Review
Information about the Company Hantec Trader
Hantec Trader is a proprietary trading firm that, although founded in Mauritius in December 2023, presents itself to the market with the backing of a considerable financial heritage. The firm is powered by Hantec Markets Mauritius and is part of the Hantec Group, a financial conglomerate with operations dating back to 1990. This strategic partnership is fundamental to understanding Hantec Trader’s positioning. By highlighting its connection to a group with over 30 years of experience and multiple global regulations (FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, etc.), the firm seeks to project an image of stability and trust, mitigating the perception of risk that often accompanies new companies in the sector, especially those that are unregulated.
It is crucial for potential traders to understand a key distinction: Hantec Trader, the prop trading firm, is not a regulated entity. It does not act as a broker or accept client deposits to trade in the real markets. Its function is to offer access to a simulated trading environment with virtual funds. This means that clients using its services do not enjoy traditional regulatory protections, such as access to financial ombudsman services or compensation schemes. The regulation and license belong to other entities within the Hantec Group, such as Hantec Markets, which are separate companies.
Hantec Trader’s stated mission is to become a leader in the sector, based on the philosophy that trading consistency is achieved in a controlled environment that reduces the temptations of excessive leverage. Its evaluation programs are designed not only to measure profitability but also to test the trader’s intellectual and emotional discipline. Overcoming its challenges is, according to the firm, a demonstration of possessing the necessary mindset to generate sustainable long-term returns.
Hantec Trader’s Funding Plans
Hantec Trader has structured its offering into four distinct funding programs, each designed to attract a specific trader profile. The range includes an instant funding program for those who wish to trade immediately, a single-stage challenge for those seeking speed and flexibility, and two two-stage challenges with different risk parameters and objectives. This diversification allows the firm to segment the market and offer solutions adapted to different trading styles, from algorithmic to discretionary.
Comparative Table of Funding Programs
To provide an overview and facilitate the initial choice, the following table summarizes the most important features of each program.
| Characteristic | Instant Funding | Express Challenge | Enhanced Challenge | EnhancedX Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Stages | 0 (Instant) | 1 Stage | 2 Stages | 2 Stages |
| Profit Target | Not applicable | 10% | Phase 1: 10%, Phase 2: 5% | Phase 1: 8%, Phase 2: 4% |
| Daily Loss Limit | 6% | 5% | 5% | 4% |
| Maximum Loss Limit | 6% | 6% | 10% | 8% |
| Drawdown Type | Trailing (on balance) | Trailing (on balance) | Static (on initial balance) | Static (on initial balance) |
| EAs Allowed | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Trading on News | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hold Over Weekend | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Instant Funding Program
This program is designed for traders who are confident in their strategy and wish to bypass the evaluation process to start generating profits from day one. In exchange for a higher initial cost, immediate access to an account with virtual funds is granted.
However, this immediacy comes with the most restrictive rules in Hantec’s entire offering. The program has a 6% daily loss limit and a 6% total maximum loss limit. The latter is a “trailing” drawdown on the closed balance, meaning the loss limit rises as profits are made, until a 6% gain is reached, at which point it is fixed at the initial account balance. Furthermore, the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) is strictly prohibited, opening or closing trades 3 minutes before or after high-impact news is not allowed, and all positions must be closed before the weekend. This model is aimed at discretionary traders seeking quick access and willing to operate under a very defined risk framework.
Instant Funding Account Sizes
| Account Size | Price | Daily Loss Limit (%) | Maximum Loss Limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $43 | 6% | 6% |
| $2,000 | $86 | 6% | 6% |
| $5,000 | $214 | 6% | 6% |
| $10,000 | $428 | 6% | 6% |
| $25,000 | $1,069 | 6% | 6% |
| $50,000 | $2,139 | 6% | 6% |
Express Challenge Program (1 Stage)
The Express Challenge is a single-phase evaluation program that stands out for its flexibility, making it the ideal choice for algorithmic traders and swing traders. To obtain a funded account, the trader must achieve a 10% profit target with no time limit.
The risk parameters include a 5% daily loss limit and a 6% total maximum loss, which, like the Instant program, is of the “trailing” type and is fixed at the initial balance after reaching a 6% profit. The main advantage of this program lies in its permissive rules: the use of EAs is allowed, there are no restrictions on trading during news events, and positions can be held open over the weekend.4 This combination of a single evaluation phase and operational freedom positions it as one of the most attractive offerings on the market for traders with automated systems or medium-term strategies.
