HFM Review in 2025

Written by Miro Nikolov

Miro Nikolov

Miro Nikolov is the co-founder of TradingPedia.com and BestBrokers.com. His mission is to help people make profitable investments by giving them access to educational resources and analytics tools.

, | Updated: November 5, 2025

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• Jump to:
• Regulations
• Trading Instruments
• Trading Platforms
• Payment Methods
• Account Types
• Support
• Conclusion
›

HFM (formerly HotForex) is a multi-jurisdictional CFD broker that has been operating since 2010. The brand markets itself on low minimum deposits, flexible leverage and a broad instrument line-up that spans forex, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, bonds and cryptocurrencies. Clients can trade through MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and the proprietary HFM mobile & web platform, with specialist solutions such as PAMM accounts and HFCOPY for social trading. Retail protection features include segregated client money, negative balance protection and optional swap-free (Islamic) status, although investor compensation depends on the regulating entity.

Account types range from the entry-level Micro account (from $5) to the commission-based Zero account and high-balance Pro offering, each with different pricing structures. Maximum leverage is entity-dependent: up to 1:30 inside the EU/UK and as high as 1:2,000 with the offshore Seychelles arm (high leverage magnifies losses as well as gains).

Regulations

HFM operates through several legal entities. Inside the EEA, services are provided by HF Markets (Europe) Ltd (Company No. HE 277582), authorised by the CySEC under licence 183/12 since 20 January 2012. The registered office is 50 Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, Irida 3 Tower, 10th Floor, 6057 Larnaca, Cyprus. Eligible clients fall under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) up to €20,000.

UK traders contract with HF Markets (UK) Ltd (Company No. 10506020), authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 801701, authorised 14 December 2018). The firm’s registered address is 199 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3TY. FCA clients benefit from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000.

International business is mainly booked through HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd (Company No. 8419176-1), licensed by the FSA Seychelles as a Securities Dealer (Licence SD015, issued 11 November 2016). A second offshore entity, HF Markets (SV) Ltd (IBC 22747 2015) is registered in St Vincent & the Grenadines but is not regulated.

Regional operations include HF Markets SA (Pty) Ltd in South Africa, authorised by the FSCA (FSP 46632, approved 2016), and HF Markets (DIFC) Ltd, regulated by the DFSA (Licence F004885). None of the non-EU entities participate in a statutory investor compensation scheme, although the broker states that client money is segregated and negative balance protection applies across all accounts.

The broker does not accept residents of the US, Canada, Iran, North Korea and a small number of other jurisdictions (full list in the Client Agreement).

Trading platforms

Platforms	PC / MAC	Smartphones	Tablets
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 5
Proprietary

Trading Information
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Mobile
Demo Account
Hedging
Scalping
US Traders
Arabic Traders

HFM offers a mixed stack of third-party and proprietary platforms. MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are available on Windows, macOS (web install), the native MT mobile apps and browser-based WebTrader. The in-house HFM platform combines account management, charting and market news in a single iOS/Android application and a lighter web interface. All platforms support algorithmic trading, one-click execution and free VPS hosting for qualifying balances. Copy trading is enabled through the dedicated HFCOPY service inside the client area.

MetaTrader 4

MT4 remains popular with forex scalpers and EA users. HFM’s build includes 9 timeframes, 30+ native indicators and unlimited custom scripts. One-click trading is enabled by default and the broker hosts additional SmartTrader Tools such as sentiment widgets and advanced order management. All live account types are compatible, though equity CFDs are not available on MT4 under the EU entity. Execution is market-based with no dealing-desk intervention stated.

The platform is offered as a downloadable terminal for Windows plus WebTrader and the standard MT4 mobile apps. VPS hosting in London and Amsterdam is free if clients maintain at least $5,000 equity or trade 5 lots round-turn per month; otherwise a $30 monthly fee applies.

MetaTrader 5

MT5 extends MT4 with 21 timeframes, Depth of Market, partial order fills and six pending order types. HFM uses MT5 to roll out share and ETF CFDs that are unavailable on MT4. The built-in strategy tester supports multi-threaded and multi-currency optimisation, and traders can access the MQL5 Signals marketplace directly from the terminal.

As with MT4, MT5 is delivered via desktop, web and mobile. All live accounts except PAMM can be opened on MT5, with identical spreads or commissions to the MT4 versions.

HFM app & WebTrader

The proprietary app merges account funding functions with trading. Charts are powered by TradingView’s library, offering over 50 indicators, multiple order types and integrated economic news. Two-factor authentication and biometric login are supported. The WebTrader mirrors the mobile interface and lets users switch between MT4 and MT5 servers without installing software.

Because the environment sits on the same back-end as MetaTrader, all instruments and account types are available. However, advanced algo trading is not possible inside the proprietary GUI; users must revert to MT4/MT5 for EA deployment.

Copy trading (HFCOPY)

HFCOPY lives within the myHF client area and supports both strategy providers and followers. Providers set performance fees from 5% to 50% and must maintain at least 1,000 equity units before going public. Followers can adjust risk by setting a fixed percentage of their own balance, apply an equity stop-loss and close individual positions.

The service lists historical percentage returns, drawdown and number of trades, but does not reveal lot sizes until a follower subscribes. Instruments, leverage and trading hours mirror the underlying live account. HFM does not charge a platform fee; providers are remunerated via the agreed performance fee, paid monthly.

Payment methods

HFM discloses a broad set of deposit and withdrawal channels: major credit/debit cards, international bank wire, SEPA, Skrill, Neteller, crypto wallets (BitPay), and several region-specific solutions such as FasaPay and Rapid Transfer. Minimum deposits start from $5 on e-wallets and cards, while bank transfers require at least $100.

