Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

General Information

What is Fortrade？

Fortrade is an online forex market trading service provider founded in 2013 and currently holds a full license from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), a full license from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), a full license from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC), a full license from the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), and a retail forex license from the National Bank of Belarus (NBRB).

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Fortrade is a regulated broker that offers a wide range of assets for trading, including forex, indices, commodities, and securities. The broker provides a free demo account with no time restrictions, making it an excellent tool for beginners to practice trading. Fortrade has a powerful MT4 trading platform available on desktop, web, and mobile devices, providing traders with flexibility and convenience.

In terms of fees, Fortrade charges no trading commissions and offers competitive spreads, although overnight rollover fees and inactivity fees may apply. Customer support is available via email and telephone, but the lack of live chat support may be a drawback for some traders. Overall, Fortrade is a solid choice for traders looking for a regulated broker with a user-friendly trading platform and a variety of underlying assets for trading.

Fortrade Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Fortrade depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Hugo's Way - A relatively new broker with competitive spreads, high leverage, and a limited range of trading instruments.

• ICM Capital - A well-regulated broker offering a diverse range of trading instruments, advanced trading platforms, and excellent customer support.

• IFC Markets - An innovative broker with a unique approach to trading, offering a wide range of financial instruments, low minimum deposits, and advanced trading tools.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is Fortrade Safe or Scam？

Regulation by multiple reputable authorities such as ASIC, FCA, CYSEC, IIROC, and NBRB can provide some level of assurance of safety and reliability for traders. However, negative reviews of Fortrade regarding withdrawal issues are concerning, and potential traders should conduct thorough research and exercise caution before depositing funds with this broker. It is always recommended to carefully read the terms and conditions, including withdrawal policies, before trading with any broker.

Market Instruments

Fortrade provides investors with a range selection of tradable financial instruments, including more than 300 foreign currency, stock index, securities, oil, and precious metals CFD products. This wide range of financial instruments allows traders to have more options to diversify their portfolios and potentially increase their profits.

Accounts

Demo account: A free demo account is available to Fortrade customers. Users can practice their trading strategy with a €10,000 virtual investment, available on either the Fortrader or MetaTrader 4 platforms. Fortrade's demo account seems to be a useful tool for traders to practice their strategies without any pressure, and the lack of time restrictions makes it more convenient for beginners.

Live account: Fortrade only offers a single live account type, where the specific trading conditions vary depending on assets and trading size. The minimum deposit is reasonable at $100, with a suggestion of $500 or currency equivalent.

Leverage

Leverage is up to 1:200 for forex products, 1:20, 1:25, 1:50 for stock indices, 1:10 for EU securities, 1:50 for CFDs on agricultural commodities, 1:100 for gold and silver, 1:33 for corn, cotton, and soybeans. It is important to keep in mind that leverage can magnify profits, but it can also lead to greater losses, so traders should use leverage wisely and carefully manage their risk.

Spreads & Commissions

It seems that Fortrade charges mark-ups on spreads instead of trading commissions, which could be beneficial for traders who want to avoid commission fees. However, it is important to note that the mark-up on spreads may fluctuate, and traders should take this into consideration when planning their trades.

The average spread for EURUSD is 2 pips, and the average spread for USDGBP is 3 pips. Indices spread: Canada 60 average spread is 1 pip, US 2000 average spread is 0.6, US 500 average spread is 0.6. The gold average spread is $0.45, and the silver average spread is $0.04.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Note that the commission for Hugo's Way is per lot, and a lot size varies depending on the account type and asset being traded. Additionally, spreads are variable and subject to change, especially during times of high market volatility.

Trading Platforms

Fortrade offers its users a market-leading and powerful MT4 trading platform, including the mobile MT4, web MT4, and desktop MT4. The platform is renowned for its advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and automated trading capabilities, making it suitable for traders of all levels.

The desktop version of MT4 provides traders with access to real-time pricing and trading, advanced charting and analysis tools, and the ability to place orders quickly and easily. The web version of MT4 is accessible from any web browser and offers traders the flexibility to trade from any location, while the mobile version of MT4 enables traders to manage their accounts and access the markets from their smartphones and tablets.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Deposits and withdrawals can be made via credit/debit cards, bank wire transfers, and e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller. The recommended initial deposit requirement is $/€/£500, however, it is possible to deposit as little as $100 or equivalent currency to get started.

Fortrade minimum deposit vs other brokers

The broker does not charge any deposit fees, while any bank withdrawal fees incurred by Fortrade are passed on to the customer, which is usually around $40.

