HFM (HotForex) vs Swissquote: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare HFM (HotForex) and Swissquote — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Swissquote edges ahead (3.9/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaHFM (HotForex)Swissquote
Overall score 3.5 3.9
Regulation & safety 3.0 4.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 3.0
Platform & assets 4.0 4.0
User support 3.5 4.0
Trust score68/10081/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, HFM appAdvanced Trader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Mobile app
Fee modelVarious accounts (spread/zero); figures varyTends toward premium (higher fees than pure forex brokers) in exchange for bank status & security; exact figures not yet verified
Pros & cons
- Many account types & instruments; CySEC/FCA licenses for certain entities
- Global presence & promotions
- MT4/MT5
- Many retail clients via offshore entities (Seychelles/Mauritius)
- Relies on promotions; read the terms
- Leverage is high-risk
- FINMA-licensed Swiss bank + public company (SIX: SQN) — top-tier institutional safety
- Multi-asset: forex/CFDs, stocks, ETFs, bonds, crypto in one place
- Platform choice: Advanced Trader + MT4/MT5
- Fees tend toward premium (not the cheapest) — you 'pay' for bank-grade security
- Less suitable for cost-sensitive scalpers
- Leveraged products are high-risk
Regulation at a glance
HFM (HotForex)
HFM (formerly HotForex) — regulated by CySEC, FCA, FSCA, DFSA, FSA (Seychelles), FSC (Mauritius). Many clients via offshore entities.
Swissquote
Swissquote Bank Ltd is a licensed bank supervised by FINMA (Switzerland); other entities are supervised by the FCA (UK), DFSA (Dubai), MAS (Singapore), and others. Publicly listed on the SIX exchange (SQN) — high financial transparency.