In a clash of regulated multi-asset brokers, HFM and RoboForex trade off regulation depth and platform approach. The axis of tension centers on stock access and ownership vs CFDs.
Both brokers are solid and closely matched, but HFM's top-tier regulation and compensation scheme distinguish it.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you value integrated HFcopy for equity strategy copying.
Choose RoboForex if…
Choose HFM if you prioritize CySEC and DFSA oversight across EU and UAE. Choose RoboForex if you want real stock ownership with dividends. Choose RoboForex if you value access to 12,000+ instruments via R Trader.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
HFM wins for safety & regulation because it has top-tier regulators and a compensation scheme.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $10 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $20/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | HFM | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Fail |
HFM and RoboForex share the same editorial score of 3.8/5. One concrete differentiator: HFM requires a lower minimum deposit.
Both HFM and RoboForex 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 RoboForex requires at least $10. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
HFM holds top-tier regulation (FSCA, DFSA, FCA), providing stronger investor protections. RoboForex 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.
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 RoboForex 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 RoboForex's $20 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 RoboForex supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. RoboForex has exclusive access to cTrader and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither HFM nor RoboForex 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.
RoboForex wins for active traders with 12,000+ instruments and multiple platforms.
HFM wins for beginners due to zero minimum deposit and copy trading.
RoboForex wins for global access with 10 exchanges versus 8.
RoboForex wins for low-cost trading due to competitive spreads and no inactivity fee.
RoboForex wins for long-term investors due to real stock ownership with dividends.
| 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| 2 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerWebMoneyPerfect MoneyCrypto |
|---|
| 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 | FSCA DFSA FCA CySEC | FSCA CySEC IFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
Score 3.8 / 5
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