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.

Overview of CPT Markets

CPT Markets is a global financial brokerage firm that offers a variety of financial instruments for trading. Founded in 2016, the broker is headquartered in London, UK, and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC). CPT Markets provides its clients with access to a range of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, as well as a variety of educational resources and trading tools. The broker also offers competitive spreads and leverage, with the ability to trade on a range of asset classes, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. However, CPT Markets does not offer its services to residents of the United States, Canada, and some other jurisdictions.

Is CPT Markets legit or a scam？

CPT Markets is a legit broker and it has two entities regulated in their own jurisdictions:

CPT Markets is the trading name used by CPT Markets Limited, registered in Belize, regulated by the Belize International Financial Services Commission, license number: No. IFSC000314/351.

CPT Markets UK is the trading name used by CPT Markets UK Limited. The company's registered office is located in Wales, England, with registration number 6707165, authorized and managed by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), number 606110. CPT Markets UK Limited is an associated company of CPT Markets Limited.

Pros & Cons

When evaluating a potential broker to trade with, it's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages. This can help you make an informed decision on whether a broker like CPT Markets is suitable for your trading needs. In this section, we will provide an overview of the pros and cons of trading with CPT Markets, including aspects such as trading conditions, account types, customer support, and more. By the end of this section, you should have a better understanding of what CPT Markets has to offer and whether it aligns with your trading goals and preferences.

Market Instruments

CPT Markets offers a range of financial instruments across different markets, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The broker's asset selection is designed to provide traders with diversified trading opportunities and a chance to profit from market volatility. With over 60 currency pairs, major indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, popular commodities like gold, silver, and crude oil, as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, CPT Markets has a range of assets to suit different trading styles and strategies. In this way, traders have access to a broad range of markets to trade, making it easier to find potential opportunities in various markets.

Account Types

CPT Markets (Belize) offers three types of trading accounts: Standard, Platinum, and ECN. Each account comes with a minimum deposit requirement of $500.

The Standard account is designed for beginner traders who want to start trading with a small investment. This account offers fixed spreads and allows trading in all available instruments. It also comes with the option to use a swap-free account for those who want to trade according to Shariah law.

The Platinum account is aimed at more experienced traders who require access to a wider range of trading tools and services. This account offers variable spreads and allows trading in all available instruments. It also comes with a personal account manager, free VPS hosting, and priority withdrawal processing.

The ECN account is designed for advanced traders who require faster execution speeds and the ability to trade with no dealing desk intervention. This account offers raw spreads, which means that traders can access the tightest spreads available in the market. It also allows trading in all available instruments and comes with the option to use a swap-free account for those who want to trade according to Shariah law. Additionally, the ECN account offers free VPS hosting and priority withdrawal processing.

Demo Accounts

CPT Markets offers demo accounts to its clients, which can be used to practice trading without risking real money. The validity period of the CPT Markets demo account is 30 days, after which the account will expire. It's not possible to extend the demo account's validity period, but clients can open a new demo account once the previous one expires. Each client is allowed to have multiple demo accounts to test different trading strategies or to use them for educational purposes.

How to open an account with CPT Markets？

1. To initiate the account opening process with CPT Markets, interested individuals may visit the broker's official website and click on the “Open Account” button.

1. This will redirect them to the account registration page where they will be required to fill out the necessary personal and contact information, as well as financial details and other relevant documents.

1. After completing the online registration form, the account will then be subject to review and approval by CPT Markets. Once the account has been verified and activated, clients may then proceed to fund their trading account with the required minimum deposit and start trading various financial instruments offered by the broker.

Leverage

CPT Markets (Belize) offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:1000, which is considered to be high. However, it's worth noting that the actual leverage offered to traders may vary depending on their account equity.

For example, traders with a lower account balance may have a lower leverage ratio, while those with a higher account balance may be able to access higher leverage ratios. This is because higher leverage ratios can increase the risk of losses, and brokers must take steps to ensure that traders have enough margin to cover potential losses.

You can request a change to the leverage of your trading account by logging into the CPT Markets Client Portal, clicking on “Accounts” section, selecting the relevant account number, and clicking on the “double arrow - leverage change” icon, selecting the suitable leverage from the options.

While CPT Markets (UK) offers trading leverage up to 1:30 in accordance with the regulations set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). One of the regulations set by the FCA is the maximum allowable leverage that can be offered to retail clients, which is currently set at 1:30 for forex trading. This is intended to protect retail clients from incurring large losses due to excessive leverage.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

CPT Markets offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can widen or narrow based on market conditions. The broker also charges commissions on some of its account types.

The spreads on CPT Markets' forex pairs start from 0.0 pips, with an average spread of 0.2 pips on the EUR/USD pair. The broker also offers competitive spreads on other major currency pairs, such as GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD.

For indices, the spread on the UK 100 index starts from 0.8 points, while the spread on the US 500 index starts from 0.5 points. For commodities, the spread on gold starts from 0.3 pips, while the spread on silver starts from 0.02 pips.

In terms of commissions, CPT Markets charges $4 per lot for its ECN account, while the Standard and Platinum accounts have no commission charges.

