Which broker is better for New Zealand traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
New Zealand traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026 face a clear choice between Exness and Hantec Markets. Exness, with a strong 4.8/5 rating, dominates the local market with ultra-low spreads, diverse account types, and extensive payment support including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Hantec Markets, scoring 3.6/5, offers a more traditional trading environment with UK and Australian regulation but lacks the cost efficiency and deposit flexibility that Kiwi traders demand. This comparison focuses on what matters most to New Zealand retail traders: trading costs, local regulation, and payment convenience. Whether you trade part-time or full-time, understanding these differences helps you choose the broker that aligns with your trading style and financial goals in the New Zealand market.
| 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 New Zealand traders, trading costs are a critical factor, and Exness clearly outperforms Hantec Markets here. Exness offers spreads from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts with a low commission of $3 per lot, making it ideal for high-volume traders. Standard accounts have spreads from 0.3 pips with zero commission. Hantec Markets' standard account spreads start at 1.2 pips, which is significantly higher. Over 100 trades per month, a New Zealand trader could save $200-$400 in spreads with Exness. Additionally, Exness charges no withdrawal fees for most methods, while Hantec Markets may apply bank transfer fees for withdrawals to New Zealand accounts.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (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 offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the platforms most New Zealand traders prefer for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. Exness also provides a proprietary web platform and mobile app with one-click trading and real-time analytics, which is beneficial for Kiwi traders on the go. Hantec Markets focuses solely on MT4 and MT5, which are reliable but lack the modern interface of Exness's custom platform. For New Zealand traders using Expert Advisors (EAs), both brokers support full EA functionality, but Exness's faster execution speeds give it an edge for algorithmic trading strategies.
| 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 boasts average execution speeds of 0.1 seconds with no requotes, thanks to its NDD (No Dealing Desk) model and multiple liquidity providers. This ensures New Zealand traders get fast, accurate order fills even during high volatility. Hantec Markets also uses NDD execution but with average speeds of 0.3 seconds, which can lead to slippage during news events. For scalpers and day traders in New Zealand, Exness's superior execution quality reduces slippage and improves trade outcomes.
| Safety Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for New Zealand traders, and both brokers offer solid protections. Exness is regulated by the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA) under an FSP license, providing direct local oversight and client fund segregation. Hantec Markets is regulated by the UK's FCA and Australia's ASIC, which are reputable but not local. For New Zealand traders, Exness's local regulation means easier dispute resolution and compliance with local financial laws. Hantec Markets, while trusted, requires Kiwi traders to rely on international regulators, which can complicate issue resolution. The local financial regulator's involvement with Exness adds an extra layer of security.
| 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 seamless for New Zealand traders with Exness, which supports Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank transfers are processed within 1-3 business days, while e-wallets and USDT TRC20 are instant with zero fees. Exness also offers local NZD bank accounts for faster transfers. Hantec Markets primarily supports Bank Transfer and credit/debit cards, with limited e-wallet options. USDT TRC20 is not available at Hantec Markets, making it less convenient for crypto users. For New Zealand traders who value speed and low costs, Exness's diverse payment methods are a clear advantage. Minimum deposits are $10 at Exness versus $100 at Hantec Markets, making Exness more accessible for retail traders.
| 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 cater to New Zealand Muslim traders with Islamic (swap-free) accounts. Exness offers swap-free accounts on all account types—Standard, Raw Spread, and Zero—with no additional fees, making it a cost-effective choice. Hantec Markets provides Islamic accounts on request but may charge an administration fee after 30 days of holding positions overnight. New Zealand traders should verify with each broker's support team for the latest terms, but Exness's straightforward policy is generally more favorable for long-term swap-free trading.
| 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 New Zealand traders available in local time zones. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours (Monday to Friday) via email and phone, with live chat limited to business hours. For New Zealand traders who trade outside standard hours, Exness's round-the-clock support is a significant advantage, especially for urgent issues like deposit delays or platform errors.
| 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 New Zealand retail traders in 2026, Exness is the clear winner over Hantec Markets. Its 4.8/5 rating reflects superior trading conditions, including lower spreads, faster execution, and a wide range of local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Exness's local regulation by the New Zealand financial regulator adds trust and accessibility. Hantec Markets, with a 3.6/5 score, remains a reliable option for those who prioritize traditional regulation and don't need the lowest costs. However, for most Kiwi traders seeking cost efficiency, convenience, and modern features, Exness is the recommended broker.