Which broker is better for Philippines traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Philippines traders looking for a reliable forex broker, Exness and Hantec Markets are two distinct options. Exness, with a 4.8/5 rating, is a global leader known for low costs and fast local payments, while Hantec Markets (3.6/5) offers a more traditional experience with FCA regulation. This comparison focuses on what matters most to Filipino traders: spreads, deposit methods like GCash and PayMaya, and regulatory safety under SEC Philippines. Whether you are an OFW sending remittances or a mobile-first trader, understanding these differences helps you choose the best broker for your PHP-based trading.
| 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 |
Exness offers tighter spreads, starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account, making it ideal for cost-conscious Philippines traders. Hantec Markets has higher average spreads of 1.2 pips on EUR/USD, which can erode profits for frequent traders. For a Filipino trader executing 10 standard lots per month, Exness could save thousands of pesos in spread costs. Exness also has lower commission structures, while Hantec Markets charges higher fees for smaller accounts. If you trade actively, Exness is the more affordable choice.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its own WebTerminal, all optimized for mobile-first Filipino traders. Hantec Markets also offers MT4 and MT5 but lacks a proprietary mobile app. Exness’s platforms support one-click trading and advanced charting, crucial for fast-paced markets. Both brokers have mobile apps, but Exness’s is more intuitive for on-the-go trading, which is essential for many Philippines users who trade via smartphones.
| 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 uses STP/ECN execution with an average speed of 0.1 seconds, ideal for scalpers and day traders in the Philippines. Hantec Markets offers market execution but with occasional requotes during volatile periods. Exness’s execution is more reliable, especially during news events, which is critical for traders using mobile platforms where delays can be costly.
| Safety Factor | Exness | Hantec Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Exness is regulated by the FCA, CySEC, and FSA, offering strong international oversight. Hantec Markets is regulated by the FCA and FSC. For Philippines traders, neither broker is directly supervised by SEC Philippines, but both adhere to global standards. Exness’s multiple licenses provide an extra layer of security, while Hantec Markets’ FCA regulation is well-respected. Filipino traders should still verify broker status on the SEC Philippines website to avoid unregulated entities.
| 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 |
Exness excels for Philippines traders with support for GCash, PayMaya, local bank transfers, and USDT deposits—all with zero fees and fast processing. Hantec Markets lags behind, primarily accepting bank wires and credit cards, with no direct GCash or PayMaya integration. For OFW investors using remittance services, Exness’s USDT option is a game-changer, allowing quick deposits from crypto wallets. Withdrawals at Exness are processed within 24 hours, while Hantec Markets can take 2-5 business days. Exness is the clear winner for local payment convenience.
| 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 Muslim traders in the Philippines, complying with Sharia law. Exness provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types, with no expiration period. Hantec Markets also offers Islamic accounts but may have restrictions on certain instruments. For Filipino Muslim traders, Exness is more flexible, with no time limits on the swap-free status, making it suitable for long-term positions.
| 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 customer support in English and Filipino, with live chat and email available. Hantec Markets provides support during market hours only, which can be inconvenient for Philippines traders in different time zones. Exness’s local language support and faster response times make it more accessible for Filipino users who prefer Tagalog assistance.
| 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 most Philippines traders, Exness is the superior choice, with a 4.8/5 rating, lower spreads, and seamless local payments via GCash, PayMaya, and USDT. Hantec Markets (3.6/5) is a viable option for those prioritizing FCA regulation, but its higher costs and limited deposit methods make it less competitive. If you are an OFW or mobile-first trader, Exness offers the best value and convenience. Always check SEC Philippines advisories before trading. For the best overall experience, Exness is recommended.