Overview of FP Markets

FP Markets is an Australian-based online brokerage firm that offers various trading instruments including forex, shares, indices, metals, and cryptocurrencies. The company was founded in 2005 and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). FP Markets provides clients with access to multiple trading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and IRESS. The broker also offers several account types to cater to the needs of different traders, including Standard andRaw, with the minimum deposit to open a standard account starting from $100 AUD or equivalent amount. The standard account is designed for novice traders, while the Raw account is intended for more experienced traders who require tighter spreads and faster execution speeds. In addition, the company offers Islamic accounts, as well as a free demo account for traders to test their strategies in a risk-free environment.

When it comes to trading conditions, FP Markets is known for its competitive spreads and low commissions. The broker also offers high leverage options of up to 500:1 for forex trading. Additionally, the broker offers various 24/7 customer support and rich educational resources such as webinars, trading guides, and video tutorials, which can help both novice and experienced traders to improve their trading skills.

Is FP Market Legit or a Scam？

Yes, FP Markets is a regulated broker. They are regulated by two reputable regulatory bodies: the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). ASIC is known for its strict regulations and is considered to be one of the most trusted regulators in the world. CySEC is also a reputable regulator and is responsible for regulating the financial markets in Cyprus, which is an important hub for forex and CFD trading. FP Markets' adherence to these regulatory bodies' rules and regulations ensures its transparency, and fairness in its operations.

Pros and Cons of FP Markets

FP Markets has several pros, including its strong regulatory framework, low trading fees, diverse range of financial instruments, and robust trading platforms. The broker also offers various account types to suit the needs of different traders and provides excellent customer support. However, some potential cons of FP Markets include limited live trading account types, high inactivity fees, and the fact that the broker is not available to clients from certain countries.

Market Intruments

FP Markets offers over 2250 market instruments for traders to choose from, including forex pair ( over 60) , indices, commodities (Coffee, natural gas, corn & more) , metals (Gold, oil, silver & more), cryptocurrencies, bonds (US10YR & UK Long Gilt Futures GILT), shares ( more than 10,000) and more. With Forex, traders can access major currency pairs, as well as minor and exotic currency pairs. For indices, FP Markets offers a selection of popular indices from around the world, including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, FTSE 100, DAX 30, and more. In the commodities market, traders can trade precious metals like gold and silver, as well as oil, natural gas, and other commodities. FP Markets also offers trading in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, as well as shares from various exchanges, including the NYSE and NASDAQ. Overall, FP Markets provides a diverse range of market instruments for traders to choose from.

Behold, a comparison table of the vast array of market instruments offered by reputable brokers FP Markets, IC Markets, FXTM, and Exness:

Account Types

When it comes to FP Markets' account types, there are a few important things to consider. Firstly, it is worth noting that the available account types depend on which trading platform you choose to use. The MT4 and MT5 platforms offer Standard and Raw account types, while the iRESS trading platform offers both Retail and Wholesale/Professional account types.

Let's take a closer look at each account type. The Standard account offers commission-free trading with spreads starting from 1.0 pip, while the Raw account offers commission-based trading with spreads starting from 0.0 pips. The Raw account is designed for traders who require lower spreads and are willing to pay a commission for the privilege.

On the other hand, the iRESS trading platform offers both Retail and Wholesale/Professional account types. The Retail account offers commission-free trading with spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while the Wholesale/Professional account offers commission-based trading with spreads starting from 0.0 pips. The Wholesale/Professional account is designed for traders who require lower spreads and have higher trading volumes, and are therefore able to access deeper liquidity pools.

Each account type has its own minimum deposit requirement, which varies depending on the platform and account type you choose, with Standard and Raw (MT4 & MT5）starting from $100 AUD or equivalent, retail and wholesale account from $1,000. In addition, each account type offers different leverage options, depending on the financial instrument being traded.

Demo Accounts

FP Markets offers free demo accounts for both the MT4 and MT5 platforms, allowing traders to practice their strategies and familiarize themselves with the platforms before opening a live trading account. The demo accounts provide access to real-time market data, competitive spreads, and a range of trading tools, making it an ideal option for traders of all levels to test their trading skills without risking their capital.

One of the key advantages of FP Markets' demo accounts is that they allow traders to experience the same trading conditions as their live accounts, giving them a realistic view of the market environment. In addition, the demo accounts are unlimited, meaning that traders can practice for as long as they want without any time restrictions.

FP Markets' demo accounts are valid for 30 days. However, if you require an extension, you can contact their customer support team to request it. They may extend the demo account for an additional 30 days.

