HFMvs
IGForex Broker Comparison
In this head-to-head, HFM and IG clash over regulation credibility, platform ecosystems, and market reach, creating tension for traders weighing costs against breadth.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG is the overall winner on editorial score, reflecting stronger trust/regulation and broader platform and instrument coverage than HFM.
IG
4.8/5
HFM
4.1/5
Key Differences
- 1Instrument breadth: IG offers 19,000+ markets versus HFM's 1,000.
- 2Proprietary platform: IG provides a proprietary platform; HFM relies on MT4/MT5.
- 3Raw spreads: HFM offers raw spreads; IG does not.
Who should choose HFM vs IG?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
HFM offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.60 pips for IG, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
HFM vs IG: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 5.0 / 5▲ |
HFM vs IG Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
No minimum deposit required to open an account
Copy trading via HFcopy platform
FCA, CySEC, and FSCA regulation
High leverage up to 2000:1 on offshore entity
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
HFM vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
HFM
criteria wins
1
IG
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | HFM | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Fail |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
HFM vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.8/5 versus 4.1/5 for HFM. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
HFM starts from 0 pips, tighter than IG's 0.6 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither HFM nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both HFM and IG hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
HFM lists maximum leverage of 2000:1, while IG lists up to 30:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
HFM charges $6 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for IG are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