Processing times will vary by method. Deposits via bank wire transfers can take up to 7 working days for funds to clear. E-wallets offer faster clearance, often within 1 day. All withdrawal requests are processed by Fortrade within 2 business days of being submitted. However, fund clearance can take up to 5 business days for bank transfers and up to 15 business days for credit/debit cards.

Fees

Apart from spreads, commissions, deposit and withdrawal fees that we have mentioned above, Fortrade also charges an overnight rollover fee and inactivity fee of $/€/£10 on accounts left dormant for 6 months.

Overnight rollover fees are a common practice in the forex and CFD industry, as positions left open overnight incur a cost for the broker. As for the inactivity fee, it is also a common practice among brokers to charge a fee on dormant accounts to cover administrative and maintenance costs.

See the fee comparison table below:

Please note that the fees listed above are subject to change at the discretion of each broker. It is recommended to check with the broker's official website or customer support for the most up-to-date fee information.

Customer Service

Clients with any inquiries or trading-related issues can get in touch with Fortrade through the email and telephone. Here are some contact details:

• Telephone: +375-17-2240625

• Email: support.by@fortrade.by

• FAQ section is also available.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Fortrade's customer service.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported unable to withdraw. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

All things considered, Fortrade is a reputable broker with multiple regulatory licenses, offering a wide range of assets for trading and a powerful MT4 platform. The broker charges no commissions and has competitive spreads, making it an attractive option for traders. However, there have been some negative user reviews concerning withdrawal issues and the overnight rollover fee, which may cause concern for some traders. Additionally, the lack of alternative trading platforms and the inactivity fee may be a drawback for some traders who prefer more flexibility. Overall, Fortrade is a good option for traders looking for a reliable and regulated broker with a comprehensive trading platform and competitive trading conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is HFM？

HFM, a trading name of HF Markets Group, founded in 2010, is a financial broker that provides both individual and institutional clients with online trading services. HFM has been headquartered in Cyprus but serves several global offices in Dubai, South Africa, and offshore entities in St Vincent and the Grenadines, all under respective regulatory authorities.

In the following article, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

What Type of Broker is HFM？

HFM is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, HFM acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered.

However, this also means that HFM has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with HFM or any other MM broker.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• HFM is a well-regulated company by various reputable authorities, providing a high level of security to traders' funds and personal information.

• The company offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex pairs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and stocks, with over 3500 instruments to choose from.

• There are multiple account types available, including Premium, Pro, Zero, and Cent, catering to the different needs of traders.

• HFM offers rich educational resources such as webinars, video tutorials, and daily analysis, providing valuable insights for traders.

• The company provides multiple trading platforms including MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and their proprietary HFM platform, giving traders a wide range of options to choose from.

• HFM offers various customer channels, through multiple channels including email, phone, and live chat.

Cons:

• The maximum leverage offered by HFM is up to 1:2000, which can be risky for inexperienced traders.

• HFM does not provide services to residents of the USA, Canada, Sudan, Syria, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Mauritius, Myanmar, Yemen, Afghanistan, Vanuatu and EEA countries.

Is HFM Safe or Scam？

• HF Markets (Europe) Ltd is regulated by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission - CySEC, with regulatory license number 183/12, and regulated by CNMV under license number 3427

• HF Markets (UK) Limited, its UK entity, under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority - FCA in the UK (license number 801701)

• HF Markets (DIFC) Limited, the Dubai entity under regulation of Dubai Financial Services Authority - DFSA (license number F004885)

• HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd, authorized and offshore regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), with Regulatory License No. SD015

HFA appears to be a serious player when it comes to offering protection measures for its clients. They provide market leading insurance, positioning themselves as an industry leader in financial safety.

In addition to this, they maintain their accounts with major banks and ensure the segregation of client funds for added security. They also provide protection against negative balances, helping traders avoid owing more than they've invested.

Along with these measures, HFA implements robust risk management strategies to further safeguard their clients' assets. This shows their commitment to providing a secure and reliable trading environment for their users.

Market Instruments

HFM offers a diverse range of more than 3500 instruments across various asset classes, including forex, commodities, metals, bonds, energies, ETFs, indices, cryptos, and stocks. This extensive offering provides traders with a wide range of investment opportunities and the ability to diversify their portfolio. Traders can access multiple asset classes within a single platform, making it convenient and efficient to trade across various markets.

However, with such a large number of instruments available, it can be overwhelming for beginner traders and may require more in-depth knowledge of multiple asset classes and their underlying factors to create effective trading strategies. Additionally, some instruments may have low liquidity or high volatility, leading to higher risks, and certain instruments may have high spreads or commissions, increasing trading costs.

