In this matchup, regulation, cost, and platform choice separate two similarly scored brokers. Hantec Markets highlights dual regulation and raw spreads, while IC Markets emphasizes broad platform support and liquidity.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Hantec Markets if you value FCA and JFSA dual regulation and a $0 minimum deposit on the Professional ECN account. MT4/MT5 only, with no cTrader or TradingView support.
Choose if…
Choose IC Markets if you want true ECN with 0.0 pip spreads and a broad platform lineup (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView).
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
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
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Hantec Markets | IC 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 | Pass | 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 | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
IC Markets rates 4.7/5 versus 4.1/5 for Hantec Markets. IC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both Hantec Markets and IC Markets start from 0 pips, making them equivalent on this metric. Compare commissions and account types to evaluate total trading costs.
Hantec Markets has no minimum deposit, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Hantec Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Hantec Markets and IC 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, two factors stand out: Hantec Markets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Hantec Markets lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while IC 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, lower than IC Markets's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
Hantec Markets supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
Both brokers offer spreads from 0.00 pips.
Equally matched; both have multiple highly regarded regulators and fund segregation.
IC Markets wins for active traders due to true ECN access, deep liquidity, and multiple platforms.
Hantec Markets is better suited for scalpers: lower commission ($6/lot).
IC Markets wins for platform choice with MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView.
Hantec Markets is better for beginners due to $0 minimum deposit on certain accounts.
IC Markets offers far more instruments (about 2,200) than Hantec Markets (about 300).
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2007 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Sydney, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
|---|
| 0.6 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | JFSA FCA FSA Seychelles | ASIC CySEC FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
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
Pros
True ECN routing with raw 0.0 pip spreads
All three major platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
Deep liquidity from 25+ tier-1 sources
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
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
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
Cons
Not available to US residents
Higher minimum deposit than IG/OANDA
No proprietary platform
IC Markets edges Hantec Markets on editorial score, driven by stronger Fees & Spreads and Platforms & Tools.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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