Choose HYCM if you want…
MENA + EU traders wanting an established multi-jurisdictional broker with Henyep Group balance-sheet backing.
HYCM
⭐ 4.3 / 5
VS
STARTRADER
⭐ 4.3 / 5
HYCM vs STARTRADER — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared HYCM and STARTRADER across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. The two brokers are evenly matched — your final choice depends on your specific trading style.
| HYCM | STARTRADER | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | Tie |
| Regulators | FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA Cayman | FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius | HYCM |
| Min. deposit | $100 | $50 | STARTRADER |
| Spreads from | 0.2 pips (Raw) / 1.2 pips (Classic) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | STARTRADER |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | 1:1000 | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, HYCM Trader | MT4, MT5 | HYCM |
| Founded | 1977 | 2019 | — |
| HQ | London, UK / Limassol, Cyprus | Port Louis, Mauritius | — |
Pros & cons compared
HYCM pros
- ✓ Founded 1977 — among the oldest retail FX brokers globally
- ✓ FCA + CySEC + DFSA + CIMA tier-1 + tier-2 regulation
- ✓ Part of Henyep Group — diversified $1bn+ financial conglomerate
- ✓ Strong MENA + EU presence with Arabic support
- ✓ Raw account: 0.2 pips + $4/lot round-turn
Cons
- ✗ Smaller scale than Exness / XM / Pepperstone
- ✗ Classic account spreads (1.2+ pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cTrader option — MT4/MT5 only
STARTRADER pros
- ✓ Raw spreads from 0.0 pips on the ECN account
- ✓ High 1:1000 leverage on the offshore entity
- ✓ Fast onboarding and same-day funding/withdrawals
- ✓ Full MT4 and MT5 support across desktop, web and mobile
Cons
- ✗ Offshore-focused regulation (no tier-1 EU/UK licence)
- ✗ Newer brand with a shorter track record (since 2019)
- ✗ Limited proprietary tools beyond the MetaTrader suite
Which one should you choose?
Choose STARTRADER if you want…
Offshore and emerging-market traders who want raw spreads, high leverage and fast funding on MT4/MT5.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — HYCM or STARTRADER?
HYCM and STARTRADER are evenly matched on most measurable criteria. Your choice should depend on which specific features matter most — review the comparison table above and the "Pros & Cons" section.
Is HYCM more regulated than STARTRADER?
HYCM holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA Cayman. STARTRADER holds licenses from: FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius. HYCM has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at HYCM vs STARTRADER?
HYCM spreads start from 0.2 pips (Raw) / 1.2 pips (Classic). STARTRADER spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, HYCM or STARTRADER?
HYCM: $100. STARTRADER: $50. STARTRADER has the lower entry barrier.
