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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Overview of BUX Markets

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated financial institution registered in the United Kingdom. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with license number 184333. The company has been regulated since December 2001, and its adherence to financial regulations is overseen by the FCA to ensure market integrity and investor protection. However, it is important to note that BUX Markets does not currently have a trading software available.

BUX Markets offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide two types of accounts: retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. The broker offers a demo account for practice trading and various educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos to support traders' learning.

The proprietary trading platform provided by BUX Markets is called “TradeHub®,” offering advanced indicators, charts, and one-click trading. The platform supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. Customer support is available through phone and email during business hours, and there is a trading desk for trade-related inquiries.

Pros and Cons

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated trading platform based in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. BUX Markets has a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®” and offers educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos. Customer support is available via phone and email during business hours, and a trading desk is available for trade-related inquiries. While BUX Markets is regulated and offers a diverse range of trading options, it's worth noting that its spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants. Additionally, it is important to be aware that BUX Markets does not currently have a trading software available.

Is BUX Markets Legit？

BUX Markets, operating under the licensed institution BUX Financial Services Limited, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. The company holds a Market Making (MM) license with license number 184333. The regulatory oversight provided by the FCA ensures that BUX Markets adheres to financial regulations and standards.

BUX Financial Services Limited has been regulated since December 1, 2001. As a regulated entity, BUX Markets is required to comply with the guidelines and requirements set forth by the FCA to protect the interests of investors and maintain market integrity.

The licensed institution's address is located at 3rd Floor, Canvas 35 Luke Street, London EC2A 4LHE, United Kingdom. If you need to contact them, their phone number is 4402033262130, and their email address is compliance-lon@getbux.com. You can also visit their website at www.buxmarkets.com for more information.

Please note that the current information suggests that BUX Markets does not have a trading software available. It is essential to be aware of this fact when considering engaging with their services.

Market Instruments

BUX Markets offers a variety of market instruments for trading. Here are the types of instruments available:

Indices: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities for various indices, including the UK 100 Future, Wall Street Future, US 500 Future, US Tech 100 Future, Germany 30 Future, France 40 Future, and other European and Asian indices.

Currencies: Traders can access the foreign exchange market through BUX Markets. They offer currency pairs such as AUDCAD, AUDCHF, AUDJPY, AUDNZD, AUDUSD, CADCHF, CADJPY, CHFJPY, EURAUD, and other combinations.

Shares: BUX Markets allows trading of shares from different countries. They offer shares in various market segments like the UK Blue Chip, UK Mid Cap, US Large Cap, France Large Cap, Germany Large Cap, and many more.

ETFs: BUX Markets provides access to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track underlying indices or commodities. Some of the available ETFs include Powershares QQQ Nasdaq, SPDR DJIA Trust, SPDR Gold Trust, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets, iShares FTSE 100, and iShares Silver Trust.

Commodities: Traders can participate in commodity markets through BUX Markets. They offer futures contracts for metals like gold, silver, and platinum, as well as energy commodities like US Light Crude Oil and Brent Crude Oil. Additionally, there are futures contracts for soft commodities like Feed Wheat.

Interest Rates & Bonds: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities in interest rates and bonds. Traders can access products like 3-Month Short Sterling Future and Long Gilt Future in the United Kingdom, and Bund Future, Bobl Future, and Schatz Future in Germany.

Cryptocurrencies: BUX Markets also claims to offer trading options in cryptocurrencies.

Pros and Cons

Account Types

BUX Markets offers two types of accounts: one for retail traders and one for professional traders. The minimum deposit required to start trading is $100, which is in line with the standard in the industry. Additionally, BUX Markets provides demo trading accounts that allow users to practice trading online using virtual funds. These demo accounts serve as a way for traders to familiarize themselves with the trading platform and the services offered by the broker, while also allowing them to test their trading strategies in a risk-free environment.

In addition to the retail account, BUX Markets offers a premium service targeted towards traders who may qualify as Professional Clients. Professional Clients are exempt from certain product intervention measures introduced by ESMA. To be classified as a Professional Client, traders need to meet at least two out of the following three criteria: having executed significant leverage trades at an average frequency of 10 per quarter over the last 4 quarters, possessing a financial instrument portfolio (including cash deposits) exceeding €500,000, or having at least one year of professional experience in a financial sector position that requires knowledge of leveraged products.

Pros and Cons

How to Open an Account

To open an account with BUX Markets, follow these steps:

1. Visit the BUX Markets website and locate the “Start trading now” button.

2. Click on the “Start trading now” button to initiate the account opening process.

3. Fill in the required personal information, including your personal details such as name, date of birth, and nationality.