Below is a table comparing the spreads of CPT Markets on EUR/USD, Crude Oil, and Gold with those of FP Markets and AvaTrade:

Non-Trading Fees

In addition to trading costs, CPT Markets also charges non-trading fees that clients should be aware of. These fees include fees for deposits, withdrawals, account inactivity, and other administrative fees that may apply.

CPT Markets does not charge fees for deposits and withdrawals, and clients can make unlimited free-of-charge withdrawals per month. However, it should be noted that some payment providers may charge their own fees for transactions, which is beyond the control of the broker.

Inactivity fees may be charged to clients who have not made any trades or account activity for a period of 90 days or more. The fee for this inactivity is $50 per month, which will be deducted from the client's account balance. However, if there is no available balance in the account, no fee will be charged.

Other administrative fees that may apply include fees for account closure, wire transfers, and chargebacks. These fees vary depending on the specific circumstances and are listed in the broker's terms and conditions

Besides, CPT Markets also charge swap fees. Swap fees are charges incurred for holding a position overnight, also known as an overnight financing fee. The amount of the swap fee depends on the instrument being traded and the direction of the position (long or short).

Trading Platform

CPT Markets gives its clients access to two excellent choices of trading platforms, the advanced MT4 and MT5. CPT Markets offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, which is available for download on desktop and mobile devices. MT4 is a well-established platform in the industry, offering advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and the ability to execute trades directly from the platform. Additionally, CPT Markets also provides a web-based platform, which can be accessed through a web browser without the need for any downloads. The web platform offers similar features to the desktop platform, including charting tools and order execution.

Besides, CPT Markets also offers the MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platform to its clients. With MT5, traders can access a range of order types, including market orders, limit orders, stop orders, and trailing stops. The platform also supports hedging, allowing traders to open multiple positions in the same market in different directions. In addition to the desktop version, CPT Markets also offers a mobile version of the MT5 platform, allowing traders to access the markets from anywhere with an internet connection. The mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers many of the same features as the desktop version.

Deposit & Withdrawal

CPT Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, and online payment systems. The broker does not charge any fees for deposits, but third-party fees may apply depending on the payment method used. Withdrawals are generally processed within one business day, but it may take up to five business days for funds to appear in the client's account, depending on the withdrawal method.

Clients can make deposits and withdrawals in multiple currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and CAD. However, it's worth noting that there may be some currency conversion fees charged by the payment provider. In terms of minimum deposit requirements, CPT Markets requires a minimum deposit of $500 for all account types, which is higher than the industry standard.

Minimum Deposit

CPT Markets has set the minimum deposit amount at $500, which is relatively higher than the industry average. This may be a consideration for some traders who are just starting out or have limited funds available for trading.

Below is a table comparing the minimum deposit requirements of CPT Markets, IC Markets, and FP Markets:

Customer Support

CPT Markets offers customer support to clients via various channels. Clients can reach out to the broker's customer service team through phone, email, live chat, and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. The broker also provides a comprehensive FAQ section on its website that covers a wide range of topics related to trading and account management.

CPT Markets' customer service team is available 24/5 to assist clients with any questions or issues they may have. The broker has a multilingual support team that can assist clients in different languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.

Educational Resources

CPT Markets offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge of the financial markets. These resources include:

• Webinars: CPT Markets offers regular webinars covering a range of topics, from trading strategies and market analysis to risk management and trading psychology.

• Video Tutorials: CPT Markets provides a range of video tutorials covering different aspects of trading, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and trading psychology.

• eBooks: CPT Markets offers a range of eBooks covering various topics related to trading, including forex trading, stock trading, and commodity trading.

• Economic Calendar: CPT Markets provides an economic calendar that displays upcoming economic events and their potential impact on the financial markets.

• Market Analysis: CPT Markets provides daily market analysis, including technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and market news.

• Trading Tools: CPT Markets offers a range of trading tools, including trading calculators, economic indicators, and a margin calculator.

Conclusion

CPT Markets is a regulated broker that offers a range of trading instruments on multiple trading platforms. The broker's competitive spreads and flexible leverage options make it an attractive option for traders. Additionally, CPT Markets provides a wide range of educational resources, including webinars, trading courses, and market analysis, to help traders improve their skills and make informed trading decisions.

However, CPT Markets does have some drawbacks. The minimum deposit requirement of $500 is higher than industry standards, and the broker charges higher than average non-trading fees. Customer support options are limited, with no phone support available. Finally, while the broker offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, some users have reported slow processing times for withdrawals.

Overall, CPT Markets may be a suitable choice for experienced traders who value competitive pricing and a variety of educational resources. However, potential users should weigh the pros and cons carefully and conduct their own research before opening an account with the broker.

FAQs

• Q: Is CPT Markets regulated？

  A: Yes, CPT Markets is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize.

• Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement for CPT Markets？

  A: The minimum deposit requirement for CPT Markets is $500.

• Q: What trading platforms are available with CPT Markets？

  A: CPT Markets offers the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) trading platforms, as well as the CPT Markets Mobile App.

• Q: Does CPT Markets offer a demo account？

  A: Yes, CPT Markets offers a demo account that is valid for 90 days. Multiple demo accounts can be opened.

• Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by CPT Markets？

  A: CPT Markets offers leverage up to 1:1000, but the actual leverage offered varies depending on the account equity.