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.

Overview of GMO CLICK

GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan that offers various financial services. It holds a retail forex license and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency. The company provides a range of market instruments, including stock trading, investment trusts, futures options, FX trading, forex options, currency exchange trading, CFDs, stock index binary options, and bond trading.

To open an account with GMO CLICK, individuals can visit their website and choose the type of account they want to open. The company offers different account options based on the desired trading activities. Users need to fill out an application form, provide personal information, agree to terms and conditions, and submit the completed application.

GMO CLICK offers trading platforms for various devices, including computers, smartphones, and smartwatches. They provide different payment methods for depositing funds, including internet banking, ATMs, and financial institution counters. The company has customer support available through phone, inquiry forms, direct mail, and social media channels.

While GMO CLICK is regulated and offers a range of financial services, it's important to verify the information provided and contact the company directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding their services, regulations, and account opening procedures.

Pros and Cons

GMO CLICK offers a range of financial services, including stock trading, investment trusts, futures options, FX trading, forex options, currency exchange trading, CFDs, stock index binary options, and bond trading. The company is regulated and provides a variety of trading platforms for different devices. They have multiple payment methods available for depositing funds, and customer support is offered through various channels. However, it's important to note that GMO CLICK has certain limitations, such as the absence of trading software according to the provided information. Additionally, specific trading activities may have designated acceptance times, and withdrawals are supported only for GMO CLICK Securities accounts and financial institution accounts with the same name. It's advisable to verify the current details and contact GMO CLICK directly for more accurate and updated information.

Is GMO CLICK Legit？

Based on the information provided, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan. It holds a retail forex license and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency. The license number is “関東財務局長（金商）第77号” and the effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

However, it's important to note that the information you provided also states that GMO CLICK does not have a trading software according to the current data. This could imply that there may be some limitations or restrictions on their services. It's advisable to verify this information with updated and reliable sources or contact GMO CLICK directly for more accurate and detailed information regarding their regulatory status and available services.

Market Instruments

GMO CLICK Securities offers a range of market instruments:

STOCK: GMO CLICK Securities offers stock trading services at low prices, providing investors with access to the stock market.

INVESTMENT TRUST: The company offers a selection of investment trusts, making it easy for investors to choose funds that have been carefully curated by GMO CLICK Securities.

FUTURES OPTIONS: GMO CLICK Securities provides futures options trading with industry-leading low fees, allowing investors to participate in this market.

FX NEO (OVER-THE-COUNTER TRADING): GMO CLICK Securities offers enhanced trading tools and a low-cost, comfortable FX trading experience for investors.

FOREX OPTIONS: Investors can engage in forex binary options trading through GMO CLICK Securities, which offers a user-friendly interface for easy operation.

CLICK 365 (EXCHANGE TRADING): GMO CLICK Securities provides a wide range of currency pairs for FX exchange trading through the Click 365 platform.

CFDs: Japanese investors can choose from a variety of CFDs (Contracts for Difference) offered by GMO CLICK Securities.

STOCK INDEX BINARY OPTIONS: GMO CLICK Securities offers stock index binary options, allowing investors to engage in this type of trading with ease.

BOND: GMO CLICK Securities facilitates the trading of overseas high-interest bonds, providing investors with access to this asset class.

Account Types

1. FXneo: This account type is for Forex trading. It allows customers to trade in the Forex market.

2. AnyForex OP: This account type is for Forex options trading. It enables customers to trade options in the Forex market.

3. AnyCFDs: This account type is for CFD (Contract for Difference) trading. It allows customers to trade CFDs.

4. AnyIXOP: This account type is for stock index binary options trading. It enables customers to trade binary options based on stock indexes.

5. Brokerage account: This account type provides tradeable services for various types of transactions, including stock, investment trust, futures OP, FX neo, Forex OP, 365FX, CFDs, BO (Binary Options), and bonds.

6. Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage): This account type allows customers to open a securities trading account by filling in a single page without requiring an application form. Transactions can start after a minimum of 2 business days. Initial settings registration is required upon the first login.

7. Forex Trading Account: This account type is specifically for FX trading and Foreign exchange OP. It offers tradeable services for FX neo, Forex OP, and 365FX. Opening an FX trading account is faster than a brokerage account and does not require an application form. Customers can switch to a securities trading account from the member page without any difference in trading terms.

8. Corporate Customers: GMO CLICK also provides corporate account opening services for corporate customers.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with GMO CLICK, follow these steps:

1. Visit the GMO CLICK website and click on the “Account Opening” option.

1. Choose the type of account you want to open from the available options, such as stock, investment trust, futures OP, FX neo, Forex OP, 365FX, CFDs, BO, bond, or Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage).

2. If you select the Securities Connect Account (Bank Linkage), you can start demo trading by tapping “Start demo trading” on the login screen without registering an account.

