HFM is a solid choice for active CFD traders who want strong regulation, flexible account options and familiar MetaTrader tools. Its strongest points are the FCA-regulated UK entity, the competitive Zero account, and good support for forex, algo, copy, mobile and demo trading. It is less appealing for long-term investors, standard-account traders and anyone who wants real shares, native crypto or a broader platform mix.
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In this HFM review, we break down pros and cons, regulation and security, fees, platforms, markets, account features, and trading conditions, so you can decide faster and with more confidence. HFM is also part of our selection of the best trading platforms. The tabs below let you jump directly to the factor most important to your decision.
My take after testing HFM: HFM makes sense for active CFD traders. For anyone thinking about long-term investing, it’s probably the wrong starting point. Most of the platform is geared toward trading: the UK side is FCA-regulated, the Zero account is well-priced, and MetaTrader, copy trading, mobile and demo all work the way you’d expect. If you trade regularly, the basics are covered. The spread-only account is less competitive on cost. More importantly, because everything runs through CFDs, real share ownership, native crypto and basic buy-and-hold aren’t options here.
Filippo Ucchino
Co-Founder and CEO of InvestinGoal - Introducing Broker
What type of broker is HFM?
HFM is a No-Dealing-Desk (NDD) broker operating a hybrid STP/ECN execution model. It routes client orders directly to external liquidity providers, acting primarily as an agent. In certain markets, HFM may act as a market maker and retain proprietary positions, confirming hybrid principal/agency execution under specific circumstances.
HFM channels orders via straight-through processing to external liquidity without a dealing desk for retail clients. The broker does not provide full transparency on order routing or direct market access. After execution, HFM may offset positions with counterparties or hold proprietary exposure in select markets.
HFM operates as a multi-asset CFD broker offering 500+ instruments (totals vary by entity). Coverage includes 50+ forex pairs, 15 commodities (metals, energies, softs), plus indices, shares, ETFs, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. All products are CFDs with overnight financing for held positions.
HFM serves retail and institutional clients globally. European operations accept only professional clients and eligible counterparties; other jurisdictions serve retail traders. Account tiers include Micro (from $5), Zero (commission-based), and Pro ($5,000 minimum, raw spreads, lower commission, priority institutional liquidity access).

Yes, HFM is a legitimate brokerage. HF Markets Group (founded 2010) operates through HF Markets (UK) Ltd, incorporated 19 December 2017 and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority since 2019 for CFDs and investment services. The company is registered at Bloomsbury Building, 10 Bloomsbury Way, Holborn, London, and publishes audited annual accounts with independent auditor reports filed publicly each year. The group has operated continuously since 2010, with the UK subsidiary operating since 2017. HFM reports 4 million client accounts as of 2024 and has received industry recognition including “Best Broker for Beginners 2024” from FxScouts and “Best Forex Trading App” from CFI.co.
The advantages of HFM are listed below.
- Multi-regulated group: Licensed across the group by FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), DFSA (Dubai), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (Mauritius), CMA (Kenya), which is useful for jurisdiction-specific rules (leverage, protections, onboarding).
- Client fund protections: Segregated accounts, civil liability insurance up to €5,000,000, plus (EU entity) Investor Compensation Fund membership and negative balance protection.
- RAW pricing (Zero account): Spreads from 0.0 pips, no hidden markups, and commissions from $3 per 1 lot, making it suited to scalping and systematic trading.
- 500+ markets: 500+ CFDs across FX, metals, stocks, bonds, indices, energies, commodities, crypto, and ETFs for multi-asset access under one login.
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, plus WebTerminal and the HFM App for browser/mobile trading while keeping the MetaTrader ecosystem (EAs, indicators).
- VPS option: VPS hosting from $25/month (or free with activity), via Beeks Financial Cloud and 9 data centers for lower latency and 24/7 EA uptime.
- Execution model: STP / no dealing desk, aimed at reducing dealer intervention and re-quotes in fast markets.
- Account choice: Spread-only vs commission accounts, including Premium and Zero (Zero page shows $25 minimum deposit).
- Copy trading: HFM Copy Trading lets users follow strategy providers with trades replicated automatically.
The main disadvantages of the broker HFM are listed below.
- Higher Trading Costs (Standard Account): While HFM offers competitive “Zero” accounts, trading costs on their spread-only (standard) accounts are generally higher than the industry average.
- Limited Range of Tradable Assets: The range of tradable symbols has dropped, which may be restrictive for some traders. While they offer a wide variety of Forex pairs, some other asset classes (such as cryptocurrencies) might have limited availability compared to competitors.
- Inactivity Fees: A monthly fee of $5 is charged for inactive accounts after 6 months of no trading activity, which increases over time.
- Customer Support Restrictions: Customer support is not always available on weekends.
Is HFM regulated in UK?
Yes, HFM is regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The authorised entity is HF Markets (UK) Ltd, FRN 801701. UK retail clients receive segregated accounts, FSCS protection up to £85,000, and negative balance protection under FCA rules.
This applies to UK residents using HF Markets (UK) Ltd. Outside the UK, the group operates via entities in Cyprus, Mauritius, South Africa, Seychelles, and Dubai:
- HF Markets (Europe) Ltd: CySEC (Cyprus), Licence 183/12 — with ICF up to €20,000
- HF Markets Ltd: FSC (Mauritius), Licence C116016172
- HF Markets SA: FSCA (South Africa), FSP 46632
- HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd: FSA (Seychelles), Licence SD015
- HF Markets (DMCC) Ltd: DFSA (Dubai), Licence F003484
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated in UK | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Regulatory status in UK | Regulated | Regulated | Regulated |
| Tier 1 regulations held | FCA, ESMA (CySEC) | ASIC, FCA, ESMA (BaFin, CySEC) | ASIC, CFTC, FCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA |
| Tier 2 regulations held | CMA, DFSA, FSCA | CMA, DFSA | DFSA, FMA |
| Tier 3 regulations held | FSA | SCB | BMA |
Yes, HFM is legal in the UK via HF Markets (UK) Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 801701), but your text notes it serves professional/eligible counterparty clients, not typical retail. CFDs follow FCA rules for eligible clients (segregated funds, negative-balance protection); retail crypto-derivatives are restricted, and share dealing/options aren’t provided. Verify permitted client categories and permissions on the FCA Register using FRN 801701.
