s seamless setup and zero-cost policy make it more attractive for Belgian traders seeking swap-free trading.
| Support Feature | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | XM Group |
XM Group offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Dutch-speaking agents for Belgian clients. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00–18:00 CET) via email and phone, but lacks 24/7 availability and Dutch language support. For Belgian traders who value round-the-clock assistance, XM Group is clearly superior.
| Mobile Feature | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | XM Group |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | XM Group |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | XM Group | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | XM Group |
Choose XM Group if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Belgian retail traders in 2026, XM Group is the clear winner with its higher score (4.7/5 vs 3.6/5), lower spreads, faster execution, and superior platform options. It supports local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with a minimal $5 deposit, and is regulated by the FSMA. Hantec Markets is a safe but less competitive alternative, suitable for traders who prioritize a traditional broker with FCA oversight. Overall, XM Group offers better value for most Belgian traders, especially those focused on cost efficiency and flexibility.