Both brokers target global stock exposure with share CFDs and regulated oversight, but their core differentiators lie in platform access and client support.
Axi and HFM are closely matched overall. Axi provides a proprietary platform, while HFM offers phone support.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Equally matched; both have strong regulation and compensation schemes.
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $6/lot▼ lower |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Axi | 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 | Fail | Pass |
The scores are close: Axi rates 3.7/5 and HFM rates 3.8/5. 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.
Both Axi 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.
Neither Axi nor HFM requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both Axi and HFM 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.
Axi lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
HFM charges $6 per trade, lower than Axi's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Axi supports DXtrade, MetaTrader 4, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. Axi has exclusive access to DXtrade. HFM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither Axi 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 Axi and HFM are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
Axi wins for active traders with ECN-adjacent equity CFD execution.
Axi wins with 700+ share CFDs across MT4 and Axi One.
Equally matched; neither offers commission-free trading.
Equally matched; neither supports fractional shares nor dividend reinvestment.
| 0.7 pips |
| 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| 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 | DFSA FCA ASIC | FSCA DFSA FCA CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | DXtrade MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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