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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

IG Group vs HFM 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between IG Group and HFM depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. IG Group is headquartered in London, UK, while HFM operates from Limassol, Cyprus. IG Group has the longer track record, established in 1974, compared to HFM which was founded in 2010. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.

IG Group

HFM

VS
IG GroupHFM
BrokerRank Score4.3/5 ✓3.8/5
Min. Deposit$250 ✓$5
Spread from0.6 pips0 pips ✓
Max Leverage1:2001:2000 ✓
RegulationFCA, ASIC, MAS ✓FCA, CySEC, FSCA
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
IG GroupHFM
Best for Low Fees
HFMIG Group
Best for Regulation
IG GroupHFM
Best Overall
IG GroupHFM
Quick Answer

IG Group is the better choice overall, scoring 4.3/5 vs 3.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, HFM offers lower spreads (0 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

IG Group vs HFM: Key Differences

Feature

IG Group

Winner

HFM

Our Rating
4.3 / 5
3.8 / 5
Min. Deposit
$250
$5
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.6 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
$3/lot
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4
MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
Founded
1974
2010
Headquarters
London, UK
Limassol, Cyprus
Score
3 / 5
2 / 5

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Fees Comparison

Fee

IG Group

HFM

Spread From
0.6 pips
0 pips
Commission
None
$3/lot
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

IG Group holds licences from FCA, ASIC, MAS. HFM is regulated by FCA, CySEC, FSCA.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, HFM is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.6 pips at IG Group.

Trading Platforms

IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. HFM offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Mobile, MT4.

Minimum Deposit

IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250, while HFM sets a minimum deposit of $5. Both are suitable for traders with moderate starting capital.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores IG Group at 4.33/5 and HFM at 3.78/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. IG Group leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

IG Group is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 4.33/5 versus HFM's 3.78/5. IG Group holds more tier-1 licences (FCA, ASIC, MAS), offering stronger regulatory protection. HFM has a fees advantage with 0.0 pip spreads. Traders with smaller budgets may find HFM's lower minimum deposit of $5 more accessible. HFM is still a solid option for beginners starting with a smaller initial capital, but IG Group offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

IG Group

IG Group

4.3/5

Top pick

Choose IG Group if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.3/5)
  • No per-trade commission
  • More regulatory licences (4)
  • More established (est. 1974)
HFM

HFM

3.8/5

Choose HFM if you want…

  • Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
  • Lower minimum deposit ($5)
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:2000)

Also consider

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We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

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Both IG Group & HFM are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is IG Group better than HFM?

IG Group scores higher overall on our independent rating system. IG Group holds a 4.3/5 rating vs HFM's 3.8/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, IG Group or HFM?

IG Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips, while HFM starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for IG Group vs HFM?

IG Group requires a minimum deposit of $250. HFM requires $5.

4

Which broker is safer, IG Group or HFM?

IG Group is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC, while HFM holds licences from FCA, CySEC, FSCA.

5

What trading platforms do IG Group and HFM support?

IG Group supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. HFM supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both IG Group and HFM?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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