4. Provide your contact details, such as your email address and phone number, which will be used for communication purposes.

5. Enter your postal address to ensure accurate correspondence.

6. Proceed to provide the necessary financial information as requested by BUX Markets.

7. Share your trading experience details to give the broker an understanding of your level of expertise.

8. Finally, provide the required account details to set up your trading account with BUX Markets.

By following these steps and providing the requested information, you can successfully open an account with BUX Markets. It is important to note that the specific details and requirements may vary, so it's advisable to refer to the BUX Markets website or contact their customer support for any additional instructions or clarifications.

Leverage

BUX Markets offers leverage for different instruments based on specific ratios. For major currency pairs, the leverage provided is set at 30:1. When it comes to minor or currency pairs, the leverage ratio is 20:1. Odd currency pairs have a leverage ratio of 10:1. For gold, silver, and platinum futures, the leverage is set at 20:1. US light crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 5:1, while Brent crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 10:1. Lastly, UK, German, and other European bonds have a leverage ratio of 5:1. These leverage ratios determine the amount of exposure and risk that traders can take in their positions.

Spreads & Commissions

BUX Markets offers specific spreads for various products on their platform. The spread for the Eurodollar is 0.7 pips, while Gold has a spread of 2.0 pips. Additionally, the FTSE 100, Wall Street, and German 30 have spreads of 1.0 pip each. It should be noted that the spreads provided by BUX Markets are not considered to be particularly competitive when compared to other market participants.

Fees

Overall fees at BUX Markets are focused on keeping costs low to enhance performance. This includes minimizing spreads, rollover costs, and financing costs. Access to personalized customer service in London is provided free of charge, and there are no account charges.

Funding charges apply for overnight financing, typically at a rate of 0.0098% + ARR (0.0096% + ARR for GBP denominated assets). Long positions attract financing charges, while short positions may receive financial interest credited to the account. Cryptocurrencies may have significantly different financing charges, so it is advisable to review the specific details.

When futures are the reference market, BUX Markets charges only half of the bid offer for rollovers from one contract to the next. This means that the new position is only 50% of the standard spread for that market, reducing the cost for traders.

Inactivity fees are applicable if a trading account remains inactive for 180 days. After this period, an Inactivity Fee will be charged, and if the account continues to be inactive, the fee will recur in increments of £10 in subsequent periods of 30 calendar days. It's important to refer to the company's Terms and Conditions for more information, particularly regarding accounts held in currencies other than GBP.

Deposit & Withdraw

Credit/Debit Card:

BUX Markets allows users to fund their trading account using both debit and credit cards. Deposits made through these payment methods are processed immediately. It is important to note that the name on the card must match the name on the trading account. Deposits made with credit/debit cards are generally free of charge, except for cards issued outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), which may incur a 1.75% transaction fee. However, BUX Markets only accepts card payments that are 3-D secure, which adds an extra layer of protection against online fraud. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that BUX Markets does not accept third-party payments to maintain compliance with its internal policies.

Bank Wire Transfer:

BUX Markets also accepts deposits through bank wire transfer in various currencies such as EUR, GBP, USD, SEK, DKK, SGD, and CHF. To initiate a bank transfer, the account holder's name should match the name on the BUX Markets account. It is advisable to include the account holder's name and trading account number as a reference to ensure smooth allocation of funds. For the first deposit in GBP via bank transfer, BUX Markets may require a copy of a bank statement or transaction receipt. Cash deposits are not accepted due to money laundering regulations. Similar to credit/debit card deposits, third-party payments are not allowed, and users should ensure they fund their account with their own funds. Bank transfers may take up to 5 working days to appear in the trading account.

Withdrawing Funds:

The process of withdrawing funds from a BUX Markets account is straightforward. If a withdrawal is requested using a credit or debit card, the funds are debited from the trading account upon receipt of the request. BUX Markets returns funds only to their original source. Withdrawal requests made after 12:30 (GMT) are processed on the following working day. The withdrawal process generally takes up to 5 working days to complete. While it is possible to withdraw funds via bank wire transfer, debit/credit cards are the preferred method, and cheque refunds are not available.

Payment Methods:

BUX Markets accepts various payment methods, including VISA, Maestro, Mastercard, bank wire transfer, and Klarna. There is a minimum deposit requirement of 100 GBP/EUR/USD for credit card deposits, while there is no minimum deposit requirement for bank wire transfers.

Pros and Cons

Trading Platforms

BUX Markets offers traders a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which differentiates itself from the popular MT4/MT5 platforms.