Yes, HF Markets (HFM) accepts UK traders through HF Markets (UK) Ltd, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 801701.
UK residents trading with the FCA-regulated entity receive full UK regulatory protections including FSCS compensation up to the statutory limit and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. HF Markets provides negative balance protection, segregates client funds, and maintains civil liability insurance beyond statutory limits.
Learn more about the best Forex brokers in UK.
No, HFM (formerly HotForex) does not accept U.S. traders because its global licenses do not include authorization from U.S. regulators, and the firm’s terms state that residents of the United States, U.S. territories, and several other countries are excluded, so American clients cannot open accounts or trade forex, CFDs, or other instruments with HFM.
Learn more about the best Forex brokers in US.
Is HFM safe in UK?
HFM (formerly HotForex) is considered safe due to multi-regulation and client-fund segregation. HFM is FCA-regulated in the UK through HF Markets (UK) Ltd (FRN 801701), and UK clients using that entity can benefit from the applicable UK protections, including FSCS coverage up to the statutory limit. Client money is held in segregated accounts at major banks. HFM is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles. Retail clients receive negative balance protection and automatic margin close-out at typically 50%. Security includes SSL encryption, advanced firewalls, two-factor authentication, and biometric login on mobile, with regular security checks conducted, though penetration test schedules are not disclosed.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Segregated client funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative balance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Investor compensation scheme | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Founded in | 2010 | 2010 | 1974 |
| Publicly traded | No | No | Yes |
The risks with the broker HFM are listed below.
- Leverage risk: HFM offers leverage up to 1:30 (retail) and 1:400 (professional), amplifying both gains and losses. Small price moves can rapidly deplete account equity during adverse markets.
- CFD complexity: HFM trades CFDs, which are complex derivatives where clients don’t own underlying assets. Leverage and market gaps during volatility or illiquidity can cause losses exceeding initial investment.
- Counterparty exposure: As market maker for many instruments, HFM is the counterparty to client trades, creating potential conflict of interest where broker profit may depend on client losses.
- Order execution risk: During high-impact news, market opens, or low liquidity, orders may fill at prices different from requested. Execution speed and quality vary by account tier; basic accounts may see wider spreads and slower fills.
- Overnight financing costs: Positions held overnight incur swap/rollover fees that accumulate over time and erode profitability, especially for longer-term strategies. Costs vary by instrument and reflect interbank rates plus HFM’s markup.
- Platform reliability: Trading depends on electronic platforms that may experience technical failures, connectivity issues, or outages, preventing order placement or modification and causing missed opportunities or inability to exit losing positions.
What markets can you trade on HFM?
The markets you can trade on HFM are listed below.
- Currency pairs (CFDs): 50+ major, minor, and exotic FX pairs. Minimum trade: 0.01 lots (1,000 base units). Learn more about what is the Forex market.
- Commodities (CFDs): Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium), energies (Brent Crude, US Crude Oil), and soft commodities (coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugar). Minimum trade: varies by instrument.
- Indices (CFDs): Major index CFDs including UK 100, GER 40, US 500. Minimum trade: varies by instrument.
- Stocks (CFDs): Global share CFDs on companies like Apple, Amazon, Meta. 5:1 leverage limit; maximum position: 5,000 shares per trade.
- ETFs (CFDs): ETF CFDs available through MetaTrader 5 platform. Minimum trade: varies by instrument.
- Bonds (CFDs): Government bond CFDs including US Treasury Notes, Gilts, Euro Bonds. Limited range with instrument-specific contract sizing.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Indices | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Commodities | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs, Options) |
| Shares | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs, Options) |
| ETFs | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (Real, CFDs) |
| Cryptocurrencies | N/A | N/A | N/A |

The trading products not offered by HFM are listed below.
- Futures
- IPOs
- Managed funds
- Options
- Real shares
No, you can’t buy real crypto on HFM. HFM offers cryptocurrency exposure exclusively through CFDs, not ownership of underlying assets. Crypto CFDs on BTC, ETH, XRP, and LTC provide price movement exposure without conferring actual coin ownership or custody.
No, you can’t trade real shares on HFM. HFM offers only CFDs, including “DMA Stocks” (Direct Market Access) where orders are reflected in live exchange order books, but you don’t acquire ownership of the underlying shares.
No, HFM does not offer fractional shares.
How cheap are spreads with HFM?
HFM spreads are competitive on its Zero/RAW account but higher on its Premium account. On EUR/USD, the HFM Zero/RAW account shows about 0.2 pips plus a commission of approximately 0.3 pips per side (0.6 pips round-turn). The HFM Premium account has about 1.3 pips on EUR/USD with no separate commission. On SPX500 (US SPX500), the HFM spread is about 0.75 points. On XAU/USD (gold), the HFM Zero/RAW account spread is excellent at about 3 pips, while the HFM Premium account spread is about 25 pips.
The HFM Zero/RAW account offers tighter underlying spreads with a per-trade commission, making it more cost-efficient for active traders. The HFM Premium account is simpler (no separate commission), but the cost is bundled into wider average spreads.
Learn more about low spread Forex brokers.
