HFM and ACY Securities are both established forex and CFD brokers, but they cater to different types of traders. HFM stands out with a rock-bottom $5 minimum deposit and broader regulation, while ACY Securities appeals to traders prioritizing ASIC oversight. Here's our full head-to-head breakdown.
HFM delivers a rare combination of ultra-low entry cost, tight spreads, and robust multi-jurisdiction regulation that few competitors can match.
ACY Securities leans on strict ASIC oversight and a streamlined MT4/MT5 offering for traders who prioritize regulatory simplicity over bells and whistles.
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | H HFM | AS ACY Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.8 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2010 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Sydney, Australia |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, FSCA | ASIC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $5 | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3/lot | $3/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
HFM
$5
ACY Securities
$50
HFM
0 pips
ACY Securities
0 pips
HFM
$3/lot
ACY Securities
$3/lot
HFM
None
ACY Securities
None
HFM
None
ACY Securities
None
HFM is the clear overall winner in this comparison, earning a 3.8/5 rating versus ACY Securities's 3.2/5 on our independent scoring system. HFM's key advantages include a dramatically lower $5 minimum deposit, higher leverage up to 1:2000, and broader triple-jurisdiction regulation through the FCA, CySEC, and FSCA. ACY Securities remains a respectable alternative for traders who specifically value single-tier ASIC regulation, but for most traders — especially beginners and cost-conscious investors — HFM presents the stronger overall package.
HFM operates under three separate regulatory licences — the FCA, CySEC, and FSCA — giving traders a diversified layer of protection across multiple jurisdictions. This multi-regulatory structure means HFM can offer tailored account conditions depending on a trader's region while maintaining oversight standards in each.
ACY Securities, by contrast, is regulated solely by ASIC, one of the world's most respected tier-1 financial authorities. While a single regulator can mean a more focused compliance structure, it also means less jurisdictional flexibility compared to HFM's broader coverage.
Both brokers meet credible regulatory thresholds, so neither should raise major safety red flags. That said, HFM's three licences edge out ACY Securities's single license when it comes to overall regulatory diversification.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, putting them on equal footing at the headline level. Commission structures are also identical, with both charging $3 per lot on relevant account types.
Where HFM pulls ahead is in accessibility-related costs. With a $5 minimum deposit compared to ACY Securities's $50, HFM allows traders to start live trading with far less upfront capital at risk.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome feature for traders who want to avoid erosion of their capital through funding transactions. Overall trading costs will likely come down to live spread conditions and execution quality rather than headline commission rates.
HFM's $5 minimum deposit is remarkably low and positions it as one of the most accessible brokers for beginners or traders wanting to test strategies with minimal financial commitment. This low barrier to entry is a significant differentiator in this comparison.
ACY Securities requires a $50 minimum deposit, which while still reasonable by industry standards, is ten times higher than HFM's requirement. For traders on tight budgets, this difference can be a decisive factor.
Both brokers keep the account opening process straightforward, but HFM's lower financial threshold makes it easier for a wider range of traders — particularly newcomers — to get started.
HFM supports MT4, MT5, and an additional proprietary mobile trading app, giving traders three distinct ways to access the markets. This extra proprietary option can appeal to traders who want a more tailored mobile experience beyond standard MetaTrader apps.
ACY Securities sticks to the tried-and-tested MT4 and MT5 platforms without offering a proprietary alternative. For many traders, this is not necessarily a drawback, as MetaTrader platforms remain the global standard with extensive third-party tool support.
Traders who value platform variety may lean toward HFM, while those who prefer sticking strictly to MetaTrader's ecosystem will find ACY Securities perfectly capable.
HFM offers leverage up to 1:2000, among the highest available in the retail forex space, appealing to experienced traders who want maximum capital efficiency. This level of leverage requires careful risk management, as losses can be magnified just as significantly as gains.
ACY Securities caps leverage at a more conservative 1:500, which aligns closely with standards seen among many ASIC-regulated brokers. This lower ceiling may actually suit risk-averse traders better, reducing the temptation toward overleveraged positions.
Ultimately, the leverage comparison comes down to trader preference and risk appetite rather than a clear-cut advantage for either broker.
HFM provides access to six distinct asset classes: forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This breadth makes it a strong choice for traders who want to diversify across multiple markets from a single account.
ACY Securities offers five asset classes, covering forex, CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto, but notably excludes individual stock CFDs. Traders specifically interested in stock trading will find HFM's offering more complete.
For most multi-asset traders, HFM's slightly broader market coverage provides more flexibility without needing to open accounts elsewhere.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
HFM edges out ACY Securities overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
HFM
3.8 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.8/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
