HFMvs
IC MarketsStock Broker Comparison
In this comparison, HFM and IC Markets clash over regulation, equity CFD coverage, and platform tools, revealing how score gaps shape access to global shares.
Our Verdict
IC Markets winsby 0.3 pts
IC Markets edges out HFM on the editorial score due to a higher overall rating.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1No minimum deposit for 500+ stock CFDs at HFM.
- 2IC Markets delivers 2,000+ stock CFDs and DMA via IRESS.
- 3Regulatory reach differs: HFM (CySEC, DFSA) vs IC Markets (ASIC, CySEC).
Who should choose HFM vs IC Markets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you value CySEC and DFSA regulation and a zero deposit share CFD offering.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want 2,000+ stock CFDs with DMA access via IRESS.
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
Equally matched; both offer multi-jurisdiction regulation and compensation schemes.
Best for active traders
Recommended
HFM vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $200 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
HFM vs IC Markets Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Stock range (500+) significantly narrower than CMC, IG, or Saxo
HFM vs IC Markets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
HFM
criteria wins
1
IC Markets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | HFM | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
HFM vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: HFM rates 3.8/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. IC 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 HFM and IC Markets 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 IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both HFM and IC Markets 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.
HFM lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while IC Markets lists up to 5:1. 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 IC Markets'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.
HFM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
Neither HFM nor IC Markets 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 HFM and IC Markets 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.