The fees with HFM are listed below.
- Spreads: Standard account from 1.2 pips EUR/USD; Zero/Raw account from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs.
- Commissions per lot: Zero/Raw account majors ~$3 per side ($6 round-turn) per standard lot (USD base); minors ~$4 per side ($8 round-turn) per lot.
- Overnight fee: Swap charges on leveraged positions held overnight; rates vary by instrument.
- Inactivity: $5/month after 6 months of no trading; $10/month for 1 to 2 years; $20/month for 2 to 3 years.
- Deposits: $0.
- Withdrawals: $0 most methods; BitPay 1%.
| Broker |
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| Overnight fees | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | Yes | No | No |
| Deposit fees | No | No | No |
| Withdrawal fees | No | No | No |
| Currency conversion fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, HFM charges good raw commissions per every lot traded. HFM offers a Zero account with raw spreads and no hidden markups; commissions on that account start from $3 per 1 lot per side, which accounts for $6 round turn per 1.00 lot.
| Broker |
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| Avg. EUR/USD spread (markup) | 1.40 pips | 1.10 pips | 1.26 pips |
| Avg. EUR/USD spread (raw) | 0.10 pips | 0.10 pips | N/A |
| Commission/lot | $6.00 Round Turn | $6.00 (£4.50) Round Turn | N/A |
| All-in FX cost | $10.50 | $8.50 | $12.60 |
HFM’s overnight swaps for EUR/USD are Good, being around 1.1% p.a. based on the broker’s swap-short example of 1.5 points (about US$3.00 for one lot over two nights in a USD account) and the stated conversion assumptions.
Triple swaps are applied on Wednesdays to account for the weekend rollover. Swap fees vary by account type because HFM offers swap-free options (including for standard and professional clients on selected instruments), where swaps are waived but administrative carry charges may apply after consecutive holding days.
HFM charges 0.1% of trade value as commission on share CFDs (min USD 0.01 or EUR 0.02 per deal). The rate applies uniformly across all exchanges, with no per-share or per-lot fee structure.
No volume-based discounts or tier-specific commission reductions are publicly disclosed for retail share CFD accounts. HFM does not charge a separate FX conversion fee when trading shares in a currency different from the account base currency, though exchange rates still apply to trade value.
HFM’s crypto CFD commissions are included in the spread. Spreads are floating, financing applies for held positions, and leverage terms vary by instrument. No spot/real-crypto ownership is offered; BTC/USD spreads are quoted from ~600 points.
Is HFM good for trading?
HFM is good for trading in forex, CFD stocks, CFD crypto, algo trading, copy trading, mobile trading, and demo trading. HFM is not good for trading real stocks and real (native) cryptocurrencies.
HFM supports forex trading across over 50 currency pairs on MT4, MT5, and WebTrader with a minimum trade size of 0.01 lot, full scalping and hedging permissions, and regulation from FCA, CySEC, DFSA, and FSCA. The broker offers stock CFDs with commissions around $8 per standard lot on Zero Spread accounts (or spread-based pricing on other account types), a minimum CFD size of 1 share, and shorting plus algorithmic trading capabilities on MT5. CFD crypto trading covers major coins commission-free (cost in spread) with 24/7 quotes and 0.01 lot minimums, though HFM does not provide native crypto wallets, exchanges, or custodial services. Algorithmic trading operates via MT4 (MQL4) and MT5 (MQL5) with VPS services and FIX API access for institutional clients, permitting EAs and scalping but prohibiting latency arbitrage and price sniping.
Copy trading runs on the HFCopy proprietary platform with no separate copy-trading fees, real-time replication, and follower risk controls. Mobile trading is available through the HFM app and MT4/MT5 mobile apps across all asset classes with full charting tools and account management. Demo accounts offer up to $100,000 virtual balance, live price feeds, access to all asset classes, and do not expire with regular activity.
HFM is not a good fit for investing because its product offering is centered on trading derivatives rather than owning real securities. HFM provides access to stocks, ETFs, and bonds through CFDs/derivatives, and HFM’s own materials state that traders do not own the underlying asset when trading these products. That means clients are getting price exposure to the underlying instruments, not direct ownership of the securities themselves. HFM’s public offering is geared toward leveraged trading on platforms such as MT4, MT5, and the HFM App, rather than the kind of ownership-based, buy-and-hold features long-term investors typically look for.
HFM is excellent for demo trading because it offers an unlimited non-expiring demo account, real-time market price feeds across all instruments, complete platform parity with live accounts, and flexible starting balances up to $100,000.
HFM provides a comprehensive demo trading environment that replicates the live trading experience without restrictions. The demo account operates with real-time market pricing rather than delayed or artificial feeds, ensuring traders practice with actual market conditions. Users have access to the full range of tradable instruments available on live accounts, including forex pairs, CFDs on stocks, commodities, and crypto CFDs. The platform allows traders to customize their virtual starting balance up to $100,000, accommodating different testing scenarios and trading strategies. The demo account has no expiration date, enabling traders to practice indefinitely without time pressure or the need to create new accounts. The demo environment mirrors the live trading platforms identically, providing the same tools, features, and execution conditions that traders will encounter when switching to real money trading.
eToro, XTB, IC Markets, and XM are some good alternatives to HFM as Forex demo brokers. Explore the best Forex demo accounts.
HFM is a great broker for algo trading because it supports both MetaTrader 4 with MQL4 and MetaTrader 5 with MQL5, provides FIX API access for advanced algorithmic execution, offers VPS hosting services, and permits scalping, hedging, shorting, and high-frequency trading under fair-use constraints. HFM is great and not excellent for algo trading because it does not offer cTrader with cAlgo support, lacks confirmation of premium data center locations such as LD4, NY4, or Equinix for ultra-low latency connections, and prohibits arbitrage strategies and price scraping activities.