TradeHub® provides advanced indicators and charts for market analysis and allows for one-click trading directly from the charts. The platform's lifecycle costs are presented neutrally, including spreads, funding, and rollover costs.

Traders can opt for variable margin levels, ranging from low to 100%, to manage risk. Notional value trades allow users to input specific amounts for trades, providing options to adjust positions based on individual needs, strategies, or investment goals.

TradeHub® supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices through the iOS and Android app. The platform offers a 24-hour dealing desk and emphasizes fast and accurate execution. Telephone trading is available without charge. Personal client service is based in London to provide support and assistance to traders.

Pros and Cons

Trading Tools

The trading tools offered by BUX Markets encompass various features to support traders in their activities. One of these tools is the TradeHub® charting package, which allows users to trade directly from the charts. The charts in TradeHub® provide persistent indicators that apply to the new instrument when it is changed, maintaining consistency. Traders have the option to customize technical indicators' parameters according to their preferences and strategies.

The TradeHub® charting package also includes pattern recognition capabilities, enabling users to identify market patterns and trends. The charts support bid, offer, and mid-prices for different timeframes and instruments. Users can choose from a variety of chart types and studies to analyze market data.

The charting package is compatible with mobile devices, allowing traders to access and monitor their trades. Simple filters are available to facilitate quick and accurate searches. The charts are browser-based, eliminating the need for additional software downloads.

Educational Resources

BUX Markets provides educational resources to help clients enhance their performance in CFD Trading and Spread Betting. These resources include webinars, guides, and videos, which are available to clients at no cost. These materials can simplify the learning process and provide insights into BUX Markets' products.

Additionally, customers have access to expert client services teams based in London. These teams can offer further assistance and support to clients.

The educational resources cover topics such as Spread Betting and CFDs, and include frequently asked questions (FAQs), a glossary of relevant terms, and useful dates related to trading activities. These resources are designed to provide clients with information and knowledge to make informed decisions in their trading endeavors.

Customer Support

BUX Markets provides customer support services during regular business hours from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 and 17:00 UK time. Clients can reach out to the service team through phone or email for assistance with their inquiries. The company aims to respond to customer queries as promptly as possible.

For trade-related inquiries, BUX Markets offers support through their trading desk. The trading desk's phone lines are open from 22:15 on Sunday until 22:15 on Friday, UK time. Clients can direct their trading-related questions to the trading desk via phone or email.

BUX Markets is headquartered in London, specifically at the following address: BUX Financial Services Limited, 3rd Floor, Canvas, 35 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4LH, United Kingdom. Clients can contact the company's London office through the provided phone number or email address for any support needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BUX Markets is a registered company, BUX Financial Services Limited, operating in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). With over 20 years of experience, BUX Markets offers a variety of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which offers advanced charting and one-click trading capabilities. BUX Markets offers two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. They also provide a demo account for practice trading and offer customer support through phone and email during business hours. However, it should be noted that BUX Markets does not have a trading software available, and their spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants.

Educational Resources

Webinars, trading manuals, a dictionary of words, frequently asked questions, and instructional videos are all available. It's awesome that you can get them at no cost from the site. This is great since it makes learning about internet trading accessible to complete novices. To put it another way, they want you to make well-informed trading decisions, and this is evidence of that. The benefits of the broker's products and how they can help you can be researched as well. CM Trading has an extensive library of learning resources available if you feel you need some additional guidance.

FAQs

Q: Is BUX Markets a legitimate company？

A: Yes, BUX Markets is a legitimate company registered in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Q: What trading platforms does BUX Markets offer？

A: BUX Markets offers a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®”

Q: What are the available account types at BUX Markets？

A: BUX Markets offers retail and professional accounts to cater to different types of traders.

Q: What payment methods can I use for deposits and withdrawals？

A: BUX Markets accepts credit/debit cards and bank wire transfers for deposits and withdrawals.

Q: What educational resources are available at BUX Markets？

A: BUX Markets provides webinars, guides, videos, and other educational resources to support clients' trading knowledge.

Q: How can I contact customer support at BUX Markets？

A: You can reach BUX Markets' customer support team through phone and email during business hours. The trading desk is available for trade-related inquiries.

Q: What markets and instruments can I trade with BUX Markets？

A: BUX Markets offers a wide range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with BUX Markets？

A: The minimum deposit requirement is $100.

Q: Does BUX Markets offer demo accounts？

A: Yes, BUX Markets provides demo accounts for practice trading.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by BUX Markets？

A: The maximum leverage is set at 1:30 for most instruments.