HFMvs
ThinkMarketsStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits HFM and ThinkMarkets against each other in regulation, platforms, and global stock access. The axis of tension centers on platform strength and exchange reach.
Our Verdict
Too close to call
HFM and ThinkMarkets are closely matched overall, with each excelling in different areas. The clearest differentiator is ThinkMarkets' broader exchange access, proprietary platform, and 24/5 live chat.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1ThinkMarkets provides access to 12 exchanges, HFM offers 8.
- 2ThinkMarkets has a proprietary ThinkTrader platform.
- 3ThinkMarkets has 24/5 live chat support.
Who should choose HFM vs ThinkMarkets?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose HFM if…
Choose HFM if you value robust CySEC/DFSA regulation and a 500+ share CFD range.
Choose ThinkMarkets if…
Choose ThinkMarkets if you want 3,000+ share CFDs and a proprietary ThinkTrader platform with 24/5 support.
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 are regulated by multiple authorities and are members of compensation schemes.
Best for active traders
Recommended
HFM vs ThinkMarkets: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.4 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot▼ lower | $7/lot |
HFM vs ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
HFM
criteria wins
1
ThinkMarkets
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | HFM | ThinkMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ThinkMarkets: Frequently Asked Questions
HFM and ThinkMarkets share the same editorial score of 3.8/5. One concrete differentiator: HFM has tighter spreads from 0 pips.
HFM lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ThinkMarkets's 0.4. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither HFM nor ThinkMarkets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both HFM and ThinkMarkets 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.
HFM lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets'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 ThinkMarkets supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. ThinkMarkets has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither HFM nor ThinkMarkets 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 ThinkMarkets 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.
