FP Marketsvs
HFMStock Broker Comparison
FP Markets and HFM face off in the stock broker comparison, testing regulatory strength, platform breadth, and share access. The tension centers on cost structures versus access to global equities.
Our Verdict
FP Markets winsby 0.3 pts
FP Markets edges HFM on the editorial score, due to FP Markets' stronger regulation and broader platform suite than HFM.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1IRESS DMA access for genuine share trading.
- 2FP Markets offers 10,000+ share CFDs across MT4/MT5, cTrader and TradingView.
- 3HFM's HFcopy enables automatic equity-strategy copying.
Who should choose FP Markets vs HFM?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you value IRESS DMA for direct share trading.
Choose HFM if…
Choose FP Markets for 10,000+ share CFDs across MT4/MT5, cTrader, and TradingView. Choose HFM if you prefer a $0 minimum deposit. Choose HFM for HFcopy automatic copying of equity strategies within the same account.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
FP Markets wins for safety and regulation with ASIC and CySEC oversight.
Best for active traders
Recommended
FP Markets vs HFM: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | $6/lot |
FP Markets vs HFM Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- IRESS platform provides genuine DMA access to ASX, NYSE, LSE, and other exchanges
- 10,000+ share CFDs available on MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
- ASIC and CySEC regulation, among the strongest regulatory profiles for a mid-tier broker
- No platform fee for standard share CFD trading (IRESS fee only for DMA users)
Cons
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55), uneconomical for low-frequency traders
FP Markets vs HFM: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
FP Markets
criteria wins
0
HFM
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FP Markets vs HFM: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FP Markets rates 4.1/5 and HFM rates 3.8/5. FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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 FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets 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, two factors stand out: HFM has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FP Markets 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.
Both FP Markets 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.
FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and TradingView.
Neither FP Markets 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 FP Markets 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.
