Two regulated CFD brokers face off over crypto asset depth and protections. HFM offers a wider crypto CFD lineup with stronger regulation, while InstaForex emphasizes low entry with offshore oversight.
HFM outscales InstaForex 3.9 to 3.1, thanks to stronger regulation and a larger crypto CFD offering.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you value top-tier regulation and a broad 50-coin crypto CFD suite.
Choose InstaForex if…
Choose InstaForex if you want a $1 minimum deposit and access to a long-established broker popular in CIS and Asian markets.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
HFM wins security with top-tier regulation and active protection features like compensation and negative balance protection.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.1/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 1 pips |
| Taker Fee | 6.00% | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | HFM | InstaForex |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
HFM rates 3.9/5 versus 3.1/5 for InstaForex. HFM edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
HFM lists a lower spread from 0, compared with InstaForex's 1. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while InstaForex requires at least $1. This makes HFM more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
HFM holds top-tier regulation (FCA, FSCA, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. InstaForex may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
HFM stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
HFM offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus InstaForex's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
HFM charges $6 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for InstaForex are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while InstaForex supports MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
HFM scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
HFM is best for low fees given its higher Fees & Spreads score versus InstaForex.
InstaForex appeals to beginners with 24/7 support and educational content.
Equally matched; neither broker provides DeFi or Web3 features.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA DFSA CySEC | FSC BVI CySEC |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.1 / 5
Personalised recommendation
Answer 6 quick questions and we’ll match you with the brokers that best fit your trading style, experience level, and country.
Find my broker