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.

What is AUS GLOBAL？

AUS GLOBAL is the internet brokerage brand of AUS Group, with offices in Cyprus, London, Dubai, Turkey, Seychelles, Mauritius, Thailand, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Melbourne, Vancouver and Wellington. It is a forex and CFD broker regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC),offering online trading services to retail and institutional clients worldwide. The broker provides a range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, as well as various trading platforms such as MT4, MT5, and cTrader.

The broker also offers multiple account types with competitive trading conditions, such as low spreads, high leverage, and fast execution speeds. Additionally, AUS GLOBAL provides various trading tools, educational resources, and customer support services to help clients improve their trading experience.

What Type of Broker is AUS GLOBAL？

AUS Global is a No Dealing Desk platform (NDD) that transmits client orders to electronic trading centers on central clearing markets, where automated matching systems instantly reconcile trades to ensure that each client order is executed fairly.

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

AUS GLOBAL appears to be a reputable broker with a strong regulatory framework, offering a wide range of trading instruments and account types. The broker's customer service seems to be responsive and available through multiple channels, including social media platforms.

However, some users have reported issues with scams and severe slippage, and it may be a drawback for infrequent traders. Overall, prospective clients should carefully consider the pros and cons before choosing to trade with AUS GLOBAL.

AUS GLOBAL Alternative Brokers

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

• Tickmill - With competitive spreads, a range of trading platforms, and a variety of account types, Tickmill is a good option for both novice and experienced traders.

• XTB - With a user-friendly trading platform, a wide range of trading instruments, and strong regulation, XTB is a reliable broker for traders of all levels.

• FxPrimus - With strong regulation, a range of account types, and competitive trading conditions, FxPrimus is a good choice for traders seeking a trustworthy and experienced broker.

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

Is AUS GLOBAL Safe or Scam？

AUS GLOBAL operates under two reputable authorites, including the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) in Cyprus and Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) in Australia.

Besides, the segregation of client funds and partnerships with leading banks also provide additional protection for clients' funds. The implementation of SSL encryption is another positive aspect that ensures secure data transmission.

Market Instruments

AUS GLOBAL offers a wide range of trading instruments, including over 10,000 products, such as US and EU stocks, forex, precious metals, futures, stock indices, and cryptocurrency. This variety allows traders to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of multiple markets with a single account.

Account Types

AUS GLOBAL provides a range of live account types to suit different trading needs and experience levels, STP, ECN, CLASSIC and VIP, with a relatively low minimum deposit requirement of $50 for the STP and ECN accounts. The Classic and VIP accounts are designed for more experienced and active traders, with higher minimum deposit requirements of $2,000 and $10,000 respectively.

The free demo accounts offered by AUS GLOBAL are a great way for traders to practice and test their trading strategies without risking real money. It is worth noting that these demo accounts are valid for 30 days from the date of registration, and the validity period will be renewed as long as the client logs into the demo account within 30 days.

Leverage

The leverage offered by AUS GLOBAL ranges from 1:1 to 1:500, depending on the trading product and account type. Different instruments have different margin requirements and leverage limits, so it's important to check the specific requirements for each trade before opening a position.

Spreads & Commissions

AUS GLOBAL offers competitive spreads, especially for its ECN account type with a 0.2 pip spread on the EUR/USD pair. However, it is unclear whether the broker charges any commission on top of the spread for these account types. The STP and Classic account types have higher spreads of 1.5 and 1.9 pips, respectively, which may not be as attractive to traders seeking lower trading costs.

Overall, AUS GLOBAL's spread offerings seem to be in line with industry standards, but it would be beneficial to have more information about commissions before making a definitive judgment.

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

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility.

Trading Platforms

AUS GLOBAL supports three of the most popular trading platforms in the industry, which are MT4, MT5, and cTrader, providing traders with multiple options to choose from. The platforms are available on desktop and mobile devices, enabling traders to access their accounts and trade on the go. The trading platforms offer advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and a variety of order types, allowing traders to customize their trading strategies.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: Some brokers may offer additional trading platforms, but the ones listed above are the primary ones.

Trading Tools

AUS GLOBAL provides its clients with several trading tools to enhance their trading experience.

Firstly, the broker offers social trading, which allows clients to follow and copy the trades of experienced traders in real-time. This feature can be especially useful for beginner traders who are still learning how to trade.

Secondly, AUS GLOBAL provides an economic calendar, which lists upcoming economic events and announcements that could affect the markets. This tool enables traders to stay informed and make informed trading decisions.

Finally, AUS GLOBAL also offers PAMM/MAM (Percentage Allocation Management Module) accounts, which allow experienced traders to manage the funds of multiple clients simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for traders who want to manage larger funds or for investors who want to allocate their funds to experienced traders.

Copy Trading

GMI's all-in-one auto-copying solution enables traders to follow and replicate trades from successful traders in the community, providing exposure to proven strategies and portfolio diversification through social trading.

Deposits & Withdrawals

AUS GLOBAL offers various payment options, including local bank transfers, e-wallets, credit cards (Visa/MasterCard), and international wire transfers.

Supported currencies:

EUR, USD, GBP, CNY, AUD, JPY, NZD, AED, HKD, MYR, THB, VND, PHP, IDR, TRY, USDT and other currencies.

The minimum deposit amount varies depending on the payment method, while the minimum withdrawal amount is $40.

AUS GLOBAL minimum deposit vs other brokers

Deposits via MyPay are subject to around a 4% fee, while other deposit methods are free of charge. There are no withdrawal fees. International wire transfer deposits may take up to 5 working days to process, while other deposits are processed instantly. Most withdrawals can be processed in approximately 1 working day.

See the deposit & withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Note: The fees listed above are subject to change, and may vary depending on the specific account type and payment method used. It is always recommended to check the broker's official website for the most up-to-date fee information.

Customer Service

It is noteworthy that AUS GLOBAL offers multiple channels of customer support, including 24/7 live chat, phone, email, or online messaging. Additionally, the broker provides a Help Center to assist clients with common questions and issues. For those who prefer social media, AUS GLOBAL can also be followed on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Overall, AUS GLOBAL's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

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

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams and severe slippage. 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

In conclusion, AUS GLOBAL offers a wide range of trading instruments and account types with competitive spreads and leverage of up to 1:500. The broker also supports popular trading platforms such as MT4, MT5, and cTrader, and provides various trading tools. AUS GLOBAL also offers multiple deposit and withdrawal methods with no withdrawal fees.

However, the broker has been reported to have scamming practices and severe slippage by some users. Overall, AUS GLOBAL can be considered as a decent option for traders, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to exercise caution when using their services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)