Two regulated brokers compete on trust, regulation, and platform availability. The debate hinges on cost structures and access to raw spreads.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose ATFX if you value FCA and CySEC oversight and a broad instrument offering on MT4.
Choose if…
Choose Hantec Markets if you want 0.0 pip raw spreads and 500:1 leverage on MT4/MT5.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
Pros
FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), and FSCA (SA) licensing
300+ instruments including ETF CFDs and bond CFDs
FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK clients
No minimum deposit, no inactivity fee
Client funds held in segregated accounts
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ATFX rates 4.2/5 and Hantec Markets rates 4.1/5. ATFX has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Hantec Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than ATFX's 1.8 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither ATFX nor Hantec Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX and Hantec Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1, while Hantec Markets lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Hantec Markets charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ATFX are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while Hantec Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Hantec Markets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Hantec Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 1.80 pips for ATFX, reducing trading costs.
Hantec Markets is strongest on regulation with FCA and JFSA oversight and segregated client funds.
Hantec Markets suits active traders with 0.0 pips raw spreads and 500:1 leverage.
Hantec Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
Hantec Markets offers MT4 and MT5, giving broader platform options.
ATFX appeals to beginners with no minimum deposit and broad regulation.
ATFX provides 300+ instruments including ETF and bond CFDs.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.7 / 5 | 3.9 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2017 | 2009 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 1.8 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $6/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 0.6 pips |
| Max Leverage | 400:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | CySEC FCA FSCA | JFSA FCA FSA Seychelles |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
FCA (502635) and JFSA dual regulation - rare combination at retail level
No minimum deposit on Professional ECN account
Raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips at $6 round-turn commission
FSCS protection up to GBP 85,000 for UK clients
Strong Japanese-language service infrastructure for East Asian traders
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
MT4 only, no MT5, cTrader, or proprietary platform
Standard spreads from 1.8 pips are not ECN-competitive
Relatively young broker, founded 2017
No raw spread account option
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
Limited brand recognition outside Japan and the UK
No cTrader or TradingView integration
Research and educational content minimal
MT4 and MT5 only - no alternative platforms
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
ATFX and Hantec Markets are closely matched overall. The clearest differentiator is that Hantec offers raw ECN spreads (0.0 pips) while ATFX does not.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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