1. Fill in the required information on the application form. This typically includes personal details such as name, contact information, address, date of birth, sex, post code, telephone number, and email address.

1. Provide nationality information, indicating whether you have Japanese nationality or nationality other than Japan. Note that accounts cannot be opened by individuals holding U.S. citizenship.

2. Specify if you have any U.S. tax liability, whether you are an important foreign public figure or a relative of one, and your country of residence.

1. Choose your preferences regarding the delivery of email news and direct mail from GMO CLICK.

2. If you wish to open a specific account, select the appropriate options for FX trading, forex options trading, CFD trading, or stock index binary options trading.

1. Read and agree to the terms and conditions and other regulations pertaining to account opening and trading activities.

2. Review the documents to be delivered before concluding a contract for securities and CFD transactions, and agree to their terms.

3. Confirm that the information entered in the application is accurate and certify that it is provided by the account holder or an authorized representative.

4. Submit the completed application.

Spreads & Commissions

GMO Click offers spreads on various currency pairs. The spreads for USD/JPY are 0.2 pips, for EUR/JPY they are 0.5 pips, for GBP/JPY they are 1.0 pips, for AUD/JPY they are 0.7 pips, for EUR/USD they are 0.4 pips, and for GBP/USD they are 1.0 pips. These spreads indicate the difference between the buying and selling prices of these currency pairs.

When trading Nikkei 225 options, GMO Click charges a minimum commission of 0.152% of the contract price. Additionally, there is a minimum commission fee of 214 yen applicable for these trades. The commission is calculated based on the percentage of the contract price and ensures that the broker earns revenue from facilitating these options trades.

GMO Click provides free trading services for certain types of trading instruments. Forex options trading, stock index binary options trading, and CFD (Contract for Difference) trading do not incur any charges. This means that traders can engage in these types of trading activities without paying commissions or fees to GMO Click.

Deposit & Withdrawal

GMO CLICK offers an instant deposit service that allows customers to transfer funds immediately. The service supports transfer deposits via ATMs and bank counters, and withdrawals are also free of charge. The minimum withdrawal amount is 10,000 yen, and the maximum withdrawal amount is 100 million yen. However, if the balance is below 10,000 yen, the entire balance will be withdrawn at once.

It's important to note that withdrawals are only supported for GMO CLICK Securities accounts and financial institution accounts with the same name. The amount that can be withdrawn in one operation ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000,000.

GMO CLICK provides bank accounts for each customer, including GMO Aozora Net Bank and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank. When making a transfer from a bank counter or ATM, customers are required to make a payment to their bank account. Please be aware that the transfer source is limited to domestic branches of financial institutions.

GMO CLICK provides various options for customers to deposit funds. Those using internet banking can take advantage of the immediate deposit service, which allows for instant fund transfers without any commission fees. Deposits made through ATMs or financial institution counters are also free of commission, and customers can perform these transactions using their computers or smartphones. Additionally, GMO CLICK offers the option to deposit funds from the Securities Connect account of GMO Aozora Net Bank, and this service is commission-free and can be accessed through a computer. For customers investing in mutual funds, the investment trust reserve fee is automatically deducted monthly from the designated financial institution account.

In terms of withdrawals, GMO CLICK does not charge any commission, and customers can initiate the withdrawal process through the GMO CLICK Securities member page. This can also be done through their smartphone app.

Trading Platforms

GMO Click offers a variety of trading platforms, including FX neo for high-performance FX trading on computers, Hatchu-kun FX Plus for rate delivery and execution speed, and FXWatch! for checking rates and charts on smartwatches. They also provide CFD trading apps, such as GMO Click CFDs and Hatchu-kun CFD, along with stock trading apps like GMO Click stock and GMO Click Stock for iPad. Super Hatchu-kun is a comprehensive tool for stock/futures OP trading. Traders can also access smartphone browser-based platforms for Forex OP, stock trading, and binary options. Additionally, there are iPhone and Android apps available for Click 365 trading. Transactions can be conducted on a PC browser using the WEB transaction screen.

Payment Methods

GMO CLICK offers a range of payment methods for customers to deposit funds. These include options such as Rakuten Bank, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, ANN Seven Bank, JP Yucho Bank, Resona Bank, Aeon Bank, Jibun Bank, and Saitama Resona Bank, among others. Customers can utilize internet banking services to make immediate fund transfers without incurring any commission fees. Deposits can be made through ATMs or financial institution counters, and these transactions are also commission-free. The method of depositing funds through computers or smartphones is provided. GMO CLICK also facilitates deposits from the Securities Connect account of GMO Aozora Net Bank, with no commissions and accessibility via computer. For customers investing in mutual funds, the investment trust reserve fee is automatically deducted monthly from the designated financial institution account.