Express Challenge Account Sizes
| Account Size | Price | Profit Target (%) | Daily Loss Limit (%) | Maximum Loss Limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $39 | 10% | 5% | 6% |
| $5,000 | $59 | 10% | 5% | 6% |
| $10,000 | $99 | 10% | 5% | 6% |
| $25,000 | $199 | 10% | 5% | 6% |
| $50,000 | $319 | 10% | 5% | 6% |
| $100,000 | $529 | 10% | 5% | 6% |
| $200,000 | $999 | 10% | 5% | 6% |
Enhanced Challenge Program (2 Stages)
The Enhanced Challenge is Hantec’s more traditional two-phase evaluation program, designed for the discretionary intraday trader who prefers a more conservative and predictable risk model. It has no time limits to complete either of the two phases.
Phase 1 requires achieving a 10% profit target, while Phase 2, simpler, only requires 5%. Its most notable feature is the 10% total maximum loss limit, which is static. This means it is calculated only once based on the initial balance and never moves, offering the trader a fixed risk cushion and greater psychological peace of mind compared to the trailing drawdown. The daily loss limit is 5%. Although trading during news and holding positions over the weekend are allowed, the use of EAs is not permitted in this program, reinforcing its focus on manual trading.
Enhanced Challenge Account Sizes
| Account Size | Price | Phase 1 Target (%) | Phase 2 Target (%) | Daily Loss Limit (%) | Maximum Loss Limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $59 | 8% | 5% | 4% | 10% |
| $5,000 | $49 | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| $10,000 | $89 | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| $25,000 | $179 | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| $50,000 | $299 | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| $100,000 | $499 | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| $200,000 | $969 | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
EnhancedX Challenge Program (2 Stages)
The EnhancedX is a variant of the two-stage challenge aimed at traders who prioritize consistency and tighter risk management. It offers lower and more achievable profit targets: 8% in Phase 1 and 4% in Phase 2, with no time limits.
In return, the risk limits are stricter: a maximum daily loss of 4% and a static total maximum loss of 8%. The unique feature of this program is the “Consistency Rule.” This rule stipulates that the profits from a participant’s best trading day cannot exceed 45% of their total profits during the evaluation. The purpose of this rule is to filter out traders who pass due to a stroke of luck and to favor those who demonstrate consistent and well-managed profitability. For those who do not want this restriction, the rule can be removed by purchasing an add-on.
EnhancedX Challenge Account Sizes
| Account Size | Price | Phase 1 Target (%) | Phase 2 Target (%) | Daily Loss Limit (%) | Maximum Loss Limit (%) | Consistency Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $49 | 8% | 4% | 4% | 8% | 45% |
| $10,000 | $89 | 8% | 4% | 4% | 8% | 45% |
| $25,000 | $179 | 8% | 4% | 4% | 8% | 45% |
| $50,000 | $299 | 8% | 4% | 4% | 8% | 45% |
| $100,000 | $499 | 8% | 4% | 4% | 8% | 45% |
| $200,000 | $969 | 8% | 4% | 4% | 8% | 45% |
Scaling Plan
One of the most innovative and attractive features of Hantec Trader is its Scaling Plan, available for the Express, Enhanced, and EnhancedX programs. This plan offers a structured growth path for traders who prove to be successful.
The process is simple: once a trader passes a challenge, they are presented with two options. They can accept the funded account corresponding to the size of the challenge they just passed, or they can choose to “scale.” If they choose to scale, Hantec Trader will provide them with a new challenge account, free of charge, at the next available capital level. To obtain the larger funded account, the trader must pass this new challenge. This cycle can be repeated until the maximum account size of $200,000 is reached.
The firm’s justification for this re-evaluation requirement is solid from a risk management perspective. They argue that a trader’s emotions and psychology change significantly when managing larger sums of capital. By forcing the trader to demonstrate their consistency at each new level, the firm ensures that only individuals with the appropriate emotional resilience and discipline manage their larger accounts. This mechanism functions as a dual tool: for the trader, it is a powerful value proposition that offers capital growth at no additional cost; for the firm, it is a talent filter and a highly effective risk mitigation system, gradually acclimating its best traders to the pressure of trading with more capital.
Scaling Plan Progression
The following tables illustrate how the targets and limits progress as a trader scales their account, starting with a $10,000 account.
