How I Test
"My research begins with collecting and auditing data across more than 100 variables, analyzing the tools and features that matter most to forex and CFD traders. I track commissions, spreads, and fees across the industry to help traders find the best broker for their needs.
I also review each broker's regulatory status, which helps determine whether a broker can be trusted to keep your money safe. As part of this effort, my team and I track more than 100 international regulatory agencies to power our proprietary Trust Score rating system.
I open personal brokerage accounts and test every available platform on desktop, web, and mobile for each broker reviewed. Nothing earns a rating until I've put it through its paces myself, because I believe traders deserve findings grounded in real, hands-on experience."
Years of Experience
25+ years
Areas of Expertise
Forex, cryptocurrency, and the online brokerage industry
Article Count
1000+
Licenses / Credentials (if applicable)
Series III license — Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA)
Want to work with Steven? Get in touch here.
Steven Hatzakis is a well-known finance writer, with 25+ years of experience in the foreign exchange and financial markets. He is the Global Director of Online Broker Research for Reink Media Group, leading research efforts for ForexBrokers.com since 2016.
Steven is an expert writer and researcher who has published over 1,000 articles covering the foreign exchange markets and cryptocurrency industries.
He has served as a registered commodity futures representative for domestic and internationally-regulated brokerages. He holds a Series III license in the US as a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA).
Passionate about helping consumers, Steven has moderated numerous forex and finance industry panels across the globe, such as the Finance Magnates London Summit and The Cyprus Forex Summit.
Steven is frequently referenced in highly regarded forex publications such as FXStreet, Bitcoin.com, The National Herald, and TheStreet. Steven has also been referenced as a cryptocurrency expert in the Alabama Law Review.
Prior to joining Reink Media Group, Steven was an Editor at Finance Magnates.
In addition to forex, Steven is an avid cryptocurrency researcher, advisor, investor, and trader, having conducted over 3,000 crypto trades in 2020 alone. Steven first wrote about Bitcoin market inefficiencies in 2013 and continues to contribute to open-source technology, consumer education, and self-regulatory initiatives.
During his free time, Steven enjoys reading and engineering applications related to math and cryptography, traveling, spearfishing, exercising and staying active.
Please note:
Below, you can find Steven's only official, public-facing social media accounts:
If you have been contacted by any other social media accounts claiming to be Steven Hatzakis, you are likely dealing with a scam. All views and opinions expressed within social media accounts are those of Steven Hatzakis.
Media Samples:
Latest Articles
Is Capital.com worth it in 2026? Our expert review covers 450+ crypto CFDs, a 0.7-pip EUR/USD spread, commission-free pricing, and platform quality.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 15, 2026
Compare the top spread betting platforms with detailed insights on features, fees, and trading tools. Find the best broker for your strategy and maximize your trading potential.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 15, 2026
Zero spread accounts are trading accounts offered by forex brokers that have no difference between the bid and ask price or have spreads that average close to zero.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 15, 2026
We tested and ranked the best gold trading platforms for 2026. Compare gold spreads, fees, regulation, and trading tools before you open an account.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 15, 2026
ForexBrokers.com's list of the seven best forex brokers that offer integration with TradingView.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 15, 2026
Based on first-hand experience, learn how to open and fund a Capital.com trading account from sign-up and KYC verification to minimum deposits and payment methods.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 15, 2026
A first-hand breakdown of Capital.com's fees and commissions, from EUR/USD spreads and overnight funding to currency conversion and guaranteed stop-loss costs.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 15, 2026
IG is our top pick for forex options in 2026. Compare 6 tested brokers for vanilla options, turbos, and options on currency futures, with fees and Trust Scores.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 13, 2026
CMC Markets review 2026: 303 forex pairs (the most we track), 21,000+ CFDs, and top-tier charting. See where its spreads and education fall short.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 09, 2026
For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading.
- Steven Hatzakis
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October 09, 2026
IG
FOREX.com
CMC Markets
XTB
eToro
Capital.com
AvaTrade
XM
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill
HFM Markets
