Overall Winner (14 data points)
It's a tie — choose by priority
IC Markets vs HFM: Key Differences
Choosing between IC Markets and HFM depends on what matters most to you: regulation tier, spread costs, platform preference, or withdrawal speed. Both are legitimate brokers with distinct strengths. This comparison covers every key metric based on real account data tested in 2026.
Spreads & Trading Costs
IC Markets offers 0.0 pips (Raw) spreads with $6/lot commission, while HFM quotes 0.0 pips (Zero) spreads at $8/lot commission. The true cost per trade depends on your lot size — ECN commission models often beat "zero commission" brokers once volume-adjusted. Use the specs table above to calculate costs at your typical trade size.
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles. HFM holds licences from FCA, CySEC, FSCA, DFSA, FSA, CMA. For MENA traders, both accept clients from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. If FCA or ASIC regulation is a hard requirement, verify your preferred entity before opening an account.
- ✓High-frequency & algorithmic traders
- ✓Scalpers needing raw ECN
- ✓cTrader enthusiasts
- ✓Large-volume traders
- ✕Beginners (higher minimum, complex)
- ✕Traders with <$200
- ✓UAE traders (DFSA regulated)
- ✓Islamic/swap-free account users
- ✓$0 min deposit entry
- ✓MENA region traders
- ✕Traders sensitive to inactivity fees
- ✕cTrader users
🏆 Our Verdict
IC Markets edges ahead on our overall scoring, but the right choice depends on your specific needs. IC Markets scores 4.8/5 vs HFM's 4.5/5 — a 0.3-point gap. See the "Best For" sections above to match your trader profile.
For UAE, Saudi Arabia & MENA Traders
Exness — Recommended for MENA
$10 min deposit · Instant withdrawals · 0.0 pip raw spreads · 6 regulators · Arabic support
Open Exness Account — Free →CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 70–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Ensure you understand the risks involved. Data accurate as of April 2026.