Is HFM a good broker?
Sources & References
- HFM Trading Accounts— HFM
- BrokerAnalysis ranking methodology— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis data sources— BrokerAnalysis
- BrokerAnalysis editorial policy— BrokerAnalysis
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Should you choose HFM?
Use this short answer before you dive into the full review.
Best for
HFM Copy Trading platform
Not ideal for
US clients not accepted
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Trust Score: 89/100
Based on regulatory status, company history, and financial transparency
HFM Score Breakdown
- 3.5+ million clients globally
- Regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, CMA, FSA
- Zero Spread Account with $6 commission per lot
- Cent Account for beginners - no minimum deposit
- Excellent local payment methods (Africa/Asia)
- HFM Copy Trading platform
- HFM App for mobile trading (2026)
- Leverage up to 1:1000 (international entity)
Founded
2010
Headquarters
Larnaca, Cyprus
Clients
3,500,000+
Why choose HFM
HFM (formerly HotForex) is a well-established global forex and CFD broker that has served over 3.5 million clients since its founding in 2010. In our deep-dive **HFM review 2026**, we explore how the broker - rebranded from HotForex to HFM in 2022 - emphasizes its multi-asset nature with over 1,000 instruments available for trading. HFM is regulated by multiple authorities including FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), FSCA (South Africa), DFSA (Dubai), CMA (Kenya), and FSA (Seychelles), providing strong global coverage. The broker is particularly popular in Africa and Asia due to its excellent local payment method support and local currency accounts. Traders attracted by the **HFM bonus** offers will find diverse account types, from beginner-friendly Cent accounts with a low **HFM minimum deposit** to Zero Spread and Pro accounts for experienced traders. When comparing **HFM vs Exness**, key differentiators include the HFM Copy Trading platform, competitive Raw Spread accounts with $6 commission per lot round turn, and loyalty programs.
Pros
- Strong multi-regulator oversight (FCA, CySEC, FSCA)
- Excellent account variety for all trader levels
- Outstanding local payment methods (Africa/Asia)
- Low minimum deposit ($0-$5 on most accounts)
- HFM Copy Trading platform
- Physical stocks and ETFs available
- Local currency base accounts
Cons
- US clients not accepted
- Inactivity fee after 6 months ($5/month)
- Leverage caps apply in EU/UK jurisdictions
- Some features limited by regulatory entity

HFM
Fast decision summary
Popular choice
Min Deposit: | $5 |
Regulated: | Yes |
Inactivity Fee:
$5/month after 6 months of dormancy
See how the best brokers compare to HFM
HFM offers competitive pricing with multiple account types to suit different trading styles. The Premium account is commission-free with spreads from 1.0 pip on EUR/USD. The Zero account offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 per lot per side commission ($6 round turn). Pro and Pro Plus accounts offer tighter spreads with no commission. HFM charges no deposit or withdrawal fees, though a $5 monthly inactivity fee applies after 6 months of dormancy. Equity CFD trades carry a 0.10% commission.
| Instrument | Standard | Raw/Pro |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 1.0 pip (Premium) | 0.0 pips + $3/side (Zero) |
| GBP/USD | 1.5 pips (Premium) | 0.3 pips + $3/side (Zero) |
| USD/JPY | 1.3 pips (Premium) | 0.1 pips + $3/side (Zero) |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 0.29 (Premium) | 0.10 (Zero) |
| S&P 500 | 0.40 points | 0.25 points |
| BTC/USD | Variable | Variable |
Deposit Fee
$0
Withdrawal Fee
$0
Inactivity Fee (after 6 months)
$5/month
Equity CFD Commission
0.10%
Account Maintenance
$0
Non-trading fees
Deposit fee
Free on all methods
Withdrawal fee
Free
Inactivity fee
$5/month after 6 months of dormancy
Fees may vary depending on account type and jurisdiction. We aim to keep this data updated regularly.
HFM operates under a comprehensive multi-jurisdictional regulatory framework with licenses from six regulators across four continents. The broker holds Tier-1 licenses from the FCA (UK) and CySEC (Cyprus), providing strong EU-level oversight. Additional licenses from FSCA (South Africa), DFSA (Dubai), CMA (Kenya), and FSA (Seychelles) ensure global coverage. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, and negative balance protection is provided to all retail clients. HFM rebranded from HotForex in 2022 and has maintained a clean regulatory record.
Regulatory Status
| Regulator | Country | Tier | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | United Kingdom | Tier-1 | 801701 |
| Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) | Cyprus | Tier-1 | 183/12 |
| Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) | South Africa | Tier-2 | 46632 |
| Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) | UAE | Tier-2 | F004885 |
| Capital Markets Authority (CMA) | Kenya | Tier-2 | 155 |
| Financial Services Authority (FSA) | Seychelles | Tier-3 | SD015 |
Safety Features
| Segregated Accounts | Yes |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes |
| Investor Protection | FSCS (UK) up to £85,000, ICF (Cyprus) up to €20,000 |
| Compensation Scheme | FSCS (UK) £85,000, Investor Compensation Fund (Cyprus) €20,000 |
Compare HFM with top alternatives
Use the side-by-side comparison tool once you have checked fees and safety.