HFM provides algorithmic traders with access to the two most widely-used algorithmic trading platforms through MT4 and MT5, enabling automated strategy development and execution through MQL4 and MQL5 programming languages. The broker enhances its algo trading infrastructure with FIX API connectivity for institutional-grade order routing and VPS hosting to ensure continuous operation of trading algorithms without local computer dependencies. Traders can implement scalping strategies with no minimum holding period restrictions, employ hedging techniques to manage risk, execute short positions across available instruments, and run high-frequency trading algorithms within reasonable fair-use parameters. However, HFM imposes limitations that may affect certain algorithmic approaches. The broker does not support cTrader/cAlgo as an alternative algorithmic platform, does not confirm server locations in premium low-latency data centers, explicitly prohibits arbitrage trading strategies, and does not permit price scraping or latency arbitrage techniques.
Good alternatives to HFM for algo traders are Pepperstone, FP Markets, IC Markets, and Roboforex, as listed in the best brokers for algo trading.
HFM is excellent for Forex trading because it offers tight spreads with a commission-based account equivalent of approximately 0.6 pips, holds top-tier FCA regulation from the UK, supports flexible position sizing down to micro lots (0.01) through cent accounts, provides multiple professional trading platforms including MT4 and MT5, and allows all major trading strategies including scalping, hedging, and algorithmic trading through expert advisors.
HFM provides access to over 50 currency pairs with micro lot minimums of 0.01 and cent account options that allow trading down to 0.01 lots for precise position sizing. The broker supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 alongside its proprietary HFM WebTrader and mobile applications, offering traders multiple platform choices. Comprehensive analysis tools are available including an economic calendar, traders’ sentiment indicators, drawing tools, and technical indicators. HFM permits scalping and hedging strategies without restrictions and fully supports automated trading through expert advisors, VPS hosting, and FIX API connectivity. The broker operates under FCA regulation in the United Kingdom, providing strong regulatory oversight. The main limitation for currency traders is the forex pair selection, which remains below 60 pairs and may not satisfy traders who are seeking exposure to more exotic currency combinations.
Pepperstone, XM, AvaTrade and FP Markets are some good alternatives to HFM as best Forex brokers.
HFM is an excellent broker for CFD stock trading because it operates under Tier-1 regulation (including FCA oversight), provides access to over 7-8 major exchanges including NYSE, NASDAQ, and LSE, offers real-time market data with DMA-style pricing on MT5, supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms plus proprietary web and mobile interfaces, covers major U.S. stocks such as Apple, Amazon, and Meta, and permits all key trading strategies including scalping, hedging, algorithmic trading via EAs and FIX API, and short selling.
HFM provides CFD stock trading across approximately 7-8 major global exchanges with comprehensive U.S. stock coverage and real-time pricing. The broker charges around $8 per standard lot (round-turn) on its Zero-Spread account for stock CFDs, while other account types embed costs within spreads. Traders benefit from full platform flexibility through MT4, MT5, and proprietary platforms, alongside unrestricted trading freedoms for EAs, VPS hosting, and all standard strategies. Research tools include news feeds, an earnings calendar, and trader sentiment indicators. However, HFM does not offer fractional CFD trading, as each CFD represents one full share with a minimum size of 1 CFD, and it lacks an integrated stock screener or in-depth fundamental data such as downloadable financial statements or detailed company ratios on its platforms.
IG Markets, Pepperstone, eToro and AvaTrade are some good alternatives to HFM as CFD brokers. Explore other best CFD brokers.
HFM is not a good fit for real stock trading because its stock offering is built around stock CFDs, including DMA stock CFDs, rather than direct share ownership. HFM’s own materials state that traders can gain exposure to stocks without owning the underlying asset. This means clients are not buying actual company shares through HFM and are not building a traditional equity portfolio with shareholder ownership rights. As a result, clients do not get the rights that come with real share ownership, such as voting rights or the ability to transfer actual shares to another brokerage account. HFM does provide dividend adjustments on eligible share CFD positions, but that is different from receiving dividends as a registered shareholder.
The absence of direct share dealing makes HFM unsuitable for investors seeking to buy and hold real stocks, even though the HFM group operates through multiple regulated entities, including CySEC, FCA, DFSA, FSCA, FSA Seychelles, and CMA Kenya, and also provides market news and analysis content.
DEGIRO, eToro, XTB and Trading 212 are some good alternatives to HFM as best stock brokers.
HFM is a good broker for CFD crypto trading because it offers commission-free trading with spread-only pricing, provides real-time market data quotes, and operates under comprehensive regulatory oversight from authorities including the FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, FSA, and CMA. HFM is good and not excellent for CFD crypto trading because it offers a limited selection of cryptocurrency CFDs (typically around 7, with some entities offering up to 40) and requires a minimum trade size of 0.01 lots (such as 0.01 BTC), which exceeds the more accessible threshold of $10 that would benefit smaller retail traders.
HFM provides CFD crypto trading through a cost-effective structure that eliminates commissions entirely, charging only spreads on cryptocurrency positions. The broker delivers real-time price quotes for all available crypto CFDs, ensuring traders have access to current market information. The platform’s crypto CFD offerings fall under its derivatives regulation, meaning traders benefit from the oversight of multiple tier-one regulatory bodies across different jurisdictions. The primary limitations of HFM’s crypto CFD service are the relatively narrow range of available cryptocurrencies compared to specialized crypto platforms and the minimum position size requirement of 0.01 lots, which translates to a higher entry barrier for traders seeking to start with very small positions.
eToro, NAGA, Pepperstone and AvaTrade are some good alternatives to HFM as best brokers for CFD cryptocurrency (NO URL).