Express Challenge Scaling
| Virtual Balance | Maximum Daily Loss ($) | Maximum Total Loss ($) | Profit Target ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $500 | $600 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $1,250 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $10,000 | $12,000 | $20,000 |
Enhanced Challenge Scaling
| Virtual Balance | Maximum Daily Loss ($) | Maximum Total Loss ($) | Profit Target (Phase 1 / Phase 2) ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $500 | $1,000 | $1,000 / $500 |
| $25,000 | $1,250 | $2,500 | $2,500 / $1,250 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $5,000 / $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 / $5,000 |
| $200,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 / $10,000 |
EnhancedX Challenge Scaling
| Virtual Balance | Maximum Daily Loss ($) | Maximum Total Loss ($) | Profit Target (Phase 1 / Phase 2) ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $400 | $800 | $800 / $400 |
| $25,000 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 / $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 / $2,000 |
| $100,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 / $4,000 |
| $200,000 | $8,000 | $16,000 | $16,000 / $8,000 |
Key Trading Rules and Conditions
Hantec Trader establishes a set of clear rules that traders must follow. Violation of these rules is classified into two categories: “Hard Breach,” which results in the termination of the account, and “Soft Breach,” which only leads to the closure of the offending trade without disqualifying the trader.
Drawdown Rules Explained
Drawdown rules are the cornerstone of risk management in any prop firm, and it is fundamental to understand how Hantec calculates them.
The Maximum Daily Loss is a “Hard Breach” rule, and its percentage varies between 4% and 6% depending on the program. It is calculated based on the account balance at the close of the previous day (00:00 GMT+3). For example, on a $100,000 account with a 5% limit, if the closing balance of the previous day was $100,000, the account will be closed if the equity drops below $95,000 during the current trading day.
The Maximum Total Loss is the most critical rule, and its operation varies drastically between programs. This difference is one of the most important decision-making factors for a trader.
- Trailing Drawdown: Applied in the Instant and Express programs, this type of drawdown is more dynamic and restrictive. The loss limit (6%) follows the highest point the account balance reaches (“high-water mark”). For example, on a $100,000 account, the initial limit is $94,000. If the trader brings the account to $102,000, the new loss limit adjusts to $96,000 ($102,000 - 6%). This tracking stops and the limit is permanently fixed at the initial balance once the trader has achieved a 6% profit.
- Static Drawdown: Applied in the Enhanced and EnhancedX programs, this type is simpler and less punitive. The loss limit (10% or 8%) is calculated only once on the initial account balance and never changes, regardless of the profits made. On a $100,000 account with a 10% static drawdown, the loss limit will always be $90,000.
Comparison of Trading Rules
The rules on strategies and trading styles vary significantly, demonstrating Hantec’s strategy of attracting different types of traders.
| Rule | Instant Funding | Express Challenge | Enhanced Challenge | EnhancedX Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use of EAs | Prohibited | Allowed | Prohibited | Allowed |
| Trading on News | Prohibited (3 min before/after) | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Holding Positions Over the Weekend | Prohibited | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Consistency Rule | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Yes (45%) |
Other General Rules and Policies
- Inactivity: If no trade is placed on an account for a period of 30 consecutive days, it will be considered a “Hard Breach” and the account will be closed.
- Stop Loss: The use of stop loss orders is not mandatory on any of the accounts, although the firm recommends it as a good risk management practice.
- Prohibited Strategies: Certain practices are explicitly prohibited, such as latency arbitrage, copy trading between multiple third-party accounts, or using “hedging” strategies between different Hantec Trader accounts to nullify risk. Traders are advised to consult the terms and conditions for a complete list.
Deposits, Withdrawals, and Profit Split
Hantec Trader’s reward and payment system is competitive and designed to be accessible.
The standard profit split is 75% for the trader. However, there is an option to purchase an add-on during the challenge acquisition that increases this share up to 90%, one of the highest rates in the industry.
Withdrawal requests are managed through the trader’s dashboard and are processed within 1 to 2 business days. The minimum amount to request a payout is only $20, which facilitates access to earnings. The frequency of withdrawals varies:
- For accounts obtained through a challenge (Express, Enhanced, EnhancedX), the first payout can be requested at any time (on demand), provided there are no open trades. Subsequent withdrawals can be requested every 14 days.
- For Instant Funding accounts, all withdrawals, including the first, are available every 14 days.
