HFMvs
SwissquoteStock Broker Comparison
In this stocks-focused comparison, HFM and Swissquote compete on regulation, platform depth, and access to global equities. The tension centers on ownership, costs, and the breadth of exchanges.
Our Verdict
Swissquote winsby 0.5 pts
Swissquote wins on the editorial score (4.3 vs 3.8), while HFM lags in regulation depth and exchange access.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Real shares with custody at Swissquote; HFM offers CFDs only.
- 2FINMA regulation with bank custody contrasts HFM's CySEC/DFSA model.
- 3Broad exchange access favors Swissquote: 60 exchanges versus 8 for HFM.
Who should choose HFM vs Swissquote?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you want HFcopy to automatically copy equity strategies within the same account.
Choose Swissquote if…
Choose Swissquote if you prefer real share ownership and custody under FINMA regulation.
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
Swissquote wins for safety with FINMA regulation and banking-grade custody.
Best for active traders
Recommended
HFM vs Swissquote: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1,000 |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 1.7 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | N/A |
HFM vs Swissquote 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 Swissquote: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
HFM
criteria wins
1
Swissquote
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | HFM | Swissquote |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
HFM vs Swissquote: Frequently Asked Questions
Swissquote rates 4.3/5 versus 3.8/5 for HFM. Swissquote edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
HFM lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Swissquote's 1.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
HFM has no minimum deposit, while Swissquote requires at least $1000. This makes HFM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both HFM and Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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 on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Swissquote are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. 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 Swissquote supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Swissquote has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Neither HFM nor Swissquote 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 Swissquote 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.
