Choose Hantec Markets if you want…
Traders who value a long-established, FCA-regulated broker with deep Asian roots and a straightforward MT4/MT5 setup.
Hantec Markets
⭐ 3.7 / 5
VS
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
Hantec Markets vs IG — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared Hantec Markets and IG across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| Hantec Markets | IG | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 3.7 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA (UK), FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $200 | $0 (no minimum) | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (ECN) | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | Hantec Markets |
| Max. leverage | 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 1990 | 1974 | — |
| HQ | London, UK | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
Hantec Markets pros
- ✓ Long-established group trading since 1990
- ✓ FCA-regulated UK entity with strong client-money rules
- ✓ Multi-region licensing across the UK, South Africa and Mauritius
- ✓ Familiar MT4 and MT5 platforms with ECN-style pricing on the Pro account
Cons
- ✗ $200 minimum is higher than budget-entry rivals
- ✗ Standard-account spreads are average versus raw-ECN leaders
- ✗ Inactivity fee applies after a few months of dormancy
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
Which one should you choose?
Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — Hantec Markets or IG?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is Hantec Markets more regulated than IG?
Hantec Markets holds licenses from: FCA (UK), FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius. IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at Hantec Markets vs IG?
Hantec Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (ECN). IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, Hantec Markets or IG?
Hantec Markets: $200. IG: $0 (no minimum). IG has the lower entry barrier.
