AMarketsvs
HFMStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers compete on stock CFDs and platform depth, testing trust, protection, and global access. The tension centers on regulation, investor safeguards, and the breadth of exchange coverage.
Our Verdict
HFM winsClear Winner
HFM outperforms AMarkets on editorial score and regulatory protections, while AMarkets remains offshore with weaker investor safeguards.
HFM
3.8/5
AMarkets
3.2/5
Key Differences
- 1HFM has access to eight exchanges; AMarkets four.
- 2HFM provides a compensation scheme; AMarkets does not.
- 3HFM offers negative balance protection; AMarkets does not.
Who should choose AMarkets vs HFM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
HFM has multi-jurisdiction regulation (FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA) while AMarkets is offshore.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
AMarkets vs HFM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.2/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | $6/lot |
AMarkets vs HFM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stocks CFDs with ECN pricing and competitive spreads
- MT4/MT5 with copy trading integration
- Broad product range including equity CFDs alongside forex
Cons
- Offshore regulation (SVG/FSA), minimal investor protection
- No real share ownership, CFDs only
AMarkets vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
AMarkets
criteria win
3
HFM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AMarkets | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
AMarkets vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
HFM rates 3.8/5 versus 3.2/5 for AMarkets. HFM edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Both AMarkets and HFM start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while AMarkets requires at least $100. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
HFM holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, DFSA, FCA), providing stronger investor protections. AMarkets 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.
AMarkets lists maximum leverage of 3000:1, while HFM lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Both AMarkets and HFM charge the same commission of $6 per trade on applicable accounts. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
AMarkets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. AMarkets has exclusive access to cTrader.
Neither AMarkets nor HFM is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
HFM scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
