HFM
ACY Securities
HFM vs ACY Securities
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
HFM and ACY Securities are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. HFM, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $5. ACY Securities, established in 2011 in Sydney, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $50 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, HFM scored 8/10 overall compared to ACY Securities's 7.6/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, ACY Securities holds its own with lower trading costs and wider product range, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
HFM scores 8/10 overall vs 7.6/10 for ACY Securities — a 0.4-point difference.
- 💵
HFM requires just $5 to start, while ACY Securities needs $50 — HFM is 10x more accessible.
- 📈
ACY Securities offers 2,200+ instruments vs 1,200+ at HFM — a notable difference in market coverage.
- 🖥️
HFM runs on MT4, MT5, HFM App, while ACY Securities uses MT4, MT5 — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Regulation & Trust: HFM scores 9.0 vs 7.5 for ACY Securities — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
HFM
Score: 8.0/10 · Wins 3 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
ACY Securities
Score: 7.6/10 · Wins 2 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You prefer ACY Securities's trading environment overall
HFM takes the lead with an overall score of 8/10 compared to 7.6/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. HFM stands out for stronger regulation and superior education resources, while ACY Securities fights back with lower trading costs and wider product range.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, HFM comes out ahead with a 8/10 overall rating, winning 3 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 9.0/10. HFM holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. ACY Securities is not without merit — it scores 7.6/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (8.5/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value lower trading costs or wider product range may find ACY Securities the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full HFM review and ACY Securities review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
ACY Securities wins by 0.5 points
HFM wins by 1.5 points
HFM wins by 0.5 points
HFM wins by 0.5 points
ACY Securities wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.0/10 ✓ | 7.6/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $5 ✓ | $50 |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, HFM App | MT4, MT5 |
| Regulation | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA | ASIC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2010 ✓ | 2011 |
| Markets | 1,200+ | 2,200+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, ACY Securities has the edge with a score of 8.5/10 versus 8/10 for HFM. HFM offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while ACY Securities starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at HFM is $5, compared to $50 at ACY Securities. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
HFM scores 7.5/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for ACY Securities. HFM provides MT4, MT5, HFM App, while ACY Securities offers MT4, MT5. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA (Tier 1), while ACY Securities holds licenses from ASIC (Tier 1). HFM scores 9/10 and ACY Securities scores 7.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, HFM leads with 7.5/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. HFM and ACY Securities both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
HFM offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while ACY Securities provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 7.5/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
HFM scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while ACY Securities scores 7.5/10. HFM accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin, and ACY Securities supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. HFM requires a minimum deposit of $5 versus $50 for ACY Securities. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose HFM if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($5)
Choose ACY Securities if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You prefer ACY Securities's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is HFM better than ACY Securities?
HFM scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.6/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, ACY Securities is stronger in lower trading costs and wider product range. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, HFM or ACY Securities?
ACY Securities scores higher for trading costs. HFM offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $5 minimum deposit, while ACY Securities starts from 0.0 pips with $50 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is HFM safe to trade with?
HFM is regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, FSA and scores 9/10 for regulation. ACY Securities is regulated by ASIC with a score of 7.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, HFM or ACY Securities?
HFM scores 7.5/10 for platforms. HFM offers MT4, MT5, HFM App, while ACY Securities provides MT4, MT5. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for HFM vs ACY Securities?
HFM requires a minimum deposit of $5, while ACY Securities requires $50. HFM has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.