HFM (HotForex)

With over 12 years of experience in the financial sector and having personally traded on dozens of different platforms, I understand very well that choosing a trading platform that is both reputable and friendly to Vietnamese investors is not easy. HFM (formerly HotForex) is one of the names I highly appreciate—not only for its solid regulatory framework but also for how it builds a flexible, transparent, and sustainable trading ecosystem.

HFM’s History and Development

The HFM (HotForex) trading platform was established in 2010 and quickly became one of the most trusted names in the industry. It offers clients a modern trading platform with various tools and features to help investors execute trades conveniently and effectively.

• 2010: HotForex was founded, offering forex and CFD brokerage services for retail and institutional investors.
• 2011: Expanded services and launched the Micro account.
• 2012: Received regulatory license from CySEC. Expanded product portfolio to include precious metals, energy, and indices.
• 2014: Reached 500,000 registered accounts.
• 2015: Expanded operations into regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
• 2016: Launched Zero Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and competitive trading fees.
• 2018: Received numerous prestigious awards in the financial industry.
• Present: HFM serves millions of clients from over 100 countries, confirming its position as one of the top global brokers.

HFM (formerly HotForex) has received numerous prestigious financial industry awards, reflecting its commitment to service quality and customer satisfaction. Below are some of the standout awards HFM has earned:

• Best Global Broker 2022 – The European Awards
• Top 100 Global Financial Companies
• Best Online Trading App Award
• Best Trading Platform Award
• Best Forex Introducing Broker Provider
• Best Forex Trading App – International Capital Finance Magazine

These awards demonstrate HFM’s relentless efforts to deliver high-quality trading services and meet the diverse needs of clients worldwide.

Types of HFM Accounts

HotForex offers a variety of account types to meet the needs of both beginners and professional traders.

• Micro Account: Ideal for beginners, with a minimum deposit of $5, leverage up to 1:1000, and spreads starting from 1.2 pips—allowing low-risk market exposure.
• Premium Account: Designed for experienced traders, with a minimum deposit of $100, spreads from 1.2 pips, and leverage up to 1:500—suitable for long-term or high-volume trading.
• Zero Spread Account: Attractive with spreads from 0.0 pips, commission fees of $3–$4/lot, and a minimum deposit of $200—optimized for scalping and high-volume trading.
• Auto Account: Supports automated trading via MQL5, with a minimum deposit of $200 and spreads from 1.2 pips—suitable for those leveraging automated strategies.
• HFM PAMM Account: Enables passive investment with a minimum deposit of $250, allowing capital delegation and profit sharing with fund managers.
• HFcopy Account: Designed for investors wanting to copy trades, with a minimum deposit of $100 (Follower) or $500 (Provider), and leverage up to 1:400.

In particular, the HFcopy and PAMM accounts show HFM’s strong investment in capital management and copy trading – a trend favored by many modern traders.

Expert’s highlights:

• HFcopy account is an excellent option for busy individuals who still want to invest in Forex.

• Zero Spread is a good choice for scalpers and high-volume traders.

What trading platforms does HotForex offer?

HFM provides various modern trading platforms to meet the diverse needs of investors. Below are the main platforms available:

• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): The most popular trading platform with a user-friendly interface, over 50 analytical tools, and support for automated trading (EA). Compatible with desktop, web, and mobile.
• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): An upgraded version of MT4, supporting multi-asset trading (Forex, stocks, crypto), with an integrated economic calendar and multiple timeframes.
• MT4 MultiTerminal: A tool to manage multiple trading accounts simultaneously, suitable for fund managers or professional traders.
• HFM Rapid Trader FIX/API: A high-speed trading platform that connects directly to the interbank market, ideal for institutions and high-volume traders.

Compared to many international brokers, I rate HFM’s technology ecosystem among the top 5 for stability and safety.

What are HFM’s trading fees?

HotForex offers very competitive trading fees, depending on the account type:

• Spread: Micro and Premium accounts start from 1.2 pips, while the Zero Spread account starts from 0.0 pips.
• Commission: Applies only to Zero Spread accounts, ranging from $3 to $4 per lot traded.
• Swap fees: Applied to overnight positions, but the broker offers Islamic accounts (swap-free) as an option.
• HFM does not charge any deposit/withdrawal fees, helping investors save on costs.

Can I use leverage or margin trading on HotForex?

Yes, HFM offers flexible leverage depending on account type and regulatory region:

• Maximum leverage: Up to 1:1000 for Micro accounts.
• Standard leverage: 1:500 for Premium and Zero Spread accounts.

Leverage helps investors optimize capital but also comes with higher risk. The maximum leverage of up to 1:1000 is regulated according to account type and regional rules – reflecting the broker’s responsible risk management approach.

HFM is committed to protecting client accounts from negative balances. This means that in the event of extreme market volatility and unpayable positions, investors will not lose more than the amount deposited into their accounts.

Additionally, in margin trading operations, HFM keeps client funds in segregated accounts, separate from the company’s operational funds. This ensures that in the event of financial difficulties, client assets remain protected and unaffected by the company’s issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is HFM (HotForex) a scam?
No. HFM is regulated by CySEC, FSC, DFSA, and FCA, and has been operating safely for over 10 years.

Can I deposit and withdraw in VND?
Yes. HFM supports online banking through Vietnamese banks and allows withdrawals in local currency.

Does HFM support Vietnamese language?
Yes. HFM provides full Vietnamese website support and a native Vietnamese customer service team.

What is the best account for beginners?
The Micro account, with a $5 minimum deposit and high leverage, is ideal for beginners.

Is copy trading on HFcopy safe?
Yes. HFcopy allows investors to track trading history and performance of signal providers before copying trades.

Conclusion from Expert Phạm Hồng Hải

HFM is not the only broker on the market, but it is one of the few that achieves a balance between technology, cost, regulatory strength, and customer service quality. With a solid regulatory foundation, flexible account ecosystem, and competitive fees, HFM is a worthy choice for both beginners and professional investors seeking a stable and efficient destination on their global trading journey.