Comparison of FBS and HFM
| Feature | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 2008 | 2010 |
| Broker Type | STP | MM, STP |
| Dealing | A-book | B-book, A-book |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Regulation | BFSC, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA | SVGFSA, FSCA, SFSA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), FBS Trader | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) |
| Spread | ⬊ Low | ⮕ Average |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:3000 | 1:2000 |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 | $1 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR | USD, EUR, JPY, NGN |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, SticPay, Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, FasaPay, BitPay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT) |
| Inactivity Fee | ✖ | $5 per month after 6 months |
| Interest on Margin | ✖ | ✖ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | ✖ |
| Investor Protection | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org |
| Protection Size | €20 000 | £85 000 / €20 000 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | ✖ | ✖ |
| Copy Trading | ✖ | ✔ |
| VPS | ✔ | ✖ |
| MAM/PAMM | ✖ | ✖ |
| Scalping Allowed | ✔ | ✔ |
| EAs/Robots | ✔ | ✔ |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tradable Assets (CFDs) | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities |
| Review | FBS Review | HFM Review |
About FBS
FBS is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker, established in 2009, known for catering to both beginner and experienced traders. Regulated by reputable authorities such as CySEC (Cyprus) and the FSC (Belize), FBS provides a secure trading environment with a wide range of instruments, including forex, stocks, metals, and cryptocurrencies. The broker offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, enabling traders to benefit from advanced tools and automated trading options. One of FBS's standout features is its high leverage of up to 1:3000, which appeals to traders seeking higher exposure with smaller capital. The broker also offers regular bonuses, promotions, and a free demo account to practice trading strategies. However, FBS's services are not available in some key regions like the US, and its educational resources may not be as extensive compared to other brokers. Despite these drawbacks, FBS remains a popular choice for its user-friendly interface, low minimum deposit requirements, and competitive trading conditions.
Pros
- Regulated by CySEC and FSC for a secure trading environment
- Support for MT4 and MT5 platforms with advanced tools
- High leverage options of up to 1:3000
- Low minimum deposit requirements, ideal for beginners
- Regular promotions, bonuses, and a free demo account for practice
Cons
- Customer support availability may vary by region
- Services are not available in key regions like the US
About HFM
HFM, previously known as HotForex, is a well-established online forex and CFD broker, renowned for its diverse range of trading instruments, competitive pricing, and user-friendly platforms. Founded in 2010, the broker is regulated by multiple reputable authorities, including the FCA, CySEC, and FSCA, ensuring a high standard of security and transparency for its clients. With access to over 1000 tradable assets, including forex, indices, commodities, and shares, HFM caters to both beginner and experienced traders, providing a seamless trading experience through platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary app. One of HFM's standout features is its flexible account options, which include a zero-spread account for cost-conscious traders and a micro account for those looking to start small. The broker also offers robust educational resources, free market analysis, and a suite of advanced tools to support informed trading decisions. Coupled with tight spreads, swift execution, and responsive customer support available 24/5, HFM continues to solidify its reputation as a reliable choice for traders across the globe.
Pros
- Regulated by top-tier authorities (CySEC, FCA, FSCA, etc.)
- Wide range of Instruments
- Flexible account options
- Comprehensive educational resources
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Inactivity fees
- Limited availability in some countries
FBS & HFM Regulation
| Feature | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Companies | FBS Markets Inc, Tradestone Limited, Intelligent Financial Markets Pty Ltd, TRADE STONE SA (PTY) LTD | HF Markets (SV) Ltd, HF Markets SA (PTY) Ltd, HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd, HF Markets Fintech Services Ltd, HF Markets (Europe) Ltd, HF Markets (UK) Ltd, HF Markets (DIFC) Ltd, HFM Investments Ltd |
Countries | Belize, Cyprus, Australia, South Africa | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya |
Regulators | BFSC, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA | SVGFSA, FSCA, SFSA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, CMA |
Investor Protection | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org |
Investor Protection Size | €20 000 | £85 000 / €20 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Account Types
| Account | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
STP Account | ||
| Account Name | Standard | Premium |
| Min Deposit | $5 | $1 |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | Floating | Floating |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Min Spread | 0.7 | 1.2 |
| Fee | No | No |
| Max Leverage | 1:3000 | 1:2000 |
| Stop Out | 20% | 20% |
| Margin Call | 40% | 50% |
Zero Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Zero |
| Min Deposit | — | $1 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0 |
| Fee | — | $6 per 1 lot |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:2000 |
| Stop Out | — | 20% |
| Margin Call | — | 50% |
Cent Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Cent |
| Min Deposit | — | $1 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 1.2 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:2000 |
| Stop Out | — | 20% |
| Margin Call | — | 50% |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Funding and Fees
| Feature | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR | USD, EUR, JPY, NGN |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, SticPay, Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, FasaPay, BitPay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT) |
Inactivity fee | $5 per month after 6 months | |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee |
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), FBS Trader | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) |
Execution Speed | 30 ms | 2000 ms |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | low | average |
Trading Assets
| Asset | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 43 | 53 |
Indices | 11 | 11 |
Stocks | 480 | 95 |
Cryptocurrencies | 5 | 40 |
Bonds | 0 | 3 |
Metals | 8 | 6 |
Energies | 3 | 2 |
Soft Commodities | 0 | 5 |
ETFs | 0 | 33 |
Education and Analytics
| Feature | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Contests
| Feature | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Contests | ||
| Is available | ||
| Contests List | — |
|
- Virtual to RealStart Balance: $10000 · Prize Pool: $3,500 · Period: MonthlyLearn More
Customer Support
| Contact | FBS | HFM |
|---|---|---|
Email | support@fbs.com | support@hfm.com |
Phone | +35722010970 | +442030978571 |
Telegram | Telegram | Telegram |
Facebook | ||
LinkedIn | — | |
YouTube | YouTube | YouTube |
Instagram | ||
Twitter | — |
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing FBS and HFM, FBS comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.
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Andriy Bondarenko
Broker Analyst
Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.