HFM Information

HFM, founded in 2010, HFM is a multiregulated online trading 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.

It regulated by multiple regulators, and offers more than 500 trading instruments. In addition, it sets up 4 types of accounts for traders with different trading needs and experience, all of which can use the 3 trading platforms it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• HFM is a well-regulated company by various reputable authorities, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, and FSA (Offshore), providing a high level of security to traders' funds and personal information.
• The company offers 500+ CFDs on Forex, Commodities, Metals, Bonds, Energies, ETFs, Indices, Cryptos, and Stocks.
• 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 Trading App, 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:

• HFM does not provide services to residents of the USA, Canada, Sudan, Syria, Iran, and North Korea.
• Customer support is only available from 00:00 Monday to 23:59 Friday (Server Time).

Is HFM Legit?

Yes. HFM is regulated by multiple regulatory authorities, including FCA in UK, DFSA in UAE, and FSA in Seychelles.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Current Status	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	FCA	Regulated	HF Markets (UK) Limited	Straight Through Processing (STP)	801701
	DFSA	Regulated	HF Markets (DIFC) Limited	Retail Forex License	F004885
	FSA	Offshore Regulated	HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd	Retail Forex License	SD015

• 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

HFM 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, HFM implements robust risk management strategies to further safeguard their clients' assets.

Market Instruments

HFM offers a diverse range of 500+ CFDs on 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.

Account Types

HFM indeed offers a range of accounts to suit various trading styles and levels. They provide the option of Cent, Zero, Pro, and Premium accounts, catering to both novice and experienced traders.

The Pro account requires an initial deposit of $/€100 to get started. Interestingly, HFM does not impose a minimum deposit requirement for the Cent, Zero, and Premium accounts.

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 Cent, Zero, Pro and Premium 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.

Trading Platforms

HFM offers multiple trading platforms including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as their proprietary HFM Trading 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.

Deposits & Withdrawals

HFM indeed provides a variety of options to make deposit and withdrawal processes simple and flexible for its customers. They accept UnionPay (only withdrawal), Wire Transfer, MasterCard, Visa, Crypto, Fasapay, Neteller, Skrill.

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. They also ensure cost-effectiveness by not charging for most deposits and withdrawals.

More details can be found in the below screenshots:

Education Resources

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.

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.

In addition, HFM offers How To Videos for traders to learn about using HFM App, MT4 and MT5 platforms.

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.

Note: Oval X (ETX)s services have now been discontinued.

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 Oval X？

ETX have completed a re-branding exercise and it is called “Oval X”. Oval X is a trading brand of Monecor (London) Limited, company registration number 00851820. As a member firm of the London Stock Exchange, Monecor (London) Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Registration Number. 124721), however, it is a suspicious clone.

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

Oval X Alternative Brokers

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

• Z.com Trade - a reputable online broker with a user-friendly platform and competitive trading conditions, making it a good choice for traders of all experience levels.

• AETOS - a trusted broker known for its strong regulatory compliance, extensive product offerings, and comprehensive trading tools, making it a reliable option for traders looking for a diverse range of investment opportunities.

• Hirose Financial - offers a reliable trading environment, competitive spreads, and a wide range of trading instruments, making it a recommended choice for traders seeking a trusted broker with a solid track record.

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

Is Oval X Safe or Scam？

Based on the information available, Oval X is an unregulated broker with a suspicious Financial Conduct Authority (FCA, License No. 124721) license. Furthermore, there are reports of withdrawal issues and scams associated with the company. These factors raise significant concerns about the safety and legitimacy of Oval X as a trading platform.

Traders are advised to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging with unregulated brokers, as the risks of financial loss and fraudulent activities are higher in such cases. It is recommended to choose regulated brokers that adhere to industry standards and provide a higher level of investor protection.

Market Instruments

Oval X offers investors a diverse range of tradeable financial instruments across various markets. Traders can access a wide selection of currency pairs in the Forex market, allowing them to participate in global currency trading. Additionally, Oval X provides access to popular stock indices, enabling traders to speculate on the performance of major equity markets.

The platform also offers a range of individual stocks, giving investors the opportunity to trade shares of well-known companies. Furthermore, Oval X provides access to Contracts for Difference (CFDs), allowing traders to speculate on the price movements of various underlying assets such as commodities and more. With this comprehensive offering of market instruments, Oval X aims to cater to the diverse trading preferences of its clients.

Accounts

Oval X provides two distinct account types that align with the trading platforms it offers. The first account type is the Trader Pro account, which is designed to cater to the needs of traders using Oval X's proprietary trading platform. The second account type is the MT4 account, specifically tailored for traders who prefer the popular MetaTrader4 platform.

One notable advantage of Oval X's account offerings is the relatively low minimum initial deposit requirement of $100. This lower entry barrier makes Oval X an attractive choice for new beginners in the trading industry who may have limited initial capital.

