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)
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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
Eightcap review 2026: low-cost forex and CFD trading on TradingView, MetaTrader, and TradeLocker, with a deep crypto CFD lineup. Read our expert verdict.
- Steven Hatzakis
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June 04, 2026
HYCM is a trusted brand that offers a straightforward MetaTrader platform experience, and its Raw account delivers competitive pricing.
- Steven Hatzakis
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June 01, 2026
Our 2026 HFM (HF Markets) review covers MT4, MT5, copy trading, the 344-symbol product offering, and 1.8-pip EUR/USD spreads, based on hands-on testing.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 29, 2026
In my 2026 Exness review, I tested the Exness Terminal, MT4, and MT5 across 78 forex pairs. See my verdict on costs, research, and product range.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 27, 2026
Vantage rounds out its MetaTrader platform suite offering with support for multiple social trading platforms, content powered by Trading Central.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 26, 2026
Our easy-to-use forex leverage calculator helps you accurately calculate the margin required for your leveraged forex trades.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 26, 2026
Learn about the most common types of forex scams and discover our top warning signs that you might be dealing with a forex scam.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 26, 2026
Have you been scammed by a forex broker? Unsure what to do next? Check out our top tips for what to do if you’ve been scammed by a forex broker.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 26, 2026
Learn how to spot crypto trading scams before they cost you money. We cover the top warning signs, common tactics, and steps to protect yourself in 2026.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 26, 2026
Here is a list of the best forex brokers that accept residents of Israel.
- Steven Hatzakis
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May 26, 2026
IG
FOREX.com
CMC Markets
XTB
eToro
Capital.com
AvaTrade
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill
