ATFX vs HFM Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and HFM across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
ATFX offers stocks CFDs on 200+ global equities under FCA and CySEC regulation - a multi-asset broker with institutional-grade execution and a zero minimum deposit across its core platform.
ATFX and HFM are extremely closely matched with scores of 3.7/5 and 3.8/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
HFM has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
HFM edges out ATFX with a higher editorial score (3.8/5 vs 3.7/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
ATFX vs HFM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Commission-free | No | No |
| Fractional shares | No | No |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
| Extended hours | No | No |
| IPO access | No | No |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA FSCA CySEC DFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 |
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit HFM |
ATFX vs HFM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- FCA and CySEC regulated - dual tier-1 coverage with FSCS and ICF protection
- 200+ share CFDs across US, UK, EU, and Asian markets
- Zero minimum deposit with MT4/MT5 platform access
- CFDs only - no real share ownership or ISA/SIPP wrapper
- Commission structure less competitive than ECN-focused alternatives
- Customer support quality inconsistent based on user reports
- HFcopy enables automatic copying of equity-focused strategies within the same account
- CySEC and DFSA regulated - strong dual-jurisdiction for EU and UAE clients
- 500+ share CFDs across MT4 and MT5 with no minimum deposit
- No inactivity fee; multilingual 24/5 customer support
- Stock range (500+) significantly narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, or dividend entitlement
- International FSA Seychelles entity provides substantially lighter regulatory protection
- HFcopy signal provider quality for equity strategies is variable
ATFX vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ATFX | HFM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | 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 | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
ATFX vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, HFM ranks higher with a score of 3.8/5 vs 3.7/5 for ATFX. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither ATFX 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.
Both ATFX and HFM hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Both ATFX and HFM require a minimum deposit of no minimum to open a live trading account.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4 and HFM offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: HFM has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
More Stock Broker Comparisons
More ATFX comparisons
Personalised recommendation
Not sure which broker is right for you?
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