Leverage

Oval X offers traders different leverage options depending on the financial instruments they choose to trade. For currency pairs, Oval X provides leverage of up to 1:200, allowing traders to amplify their trading positions in the foreign exchange market. When it comes to indices, the leverage offered is 1:20, providing traders with increased exposure to a basket of stocks representing a specific market. For individual stocks, Oval X offers leverage of 1:5, enabling traders to potentially magnify their gains or losses based on their trading decisions.

In the case of precious metals like gold, Oval X provides leverage of 1:20, allowing traders to capitalize on price movements in this popular commodity. For silver, copper, and platinum, Oval X offers leverage of 1:10, giving traders the opportunity to participate in the market with enhanced trading power. It's important to note that while leverage can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk of losses, and traders should exercise caution and proper risk management strategies when utilizing leverage in their trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions

Oval X offers competitive spreads on a range of financial instruments. For popular currency pairs such as EUR/USD, the minimum spread is as low as 0.6 pips and the average spread is 0.81 pips, allowing traders to access tight pricing and potentially reduce trading costs. Similarly, for other currency pairs like EUR/JPY, the minimum spread is 0.9 pips, providing traders with favorable pricing conditions. When it comes to indices, Oval X offers spreads of 1 pip for both UK and Wall Street indices, enabling traders to participate in the movements of these key markets with competitive pricing.

For precious metals like gold, the minimum spread is as low as 0.4 pips, offering traders favorable conditions for trading this popular commodity. The spread for silver is even narrower at 0.03 pips, providing traders with tight pricing on this metal. For commodities such as crude oil and natural gas, Oval X offers spreads of 0.03 and 0.02 pips respectively, giving traders access to these markets with low trading costs.

In terms of commissions, Oval X charges 0.1% per deal for UK and European stock trades, 2 cents per share for US major and minor stock trades, and 0.2% per deal for Australian stock trades. These commission rates are competitive and transparent, allowing traders to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with their trades.

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

Note: The information presented in this table may be subject to change and it is always recommended to check with the broker's official website for the latest information on spreads and commissions.

Please note that spreads and commissions may vary based on market conditions and account type. It's always recommended to check with the respective broker for the most up-to-date information.

Trading Platforms

Oval X offers traders a choice between two robust and versatile trading platforms: MetaTrader4 and Oval X Trader Pro. The MetaTrader4 platform is widely recognized and highly regarded in the industry, known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting capabilities, and a wide range of technical indicators. Traders can access the MetaTrader4 platform on their computers, smartphones, or tablets, providing flexibility and convenience in managing their trades.

On the other hand, Oval X Trader Pro is the broker's own developed trading platform, offering similar features and functionality to MetaTrader4. Traders using Oval X Trader Pro can also enjoy multiple chart types, a comprehensive suite of technical indicators, and customizable tools to suit their trading preferences.

Whether traders prefer the familiarity of MetaTrader4 or the tailored experience of Oval X Trader Pro, both platforms offer a seamless trading experience across different devices, allowing traders to access the markets and execute trades with ease and efficiency.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Deposits & Withdrawals

Oval X provides its clients with a variety of convenient and secure deposit methods. Traders can fund their accounts using bank wire transfers, internet wire transfers, VISA/MasterCard/Maestro, UnionPay, e-wallets including Skrill and NETELLER, with no commissions charged for these transactions. This flexibility allows traders to choose the payment method that suits them best.

Oval X minimum deposit vs other brokers

When it comes to withdrawals, Oval X Capital offers its clients the benefit of 5 free withdrawals per calendar month for amounts over $100, ensuring that traders can access their funds without incurring additional costs. However, it is important to note that Oval X Capital incurs fees from the bank for processing withdrawal requests. As a result, if a client exceeds the 5 monthly free withdrawals, a fee of $25 per withdrawal will be charged. This fee applies to withdrawals made after the fifth withdrawal in a calendar month and ensures the sustainability of the withdrawal process while maintaining the convenience and affordability of withdrawals for most traders.

See the deposit/withdrawal fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

If potential clients or existing clients encounter some problems during their trading process, they can reach out to this Oval X through the following contact channels:

• Service Time: Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 9 am - UK time

• Telephone: +44 (0)207 392 1434, +44 (0)207 392 1400

• Email: customer.service@ovalx.com

Or you can also follow this broker on some social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Telegram.

Overall, Oval X'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 Oval X's customer service.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some reports of unable to withdraw and scams. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information and consider the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform. 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.

Education

Oval X places great emphasis on providing valuable educational resources to its clients. Through regular publication of webinars, blogs, news, and analysis, Oval X aims to empower traders with knowledge and insights to enhance their understanding of the market and refine their investment strategies. These educational materials cover a wide range of topics, including market trends, trading techniques, risk management, and fundamental and technical analysis.

Conclusion

Based on the available information, it is important to approach Oval X with caution. The lack of regulation and reports of withdrawal issues raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the platform. Traders are advised to thoroughly assess the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform and consider alternative options that offer stronger regulatory oversight. It is crucial to prioritize the security of funds and ensure transparency when choosing a trading platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)