Comparison of HFM and IFC Markets
| Feature | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2006 |
| Broker Type | MM, STP | MM |
| Dealing | B-book, A-book | B-book |
| Execution | Market | Instant, Market |
| Regulation | SVGFSA, FSCA, SFSA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, CMA | BVIFSC, LFSA, CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), NetTradeX |
| Spread | ⮕ Average | ⮕ Average |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:400 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $1 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, JPY, NGN | USD, EUR, JPY, BTC |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, FasaPay, BitPay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT) | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Webmoney, Volet.com, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH) |
| Inactivity Fee | $5 per month after 6 months | ✖ |
| Interest on Margin | ✖ | ✖ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | ✖ |
| Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) |
| Protection Size | £85 000 / €20 000 | €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, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities, Cryptocurrencies |
| Review | HFM Review | IFC Markets Review |
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
About IFC Markets
IFC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker renowned for its commitment to providing a secure and user-friendly trading environment. Established with a focus on transparency and regulatory compliance, IFC Markets offers a diverse range of trading instruments, including major and exotic currency pairs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. Traders can access the platform through popular interfaces like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the proprietary NetTradeX, catering to both novice and experienced investors. With competitive spreads, flexible leverage options, and a suite of educational resources, IFC Markets strives to empower traders with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the dynamic financial markets effectively.
Pros
- Licensed and regulated by reputable financial authorities
- Offers a wide array of assets
- Access to MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and a proprietary trading paltform
- Comprehensive educational materials
- Responsive and multilingual customer service available through various channels
Cons
- Services may not be available in certain countries due to regulatory limitations
- High swaps
HFM & IFC Markets Regulation
| Feature | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Companies | 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 | IFCMARKETS CORP, IFC MARKETS LIMITED, IFCM Cyprus Ltd |
Countries | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Seychelles, Cyprus, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kenya | British Virgin Islands, Malaysia, Cyprus |
Regulators | SVGFSA, FSCA, SFSA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, CMA | BVIFSC, LFSA, CySEC |
Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) |
Investor Protection Size | £85 000 / €20 000 | €20 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Account Types
| Account | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Market Maker Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Standard Floating |
| Min Deposit | — | $1000 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0.4 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:200 |
| Stop Out | — | 10% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
STP Account | ||
| Account Name | Premium | — |
| 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% | — |
ECN Account | ||
| Account Name | — | ECN |
| Min Deposit | — | $1000 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0 |
| Fee | — | $10 per 1 lot |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:200 |
| Stop Out | — | 10% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
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% | — |
Fix Spread Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Standard Fixed |
| Min Deposit | — | $1000 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Fixed |
| Execution | — | Instant |
| Min Spread | — | 1.8 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:200 |
| Stop Out | — | 10% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
Cent Account | ||
| Account Name | Cent | Micro |
| Min Deposit | $1 | $1 |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | Floating | Floating |
| Execution | Market | Instant |
| Min Spread | 1.2 | 0.4 |
| Fee | No | No |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:400 |
| Stop Out | 20% | 10% |
| Margin Call | 50% | 100% |
Crypto Account | ||
| Account Name | — | Standard Crypto |
| Min Deposit | — | $1000 |
| Lot Size | — | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0.4 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:200 |
| Stop Out | — | 10% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Funding and Fees
| Feature | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR, JPY, NGN | USD, EUR, JPY, BTC |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, FasaPay, BitPay, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT) | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Webmoney, Volet.com, Perfect Money, Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH) |
Inactivity fee | $5 per month after 6 months | |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee |
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), NetTradeX |
Execution Speed | 2000 ms | - |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | average | average |
Trading Assets
| Asset | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 53 | 53 |
Indices | 11 | 12 |
Stocks | 95 | 461 |
Cryptocurrencies | 40 | 14 |
Bonds | 3 | 0 |
Metals | 6 | 7 |
Energies | 2 | 4 |
Soft Commodities | 5 | 16 |
ETFs | 33 | 4 |
Education and Analytics
| Feature | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Contests
| Feature | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Demo Contests | ||
| Is available | ||
| Contests List |
| — |
- Virtual to RealStart Balance: $10000 · Prize Pool: $3,500 · Period: MonthlyLearn More
Customer Support
| Contact | HFM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Email | support@hfm.com | support@ifcmarkets.com |
Phone | +442030978571 | +442039661649 |
Telegram | Telegram | Telegram |
Facebook | — | |
LinkedIn | ||
YouTube | YouTube | YouTube |
Instagram | ||
Twitter |
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing HFM and IFC Markets, HFM 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.