HotForex, now globally branded as HFM (HF Markets), is a well-established, multi-regulated forex and CFD broker known for offering a wide range of account types, strong educational tools, and consistent trade execution. Founded in 2010, HFM has built a solid reputation among both beginner and professional traders across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
This review covers everything about HotForex in 2025, including regulation, trading conditions, platform features, account options, and overall trustworthiness.
Broker Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | HotForex / HFM |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Cyprus (HF Markets Ltd) |
| Regulation | CySEC, FCA, DFSA, FSCA, FSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 |
| Instruments | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 (Micro Account) |
| Leverage | Up to 1:2000 (offshore) |
| Spreads | From 0.0 pips (Zero Account) |
Regulation and Safety
HFM is regulated by several reputable authorities:
- FCA (UK) – HF Markets (UK) Ltd
- CySEC (Cyprus) – HF Markets (Europe) Ltd
- DFSA (UAE) – HF Markets (DIFC) Ltd
- FSCA (South Africa) – HF Markets SA
- FSA (Seychelles) – Offshore arm for high leverage
Client protection features:
- Segregated accounts
- Negative balance protection
- Up to €20,000 compensation via ICF (Cyprus)
Account Types
| Account | Min Deposit | Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission | Leverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | $5 | 1.2 pips | None | Up to 1:1000 | Beginners, small traders |
| Premium | $100 | 1.0 pips | None | Up to 1:500 | Intermediate traders |
| Zero Spread | $200 | 0.0 pips | $6/lot RT | Up to 1:500 | Scalpers, high-frequency |
| Pro | $500 | 0.2–0.5 pips | Custom | Up to 1:400 | Institutional, VIPs |
| PAMM | $250 | Varies | Varies | Up to 1:300 | Copy trading investors |
| Islamic | $100 | Varies | No swaps | Up to 1:500 | Shariah-compliant trading |
Trading Platforms
| Platform | Supported | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MT4 | ✅ | Standard desktop, mobile, and web versions |
| MT5 | ✅ | Multi-asset access, faster backtesting |
| HFM App | ✅ | Mobile trading + funding + analytics |
| VPS Hosting | ✅ | Available for free with minimum trading volume |
Trading Instruments
- 50+ Forex pairs
- Indices (US30, NAS100, GER40, etc.)
- Commodities (Gold, Oil, Silver)
- Stocks (US, UK, EU listed CFDs)
- Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.)
Spreads and Fees
| Account | Spread (EUR/USD) | Commission | Execution Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | 1.2–1.5 pips | None | Market Maker |
| Zero Spread | 0.0 pips | $6/lot RT | STP |
| Premium | 1.0 pips | None | STP |
Spreads are tightest on the Zero Account, with no markup and a fixed commission.
Deposits and Withdrawals
| Method | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | Instant | 1–3 business days | Free |
| Skrill/Neteller | Instant | 24 hours | Free |
| Crypto (USDT/BTC) | Instant | 1–2 hours | Free |
| Bank Transfer | 2–5 days | 2–5 days | Free |
| Local Gateways | Instant | 1–2 days | Free |
Educational Tools and Analytics
- Forex Webinars and trading masterclasses
- Market analysis and daily videos
- E-courses and trading guides
- Premium analytics available for VIP accounts
- Economic calendar, calculators, and sentiment indicators
Strengths
- Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
- Flexible account types for all trader levels
- Supports high leverage (up to 1:2000) via offshore entity
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Offers Islamic accounts and PAMM services
Weaknesses
- No cTrader or TradingView integration
- High commission on Zero Spread account vs competitors
- No weekend crypto trading
- US traders not accepted
Verdict
HotForex (HFM) remains a top-tier global broker with a strong reputation, extensive regulation, and a broad suite of trading tools. It caters equally well to beginners (Micro/Premium) and experienced traders (Zero/Pro). The broker’s commitment to education, multilingual support, and low-friction payments makes it a smart choice for diverse global clients.
Rating Summary
| Category | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Regulation | ★★★★★ |
| Trading Conditions | ★★★★☆ |
| Platform & Tools | ★★★★☆ |
| Customer Support | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall Score | ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HotForex a regulated broker?
Yes. HotForex (HFM) is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, and FSA, offering global compliance and client protection.
What is the minimum deposit?
You can start trading with as little as $5 using the Micro Account.
Does HotForex offer zero spread accounts?
Yes. The Zero Spread Account offers 0.0 pip spreads with a $6 commission per round-turn lot.
Can I trade crypto with HotForex?
Yes. HFM offers CFD trading on major cryptocurrencies, though crypto markets are not open on weekends.
Is HotForex good for beginners?
Yes. HotForex provides low deposit accounts, education tools, and 24/5 support, making it ideal for new traders.
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