- Licensed entity
- HF Markets (UK) Ltd
- Licence no.
- FRN 801701
HFM
Retail forex broker (formerly HotForex) with many account types and both regulated and offshore entities.
Regulators say these HFM companies or websites aren't authorised in their countries. See the alerts
Licences (7)
- Licensed entity
- HF Markets (Europe) Ltd
- Licence no.
- 183/12
- Licensed entity
- HF Markets (DIFC) Ltd
- Licence no.
- F004885
- Licensed entity
- HF Markets SA (Pty) Ltd
- Licence no.
- FSP 46632
- Licensed entity
- HFM Investments Ltd
- Licence no.
- 155
- Licensed entity
- HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd
- Licence no.
- SD015
- Licensed entity
- HF Markets Ltd
- Licence no.
- C110008214
Which company you sign up with depends on where you live. Your protections (compensation scheme, leverage limits, negative balance protection) come from that company's regulator.
Score breakdown
Weighted total: 8.1 / 10, ranked #24 of 30. How we score
- Regulation strength: Based on the strongest regulator licensing the broker, plus extra tier-1 and tier-2 licences.
- Licence status: Whether any licence has been revoked or has expired.
- Track record: Years in business: 0.5 points per year, up to 10.
- Transparency: Publicly listed parent, licences disclosed, head office published, client money segregated.
- Regulator alerts: Deductions for regulator alerts against the broker's own companies or websites.
Regulator alerts (2)
| Date | Regulator | Name as published | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 May 2024 | SC (MY) Malaysia | HFM / HF Markets | Source ↗ |
| 21 Mar 2024 | NSSMC Ukraine | HFM / HF MARKETS | Source ↗ |
Scam sites impersonating HFM
These alerts are about fraudsters copying the broker's name. They don't count against its score. Always check the website address before you log in or deposit.
- hfmarketsx.com (Clone of FCA Authorised Firm): FCA, 30 Apr 2024 · source
Overview
HFM, formerly HotForex, operates companies licensed by CySEC, the FCA, Dubai's DFSA, South Africa's FSCA and Kenya's CMA, plus offshore entities in Seychelles and Mauritius. Its St Vincent and the Grenadines company is only a business registration, not a financial licence. It offers several account types from a $5 micro account upwards, MT4 and MT5, and copy trading through HFcopy.
Who it suits: Retail forex traders who want flexible account sizes and MetaTrader. Check which HFM entity you'd be signed up with.
Company information
Trading conditions
Pros & cons
Pros
- Entities licensed by CySEC, the FCA and the DFSA
- Several account types, from $5
- Copy trading via HFcopy
- MT4 and MT5 supported
Cons
- Many international clients are onboarded to offshore entities
- Regulator alerts in Malaysia and Ukraine (2024)
- No proprietary platform
- Bonus offers come with volume requirements
Frequently asked questions
Is HFM regulated?
Yes. HFM companies hold licences from FCA, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, CMA (KE), FSA (SC), FSC (MU) (7 licences in our database). Your protection depends on which HFM company you open an account with, so check that company on the regulator's register before you deposit.
Is HFM safe?
HFM has a score of 8.1/10. Regulators in Malaysia, Ukraine have issued 2 regulator alerts saying HFM companies or websites aren't authorised to offer services there (most recent: 2 May 2024). Only open an account if the broker is allowed to operate where you live.
Which HFM company will I open an account with?
It depends on where you live. The companies in our database are: HF Markets (UK) Ltd (FCA, United Kingdom); HF Markets (Europe) Ltd (CySEC, Cyprus (EU)); HF Markets (DIFC) Ltd (DFSA, UAE (DIFC)); HF Markets SA (Pty) Ltd (FSCA, South Africa); HFM Investments Ltd (CMA (KE), Kenya); HF Markets (Seychelles) Ltd (FSA (SC), Seychelles); HF Markets Ltd (FSC (MU), Mauritius). Clients outside the UK, EU and Australia are often onboarded to an offshore company with weaker protection.
Does HFM accept US clients?
No. HFM doesn't accept US residents.
What's the minimum deposit and maximum leverage at HFM?
Minimum deposit: $5 (Micro) / $100 (Standard). Maximum leverage: 30:1 (EU / UK); up to 2000:1 offshore.
Which platforms does HFM offer?
MT4, MT5, HFM app.
CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money quickly because of leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Make sure you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Licence data checked 12 Oct 2026. Details can change; always confirm on the regulator's register.