Trading Hours

GMO CLICK offers customer support through various channels and during specific time frames. The call center is available from 8:00 until close and provides assistance for trading inquiries. Trading platforms like Super Hatchu allow login access from 0:00 to 24:00, excluding maintenance time. Specific acceptance hours are set for immediate deposits, transfers, and order placements based on different types of trading accounts. Support for mutual fund trading is available from 6:30 to 15:00 and 17:00 to 3:30. For futures, options, forex, Click 365, and CFD trading, there are designated acceptance times. Forex Neo and forex options trading have 24-hour availability, while CFD trading is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 am the next day. Bond trading hours vary for domestic and foreign bonds. It's important to be aware of these time frames when seeking customer support or engaging in trading activities with GMO CLICK.

Customer Support

1. FAQ: GMO CLICK provides a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on their website. Traders can enter keywords related to their inquiries and search for relevant information. The FAQ covers various topics, including account login, password recovery, deposit/withdrawal methods, tax information, and more.

2. Inquiries by Phone: Traders can reach out to GMO CLICK's customer support team via phone. The contact number for Japanese customers is +81 0120727930.

3. Inquiries Using the Inquiry Form: GMO CLICK offers an inquiry form for customers to submit their questions or concerns. This form allows traders to seek assistance or clarification on various aspects of their trading experience.

4. Direct Mail (DM): GMO CLICK provides the option of contacting customer support through direct mail. Customers can use this method to address specific issues, such as suspension procedures, inheritance procedures, or other account-related matters.

5. Responding to Opinions and Requests: GMO CLICK acknowledges and values customer feedback. They have a system in place to respond to opinions and requests, allowing traders to provide input on their services and suggest improvements.

6. Business Operation System for Complaints and Disputes: GMO CLICK has a business operation system designed to handle complaints and resolve disputes. They outline the procedures and mechanisms through which customer concerns can be addressed.

7. Social Media Presence: GMO CLICK maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Twitter (https://twitter.com/GMO_ClickSec_PR) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/gmoclicksec). Traders can connect with them through these channels to stay updated and potentially reach out for support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan that offers various market instruments such as stocks, investment trusts, futures options, forex options, CFDs, and more. It provides multiple account types and trading platforms to cater to different preferences. GMO CLICK's deposit and withdrawal options are diverse, allowing customers to choose from a range of payment methods. However, it's important to note that GMO CLICK does not have a trading software according to the available information, and there may be limitations or restrictions on their services. Traders should verify the current status of their offerings and contact GMO CLICK directly for detailed information. Additionally, the spreads and commissions may vary depending on the trading instruments, and customers should consider these factors when engaging in trading activities.

FAQs

Q: Is GMO CLICK a regulated institution？

A: Yes, GMO CLICK is a regulated institution in Japan and holds a retail forex license. It is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) with the license number “関東財務局長（金商）第77号” and the effective date of the license is September 30, 2007.

Q: What market instruments does GMO CLICK offer？

A: GMO CLICK Securities offers a range of market instruments including stocks, investment trusts, futures options, FX NEO (over-the-counter trading), forex options, CLICK 365 (exchange trading), CFDs (Contracts for Difference), stock index binary options, and bonds.

Q: How can I open an account with GMO CLICK？

A: To open an account with GMO CLICK, you can visit their website and click on the “Account Opening” option. Choose the type of account you want to open, fill in the required information on the application form, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit the completed application.

Q: What are the spreads and commissions charged by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers spreads on various currency pairs, and the commissions vary depending on the trading instrument. For example, the spreads for USD/JPY are 0.2 pips, and when trading Nikkei 225 options, there is a minimum commission of 0.152% of the contract price.

Q: What are the available payment methods for depositing funds with GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers various payment methods including Rakuten Bank, MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, ANN Seven Bank, JP Yucho Bank, Resona Bank, Aeon Bank, Jibun Bank, and Saitama Resona Bank, among others. Internet banking services and deposits through ATMs or financial institution counters are also available.

Q: What are the trading platforms offered by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK provides a variety of trading platforms including FX neo, Hatchu-kun FX Plus, FXWatch!, GMO Click CFDs, Hatchu-kun CFD, GMO Click stock, GMO Click Stock for iPad, Super Hatchu-kun, and smartphone browser-based platforms for Forex OP, stock trading, and binary options.

Q: What are the trading hours and customer support options provided by GMO CLICK？

A: GMO CLICK offers customer support through various channels during specific time frames. The call center is available from 8:00 until close, and support hours vary for different types of trading activities. Customer support options include FAQs, inquiries by phone, an inquiry form, direct mail, responding to opinions and requests, and a business operation system for complaints and disputes. GMO CLICK also has a social media presence on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.