HFM is not a good fit for real crypto trading because the broker does not offer physical cryptocurrency trading at all. HFM provides only cryptocurrency CFDs (contracts for difference), which means traders gain exposure to crypto price movements without owning the actual digital assets. The broker does not provide a crypto wallet, does not allow users to send or receive cryptocurrencies, and does not support crypto-to-crypto, fiat-to-crypto, or crypto-to-fiat transactions involving actual digital coins. These are derivative products rather than real cryptocurrency holdings that traders can withdraw to external wallets or use for blockchain transactions. HFM offers CFD trading on approximately 7-40 cryptocurrency pairs through regulated entities including the FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, and FSA (Seychelles).
eToro, Coinbase, Crypto.com and Binance are some good alternatives to HFM as best crypto exchanges.
HFM is great for copy trading because it offers a proprietary copy trading platform integrated into myHF, charges no separate copy trading fees beyond normal spreads and commissions, and provides comprehensive risk management tools that allow followers to maintain full control over their accounts. HFM is great and not excellent for copy trading because it does not offer portfolio copying functionality.
HFM operates HFM Copy Trading (HFCopy), a proprietary platform built directly into the myHF client area, which allows traders to copy individual signal providers and their trading strategies. The platform charges no additional copy trading fees, though followers pay standard spreads and commissions plus any performance fees set by strategy providers. Followers retain complete control over their investments through robust risk management features, including the ability to set custom allocation amounts, define stop-loss limits, and pause or terminate copying at any time. The main limitation is the absence of portfolio copying, which would allow users to replicate diversified baskets of multiple traders or strategies simultaneously rather than selecting individual signal providers one by one.
Good alternatives to HFM for copy traders are eToro, ZuluTrade, AvaTrade, and NAGA, as listed in the best copy trading platforms listicle.
What are the HFM trading conditions?
The HFM trading conditions are listed below.
- Pricing model: Spread-only accounts embed costs in spreads. Commission-based accounts offer tighter raw spreads from 0.0 pips plus ~USD 3 per side per standard lot on major forex pairs. All spreads are variable and depend on account type and market conditions.
- Order size: Minimum 0.01 lots. Maximum 60 standard lots per position on regulated accounts.
- Trading approaches: Hedging, scalping, and automated trading through Expert Advisors are permitted across most account types under general trading terms.
- Risk management: Negative balance protection for retail clients. Margin call at 80% and stop-out at 50% to limit losses through position closure.
- Order execution: Slippage and price gaps may occur during high volatility or major news events per execution policy.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | STP | ECN/STP | Market Maker |
| Max. FX leverage | 1:30 | 1:30 | 1:30 |
| Min. FX trade size | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots |
| Hedging allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scalping allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
HFM applies a non-dealing-desk STP/ECN market-execution model. HFM executes orders without dealing-desk intervention and fills orders at liquidity-driven prices sourced from external providers. HFM remains principal to the CFD contract while using external liquidity to support pricing and execution. HFM varies pricing through account structures that change the spread-commission mix, including commission-based tight-spread accounts. HFM allows slippage in fast markets and links fill quality to available liquidity and volatility. HFM keeps the underlying routing concept consistent across accounts and varies protections and leverage through entity and client categorisation.
HFM’s trade execution is reliable and consistent under stress. HFM operates an STP-style execution approach for its retail flow and transmits orders for execution through aggregated liquidity sources. HFM highlights fast execution, but does not provide a public, verifiable broker dataset for average execution speed in milliseconds. HFM remains usable during high volatility, and clients can still see mild spread widening around major releases.
HF Markets (UK) max leverage is up to 1:30 for retail clients and up to 1:400 for professional clients on forex. Leverage depends on client classification and instrument type. You can select leverage within the permitted range where supported. HF Markets applies margin requirements and a stop-out mechanism that closes positions when equity falls to defined thresholds.
The max leverage with HF Markets for each asset class is listed below.
- Forex: 1:30 majors; 1:20 non-majors (pros: up to 1:400).
- Indices: 1:20 major; 1:10 non-major.
- Commodities: 1:20 gold; 1:10 other commodities.
- Shares (equities): 1:5 for retail.
Learn more about Forex brokers with high leverage.
The minimum lot size at HFM is 0.01 lots (equivalent to 1,000 units of the base currency) for standard account types. The maximum lot size per position is 60 standard lots for most account types, with other account-type variations (for example, a “Cent” account) allowing up to 200 “Cent lots” per position (or up to 1,000 total for the account) in that particular tier. The lot size increment (step size) is 0.01 lots. There are no specific order-type constraints cited on order sizing beyond the stated account-type maximums and increments.
The types of trading orders you can use with HFM are listed below.
- Market order
- Buy limit order
- Sell limit order
- Buy stop order
- Sell stop order
- Stop-loss order
- Take-profit order
- Stop-limit order
- Trailing stop order
HFM does not offer advanced conditional order types beyond stop-limit functionality.
HFM has low-to-moderate slippage in normal conditions and can show occasional slippage and stability issues depending on account type and market conditions. HFM does not publish slippage statistics, and slippage information is mainly derived from user feedback and general execution descriptions.
Order execution speed with HFM is not quantified in public materials, and an average execution time in milliseconds is not available. HFM treats execution speed as an important factor in its order handling approach.
The percentage of orders filled in under one second is not published by HFM. A public, verifiable dataset that reports average execution latency in milliseconds by instrument, order type, or trading conditions is not provided by HFM.
What are HFM account types?
The account types offered by HFM are listed below.
- Cent Account: For beginners trading with minimal capital. No minimum deposit, very high leverage, micro-lot execution (1 lot = 1,000 base currency units), and spreads from 1.2 pips. Commission-free trading ideal for learning with small amounts. Not available for UK traders under the FCA-regulated entity, HF Markets (UK) Ltd.
