A Decade of HF Markets (Previously HotForex)
HF Markets, earlier recognized as HotForex, has carved a significant niche in the trading world, boasting more than a decade's experience and an impressive array of industry accolades. The broker's more than 55 awards, which include recognition as the Most Transparent Broker at the 2020 Global Banking & Finance Review Awards, Best Forex Broker Africa 2021 by The European, and Best Forex Mobile Application by the Global Brands Magazine 2021, attest to its influence and esteem within the industry.
Global Presence and Renamed Entities
With its roots in Cyprus, HF Markets has expanded to various markets including Europe, Asia, and Africa. Within the regions of Europe and the UAE, it's recognized under the HF Markets name, echoing its wide-spread operations and prominent status.
Regulation and Fund Security
HF Markets operates within the wider HF Markets Group, which has a global presence and holds various licenses from relevant authorities in multiple countries. These include:
- HF Markets Europe - Licensed by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
- HF Markets UK - Licensed by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- HF Markets DIFC - Licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
- HF Markets PTY - Licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa
- HFM Investments Limited - Licensed by Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in Kenya
In Europe, the opportunity exists to collaborate with either HF Markets EU or HF Markets UK, representing the most stringently regulated entities within the group. Notably, the DFSA, a prominent Middle Eastern regulator, mandates that brokers adhere to certain rules, many grounded in Sharia laws. HFM also maintains offshore subsidiaries in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Seychelles.
Trading Conditions, Accounts, and Leverage
HF Markets ensures accessibility with a low entry threshold. The minimum deposit stands at 100 currency units for Europe and UAE clients and $5 for other regions. The most basic account types apply.
Leverage opportunities are abundant at HF Markets, reaching up to 1:2000, unless regulated otherwise. However, limitations exist in Europe and the UAE, capping leverage at 1:30.
Clients benefit from competitive spreads, averaging around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD. The Zero spread account conditions stand out, offering spreads from 0 pips and a $3 commission per standard lot traded (per side). These can be availed with a $200 deposit.
Varied Account Options and Trading Platforms
HF Markets provides diverse account types, dependent on the jurisdiction. Clients from Europe and the UAE have four account types available. Outside of these regions, Micro and Auto-trading accounts become accessible, featuring the lowest deposit requirement of just $5.
For beginners, HFM’s Auto Account offers a pathway to participate in the market. This account allows subscription to both free and paid Trading Signals from the MQL5 Community, integrated into the HFM MT4 trading terminal.
There are also different types of accounts for off-EU markets:
HFM supports both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, including a unique copy-trading system, HFcopy. For those with limited trading experience or time, the system allows following and copying professional traders' strategies.
Various trading bonuses and promotions are available for clients outside Europe and the UK. A Loyalty program with four reward levels and multiple contests with exciting prizes are currently on offer.
Payment Methods and Conclusion
HF Markets accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express), bank wire transfer, and e-wallet systems such as Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, FasaPay, iDEAL, Load, and BitPay.
In conclusion, HF Markets exemplifies a mature, thoroughly regulated international broker that provides a broad spectrum of trading products and account types under competitive conditions. Explore their website and take advantage of their free services today.