Which broker is better for Cyprus traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Cyprus traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2026 often compare Exness and Hantec Markets. Exness, with a strong 4.8/5 rating, is a global leader offering tight spreads, fast execution, and support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets, rated 3.6/5, is a reputable broker with a focus on stability and customer service, but lacks the same level of local payment integration. For retail traders in Cyprus, the choice often comes down to cost, convenience, and regulatory comfort. Exness is regulated by CySEC, the local financial regulator, providing an extra layer of security for Cypriot traders. Hantec Markets is regulated in the UK and Mauritius, which may appeal to those seeking alternative oversight. This comparison will help you decide which broker better suits your trading style and local needs.
| 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 Cyprus traders, trading costs are a key differentiator between Exness and Hantec Markets. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn, making it ideal for high-volume scalpers. Hantec Markets has spreads starting at 1.2 pips on standard accounts with no commission, which can be more expensive for active traders. Over 100 trades per month, Exness can save a Cyprus trader $50-$100 in spreads alone. Both brokers offer leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients under CySEC rules, but Exness provides higher leverage for professional traders. For cost-conscious traders in Cyprus, Exness is the clear winner.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus (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 Exness and Hantec Markets offer the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are popular among Cyprus traders. Exness also provides a proprietary web platform and mobile app with advanced charting tools. Hantec Markets focuses on MT4/MT5 only, which is sufficient for most retail traders. For Cyprus traders who value flexibility and modern tools, Exness has an edge with its additional platforms. However, both brokers ensure stable execution and reliable order placement, crucial for local traders dealing with volatile markets.
| 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, making it ideal for scalpers and day traders in Cyprus. Hantec Markets also provides reliable execution but with slightly higher latency, averaging 0.3 seconds. For Cyprus traders trading high-frequency strategies, Exness's execution quality is superior. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, ensuring transparency and fair pricing.
| Safety Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the local financial regulator, offering Cyprus traders up to €20,000 in investor compensation under the ICF. This is a significant advantage for local traders who value regulatory protection. Hantec Markets is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Mauritius Financial Services Commission (FSC), but does not have CySEC oversight. While both are reputable, Exness's local regulation provides additional peace of mind for Cyprus residents. Traders should consider their own risk tolerance and the level of protection they require.
| 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 |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is a critical factor for Cyprus traders. Exness supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, with most deposits processed instantly and no fees. Withdrawals are also fast, often within minutes for e-wallets and USDT. Hantec Markets primarily accepts Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, but does not support Skrill, Neteller, or USDT TRC20. This makes Exness far more convenient for Cyprus traders who prefer modern, low-cost payment methods. For example, a Cyprus trader can fund their Exness account via Skrill and start trading immediately, while Hantec Markets may require a bank transfer that takes 1-3 business days. Overall, Exness offers superior deposit/withdrawal flexibility.
| 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 (swap-free) accounts for Cyprus Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. Exness provides swap-free accounts automatically for clients from Muslim-majority regions, including Cyprus, with no additional fees. Hantec Markets requires a formal request and approval process, and may apply a small administrative fee after a certain period. For Cyprus traders seeking a hassle-free Islamic account, Exness is the more straightforward option. Both brokers maintain the same trading conditions on Islamic accounts, ensuring no compromise on execution or spreads.
| 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 via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for Cyprus traders who speak Greek or English. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours only, which can be a limitation for traders in different time zones. For Cyprus traders who need quick assistance, especially during volatile market conditions, Exness's round-the-clock support is a significant advantage.
| 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 Cyprus traders in 2026, Exness is the superior choice over Hantec Markets, especially for retail traders. Exness offers lower spreads, faster execution, and better support for local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Its regulation by the local financial regulator CySEC provides an extra layer of security and investor compensation. Hantec Markets is a reliable alternative for traders who prefer UK regulation and don't need advanced payment options. However, for most Cyprus traders seeking cost-effective and convenient trading, Exness is the recommended broker. Start with a demo account to test both platforms before committing real funds.