Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of HFM vs ACY Securities, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Founded in 2010, HFM offers a well-rounded and trusted trading platform with an impressive ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 86 out of 99. Despite not being publicly traded or a bank, HFM excels in regulatory compliance, holding two highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and three trusted Tier-2 licenses. These credentials make HFM a reliable choice for online trading.
Established in 2011, ACY Securities has a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 75, categorizing it as an average risk broker. Similar to HFM, ACY Securities is neither publicly traded nor a bank. In terms of regulatory licenses, ACY secures one Tier-1 license but lacks Tier-2 licenses. While ACY is a competent broker, its regulatory standing falls short when compared to HFM.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2011 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of HFM and ACY Securities, it’s important to evaluate their cost-effectiveness for traders. HFM, rated 4 stars for fees, ranks 31st out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. The broker’s standard accounts typically offer a spread of 1.2 pips, which sits slightly above the industry average, but with no specified timeframe. The Zero account at HFM presents a seemingly better deal with an effective spread of 0.7 pips after commission, though this also lacks an average indication, leaving traders in potential uncertainty about true ongoing costs.
In contrast, ACY Securities offers a slightly more attractive fee structure, particularly evidenced by its 4.5-star rating for commissions and fees and a higher ranking of 21st out of 62. Catering to various trader profiles, ACY Securities provides both low-deposit and commission-based account options. While the Standard account offers an average spread of 1.2 pips, similar to HFM, its ProZero account manages to deliver more competitive pricing. Though requiring larger deposits, commission-based accounts like ProZero start at $200 and boast reduced spreads, going as low as 0.25 pips. For Australian clients, ProZero costs are even reduced with commissions dropping to $3 per round turn, resulting in effective spreads of 0.55 pips.
The comparison reveals that while both brokers offer competitive options, ACY Securities might appeal slightly more to cost-conscious traders due to its tiered account offerings and advantageous pricing structure, especially for active traders and those based in Australia. HFM, however, still presents a valid choice, particularly for those valuing consistent if slightly higher-than-average spreads without the need for large initial deposits.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 0.85 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing HFM and ACY Securities for their range of investments, both brokers offer forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. While HFM provides a selection of 500 tradeable symbols, ACY Securities impressively offers a broader range with 2200 symbols available. In terms of forex pairs, HFM stands out with 102 options compared to ACY Securities' 66 pairs. Neither broker provides access to exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, which may be a consideration for investors seeking direct stock purchases like Apple or Vodafone.
Both HFM and ACY Securities support copy trading, allowing users to replicate the trades of successful investors. However, neither platform provides the means to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies. They do, however, allow trading of cryptocurrency derivatives. Despite these offerings, each broker receives a 4-star rating for their range of investments, with HFM ranked #36 and ACY Securities ranked slightly higher at #30 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 2200 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 66 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by HFM and ACY Securities, both brokers provide a comprehensive suite for traders, starting with simulated (paper) trading through free virtual demo accounts to help beginners gain confidence. Both platforms also feature proprietary software developed in-house. For those who prefer versatility, HFM and ACY Securities offer Windows-based desktop downloads as well as convenient web-based trading platforms accessible through a browser. Enthusiastic about social trading? Both brokers support copy trading and offer popular trading systems like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), although neither provides DupliTrade or ZuluTrade options.
Notably, while both brokers enable trading directly from stock charts, HFM proves slightly more generous with charting tools, offering 30 drawing tools compared to ACY Securities' 15. For efficient watch list management, each broker provides seven column fields to customize according to trader preferences. While both brokers share a 4-star rating for their trading platforms and tools, ACY Securities edges out slightly in rankings at #41 out of 62 brokers, with HFM trailing closely at #42, according to ForexBrokers.com. Overall, whether you choose HFM or ACY Securities, you’re likely to find a well-rounded platform catering to various trading needs.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both HFM and ACY Securities offer mobile trading apps that are compatible with iPhone and Android devices. This makes it convenient for traders to stay connected and manage their investments on the go. Each app provides essential features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and a flexible view of different time frames such as daily, weekly, or intraday. Additionally, both platforms support creating customizable watchlists with real-time quotes, enhancing the user experience.
When it comes to charting features, traders can access up to 30 technical studies in the apps of both HFM and ACY Securities, with drawings on charts automatically saved for ease of use. Despite the lack of watchlist symbol syncing between their mobile and online platforms, each app maintains a user-friendly design and versatility in trading operations. With both scoring 4 out of 5 stars for their mobile trading apps, HFM is ranked #39 while ACY Securities is closely placed at #40 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of online brokers HFM and ACY Securities, you’ll find that both provide daily market commentary and an economic calendar to keep traders informed about global events. However, HFM stands out by offering forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, while ACY Securities does not furnish similar premium news content. Additionally, HFM clients have access to Autochartist, a well-known technical analysis tool, and a sentiment-based trading tool to gauge market positions. These features give traders using HFM an edge in making informed decisions.
In contrast, ACY Securities doesn't provide these additional analytical tools, limiting its appeal to traders who rely on advanced research features. This difference is reflected in their ratings, with HFM receiving a research rating of 4 out of 5 stars and ranking 20th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. ACY Securities trails with a 3.5-star rating and a ranking of 44th. Both brokers skip offering tools from companies like Trading Central, TipRanks, and Acuity Trading, indicating a focus on different core features for market analysis.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both HFM and ACY Securities present a variety of options to facilitate learning. Both brokers offer more than ten educational pieces focusing on forex and CFDs, while also hosting online educational webinars at least once a month. Each also maintains a searchable archive of these past webinars, providing valuable learning material for their clients. Additionally, beginners can benefit from over ten educational videos on trading topics offered by both HFM and ACY Securities. However, when stepping into more advanced topics, HFM stands out by offering a greater selection of advanced educational videos, something ACY Securities currently lacks.
HFM further differentiates itself by providing an investor dictionary, which explains more than fifty investing terms—a resource ACY Securities does not offer. These differences in educational tools contribute to HFM receiving a slightly higher rating of 4 stars compared to ACY Securities' 3.5 stars for education. In the broader competitive landscape, HFM is ranked 37th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com for their educational offerings, placing them ahead of ACY Securities, which is ranked 43rd. This comparative analysis may help beginners decide which broker suits their learning needs best.
| Feature |
HFM
|
ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that HFM is better than ACY Securities. HFM finished with an overall rank of #30, while ACY Securities finished with an overall rank of #41.
Alongside its enhanced MetaTrader offering and quality research, HFM (HF Markets), previously known as HotForex, offers a proprietary copy trading platform, HFcopy, a proprietary HF mobile app, and a decent selection of over 1,000 CFDs and 47 forex pairs. Still, trading costs at HFM are slightly above the industry average.
| Feature |
HFM
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ACY Securities
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 86 | 75 |
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Both HFM and ACY Securities do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers, HFM does not offer ACH or SEPA transfers but supports Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for transactions, while ACY Securities provides ACH and SEPA transfers in addition to Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options, with neither broker supporting PayPal.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | HFM | ACY Securities | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 75 | |
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| Review | HFM Review | ACY Securities Review |
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| Regulation | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 86 | 75 | |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2011 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 500 | 2200 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 102 | 66 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 0.85 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | No |
| Funding | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | HFM | ACY Securities | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | HFM Review | ACY Securities Review |
| Overall | HFM | ACY Securities | |
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| Trust Score | 86 | 75 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | HFM Review | ACY Securities Review |
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