Two regulated CFD brokers clash over crypto asset coverage and platform ecosystems. The tension centers on coin depth, platform choice, and minimum deposits.
HFM and Skilling remain closely matched; HFM offers broader coin selection with 50 crypto CFDs versus Skilling's 40, while both limit to CFDs and use regulated entities.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you want phone support and a larger crypto CFD selection. HFM also leverages MT4 and MT5 across regulated environments, which may appeal if you value familiar trading tools and broader crypto coverage.
Choose Skilling if…
Choose Skilling if you prefer a proprietary platform with cTrader integration. You also get a no inactivity fee environment and a regulated framework under CySEC and the FCA, which can support continued trading despite market dips.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
HFM is CySEC and DFSA regulated with segregated funds.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.7 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 | Skilling |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: HFM rates 3.9/5 and Skilling rates 3.7/5. HFM has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
HFM lists a lower spread from 0, compared with Skilling's 0.7. 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 Skilling requires at least $50. This makes HFM more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both HFM and Skilling hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: HFM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
HFM offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Skilling'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 Skilling 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 Skilling supports cTrader, Skilling Trader, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. Skilling has exclusive access to cTrader and Skilling Trader.
Skilling offers competitive variable crypto spreads and no inactivity fee.
Equally matched for DeFi & Web3, neither offers DeFi access or staking.
| 0.6 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10/month (after 90 days) |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA FSCA DFSA CySEC | FCA FSCA 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 3.7 / 5
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