Two well-regulated brokers face off on cost, platforms and service. The tension centers on fees versus platform depth and execution options.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose Hantec Markets if you value 24/5 live chat support. It offers no inactivity fee and raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips.
Choose if…
Choose Swissquote if you want advanced charting and a proprietary platform. You also access a broader instrument range.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.5 / 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 | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: Hantec Markets rates 4.1/5 and Swissquote rates 4.2/5. Swissquote 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 Swissquote's 1.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Hantec Markets has no minimum deposit, while Swissquote requires at least $1120. This makes Hantec Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Hantec Markets and Swissquote 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 Swissquote lists up to 100:1. 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 Swissquote are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
Hantec Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, while Swissquote supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Both provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Swissquote has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Hantec Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 1.70 pips for Swissquote, reducing trading costs.
Both are equally matched for regulation and fund protection.
Hantec Markets wins for active traders due to raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips and low $6/lot commissions.
Hantec Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
Swissquote wins for platform choice with MT4/MT5 and a proprietary platform.
Swissquote offers 400 instruments, more than Hantec's 300.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.2 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 1996 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Gland, Switzerland |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1,120 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
|---|
| 0.6 pips | N/A |
| Max Leverage | 500:1▲ higher | 100:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | None | CHF 10/month (after 6 months) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | JFSA FSA Seychelles FCA | FCA DFSA FINMA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
|---|
| 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
Swiss banking heritage with FINMA regulation and bank-level fund security
Broadest multi-asset range including real stocks, bonds, and options
Listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SIX)
FCA and DFSA regulated for UK and UAE clients
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
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
Very high minimum deposit (CHF 1,000, approximately $1,120)
Spreads wider than ECN peers on standard account
Primarily appropriate for larger, more sophisticated accounts
Inactivity fee applies
No 24/5 live chat
Hantec Markets and Swissquote remain closely matched, with Hantec offering no inactivity fee while Swissquote applies one.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.1 / 5
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