HFM excels in providing excellent local payment method support, particularly for clients in Africa and Asia. The broker offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options including credit/debit cards, bank wire transfers, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), cryptocurrency, and numerous local payment methods. Deposits are typically instant for cards and e-wallets. HFM charges no deposit or withdrawal fees. The broker supports multiple base currencies including USD, EUR, and local currencies like NGN (Nigeria), ZAR (South Africa), VND (Vietnam), and IDR (Indonesia). Minimum deposits are very low, starting from $5 for most account types.
Deposit Options
| Method | Processing Time | Fee | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card (Visa, Mastercard) | Instant | Free | $5 |
| Bank Wire Transfer | 1-3 business days | Free | $50 |
| Skrill | Instant | Free | $5 |
| Neteller | Instant | Free | $5 |
| Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency | Instant | Free | $10 |
| Local Bank Transfer (Africa/Asia) | Instant to 24 hours | Free | Varies |
| FasaPay | Instant | Free | $5 |
Withdrawal Options
| Method | Processing Time | Fee | Min. Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | 2-5 business days | Free | $5 |
| Bank Wire Transfer | 2-5 business days | Free | $50 |
| Skrill/Neteller | 24-48 hours | Free | $5 |
| Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency | Instant | Free | $10 |
| Local Payment Methods | 24-48 hours | Free | Varies |
Base Currencies
USD, EUR, NGN, ZAR, JPY, VND, IDR, GBP
HFM offers a straightforward account opening process that can be completed online in minutes. The broker provides five distinct account types: Cent (for beginners), Premium (no commission), Zero (raw spreads), Pro, and Pro Plus (for experienced traders). Minimum deposits are very low - Cent, Zero, and Premium accounts have no fixed minimum, while Pro requires $100 and Pro Plus requires $250. Verification requires government-issued ID and proof of address. Demo accounts are free with unlimited virtual funds. Islamic swap-free accounts are available upon request.
Account Types
| Account Type | Min. Deposit | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cent Account | No minimum |
|
| Premium Account | No minimum |
|
| Zero Spread Account | No minimum |
|
| Pro Account | $100 |
|
| Pro Plus Account | $250 |
|
Verification Steps
- Time to open: Same day for most applications, verification within 24-48 hours
- Demo Account: Yes
- Islamic Account: Yes
HFM offers the proprietary HFM App for iOS and Android devices, providing a modern mobile trading experience. The app allows full account management, trading, deposits, and withdrawals. Rated 4.5/5 on iOS and 4.2/5 on Android, the HFM App features integrated support chat, real-time quotes, and push notifications. Traders can also use the standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 mobile apps. The app supports biometric login for security and provides access to the HFM Copy Trading feature.
App Features
- Full trading functionality
- Real-time streaming quotes
- In-app deposits and withdrawals
- Integrated support chat
- Push notifications for price alerts
- Account management
- HFM Copy Trading access
- Detailed trading history
- Biometric login (Face ID/Touch ID)
- Multiple account switching
HFM provides MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 desktop platforms, the industry standards for forex and CFD trading. Both platforms support Expert Advisors (EAs) for automated trading, advanced charting with 30+ indicators, and one-click trading. HFM also offers the HFM Copy Trading platform for social/copy trading and the HFM App for mobile trading. Free VPS hosting is available for traders meeting volume requirements. WebTrader is available for browser-based trading without downloads.
Supported Platforms
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Industry-standard forex trading platform with Expert Advisor support for automated trading.
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Advanced multi-asset platform with enhanced features for professional traders.
- HFM WebTrader: Browser-based trading platform requiring no download.
- HFM Copy Trading: Social trading platform allowing traders to copy successful strategy providers.
Compare platform providers:
HFM offers over 1,000 CFD instruments across forex, stock CFDs, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, bonds, and ETFs. With 53 forex pairs, 800+ stock CFDs, and unique offerings like physical stocks (in select regions) and bonds, HFM provides excellent diversification. Cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 13 other coins. Leverage varies by regulatory entity - up to 1:1000 for international clients and up to 30:1 for EU/UK retail clients under ESMA rules.
Available Instruments
| Forex Pairs | 53 |
| Indices | 23 |
| Stocks | 800 |
| Commodities | 10 |
| Cryptos | 15 |
| ETFs | 50 |
Leverage Limits
| Instrument | Max Leverage |
|---|---|
| Forex | 1:1000 (International), 30:1 (EU/UK retail) |
| Indices | 200:1 (International), 20:1 (EU/UK) |
| Stocks | 25:1 (International), 5:1 (EU/UK) |
| Crypto | 50:1 (International), 2:1 (EU/UK) |
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Our Verdict
HFM is recommended for HFM Copy Trading platform
Use this final check alongside the fee, safety, platform, and funding sections above. If HFM still fits your country, account size, and risk tolerance, open the account through the tracked broker route below.
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Risk Warning: Forex/CFD trading involves significant risk. 68-80% of retail accounts lose money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from listed partners.|Not Advice: For educational purposes only.
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