Account Types

HFM indeed offers a range of accounts to suit various trading styles and levels. They provide the option of Premium, Pro, Zero, and Cent accounts, catering to both novice and experienced traders.

The Pro account requires an initial deposit of $/€100/₦50,000/¥13,000 to get started. Interestingly, HFM does not impose a minimum deposit requirement for its Premium, Zero, and Cent accounts, making them highly accessible options.

Alongside these, they also offer free demo accounts, allowing potential traders to test out their platform and develop their trading strategies before committing real money.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with HFM typically involves a few standard steps:

Step 1: Visit the HFM website and click on the “Register” button.

Step 2: Fill out the registration form with your personal information such as country of residence, email address, and password.

Step 3: Once you've completed the registration form, you'll need to submit some documents to verify your identity and address. This generally involves uploading a copy of your passport or national ID for identification and a utility bill or bank statement for proof of address.

Step 4: After identity verification, you can choose your account type. HFM offers Premium, Pro, Zero, and Cent accounts. The Pro account requires a minimum initial deposit of $/€100/₦50,000/¥13,000, while the other three types do not have a minimum deposit requirement.

Step 5: Once you've selected your account type, you can make the necessary deposit using your preferred method of payment.

Step 6: After your deposit is confirmed, your account should be set up and ready for trading.

Remember, HFM also offers a demo account for practicing trading strategies without risking real money. It's recommended to start there if you're new to trading or this platform.

Leverage

HFM offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:2000, which can be an attractive feature for traders looking to maximize their potential profits with a smaller investment. This high leverage also provides greater market exposure and trading opportunities, allowing traders to take advantage of price movements in various markets.

However, it is important to note that high leverage also comes with high risk and potential losses. Traders must exercise proper risk management and discipline to avoid margin calls and account liquidation. While this feature may attract experienced traders, it may not be suitable for all, especially beginners or those with limited capital.

Overall, the maximum leverage offered by HFM can be a valuable tool for traders, but it must be used responsibly and with caution.

Spreads & Commissions

HFM caters to different trading preferences with variable spreads across its account types.

The Premium and Cent accounts offer spreads starting from 1.2 pips. The Pro account has even lower spreads starting from 0.5 pips. The most versatile is the Zero account, which offers spreads from zero pips on forex and gold trading, providing an entry point for cost-effective trading.

However, specific information on the trading commissions is not disclosed directly. You might need to reach out to their customer service or check thoroughly on their website for further details on this.

Trading Platforms

HFM offers multiple trading platforms including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as their proprietary HFM mobile app.

The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are widely used in the industry and provide traders with access to a wide range of trading tools and indicators.

The HFM mobile app is relatively new but has an intuitive user interface and advanced charting features. However, it may have limited customization options and a limited selection of third-party plugins and add-ons.

Some traders may find the platforms too complex to use, but overall, HFM's platform dimension offers a good variety of options for traders of all skill levels.

Deposits & Withdrawals

HFM indeed provides a variety of options to make deposit and withdrawal processes simple and flexible for its customers. They accept bank transfers, major credit/debit cards (Visa & MasterCard), and several electronic payment methods such as crypto, Fasapay, Neteller, PayRedeem, Skrill, and Bitpay.

The minimum deposit or withdrawal limit is quite low, set at $5 for most payment methods, which makes it convenient for traders of all sizes.

HFM minimum deposit vs other brokers

They also ensure cost-effectiveness by not charging for most deposits and withdrawals. The processing times for transactions can vary depending upon the chosen method. Importantly, they have a system in place where withdrawals submitted before 10:00am server time are processed the same business day between 7:00am and 5:00pm.

More details can be found in the below screenshots.

Education

HFM is deeply committed to trader education and offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources for traders at all levels. They provide in-depth trading courses that cover a wide range of topics, aiming to enhance traders' knowledge and trading skills.

Their portfolio of educational resources also includes engaging videos that explain intricate trading concepts in an easy-to-understand format.

They hold webinars and seminars (upcoming), giving both novice and experienced traders the opportunity to learn first-hand from industry experts.

Additionally, HFM provides insightful podcasts featuring discussions on various trading topics.

These educational offerings are designed to help traders better understand the markets and make well-informed trading decisions.

Customer Service

HFM offers multiple avenues of customer support to ensure all client queries and concerns are attended to. The live chat feature on their platform allows for real-time assistance, alongside a contact form for more comprehensive inquiries.

They can also be reached through their phone number: +44-2030978571 or via email at support@hfm.com.

For those who prefer social media interactions, they have an active presence on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn where they post regular updates and users can interact with them.

Lastly, for common questions, their FAQ section could be of help as it covers a range of general queries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies.

In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.