- Zero Account: For active traders wanting raw spreads. Spreads from 0.0 pips on majors plus commissions (around $3 per lot). No fixed minimum deposit. ECN-style pricing with swap-free options available.
- Pro Account: For intermediate/advanced traders preferring commission-free structure. Minimum deposit around $100, spreads from 0.5 pips, leverage up to 1:2000 (jurisdiction-dependent, up to 1:400 for UK traders under the FCA-regulated entity, HF Markets (UK) Ltd.). Tighter spreads without per-lot fees.
- Premium Account: For experienced traders seeking wide market access. Variable spreads from around 1 pip, often no minimum deposit, includes additional services like personal account manager.
- Islamic (Swap-Free) Account: For Sharia-compliant trading. Available as Premium or Zero variant with standard swap charges replaced per specific terms. Same trading conditions as equivalent non-Islamic account.
- Demo Account: Practice account with virtual funds under live market conditions. Risk-free platform testing and strategy development before live trading.
Learn more about HFM account types.

HFM’s most popular account is the Premium Account, the default choice for most traders. HFM doesn’t publish usage statistics, but the Premium account offers no minimum deposit, access to all instruments, spread-only pricing (no commissions), and optional swap-free trading. Other account types (Cent, Pro, Zero) serve specific needs: Cent accounts use cent-denominated lots for smaller trades, Pro accounts add commission-based pricing, and Zero accounts offer tighter spreads with commissions, which makes them less common than the accessible Premium option.
Yes, HFM offers a demo account. The demo account uses real-time market price feeds and mirrors the live trading environment with the same platforms, instruments, and pricing across all asset classes including forex, stock CFDs, and commodities. Users can set their virtual balance up to $100,000 when they open the account, and the demo account has unlimited duration with no expiry date. Learn more about the HFM demo account.
Yes, HF Markets (UK) Ltd (trading as HFM) offers an Islamic (swap-free) account for traders observing Sharia law. The swap-free option removes overnight interest charges on eligible accounts and instruments. You must first open a standard live account, complete identity and residence verification, and then request conversion to swap-free status via customer service. Trading conditions match the non-Islamic versions of the relevant account types (Premium, Zero), but certain instruments may incur administration or carry charges if positions are held for several consecutive nights. Learn more about Forex brokers with Islamic account.
Yes, HFM offers a professional account (“Professional Clients” classification). To qualify, clients must meet criteria such as: (1) a portfolio of financial instruments exceeding $500,000, (2) at least 40 significant trades in the last four quarters, or (3) one year’s professional experience in the financial sector. Compared with retail accounts, the professional account provides higher leverage (up to 1:400) and a lower stop-out level (20%), but clients forego certain regulatory protections afforded to retail investors. Explore the Forex brokers for professional traders.
Yes, HFM offers a corporate trading account for businesses and legal entities trading under a company name. It provides the same platforms, instruments, and liquidity as retail/professional accounts. The key difference is that verification requires company registration documents and proof of corporate ownership; funding/withdrawals must use corporate bank accounts matching the registered company name.
Yes, the broker HFM offers premium features account types. The “Premium Account” gives access to all trading instruments, swap-free trading, no commission (for certain account versions), variable spreads starting from around 1.2 pips, and comparatively higher trade size limits (up to 60 lots) in some jurisdictions. The eligibility criteria include no minimum deposit and account verification (identity and residency documents).
How to open an account with HFM?
The steps to open an account with HFM are listed below.
- Start the registration: Open the live account signup page, confirm the country of residence, enter full name and date of birth, provide an email address, set a password, and submit the initial form.
- Access the client area: Sign in to the client portal and open the account-management section used to create and manage live trading accounts.
- Choose the account setup: Select the account type and select the base currency, including GBP where available.
- Complete the appropriateness assessment: Answer questions about trading knowledge, experience, and financial situation, and confirm the risk disclosures presented during onboarding.
- Submit verification documents: Upload a valid photo identity document such as a passport or driving licence and upload proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement issued within the last six months.
- Wait for approval: Monitor the account status and provide any additional information requested during review.
- Fund the trading account: Deposit money after approval using an available method in the selected currency.
- Start trading: Log in to the selected trading platform after verification and deposit confirmation and place the first trade.
The registration portion typically takes a few minutes, while document review can take up to around 48 hours depending on workload and whether follow-up checks are required. The process is generally easy to complete, since the steps are guided and handled online through a single client area. The requirements typically include being of legal age, meeting eligibility conditions based on residency and service availability, providing accurate personal details, completing the appropriateness assessment, and submitting valid proof of identity and proof of address, and funds must be added before live trading can begin. A Know Your Customer process is required, and it typically includes identity verification and address verification, and deposits and trading access can be restricted until verification is completed.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit in UK | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Demo trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment methods | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets |
| Islamic account availability | Yes | Yes | No |
| Account base currencies | EUR, THB, USD, USC | GBP, USD, EUR, CHF | AUD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, USD |
HFM minimum deposit is USD 0, though actual minimums vary by account type and payment method. Cent, Zero, and Premium accounts require no minimum; Pro requires USD 100; Pro Plus requires USD 250. In the UK, payment minimums are USD 50 (card/e-wallet) and USD 250 (bank transfer). HFM accepts deposits in USD, GBP, EUR, and other currencies depending on region. Higher-deposit accounts (Pro, Pro Plus) offer tighter spreads or lower commissions, not additional platform features. Learn more about minimum deposit with HFM.
HFM offers 4 account base currencies, including USD, EUR, NGN, and JPY. The limited range of account base currencies offered at HFM may lead to conversion fees when traders fund accounts in currencies outside the supported list.
