Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of CMC Markets vs HFM, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CMC Markets, established in 1989, is a highly regarded online broker with a top-tier Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. As a publicly traded company, it holds six Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a high level of trust and regulatory compliance. Additionally, CMC Markets possesses one Tier-2 license, further adding to its credibility. Despite not being a bank, its presence in the financial market is marked by a long history and high-level regulatory assurance.
HFM, founded in 2010, is a relatively newer player in the online trading space but carries a solid reputation with a Trust Score of 86. Unlike CMC Markets, HFM is not publicly traded but is still considered trustworthy, with two Tier-1 licenses and three Tier-2 licenses. While it doesn't match CMC Markets' extensive regulatory standing, HFM provides a reliable trading experience with its trusted score and regulatory backing. Like CMC Markets, HFM is not a bank, yet it offers secure trading options for users worldwide.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2010 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
CMC Markets is the cheaper pick on commissions and fees for most traders. It earns 5 stars and ranks #4 out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com’s Commissions and Fees category, while HFM earns 4 stars and ranks #28 out of 63. CMC’s tight spreads and flexible pricing options generally translate into lower all-in costs than HFM’s slightly-above-average pricing.
CMC Markets reports an average spread of 0.61 pips on EUR/USD (August 2023). Its FX Active plan charges $2.50 per side with minimum spreads from 0.0, delivering about 0.5 pips all-in on EUR/USD and five other pairs; for example, NZD/USD drops from 1.5 pips on the standard plan to roughly 0.5 pips with FX Active after commissions. Frequent traders can cut costs further with the Price Plus Scheme, which awards Trading Points (2 per standard lot); trading 1,250 standard lots in a month reaches Tier 4 and unlocks a 20% spread discount. Notably, CMC’s averages have tended to stay close to its quoted minimums, helping everyday costs remain predictable.
HFM’s costs sit a bit above the industry average. The broker lists a typical 1.2‑pip spread on its standard accounts, but it doesn’t provide a date range or verified averages. Its Zero account can reach an effective 0.7 pips after commission, though that figure also isn’t an average. The limited transparency around averages, combined with higher typical spreads, makes HFM pricier than CMC Markets for many forex traders.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.3 | 1.8 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 1.1 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Comparing the range of investments, CMC Markets clearly offers more choice than HFM. CMC lists 12,029 tradeable symbols and 141 forex pairs, while HFM provides 500 symbols and 102 forex pairs. Both brokers support forex trading (CFDs/spot) and offer copy trading. For crypto, neither lets you buy actual coins, but both provide cryptocurrency CFDs.
If you want to buy real shares, CMC Markets supports exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, whereas HFM does not. Reflecting this breadth, CMC Markets earns 5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. HFM earns 4 stars and ranks #28.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 102 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Comparing CMC Markets vs HFM on trading platforms and tools: both brokers offer free demo (paper) accounts, their own proprietary platforms, Windows desktop downloads, browser-based web platforms, copy trading, and support for MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). You can also trade directly from charts at either broker, with the charting features traders expect.
Where they differ is in ratings and rankings. CMC Markets earns 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while HFM holds 4 stars and ranks #33. If third-party recognition matters, CMC Markets has the edge; if you simply want the essentials—MT4/MT5, web and desktop access, copy trading, and a free virtual account—both CMC Markets and HFM deliver.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
CMC Markets and HFM both cover the mobile trading basics: iPhone and Android apps, price alerts, and capable charting with trendline drawing and auto-saved drawings. CMC Markets includes 29 technical studies in its app, while HFM offers 30, so indicator choice is nearly the same for both.
The standout difference is watchlist syncing and overall ratings. CMC Markets syncs watchlists between the mobile app and the web platform, so any changes carry over automatically; HFM does not. According to ForexBrokers.com, CMC Markets’ mobile trading app earned 5 stars and ranked #5 out of 63 brokers, while HFM received 4 stars and ranked #32. If seamless syncing and higher third-party scores matter most, CMC Markets is a strong pick; if you want one extra built-in indicator, HFM has the edge there.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Comparing CMC Markets vs HFM for market research, both brokers cover the key tools traders expect. Each provides daily market commentary, real-time forex news from top-tier sources (such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones), Autochartist for technical and fundamental scanning, a sentiment tool showing the long/short ratio across instruments, and a detailed economic calendar. Neither broker currently offers Trading Central, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading integrations.
The main difference shows up in third-party ratings. ForexBrokers.com gives CMC Markets 5 stars for Research and ranks it #6 out of 63 brokers, while HFM earns 4 stars and ranks #18. If you want a higher-rated research experience with similar tool coverage, CMC Markets has the edge. If your priority is the core package—daily insights, credible forex news, Autochartist, sentiment data, and an economic calendar—HFM delivers that, too.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
CMC Markets vs HFM for beginners: both brokers deliver a solid forex and CFD education library with 10+ pieces of content, including articles and videos. Each offers at least 10 beginner-focused trading videos, making it easy to learn the basics step by step. The key difference is webinars—HFM runs online client webinars at least once a month, while CMC Markets does not. If live, scheduled sessions help you learn, HFM has the edge there.
Beyond beginner lessons, both brokers also provide 10+ advanced videos for when you’re ready to go deeper. In expert reviews, CMC Markets earns 5 stars for Education and ranks #10 out of 63 brokers, while HFM earns 4 stars and ranks #29. In short: pick CMC Markets if you want a top-rated, wide-ranging education library; pick HFM if regular live webinars are a must-have.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
|
HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | No | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than HFM. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #5, while HFM finished with an overall rank of #27.
CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.
| Feature |
CMC Markets
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HFM
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 |
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In the CMC Markets vs HFM comparison, both online brokers offer cryptocurrency CFD trading but do not support buying actual (delivered) crypto.
CMC Markets vs HFM: For deposits and withdrawals, CMC Markets supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wire transfers, while HFM supports Skrill and bank wires but not ACH/SEPA or PayPal; Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | CMC Markets | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | HFM Review |
| Broker Screenshots | CMC Markets | HFM | |
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| Regulation | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Year Founded | 1989 | 2010 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 6 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 3 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 12029 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 141 | 102 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.3 | 1.8 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.65 | 1.1 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | No | No | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 73 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 29 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | CMC Markets | HFM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | HFM Review |
| Overall | CMC Markets | HFM | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 86 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | CMC Markets Review | HFM Review |
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