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.

Risk Warning

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

General Information

What is Easy Forex？

Easy Forex, now known as easyMarkets, is an online forex and CFD broker that provides trading services to individual and institutional traders. It was established in 2001 and is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC). Easy Forex offers a variety of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, metals, indices, options, cryptocurrencies, and shares, and provides access to multiple trading platforms such as easyMarkets platform (web/app), TradingView, MT4, and MT5. The broker aims to provide a user-friendly trading experience and offers various features like risk management tools and educational resources.

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.

3. Pros & Cons

Easy Forex offers a regulated and trustworthy trading environment, providing a wide range of trading instruments and user-friendly platforms. The inclusion of risk management tools and educational resources further enhances the trading experience.

However, there have been reports of scams and negative user experiences that should be taken into consideration. Traders should weigh these pros and cons carefully and conduct thorough research before deciding to trade with Easy Forex.

Easy Forex Alternative Brokers

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

• OctaFX - a reputable broker with competitive trading conditions and a wide range of trading instruments, making it a good choice for traders looking for diverse trading opportunities.

• Darwinex - stands out with its innovative concept of “trading talent” and offers a unique platform for both traders and investors to benefit from each other's success.

• Hantec Markets - a reliable broker with a strong reputation and a comprehensive range of trading platforms, making it suitable for traders of all levels seeking a trustworthy trading environment.

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

Is Easy Forex Safe or Scam？

Easy Forex, being regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) and holding a valid license (No. 079/07), operates under the supervision and guidelines set by a reputable regulatory authority. The provision of Free Guaranteed Stop Loss and Negative Balance Protection further emphasizes their commitment to client protection. However, it is essential to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when engaging with any financial service provider, as risks are inherent in trading activities.

Market Instruments

Easy Forex provides a diverse range of market instruments, catering to the trading preferences of its clients. Traders can access the global Forex market, allowing them to trade major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. Additionally, Easy Forex offers commodities, such as gold, silver, crude oil, and natural gas, enabling investors to participate in the movements of these essential resources.

The platform also provides access to various global indices, allowing traders to speculate on the performance of leading stock market indices worldwide. Moreover, Easy Forex offers options, cryptocurrencies, and shares, further expanding the trading opportunities available to its clients. With such a broad selection of market instruments, traders can diversify their portfolios and take advantage of various market opportunities.

Accounts

Easy Forex offers a range of account types to suit the trading needs and preferences of different traders. On the easyMarkets Web/App and TradingView platforms, traders can choose between Standard, Premium, and VIP accounts. These accounts provide varying features and benefits, with the minimum deposit requirement starting at $25 for the Standard account.

For those who prefer the MT4 platform, Easy Forex also offers Standard, Premium, and VIP accounts, with the same minimum deposit requirements as the easyMarkets Web/App and TradingView accounts. Additionally, there is a single account type available on the MT5 platform.

The availability of different account types allows traders to select the account that best aligns with their trading goals, risk tolerance, and investment capital. Furthermore, Easy Forex provides demo accounts, allowing traders to practice and familiarize themselves with the platform's features before trading with real funds.

Leverage

Easy Forex provides competitive leverage options to its traders across different trading platforms. On the easyMarkets Web/App and TradingView platforms, traders can access leverage up to 1:200. This means that for every $1 of capital, traders can trade with $200 in the market. For traders who prefer the MT4 platform, Easy Forex offers leverage up to 1:400, allowing for even greater exposure to the markets. On the MT5 platform, traders can enjoy leverage up to 1:500, offering enhanced trading opportunities.

It's important to note that while leverage can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk of losses. Therefore, traders should exercise caution and employ risk management strategies when utilizing leverage in their trading activities. Easy Forex's range of leverage options caters to different trading styles and risk preferences, allowing traders to make informed decisions based on their individual trading strategies.

Spreads & Commissions

Easy Forex offers competitive spreads across its trading platforms, ensuring cost-effective trading for its clients. When trading the popular EUR/USD currency pair, the spread varies depending on the platform chosen. On the easyMarkets Web/App and TradingView platform, the spread is fixed from 0.8 pips, providing traders with transparency and consistency in their trading costs. For those using the MT4 platform, the spread is fixed from 0.7 pips, offering competitive pricing for this major currency pair. On the MT5 platform, the spread is variable from 0.5 pips, allowing traders to potentially benefit from tighter spreads during times of increased market liquidity.

It's worth noting that Easy Forex does not charge any commissions on trades, ensuring that traders can focus on their trading strategies without incurring additional costs. By providing competitive spreads and commission-free trading, Easy Forex aims to offer a cost-effective trading environment to its clients.

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

Please note that these figures are indicative and may vary depending on market conditions and account types. It's always recommended to check with the respective brokers for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding spreads and commissions.

Trading Platforms

Easy Forex provides its clients with a diverse range of trading platforms, catering to different preferences and trading styles. The easyMarkets platform, available on both web and mobile applications, offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of trading tools. It provides access to a variety of financial instruments and features advanced risk management tools like free guaranteed stop loss and take profit.