Islamic Accounts

FP Markets offers Islamic or swap-free accounts to clients who follow the Muslim faith and cannot receive or pay interest due to religious reasons. These accounts comply with Sharia law and allow traders to hold positions overnight without incurring any rollover fees or interest charges.

FP Markets' Islamic accounts are available for all account types, including the Standard and Raw accounts for MT4 and MT5, as well as the iRESS Trading platform. Traders can open an Islamic account by submitting a request to the FP Markets support team, which will review and approve the application.

How to open an account？

Here is some more detailed information about how to open an account with FP Markets:

To begin the account opening process, prospective clients can go to the FP Markets website and click on the “Open Live” button. They will then be directed to a page where they can choose between opening a live or a demo account.

After selecting the account type, clients will need to fill out an application form that requires personal and financial information. This includes details such as their full name, email address, phone number, country of residence, and employment status.

Clients will also need to provide some identification documents, such as a passport or national ID card, as well as proof of address, which could be in the form of a utility bill or bank statement. FP Markets takes security seriously and has a strict verification process to ensure the safety of client funds and information.

Once the application has been submitted and the client's identity and address have been verified, they will receive an email with their login credentials and instructions on how to fund their account. FP Markets offers a variety of payment options, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and various e-wallets.

Leverage

The leverage offered by FP Markets for other instruments varies based on the type of instrument and the entity under which it operates. For example, the Australian entity of FP Markets offers a maximum trading leverage of up to 1:500 for major forex trading, while the CySEC entity offers a maximum trading leverage of up to 1:30 for forex trading. Besides, for commodities and indices, the maximum leverage available is usually lower than for forex trading.

Please bear in mind that trading with leverage involves a higher degree of risk, and traders should use it wisely and with caution. It is always advisable to understand the risks involved and have a sound risk management plan in place before using leverage in trading.

Spreads & Commissions

FP Markets offers competitive spreads and commissions for its traders. The spreads for forex trading start from as low as 0.0 pips, depending on the type of account and trading platform. The Raw account, which is available on both the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms, charges a commission of $3 per side per lot traded, while the Standard account has no commission but slightly wider spreads.

For trading CFDs on indices, FP Markets charges a commission starting from $10 per lot, while the spreads start from 0.5 points. The commission and spreads for other instruments, such as commodities, shares, and cryptocurrencies, vary depending on the specific instrument and trading platform.

FP Markets offers an Active Traders program that provides discounted trading fees for high-volume traders. Traders who meet certain trading volume requirements can receive rebates on their commissions and reduced spreads.

We've gathered data on EUR/USD, XAU/USD, Brent Crude Oil, and Bitcoin (BTC/USD) from top-notch brokers, including FP Markets, IC Markets, FXTM, and Exness, so you can make an informed decision on where to place your trades.

Non-Trading Fees

In addition to trading fees, FP Markets also charges non-trading fees that traders should be aware of before opening an account. The broker charges an inactivity fee of AUD 10 per month on accounts that have been inactive for more than six consecutive months. FP Markets also charges a withdrawal fee of AUD 20 for withdrawals made via bank transfer, while withdrawals made via credit/debit card or e-wallets are free of charge.

Moreover, FP Markets offers a VPS service to its clients, allowing them to access their trading accounts from anywhere in the world. However, the VPS service is not free and is available at an additional cost of AUD 30 per month. The broker also offers a copy trading service called “MAM/PAMM,” which allows traders to copy the trades of professional traders. This service is also available at an additional cost of 10% performance fee.

Besides, FP Markets also charges swap interest for holding positions overnight. The swap rates can be either positive or negative depending on the currency pair and the direction of trade.

Trading Platform

FP Markets offers its clients a variety of trading platforms to choose from, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, as well as the IRESS platform for advanced traders.

The MT4 platform is well-known for its user-friendly interface and extensive range of analytical tools, making it a popular choice among traders of all levels. The MT5 platform is an upgraded version of MT4, offering additional features such as more timeframes, additional order types, and advanced technical analysis tools.

The IRESS platform is designed for more advanced traders who require direct market access (DMA) and the ability to trade a variety of financial instruments, including stocks, futures, and options, as well as forex and CFDs.

Please note that FP Markets charges fees for using the MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. The fees depend on the account type and trading platform being used. For example, Standard account holders using the MT4 platform are charged zero commissions for various tarding assets, while Raw account holders are charged a commission of $3.5 AUD per lot for forex trades on the same platform. On the MT5 platform, both Standard and Raw account holders are charged a commission of $6 per lot for forex trades. It's important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the instrument being traded.

