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.

What is FirewoodFX？

FirewoodFX, established in 2014 and headquartered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, operates as an unregulated entity in the financial markets. FirewoodFX offers a wide array of market instruments. The platform extends the option for users to familiarize themselves with its services through a demo account.

If you are interested, we invite you to continue reading the upcoming article where we will thoroughly assess the broker from various angles and present you with well-organized and succinct information. By the end of the article, we will provide a concise summary to give you a comprehensive overview of the broker's key characteristics.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

- Demo Account Availability: FirewoodFX provides a demo account option, enabling traders to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platforms features without risking real funds.

- MT4 Trading Platform: Trading occurs through the widely acclaimed MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, known for its stability, versatility, and extensive range of trading tools, providing traders with a seamless trading experience.

- Multiple Account Options: FirewoodFX caters to traders of different experience levels by offering various types of trading accounts, each tailored to meet specific preferences and objectives.

- Zero commission for most accounts: Traders can enjoy cost-effective trading with no commissions on most accounts, reducing expenses and enhancing overall profitability.

- Convenient Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: The platform offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, credit cards, and e-payment systems, providing clients with flexibility and convenience in managing their funds.

Cons:

- Lack of Regulation: One of the most significant drawbacks of FirewoodFX is its unregulated status, which exposes traders to increased risks due to the absence of oversight from governmental or financial authorities.

- Regional Restrictions: FirewoodFX does not accept clients from the United States of America, North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These restrictions will stem from regulatory compliance issues or other factors specific to those regions.

Is FirewoodFX Safe or Scam？

FirewoodFX's current lack of valid regulation signifies a concerning absence of oversight from governmental or financial authorities, heightening the inherent risks associated with investing through their platform. Without regulatory supervision, there exists a substantial potential for malfeasance, where the operators of the platform hold no accountability for their actions.

This absence of oversight leaves investors vulnerable to various forms of misconduct, including misappropriation of funds and fraudulent practices. Essentially, the absence of regulation exposes investors to significant risks, as there are no safeguards in place to protect their investments.

Moreover, the lack of regulatory oversight means that FirewoodFX's operators have the autonomy to dissolve the platform abruptly, leaving investors with no recourse or means of recovering their investments.

Therefore, engaging with FirewoodFX carries inherent risks that every investor should be cognizant of before committing any funds to the platform.

Market Instruments

FirewoodFX offers forex, gold, crypto, oil and more.

- Forex (Foreign Exchange): This includes major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic currency pairs such as EUR/GBP, USD/TRY, and many others.

- Gold (XAU/USD): Trading in gold allows investors to speculate on the price movements of this precious metal against the US dollar.

- Crypto: FirewoodFX likely offers trading in various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and others. Investors can trade cryptocurrency pairs against major fiat currencies like USD or EUR.

- Oil (Crude Oil): This typically involves trading contracts for difference (CFDs) on the price of crude oil, allowing traders to speculate on its price movements without owning the physical commodity.

Account Types

FirewoodFX offers various types of trading accounts tailored to meet the needs of different types of traders.

- Cent Account: This account is suitable for beginners or those who want to trade with smaller amounts of capital. With a minimum deposit of USD 10 (or equivalent in USC), traders can start trading with micro-lot sizes, allowing for precise risk management and lower exposure to the market.

- Micro Account: Similar to the Cent Account, the Micro Account is designed for traders who prefer smaller trade sizes. It also requires a minimum deposit of USD 10 and offers micro-lot trading, but the base currency is USD instead of USC.

- Standard Account: The Standard Account is suitable for intermediate traders who are comfortable with standard lot sizes and require more flexibility in their trading. It requires a minimum deposit of USD 10 and offers standard lot trading.

- Premium Account: The Premium Account is designed for more experienced traders who may require additional features or benefits. It also requires a minimum deposit of USD 10 and offers standard lot trading like the Standard Account.

- ECN Account: The ECN (Electronic Communication Network) Account is tailored for advanced traders who require direct access to liquidity providers and prefer tighter spreads and faster execution. It requires a higher minimum deposit of USD 200 but offers the same standard lot trading as the Premium Account.