TradingView, a popular charting and analysis platform, is also supported by Easy Forex, allowing traders to analyze markets, access advanced technical indicators, and execute trades directly from the platform. For those who prefer the widely used MetaTrader platforms, Easy Forex offers both MT4 and MT5.

These platforms provide comprehensive charting capabilities, customizable indicators, and automated trading options. With a selection of trading platforms, Easy Forex aims to cater to the diverse needs of traders and provide them with a seamless and feature-rich trading experience.

Overall, Easy Forex's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

Easy Forex offers a comprehensive suite of trading tools designed to enhance the trading experience and help traders make informed decisions. The dealCancellation feature allows traders to cancel losing trades within a specific time frame, providing an extra layer of protection against potential losses. The Freeze Rate tool enables traders to freeze the quoted rate for a few seconds, giving them time to analyze the market before executing a trade.

Negative Balance Protection ensures that traders cannot lose more than their initial investment, safeguarding them from excessive losses. The platform also provides a range of order types, including pending orders, which allow traders to set specific entry and exit levels for their trades. Additionally, Easy Forex offers free guaranteed stop loss and take profit levels, providing traders with added control over their risk management.

Traders can also stay informed about market developments through various tools, including notifications, live currency rates, an inside viewer to see the sentiment of other traders, trading charts, a financial calendar, and market news updates.

Furthermore, Easy Forex provides a demo account, allowing traders to practice their strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform without risking real money. With a wide array of trading tools, Easy Forex aims to empower traders with the necessary resources to make well-informed trading decisions.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Easy Forex provides a wide range of convenient and secure payment methods for both deposits and withdrawals. Clients can fund their accounts using credit/debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro, as well as popular e-wallets including Neteller, Skrill, Fasapay (available for Indonesia), Local Deposit (available for Egypt), Sticpay, WebMoney, bitwallet, and Perfect Money.

Account currencies:

Euro (EUR), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Czech Koruna (CZK), Japanese Yen (JPY), New Zealand Dollar (NZD), U.S. Dollar (USD), Singapore Dollar (SGD), Swiss Franc (CHF), British Pound (GBP), Mexican Peso (MXN), Australian Dollar (AUD), Polish Zloty (PLN), Turkish Lira (TRY), Chinese Yuan (CNY), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Norwegian Krone (NOK), Swedish Krona (SEK), South African Rand (ZAR), Bitcoin (BTC)

Easy Forex minimum deposit vs other brokers

The broker does not charge any fees for deposits, and most deposits are processed instantly, allowing traders to start trading without delays.

For withdrawals, there is no minimum withdrawal amount for credit/debit cards and eWallets, while a minimum of $50 is required for bank account withdrawals. Easy Forex aims to process all withdrawal requests within 2 business days (48 hours). However, the actual time it takes for the funds to reach the client's bank account may vary depending on the final destination and the processing times of the recipient's bank, typically ranging from 3 to 10 business days.

See the deposit/withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

Easy Forex prioritizes excellent customer service and provides multiple channels for clients to reach out for support. The broker offers live chat, WhatsApp, and the option to request a callback, ensuring prompt and direct communication with their customer service representatives. Clients can also send messages online or reach out via email for assistance with their inquiries.

The broker's website includes a comprehensive FAQ section, which addresses common queries and provides helpful information. Easy Forex maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Weibo, allowing clients to stay updated on news, educational content, and market insights. The company address is openly provided, demonstrating transparency and accessibility.

With their commitment to responsive customer service, Easy Forex aims to provide a seamless and supportive trading experience for their clients.

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

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. Our website provides a platform where users can access valuable information and resources to make informed decisions. We have a dedicated Exposure section where users can report fraudulent brokers or share their experiences if they have fallen victim to scams.

Our team of experts is committed to promptly addressing such concerns and taking necessary actions to resolve any issues. We prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our users, and we strive to maintain a trustworthy and transparent trading environment.

Education

A series of educational resources is available at the research section of Easy Forex, such as a comprehensive Trading Course, Free eBooks, and a Knowledge Base. These resources aim to empower traders with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed trading decisions.

Additionally, the Trading Glossary helps traders familiarize themselves with industry-specific terms, while the Economic Indicators provide insights into key economic events that can impact the financial markets. The FAQs section addresses common queries and concerns, ensuring that traders have access to relevant information at their fingertips. With its robust educational offerings, Easy Forex strives to equip traders with the tools they need to enhance their trading skills and stay informed in the dynamic world of financial markets.

Conclusion

Collectively, Easy Forex is a regulated broker that offers a variety of trading instruments, user-friendly platforms, and valuable trading tools. The broker's commitment to risk management and customer protection is evident through features like guaranteed stop loss and negative balance protection. However, there have been reports of scams associated with Easy Forex. Traders should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before choosing to trade with Easy Forex.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)