H
HYCM
3.4 / 5Score: 1 / 3
Nearly five decades of regulatory heritage paired with commission-free, multi-asset trading.
- Min deposit
- $100
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0.2 pips
- Regulators
- FCA, CySEC, DFSA
Reviewed by Experts Updated 8/25/2026
HYCM vs Aetos Capital: Which Forex Broker Wins in 2026?
HYCM and Aetos Capital are neck-and-neck in our 2026 ratings, each scoring 3.4 out of 5. HYCM leans on decades of history and deeper regulatory coverage, while Aetos Capital appeals with tighter spreads and a lower entry deposit.
AC
Aetos Capital
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 3
Razor-tight spreads from 0.0 pips with a low $50 barrier to entry.
- Min deposit
- $50
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- ASIC, FCA
Best for Beginners
HYCM
Lowest Fees
Aetos Capital
Top Regulation
HYCM
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | H HYCM | AC Aetos Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.4 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 1977 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Sydney, Australia |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC, DFSA | ASIC, FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $100 | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0.2 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $3.5/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
HYCM
$100
Aetos Capital
$50
Spreads From
HYCM
0.2 pips
Aetos Capital
0 pips
Commission
HYCM
None
Aetos Capital
$3.5/lot
Deposit Fees
HYCM
None
Aetos Capital
None
Withdrawal Fees
HYCM
None
Aetos Capital
None
Pros & cons
H
HYCM
Pros
- No per-trade commission keeps cost structure simple and predictable
- Backed by three respected regulatory licences for added peace of mind
- Wider market access including standalone stock trading
- Nearly 50 years of operating history builds long-term trust
- No deposit or withdrawal fees on transactions
- Supports both MT4 and MT5 for flexible trading styles
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit of $100 compared to key competitors
- Spreads from 0.2 pips are wider than some raw-spread rivals
- No account option with true raw/zero-pip spreads
- Fewer regulatory licences than brokers with 4+ jurisdictions
AC
Aetos Capital
Pros
- Tighter raw spreads from 0.0 pips benefit active traders
- Lower minimum deposit makes it easier for beginners to start
- Dual tier-1 regulation from ASIC and FCA
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Modern trading infrastructure built for speed-sensitive strategies
- Strong platform support with MT4 and MT5
Cons
- Commission of $3.5 per lot adds cost on top of spreads
- Fewer regulatory licences than HYCM's three-jurisdiction coverage
- No standalone stock trading available
- Shorter operating history compared to HYCM's decades-long track record
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Lowest fees Aetos Capital
Best regulation HYCM
Better for beginners HYCM
It's a genuine toss-up on paper, but HYCM edges ahead as the stronger all-round broker thanks to its longer track record (est. 1977), triple regulatory licensing, and broader market access including stocks and crypto. Aetos Capital remains an excellent alternative for cost-conscious beginners, offering spreads from 0.0 pips and a lower $50 minimum deposit. Choose HYCM for long-term trust and market variety, or Aetos Capital if raw spread cost and low upfront capital matter most.
Regulation & Trustworthiness
HYCM operates under three well-respected regulators: the FCA, CySEC, and DFSA, giving traders exposure to multiple oversight jurisdictions across Europe and the Middle East. This layered regulatory footprint, combined with a corporate history stretching back to 1977, makes HYCM one of the more established names traders can vet against decades of operational history.
Aetos Capital counters with a tighter but still credible pairing of ASIC and FCA licences, two of the industry's most respected tier-1 regulators. While it holds one fewer licence than HYCM, both regulators enforce strict client fund segregation and capital adequacy rules.
For traders who prioritize breadth of oversight and longevity, HYCM has the edge. However, Aetos Capital's ASIC and FCA combination is more than sufficient for most traders seeking a secure trading environment.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Cost is where Aetos Capital pulls ahead. Its spreads start from 0.0 pips, compared to HYCM's 0.2 pips, making Aetos Capital the sharper choice for scalpers and high-frequency traders who feel every fraction of a pip.
However, Aetos Capital charges a commission of $3.5 per lot on its raw spread accounts, while HYCM charges no per-trade commission at all. This means the true cost comparison depends heavily on trading volume and strategy — high-volume traders may still find HYCM's commission-free structure more predictable.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome consistency for traders moving funds in and out regularly. Overall, active scalpers may lean toward Aetos Capital's tighter raw spreads, while cost-predictable swing traders may prefer HYCM's zero-commission model.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
Aetos Capital is the more accessible option for beginners or traders testing strategies with limited capital, requiring just $50 to open an account. HYCM sets its bar higher at $100.
While the $50 difference may seem modest, it can matter significantly to new traders who want to start small and scale up gradually. Both brokers keep leverage capped at 1:500, so the accessibility gap really comes down to entry capital rather than trading power.
Platforms & Market Access
Both brokers offer identical platform support with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, ensuring traders get the same familiar charting tools, expert advisor compatibility, and order execution environment regardless of which broker they choose.
Where they diverge is market breadth. HYCM supports six asset classes — Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto — while Aetos Capital covers five, omitting standalone stock trading. Traders wanting equity exposure alongside forex will find HYCM the more complete solution.
For traders focused purely on forex, indices, and crypto CFDs, Aetos Capital's narrower offering won't feel like a limitation at all.
Company Background & Headquarters
HYCM was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in London, UK, giving it one of the longest operating histories in the retail forex space. This longevity often translates into refined internal processes and a proven ability to weather market cycles.
Aetos Capital, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is a comparatively younger firm but has quickly built credibility through its ASIC and FCA licensing. Its shorter history is offset by a modern, cost-focused trading model built for today's active trader.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
It's a tie
HYCM and Aetos Capital are evenly matched in our ratings — your best choice depends on your specific trading style and platform preference.
Visit HYCMCategory winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.4/5).
TieBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
HYCMLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Aetos CapitalStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
HYCM
Frequently asked questions
Both brokers score identically at 3.4 out of 5 on our proprietary rating scale, making this a close call. HYCM edges ahead for traders who value deeper regulatory coverage, longer operating history, and broader market access, while Aetos Capital suits those prioritizing lower fees and easier account entry.
Aetos Capital advertises tighter spreads starting from 0.0 pips versus HYCM's 0.2 pips, but it also charges a $3.5 per lot commission that HYCM does not. Depending on your trading volume and style, the effective cost can favor either broker, so it's worth calculating your typical lot size before deciding.
HYCM requires a minimum deposit of $100, while Aetos Capital only requires $50. Beginners with limited starting capital may find Aetos Capital's lower threshold more approachable.
HYCM holds licences from the FCA, CySEC, and DFSA, spanning three separate jurisdictions, while Aetos Capital is regulated by ASIC and FCA. Both offer solid tier-1 protection, but HYCM's three-licence structure gives it a slight edge in regulatory breadth.
Yes, both brokers provide full support for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, so traders can expect the same charting tools, automated trading capability, and order execution environment on either platform.
Both brokers are suitable for beginners, but Aetos Capital's $50 minimum deposit makes it more accessible for those just starting out, while HYCM's long operating history and commission-free structure appeal to newcomers who prioritize simplicity and stability.
HYCM offers a wider range with Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, and Crypto, totaling six asset classes. Aetos Capital covers five, omitting standalone stock trading, so equity-focused traders may prefer HYCM.
Yes, nothing prevents traders from opening accounts with both brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across multiple platforms to take advantage of different fee structures, market access, and execution styles.
Both HYCM and Aetos Capital cap maximum leverage at 1:500, so there is no advantage between the two on this front. Traders should still apply careful risk management regardless of leverage caps.
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.