Deposits by card or e-wallet are processed instantly; cryptocurrency top-ups clear once the blockchain shows one confirmation, typically within 30 minutes. Bank wires take 2–7 business days depending on intermediary banks. The broker itself does not levy funding fees but reminds clients that card issuers, banks or blockchain networks may apply charges.

Withdrawals are routed back to the original funding source up to the deposited amount; profits can then be sent by bank transfer, Skrill or Neteller. HFM aims to process withdrawal requests within 24 hours on business days. E-wallets usually settle the same day, cards can take 2–10 business days to reflect and bank wires 2–7 business days.

Base account currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, NGN and several others; selecting the same currency as the funding source avoids conversion costs. All withdrawals require full KYC, and the broker may request proof of payment method ownership before releasing funds.

• Deposit
• Withdrawal

Brand	Minimum	Fees	Processing Time
	$5	None	Instant
	$5	None	Instant
	$100	Bank charges	2–7 business days
	$5	None	Instant
	$5	None	Instant
	$10	Network fee	1–30 minutes

Brand	Minimum	Fees	Processing Time
	$5	None	2–10 business days
	$5	None	2–10 business days
	$100	Bank charges	2–7 business days
	$5	None	Same day
	$5	None	Same day
	$10	Network fee	Within 24 hours processing, then network time

Account types

HFM maintains a wide product ladder. Live accounts use either a spread-only model (Micro, Premium, Pro, PAMM) or raw-spread plus commission (Zero). A separate HFCOPY follower account handles copy trading. Maximum leverage depends on the client’s regulator, from 1:30 (EU/UK) to 1:2,000 (Seychelles). Swap-free status can be toggled at sign-up for clients whose faith prohibits interest.

Demo accounts mirror live market conditions and expire after 30 days of inactivity, but clients can open unlimited new demos. All platforms and instruments are available for testing, and balances can be topped-up in the myHF area.

Micro account

The entry-level Micro account requires only $5 to open and quotes in fractional (cent) lots, making it suitable for strategy testing with small real money. Spreads on EUR/USD average 1.2–1.4 pips and no commission is charged. Maximum position size is 7 standard lots and total open volume is limited to 150 orders. The account is offered on MT4, MT5 and the HFM app.

Leverage is capped at 1:30 in the EU/UK entities, 1:500 in South Africa and up to 1:1,000 offshore. All instruments apart from individual shares are tradable.

Premium account

A step up in size, the Premium account starts from $100 and trades in standard lots with a maximum of 60 lots per position. Spreads are identical to Micro but there is no volume restriction other than margin availability. The account supports the full HFM product range including share and ETF CFDs on MT5.

Premium clients can request VPS sponsorship after meeting the broker’s minimum trading volume. Swap-free mode is available.

Zero account

The Zero account targets active traders who prefer raw spreads and a commission. Typical EUR/USD spreads are 0.1–0.3 pips plus a $3 per side ($6 round-turn) commission or currency equivalent. Minimum deposit is $200. Execution remains STP/ECN according to the broker and is available on both MT4 and MT5.

Because spreads can narrow to zero during liquid sessions, scalpers and high-frequency strategies may find the cost structure advantageous, though the commission is payable even when spreads are tight.

Pro account

Designed for high-balance clients, the Pro account demands at least $5,000. In return, traders receive raw spreads with lower commission – $2 per side on major forex pairs – and priority access to the broker’s institutional liquidity pools. The account is only available under the FCA, CySEC or DFSA entities to professional-classified clients who meet experience and net-worth criteria.

Benefits include higher position limits, dedicated account managers and reduced VPS/hosting fees. Investor protection rules for retail clients do not apply to professional status.

PAMM account

HFM’s PAMM structure lets money managers trade on behalf of multiple sub-accounts, allocating profit and loss automatically. The service operates on MT4 only and mirrors the Premium account’s spread model. Managers set performance fees that are crystallised at month-end, while investors can deposit from $250 per PAMM. The broker offers a public ranking table but urges investors to review historical drawdown before subscribing.

HFCOPY follower account

Followers can allocate between $300 and $30,000 per strategy. While providers trade on MT4/MT5, followers manage risk through a capital-allocation slider and an equity stop-loss level. Performance fees are paid directly from the follower’s wallet monthly. All trading costs (spreads/commissions) replicate the underlying provider account.

Demo accounts

Creating a demo requires only an email and phone number. Clients can select MT4, MT5 or the proprietary app and any leverage setting up to 1:1,000. Demos do not expire unless inactive for 30 days and can be reset or topped-up from the dashboard. Because market data is live but execution is simulated, slippage and order rejects experienced on real accounts may differ.

Support

Customer service runs 24/5 via live chat, phone and email, with emergency trading lines at the Cyprus and South Africa offices. English is the default language; the website lists 27 additional tongues including Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese and Chinese. Live chat initially routes through a bot that answers basic queries before escalating to a human agent within 30–60 seconds during trading hours.

An extensive knowledge base covers platform guides, margin calculators and account FAQs. Ticketed email requests are typically answered within one business day, and the broker offers scheduled callbacks. No weekend support is provided except for security issues such as compromised credentials.

Conclusion

HFM combines a long operating history with multi-region regulation, mainstream MetaTrader support and a proprietary app that simplifies account management. Low minimum deposits and the choice between spread-only and raw-spread pricing cater to both beginners and seasoned algo traders. Instrument coverage is wide, and ancillary services such as PAMM and HFCOPY add flexibility.

Against this, the broker’s reliance on offshore entities for high leverage means that many clients trade outside any investor compensation scheme. Weekend support is limited, and stock CFD availability is restricted to MT5. Overall, HFM suits cost-conscious traders who need flexible platform support and are comfortable selecting the entity whose balance of leverage and protection matches their risk tolerance.