The deposit methods supported by HFM are listed below.
- Bank Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- eWallets
- Cryptocurrencies
- Local Payment Methods
The withdrawal methods supported by HFM are listed below.
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- eWallets
- Cryptocurrencies
- Local Payment Methods
Deposits and withdrawals with HFM are safe for UK clients. HF Markets (UK) Ltd is authorised by the FCA (firm reference 801701), which enforces CASS segregation rules and ongoing prudential oversight. Client funds are held in segregated trust accounts at approved banks, kept off-balance-sheet and unavailable to creditors. UK clients are covered by the FSCS up to £85,000 per person if the firm fails. Negative balance protection prevents losses exceeding account funds. The client portal uses SSL encryption; card payments go through Level 1 PCI-DSS certified gateways with no card data stored by HFM. Withdrawals follow a return-to-source policy: card refunds limited to the deposited amount, excess paid by bank transfer. Two-factor authentication is available for payouts, and extra documentation is required for cancelled or expired cards to block unauthorised cash-outs.
What trading platforms does HFM offer?
The trading platforms offered by HFM are listed below.
- MetaTrader 4: Forex/CFD trading with charting tools, multiple order types, and Expert Advisors (EAs). Available on Windows/macOS (desktop), web, and iOS/Android (MetaTrader app).
- MetaTrader 5: Multi-asset platform for forex and CFDs including commodities, stocks, bonds, ETFs, and indices, offering depth of market and expanded charting/timeframes compared to MT4. Available on Windows/macOS (desktop), web, and iOS/Android (MetaTrader app).
- HFM App: HFM’s proprietary CFD platform with wallet-style account management, charting tools, and alerts in a simplified interface. Available on iOS/Android only (no desktop or web version).
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 | Yes | Yes | No |
| cTrader | No | Yes | No |
| TradingView | No | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copy trading platform | Yes | Yes | No |

The charting tools available at HFM are listed below.
- Technical indicators: 50+ indicators on MT4, 80+ on MT5 (momentum, volume, volatility, trend). Custom indicators and Expert Advisors via MQL4/MQL5. Third-party add-ons available through MetaTrader marketplace.
- Drawing tools: Trendlines, channels, Fibonacci tools, shapes, text labels on MT4/MT5. Freehand Drawing tool available through HFM’s add-on suite for pen-style chart annotation.
- Chart timeframes: 9 native timeframes on MT4, 21 on MT5 (1-minute to monthly). Tick-style charts via Tick Chart Trader add-on tool.
- Backtesting: MT4 Strategy Tester with visual-mode testing for Expert Advisors; MT5 multi-threaded Strategy Tester with visualization for historical strategy testing.
- Platforms & usability: MT4/MT5 on desktop, iOS, Android, plus MT5 WebTerminal. Proprietary trading app with in-app charting includes popular indicators and drawing tools. One-click trading, price/condition alerts, multi-chart workspaces (up to 100 charts simultaneously on MT5).
- Premium features: Premium Trader Tools add-ons include Renko tools, tick tools, terminals, and alarm-style monitoring for MT4/MT5.
- Pricing: Premium add-ons included with no separate charting subscription when holding an active trading account.
The trading tools offered by HFM are listed below.
- Order types & risk controls: Market orders, pending buy/sell limit and stop orders, plus stop-loss and take-profit controls via MetaTrader 5.
- One-click trading: Supported across all available trading platforms.
- Automatic pattern recognition: Autochartist provides 24/7 scanning for chart patterns, Fibonacci formations, and key levels with alerts and market reports.
- Copy/social trading: HFcopy for following strategy providers with automatic trade replication, allocation and rescue-level controls; performance fees range from 5% to 50%, follower minimum deposit from ~US$25.
- Algorithmic trading: Expert Advisors, custom indicators, MQL-based automation, and back-testing through MetaTrader 5.
- Trading calculators: Mobile calculators including Autochartist-linked risk calculator, position sizing, swap/financing monitoring, and P&L estimation.
- Market analysis tools: Platform news, analysis updates, and Autochartist volatility/market reports.
- Alerts and notifications: Price alerts for selected instruments and market-moving news notifications via mobile app.
- Performance analytics: Account analytics and trade-history views by instrument/position through mobile app and client portal.
- Mobile-exclusive utilities: Dedicated app with account management, multi-account access, customisable charting, trade history, and notifications.
- Tool access conditions: Zero, Premium, and Premium Pro accounts with varying spread/commission structures; Autochartist included without separate fee; copy-trading priced via performance fees and minimum deposits.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| API support | No | FIX API, cTrader API | REST API, Streaming API, FIX API |
| EAs support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coding languages supported | MQL4, MQL5 | MQL4, MQL5, cAlgo, Pinescript | MQL4 |
| VPS support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, the broker HFM does provide a Virtual Private Server (VPS) service. The VPS is available free of charge if certain deposit and trading-volume criteria are met, and otherwise via paid subscription from around USD 25 per month. The service is provisioned in partnership with Beeks Financial Cloud, which hosts the infrastructure across nine international data-centres and is geared for low-latency connectivity to HFM’s trade-servers.
Eligibility for the free tier includes meeting a minimum net deposit and trading-lot requirements (for example, a minimum net deposit of USD 8,000 and 8 standard lots traded for the “Silver” plan), and failing to meet the criteria triggers the recurring monthly fee. The pricing structure for paid access currently starts at USD 25/month for the “Bronze” package, USD 50/month for “Silver”, and USD 80/month for “Gold”.
Learn more about Forex brokers with free VPS.
