Two regulated brokers collide in a platform and cost comparison. Hantec Markets emphasizes MT4/MT5 and regulated backing, while Skilling emphasizes a modern, proprietary option.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Hantec Markets if you value FCA and JFSA dual regulation. You also benefit from raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips with a $6/lot commission.
Choose if…
Choose Skilling if you prefer a modern proprietary platform and advanced charting. You also access 1000 instruments and the option to trade on cTrader.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.3 / 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 | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Hantec Markets and Skilling share the same editorial score of 4.1/5. One concrete differentiator: Hantec Markets requires a lower minimum deposit.
Hantec Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than Skilling's 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Hantec Markets has no minimum deposit, while Skilling requires at least $100. This makes Hantec Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Hantec Markets and Skilling 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 Skilling 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 Skilling are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Hantec Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Hantec Markets has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Hantec Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.70 pips for Skilling, reducing trading costs.
Equally matched; both hold strong regulator protections and client fund segregation.
Skilling is best for active traders due to 1000 instruments and advanced charting.
Hantec Markets is better suited for scalpers: tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
Skilling wins for platform choice with a proprietary platform and cTrader option.
Skilling is best for beginners due to clean UX and intuitive platform.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.3 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.1 / 5▲ |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 2016 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Valletta, Malta |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $100 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 500:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10/month (after 90 days) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | JFSA FCA FSA Seychelles | CySEC FCA FSCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | cTrader Skilling Trader 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
Clean modern Skilling Trader platform, excellent UX for new-to-intermediate traders
cTrader available with raw spreads from 0.0 pips
CySEC and FCA regulation with EU and UK investor protections
Growing Latin American presence with local-language support
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
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
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
$100 minimum deposit on standard accounts
Newer broker, less track record than IG or Pepperstone
Product range narrower than multi-asset brokers
No phone support
Hantec Markets and Skilling are closely matched in regulation, costs and execution. Skilling stands out for a proprietary platform not offered by Hantec.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
Score 4.1 / 5
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