Here is the comprehensive table comparing the top trading platforms offered by FP Markets and other reputable brokers such as IC Markets, Exness, and Avatrade:

Copy Trading

FP Markets presents comprehensive copy trading services. The options include an embedded MT4 service from a leading algorithmic broker, an embedded MT5 service ideal for equity CFD copy trading, and an embedded cTrader service as a reasonable MT4 alternative. Additionally, traders can leverage the well-trusted third-party service Myfxbook AutoTrade or explore the fee-based emerging alternative Signal Start. Furthermore, FP Markets provides an in-house maintained copy trading service, FP Markets Social Trading, catering to traders seeking a proprietary solution.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Minimum Deposit

FP Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100. This means that you can not open an account with FP Markets unless you deposit at least $100. However, it is important to note that some payment methods may require a higher minimum deposit. For example, if you are using a bank wire transfer, the minimum deposit may be higher than $100 due to processing fees.

The following is a table showing the comparison of the minimum deosit required by FP Markets and other brokers, avatrade, exness, and ic markets:

FP Markets offers a variety of convenient deposit and withdrawal methods to ensure that clients can easily fund and withdraw their accounts. Clients can deposit funds using credit/debit cards, bank wire transfers, electronic wallets such as Neteller, Skrill, POLi, and FasaPay. FP Markets does not charge any deposit fees, and the processing time for deposits is usually instant or up to 1 business day, depending on the deposit method.

Withdrawal

For withdrawals, clients can use the same methods they used for depositing, and FP Markets does not charge any fees for most withdrawal methods. Withdrawal processing times vary depending on the method used, with electronic wallets usually taking up to 24 hours, while bank transfers can take 3-5 business days. Clients are advised to verify their accounts before making a withdrawal to avoid any delays or complications in the withdrawal process. Additionally, FP Markets offers free internal transfers between accounts, making it easy for clients to manage their funds across multiple trading accounts.

Customer Support

FP Markets offers a range of customer support options to its clients, including email, phone, live chat, and an online contact form. The broker also provides access to a range of educational resources and tools, including a knowledge base, video tutorials, webinars, and trading guides. Additionally, FP Markets offers multilingual support in several languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese.

In addition, FP Markets has an extensive FAQ section on their website that covers a wide range of topics and can help clients find answers to their questions quickly. 24/7 customer support is a significant advantage for clients who may need assistance outside of regular business hours.

Educational Resources

FP Markets offers a wide range of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills in trading. These resources include video tutorials, webinars, trading guides, and market analysis. The broker also provides a demo account for traders to practice their trading strategies without risking real money. Additionally, FP Markets has a blog section on its website, which covers various trading topics and market updates.

Overall, the educational resources provided by FP Markets are comprehensive and easily accessible to traders. The broker's commitment to educating its clients is commendable, and it shows that it values the success of its clients. However, some traders may find that resources are not sufficient for their needs, and may require more personalized educational support.

Conclusion

To sum up, FP Markets is a reputable and well-regulated broker that offers a wide range of instruments for traders to choose from, including forex, stocks, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more. The broker offers multiple account types, including demo, Islamic, and standard accounts, as well as various trading platforms such as MT4, MT5, and iRESS. FP Markets also provides 24/7 customer support and a comprehensive range of educational resources for traders of all levels. While there are some potential drawbacks such as non-trading fees and limited leverage for certain instruments, the overall trading experience with FP Markets is generally positive.

FAQs

Question: Does FP Markets offer demo accounts？

Answer: Yes, FP Markets offers demo accounts which can be used for practicing trading strategies and familiarizing oneself with the trading platforms.

Question: What is the minimum deposit requirement at FP Markets？

Answer: The minimum deposit requirement at FP Markets is $100.

Question: What instruments can be traded at FP Markets？

Answer: FP Markets offers a wide range of instruments including forex, shares, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more.

Question: Does FP Markets offer Islamic accounts？

Answer: Yes, FP Markets offers Islamic accounts for clients who require them.

Question: What is the maximum leverage available at FP Markets？

Answer: The maximum leverage available at FP Markets varies depending on the regulatory jurisdiction. The Australian entity offers up to 1:500 leverage for forex trading, while the CySEC entity offers up to 1:30.

Question: What are the trading fees at FP Markets？

Answer: FP Markets charges spreads and commissions on trades, with the specific fees varying depending on the trading instrument and account type.

Question: What are the deposit and withdrawal options at FP Markets？

Answer: FP Markets offers a range of deposit and withdrawal options including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and more.

Question: What kind of customer support is available at FP Markets？

Answer: FP Markets offers 24/7 customer support through various channels including live chat, email, and phone.

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.