Yes. The broker HFM offers access to the automated technical-analysis tool Autochartist. The service is available to clients using the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, via a plug-in or Web-component. Clients must open a live account with HFM, and meet criteria such as being active (for example having made a transaction in recent months) to subscribe. HFM advertises Autochartist as free to its clients, though eligibility and registration conditions apply. Explore the best brokers with Autochartist.
No. The broker HF Markets (HFM) does not support integration with TradingView, meaning you cannot link your live HFM account with TradingView’s trading panel or execute orders through TradingView. HFM offers its own charting tools via platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 instead. While some traders may export data or use external screeners and then place trades manually via HFM’s native platforms, there is no built-in bridge or API provided by HFM for direct TradingView execution. Learn more about the best brokers with TradingView.
Yes, HFM allows algorithmic (algo) trading via MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, supporting automated strategies through Expert Advisors (EAs). HFM offers Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting for uninterrupted bot and EA execution. However, HFM does not provide documented REST API, FIX API, or WebSocket access for custom algorithmic trading outside MetaTrader. Note that HFM’s terms prohibit certain techniques, such as arbitrage and sniping. In summary, retail algo trading via EAs is supported, but institutional-style direct API access is not explicitly offered.
How good is HFM for mobile trading?
HFM is a great choice for mobile trading because it offers a proprietary HFM App along with MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) mobile platforms, all fully compatible with both Android and iOS. HFM is great and not excellent for mobile trading because its mobile offering does not include trading in futures or options and is missing a few niche trading features.
HFM’s mobile platforms allow users to trade a broad range of CFDs, including forex, stocks, commodities, bonds, ETFs, and indices directly from their smartphones. The mobile apps provide full account management functionality, enabling traders to open accounts, transfer funds, deposit, and switch between accounts in-app. Technical features are strong, with extensive charting tools, indicators, drawing functions, real-time quotes, market news, analysis updates, price alerts, and calculators available, though the range of tradable asset categories is slightly limited by the lack of futures and options trading.
XTB, IG Markets, Pepperstone and AvaTrade are some good alternatives to HFM as best trading apps. Explore the best apps for Forex trading.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 mobile | Yes | Yes | No |
| cTrader mobile | No | Yes | No |
| Proprietary mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
HFM’s mobile app differs from the desktop platform primarily in UI, feature breadth, and analytical/automation depth. The mobile app (proprietary HFM App plus MT4/MT5 mobile) handles account opening, funding, management, and trading across forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and ETFs, optimized for portability with real-time quotes, push alerts, and one-wallet management. The desktop version (MT4/MT5 or web trader) adds full-sized charting, Expert Advisors, back-testing, multi-account management, extensive customization, and multi-monitor layouts. Mobile charting and analytics are present but limited in indicators, timeframes, and drawing tools compared to desktop. Both sync real-time execution, instrument access, and pricing, but mobile trades advanced features and flexibility for convenience and on-the-go trading.
How good is HFM to learn trading?
HFM is good for learning trading because it offers a solid set of beginner-friendly tools, such as cent accounts, free unlimited demo accounts, and frequent live educational webinars. HFM is good and not excellent for learning trading due to gaps in its written educational content because it lacks clearly specified training articles, regular market outlooks, daily analysis pieces, and podcasts in its educational section.
HFM provides an extensive e-Course and tutorial videos on trading concepts and platforms and allows all users access to its webinars, which cover a range of topics from trading basics to advanced strategies. The broker’s Cent Account lets beginners trade with minimal risk and no minimum deposit, while the unlimited demo account mirrors live trading conditions and can be used indefinitely. The educational hub is limited by the absence of well-developed article series, daily analytical briefings, and podcasts, which places it behind the very best brokers for comprehensive trading education.
Learn more about what is trading and how it works.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tutorials | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glossary | Yes | No | Yes |
| Live analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes |

How good is HFM customer care?
HFM has excellent customer care because it offers free 24/5 support via email, phone, and instant live chat. It provides assistance in over 27 languages with localized teams, and it assigns dedicated account managers for higher-tier clients.
HFM’s customer support is comprehensive and readily accessible through multiple channels. Clients can reach the support team by email (with typical replies within 24 hours), phone, or live chat on the website. Support is available around the clock during weekdays (24/5) and is provided without any fees. The broker ensures global accessibility with support staff fluent in over 27 languages and regionally tailored websites. Professional and higher-tier account holders benefit from personalized service through dedicated account managers. These features collectively make HFM’s customer care one of the strongest in the industry.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Support languages | English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Thai, Indonesian, Filipino, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi, Russian, Malay, Japanese, Greek, Deutsch, Turkish, Polish, Bulgarian, Korean, Bengali | English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Indonesian, Italian, French, Thai, German, Polish | English, Arabic, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish |
| Phone support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support hours | Sun-Fri (00:05-23:50 GMT+2) | Mon-Fri (00:00-24:00) | Sat-Fri (08:00-22:00 GMT) |
What are the best alternatives to HFM?
The best alternatives to HFM are Plus500, eToro, and Pepperstone.
- Plus500: Proprietary platform with spreads from 0.6 to 0.8 pips; commission-free trading; forex, stock, index, and crypto CFDs; strong regulation with negative balance protection and margin close-out.
- eToro: Social trading; zero-commission stock and ETF investing; diverse assets; strict regulation with segregated funds.
- Pepperstone: Very low spreads; multiple platforms (MT4/MT5/cTrader); comprehensive regulation with negative balance protection and investor compensation.
Explore the alternatives to HFM.
HFM is a solid choice for active CFD traders who want strong regulation, flexible account options and familiar MetaTrader tools. Its strongest points are the FCA-regulated UK entity, the competitive Zero account, and good support for forex, algo, copy, mobile and demo trading. It is less appealing for long-term investors, standard-account traders and anyone who wants real shares, native crypto or a broader platform mix.