- In both cases, the frequency of subsequent withdrawals can be reduced to 7 days with the purchase of the “Weekly Payout” add-on.
Regarding payment methods, Hantec Trader’s FAQ page generically mentions “a variety of global payment methods” for both paying for challenges and receiving profits, but does not specify them. However, it is possible to infer potential options by observing those offered by its associated broker, Hantec Markets. These typically include Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, and E-Wallets like Tether (USDT). It should be noted that the availability of these methods for Hantec Trader is not officially confirmed, and users should verify the available options during the checkout process.
Technical Aspects and Trading Conditions
Broker and Trading Platforms
Hantec Trader’s simulated trading environment is provided by its sister entity, the broker Hantec Markets. This ensures that market conditions, such as liquidity and execution, replicate those of an established broker. During the program purchase process, traders can choose between the two most popular trading platforms in the industry: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).
Financial Instruments, Leverage, and Commissions
Hantec Trader offers a wide range of tradable instruments in a simulated environment, covering the main asset classes: Forex, Metals (Bullion), Commodities, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. The leverage and commission conditions vary depending on the asset type, which is crucial for strategy planning and cost management.
| Asset Class | Maximum Leverage | Commission (per standard lot) |
|---|---|---|
| Forex | 1:50 | $5 |
| Metals (Gold, Silver) | 1:20 | $5 |
| Commodities (Oil) | 1:15 | $1 |
| Indices | 1:15 | $0 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:1 | $0 |
Spreads and Slippage
Information about spreads on the official Hantec Trader website is limited; no typical or average values are provided. It is assumed that spreads are variable and floating, reflecting real-time market conditions. Although the broker Hantec Markets promotes “raw spreads from 0.1 pips” on some of its accounts, there is no guarantee that these conditions apply directly to the prop firm’s environment.
The firm explicitly acknowledges the possibility of “slippage,” which is the difference between the expected price of an order and the price at which it is executed. They warn that this is more likely during high-impact news events, periods of high volatility, or when executing large orders, which is a normal feature of financial markets.
Distinctive Features and Support
InsightPro: AI-Powered Analysis Tools
One of Hantec Trader’s most significant value propositions is free access to InsightPro for all its clients. This is an advanced suite of market analysis tools that integrates artificial intelligence to improve decision-making. Offering a tool of this caliber at no additional cost is a considerable competitive advantage. It positions the firm not just as a capital provider, but as a technology partner that invests in the success of its traders. The key features of InsightPro include:
- AI-powered trading signals for over 50 popular assets.
- Real-time market sentiment analysis.
- Actionable trading ideas verified by analysts.
- A market news feed integrated directly into the client portal.
- Delivery of information via the dashboard, a Discord channel, and dynamic daily emails.
Restricted Countries and Customer Support
Hantec Trader does not offer its services to residents or citizens of the United States. For other countries, the policy is simple: if a country does not appear in the drop-down list during the registration process, it is considered a restricted country.
The firm claims to offer customer support 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.1 The primary contact method promoted on the website is a “Contact Us” form, as no direct email addresses or phone numbers are publicly provided in the FAQ section.
Strong Points of Hantec Trader
After a thorough analysis, several key advantages can be highlighted that position Hantec Trader as a competitive option in the prop firm market.
- Backing of the Hantec Group: The association with a financial group with over 30 years of history provides a layer of credibility and trust that few new firms can match.
- Variety of Programs: The offering of four distinct models (Instant, 1-Step, 2-Step with two variants) allows almost any type of trader to find a program that fits their style and risk tolerance.
- No Time Limits: None of the evaluation programs have a maximum deadline to reach the targets, eliminating the psychological pressure of time.
- Flexibility in the Express Program: Allowing EAs, news trading, and holding positions over the weekend in the 1-stage challenge makes it a very attractive option for systematic and medium-term traders.
- Innovative Scaling Plan: The system that allows scaling to larger accounts for free is a powerful incentive for long-term growth and a smart way to filter the most consistent traders.
- Free Access to InsightPro: The inclusion of an advanced analysis suite with AI signals at no extra cost is a significant added value that can improve a trader’s performance.
- High Profit Split: The option to reach a 90% profit split is one of the most competitive in the industry.
- Choice of Drawdown Type: The ability to choose between a static drawdown (safer and more predictable) in the Enhanced programs and a trailing drawdown (riskier but with looser initial rules) in the Express program gives the trader fundamental control over their risk management.
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