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.

What is GMI？

GMI (Global Market Index) is a forex and CFD broker that offers trading services to retail and institutional clients. It was established in 2009 and is headquartered in the United Kingdom with offices in Cyprus and the UAE. The broker is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. GMI offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. It also provides the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) platform.

What Type of Broker is GMI？

GMI (Global Market Index) is a forex and CFD (contract for difference) broker, operating as a No Dealing Desk (NDD) broker with Straight Through Processing (STP) and Electronic Communication Network (ECN) execution models.

Pros & Cons

GMI appears to have a number of strengths, including its low minimum deposit requirement, tight spreads, various account types, social trading solution, and competitive leverage. However, a limited range of trading instruments, educational resources, research and analysis tools may concern some traders.

Note: The pros and cons listed above are not exhaustive and may vary based on individual preferences and circumstances.

Overall, potential clients of GMI should conduct their own research and carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to trade with this broker.

Is GMI Safe？

GMI is a regulated forex broker, licensed by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which provides some level of safety and security for traders. However, it is important to note that regulation does not guarantee the complete safety of funds and trading with any broker carries a level of risk. It is important for traders to do their own research and due diligence before deciding to trade with any broker.

How are you protected？

In the table below, these measures show that GMI takes the safety and security of its clients seriously and works to provide a secure trading environment.

Our Conclusion on GMI Reliability:

Based on the information available, GMI is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, which oversees the company's compliance with financial regulations and standards. The company also claims to implement safety measures, such as negative balance protection and the use of segregated client accounts, to ensure the safety of its clients' funds.

As with any financial services provider, there is always a level of risk involved, and it is essential to do your due diligence and conduct thorough research before choosing a broker.

Market Instruments

GMI offers a variety of trading instruments across different asset classes, including:

• Forex: GMI offers a wide range of forex currency pairs, including major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic pairs.

• Indices: GMI offers trading on major stock market indices such as the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and FTSE 100, as well as a range of other international indices.

• Gold: GMI offers spot trading in gold, which allows traders to speculate on the price of the precious metal without taking physical delivery.

• Oil: GMI offers spot trading in oil, including Brent Crude and US Crude.

• Silver: GMI offers spot trading in silver, which is another popular precious metal among traders.

However, other popular asset classes such as stocks and cryptocurrencies seem to be not available. Overall, GMI provides traders with many trading instruments to choose from, enabling them to diversify their portfolios and potentially capitalize on different market conditions.

Account Types

GMI offers four types of live trading accounts: Cent, Standard, Standard Bonus, and ECN accounts.

• Cent Account: This account is ideal for beginner traders who want to start with a small investment. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is just $15.

• Standard Account: This account is suitable for more experienced traders. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $25.

• Standard Bonus Account: This account is similar to the standard account but comes with an additional bonus on deposits. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is also $25.

• ECN Account: This account is designed for professional traders who want to trade with the lowest spreads possible. It offers raw spreads starting from 0 pips. The minimum deposit requirement for this account is $100.

Risk-free demo accounts and swap-free Islamic accounts are also available at GMI.

Leverage

According to the GMI website, the maximum leverage offered is up to 1:2000. It's important to note that using high leverage comes with higher risks, and traders should always understand the potential risks and manage their trades accordingly.

Spreads & Commissions

GMI offers spreads from 0.0 pips. It's important to note that spreads may vary depending on market conditions and liquidity. Traders may also be subject to additional fees such as swaps and overnight financing charges.

Regarding the commission, it varies depending on the type of account. There is no commission charged on the Cent, Standard, Standard Bonus accounts, while the commission for the ECN account is $4 per lot.

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

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility. It's always a good idea to check with the broker directly for the latest information on their spreads and commissions.

Trading Platforms

GMI offers its clients the popular MetaTrader 4 trading platform, which is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Web. The platform includes a variety of tools and features for technical analysis, order management, and customization. It also supports automated trading with the use of Expert Advisors (EAs).

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: The information in this table is subject to change and may not be exhaustive. It is recommended to visit each broker's website for the latest information on their trading platforms.

Social Trading

GMI offers social trading features that allow traders to copy the strategies of successful traders. This enables traders to learn from experienced individuals and potentially benefit from their proven track records. GMI's social trading platform promotes knowledge sharing and community-driven trading in a simple and accessible manner.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Users from different countries can fund with different methods. Just take an example of Malaysian users, they can fund their accounts via Local Bank Transfer, Neteller and Skrill.

The minimum deposit is $15 for Local Bank Transfer, and $10 for Neteller and Skrill. The minimum withdrawal is 50 MYR for Local Bank Transfer, and $10 for Neteller and Skrill.

No deposit fees are charged while withdrawal fees vary on the payment method. For example, there is no withdrawal fee for Local Bank Transfer, while a 4% withdrawal fee for Neteller and Skrill.

As for the processing time, all deposits and most withdrawals are instant, while Local Bank Transfer withdrawals may be slower, usually can be processed between 8am to 6pm daily.

GMI Minimum Deposit vs other Brokers

GMI Money Withdrawal

The process for withdrawing funds from GMI may vary depending on the method used for the deposit. However, in general, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your GMI account.

Step 2: Click on the “Withdrawal” option in the menu.

Step 3: Select the preferred withdrawal method from the available options.

Step 4: Fill out the withdrawal form with the required details.

Step 5: Submit the withdrawal request.

GMI may require additional verification documents before processing the withdrawal request. The time it takes for the withdrawal to be processed and the funds to be received may also depend on the chosen withdrawal method.

Fees

GMI charges various fees to its clients, including:

• Overnight Financing: GMI also charges an overnight financing fee on positions held overnight. This fee varies based on the instrument traded, the account type, and the prevailing interest rates in the market.

• Inactivity Fee: GMI charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter for accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days.

• Other Fees: GMI may charge other fees related to account maintenance, data feeds, and other services. These fees are disclosed in the account agreement and may vary depending on the client's location and account type.

It's always recommended to review the complete fee schedule and terms and conditions on the broker's website or by contacting their customer support team.

See the fee comparison table below:

Please note that fees may vary based on account type, payment method, and other factors. It's important to check with each broker directly for the most up-to-date and accurate fee information.

Customer Service

GMI provides customer support to its clients through various channels, including email and live chat. Customer service is available 24/5, which means that traders can get in touch with the company's representatives during business days. GMI's customer support team is multilingual, which is helpful for clients who speak languages other than English.

You can also fill in the online contact form to get in touch with GMI. However, the availability and quality of customer support may vary depending on the specific region and the volume of inquiries.

Note: Pros and cons may vary based on individual experiences and opinions.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of GMI, it is a regulated and reputable broker that offers the low minimum deposit requirement, competitive spreads and commissions, and a choice of different account types, as well as good customer support.

One potential downside of GMI is its limited range of trading instruments and educational resources. Additionally, it offers only one trading platform-MetaTrader4. MetaTrader5 is not available.

Overall, GMI is a solid option for traders who prioritize MT4, demo trading and competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)