Furthermore, FirewoodFX offers demo accounts for traders who want to practice trading strategies and familiarize themselves with the platform's features without risking real funds. Demo accounts replicate real market conditions, providing a risk-free environment for learning and honing trading skills.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with FirewoodFX, please follow these steps:

Leverage

FirewoodFX offers a maximum leverage of 1:1000, which means traders can control positions up to 1000 times the amount of their initial investment. Leverage allows traders to amplify their potential returns by using borrowed capital, enabling them to enter larger positions with a relatively smaller amount of capital. This can be advantageous for traders looking to maximize their profit potential with limited funds. However, it's important to note that leverage magnifies both profits and losses, making it a double-edged sword.

Spreads & Commissions

FirewoodFX offers competitive spreads across its range of account types. The spreads are variable and start from as low as 1 pip for certain account types. Variable spreads mean they fluctuate according to market conditions, providing traders with the opportunity to benefit from tighter spreads during times of high market liquidity. Additionally, FirewoodFX doesn't charge any commissions for standard trading accounts, making it attractive for traders who prefer not to pay additional fees per trade.

However, for the Micro account, FirewoodFX imposes a commission of $7 per lot traded. While this commission might seem nominal, it's essential for traders to factor it into their overall trading costs, especially if they engage in high-volume trading. The commission structure ensures that traders using the Micro account are aware of the costs associated with their trades upfront, allowing for better transparency and informed decision-making.

Trading Platforms

FirewoodFX provides its clients with the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform, renowned for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. With MT4, FirewoodFX users gain access to a powerful trading environment equipped with advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and analytical resources, empowering traders to make informed decisions.

The platform offers a seamless trading experience across various devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets, allowing traders to access their accounts and execute trades anytime, anywhere. MT4's compatibility with different operating systems ensures flexibility for traders who prefer trading on their preferred devices.

Trading Tools

FirewoodFX's margin calculator is a practical trading tool designed to help traders accurately assess their margin requirements and pip values for different currency pairs.

By inputting key parameters such as the currency pair, leverage ratio, and trade size, the calculator swiftly computes the required margin in USD for each pair. This feature is invaluable for traders as it enables them to manage their risk effectively by ensuring they have adequate funds to cover their positions. Additionally, the calculator provides insight into the USD value per pip movement for each pair, aiding traders in understanding the potential profit or loss implications of their trades.

Deposits & Withdrawals

FirewoodFX offers a variety of convenient deposit and withdrawal methods to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. Clients can fund their accounts via bank transfer, QRIS, internet banking, virtual accounts (e-wallets), BIDR BEP20, BUSD BEP20, USD Tether TRC20/BEP20, credit card, Perfect Money, and Fasapay.

For Deposits:

For deposits, clients can choose from options such as bank transfer, QRIS, internet banking, virtual accounts, and various cryptocurrencies like BIDR BEP20, BUSD BEP20, and USD Tether TRC20/BEP20. For different ways, minimum amount and fees vary. For example, through Internet Banking, $10 of minimum amount is required. More details can be learned by clicking: https://www.firewoodfx.com/trading/deposit.

For Withdrawals:

Withdrawals from FirewoodFX accounts are also straightforward, with options including bank transfer, internet banking, and cryptocurrency withdrawals like BIDR BEP20, BUSD BEP20, and USD Tether TRC20/BEP20. Withdrawals are typically processed within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the chosen method. Similarly, for different ways, minimum amount and fees vary. For example, through Internet Banking, IDR 50,000 of minimum amount is required. More details can be learned by clicking: https://www.firewoodfx.com/trading/deposit.

Education

FirewoodFX provides a comprehensive Forex Glossary covering everything traders need to know about Forex terms. Their educational resources offer clear and concise explanations of key concepts, ensuring traders have a solid understanding of the terminology used in the forex market to navigate the complexities of forex trading confidently, ultimately enhancing their trading skills and success.

Customer Service

Customers can visit their office or get in touch with customer service line using the information provided below:

Telephone: +442036083558

Email: support@firewoodfx.com

Address: Suite 305, Griffith Corporate Centre, Beachmont. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FirewoodFX offers online messaging as part of their trading platform. This allows traders to communicate with customer support or other traders directly through the platform. Online messaging can be a convenient way to get real-time assistance or to engage in discussions with fellow traders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FirewoodFX offers a range of products and services, catering to traders seeking diversification in their investment portfolios. However, it operates without regulatory oversight, which poses inherent risks for traders. While the platform provides competitive leverage and a user-friendly MT4 trading platform, the absence of regulation raises concerns about the safety and reliability of the service.

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.