Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Australian traders comparing Exness and Hantec Markets, the choice hinges on trading costs, local payment options, and regulatory confidence. Exness, rated 4.8/5, is a global powerhouse with ASIC regulation (AFSL 400364), offering tight spreads from 0.0 pips and support for BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card deposits. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, is a smaller but reputable ASIC-regulated broker (AFSL 403322) with a focus on transparent pricing and reliable execution. Both brokers are fully legal for Australian residents, but Exness excels in cost efficiency and payment convenience, making it particularly attractive for experienced traders who trade high volumes. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local deposit methods to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style in Australia.
| Instrument | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Hantec Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Hantec Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Hantec Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Hantec Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 | Hantec Markets |
For Australian traders, trading costs are a critical factor. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on standard accounts and 0.1 pips on raw spreads, with a commission of $3.50 per lot. Hantec Markets has spreads starting at 0.6 pips on major pairs, with no commission on standard accounts. On AUD/USD, Exness can save traders 0.5 pips per trade, which adds up significantly for high-volume scalpers. Exness also provides volume-based discounts, while Hantec Markets maintains fixed spreads on certain pairs. For Australian traders trading 10+ lots daily, Exness offers superior cost efficiency.
| Account Type | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $100 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Exness |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Exness |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | Exness |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Hantec Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers cater to Australian traders with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, which are industry standards for forex trading. Exness also offers its proprietary WebTerminal and mobile apps with advanced charting tools. Hantec Markets provides MT4 and MT5 with standard features. For Australian traders who require custom indicators or automated trading, both brokers support Expert Advisors (EAs) seamlessly. Exness’s platform is slightly more responsive, with faster order execution, which is crucial for scalping strategies common among experienced Australian traders.
| Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Hantec Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Exness |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Exness offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds and no requotes, which is ideal for scalping and high-frequency trading. Hantec Markets provides reliable execution with minimal slippage but occasional requotes during news events. For Australian traders trading during high-impact data releases (e.g., RBA rate decisions), Exness’s execution quality is superior.
| Safety Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both Exness and Hantec Markets are regulated by ASIC, ensuring Australian traders benefit from strict capital requirements, client fund segregation, and dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Exness holds ASIC AFSL 400364 and is also regulated by FCA and CySEC, offering additional international oversight. Hantec Markets holds ASIC AFSL 403322 and is part of the Hantec Group, a Hong Kong-based financial firm. For Australian traders, ASIC regulation provides a high level of protection, including negative balance protection and transparent reporting. Exness’s multi-regulatory framework adds an extra layer of confidence.
| Payment Method | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days | Crypto / USDT: 1 to 3 hours (for eligible wallets)E-wallets: Within hours up to 1 dayBank / Wire Transfers: 2 to 5 business days |
Australian traders can fund accounts using BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card at Exness, with deposits processed instantly and no fees. Withdrawals are also fee-free and typically processed within 24 hours. Hantec Markets supports Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits, but does not offer BPAY or POLi, which are popular among Australian traders for their convenience. Withdrawals at Hantec Markets take 1-3 business days. For Australian traders who prefer instant, no-cost local payment methods like BPAY and POLi, Exness is the clear winner. Both brokers accept AUD-denominated accounts, eliminating currency conversion costs.
| Islamic Account Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both Exness and Hantec Markets offer Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Australian Muslim traders who require compliance with Sharia law. Exness provides Islamic accounts with no swap charges on all major and minor pairs, and the account can be opened online without additional documentation. Hantec Markets offers Islamic accounts upon request, with swap-free conditions on forex pairs but may charge administrative fees on long-held positions. For Australian traders seeking a straightforward Islamic account with no hidden costs, Exness is more accommodating.
| Support Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✓ | ✗ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Exness |
Exness offers 24/7 multilingual customer support with live chat, email, and phone, and has a dedicated Australian phone line. Hantec Markets provides support during Sydney business hours (9am-5pm AEST) via email and phone, with limited weekend support. For Australian traders who trade during volatile sessions like London overlap, Exness’s round-the-clock support is more reliable.
| Mobile Feature | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Exness |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Exness |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | Exness | Hantec Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Exness |
Choose Exness if you...
Choose Hantec Markets if you...
For Australian traders prioritising low costs, local payment convenience, and fast execution, Exness is the superior choice. Its ASIC regulation, combined with support for BPAY, POLi, Bank Transfer, and Credit Card, makes it highly accessible for Australian residents. The 4.8/5 rating reflects strong user satisfaction, especially among experienced traders. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is a viable option for traders who prefer a smaller broker with simple pricing, but its higher spreads and limited payment methods make it less competitive. For most Australian traders, Exness offers better value and flexibility under ASIC oversight.