Independent broker researchIssue 020Vol. IV
020Vol. IVMay 22, 2026
— independent broker research —
Broker reviewLast reviewed · 14 May 2026

HYCM review

Discover HYCM, a trusted global forex and CFD broker since 1977, regulated by top authorities like FCA, CySEC, and DFSA, offering diverse trading assets and competitive spreads.

ByAamir KhalidEdited by InvestorTrip Editorial teamLast reviewed May 14, 2026
About the broker

Overview

HYCM is a global forex and CFD broker that has been providing online trading services since 1977. It is part of the HY Group, a well-established financial services provider. The broker offers trading in various asset classes, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. HYCM is regulated by multiple authorities, such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), ensuring a high level of safety and credibility for its clients.

Founded
1977
Quick scan

Strengths and watchouts

Strengths
  • Low CFD fees
  • Great educational content
  • User-friendly account opening
Watchouts
  • Only forex and CFD products
  • Trading platforms have outdated design
  • Inactivity fee
Tier-1 register checks

Safety and regulation

HYCM ensures the safety of its clients’ funds through the use of robust encryption technologies and client fund protection schemes. As a regulated broker, HYCM follows stringent financial laws and regulations, including the segregation of client funds from the company's operational funds. Additionally, HYCM's client accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK.

Regulators on file
  • FCA
  • DFSA
Risk warning

Between 70% and 85% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with most regulated providers — the exact figure for any specific broker is published on that broker's own website. Consider whether you understand how these instruments work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.

What you can trade

Markets available

  • Forex
  • Stocks
  • Commodities
  • Indices
  • Cryptocurrencies
Min deposit and structure

Account types

AccountMin depositCommissionLeverage
Fixed$01.51:1 to 1:1000
Classic$01.21:1 to 1:1000
Raw$00.11:1 to 1:1000
What you pay

Fees and costs

HYCM charges no commission on most trades, and traders can expect spreads starting from as low as 1.2 pips on the Micro Account. The Classic and VIP accounts offer lower spreads, starting from 0.2 pips. Additionally, there are fees for certain payment methods, and inactivity fees are applied to dormant accounts. It is essential to review the fee structure before choosing an account type.

Where you trade

Trading platforms

  • MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

    Known for its user-friendly interface, advanced charting tools, and automated trading capabilities. MT4 is available for desktop, mobile, and web trading.

    desktopwebmobile
  • MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

    The upgraded version of MT4, with additional features such as more timeframes, an expanded order book, and enhanced charting tools.

    web
Methodology

How we reviewed this broker

Each broker review documents the broker's claimed regulators, cross-references them against the public registers (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BCC and others), and notes any divergence. Where a regulator has issued a public advisory, the URL is cited inline so a reader can verify it directly. Tradable instruments, account types, and fees are sourced from the broker's published disclosures or documented as unavailable. The full scoring methodology is public.

Read the full methodology →
From readers

Frequently asked questions

Is HYCM a regulated broker?
Yes, HYCM is regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and DFSA (Dubai), ensuring it adheres to strict financial regulations.
What trading platforms are available?
HYCM offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both available on desktop, mobile, and web versions.
What is the minimum deposit for opening an account?
The minimum deposit requirement varies by account type. The Micro Account typically requires a deposit of $100 or more, while the VIP Account requires a higher minimum deposit.
What is the maximum leverage offered by HYCM?
HYCM offers leverage up to 1:500 for forex trading, although leverage may be lower depending on the asset class and regulatory jurisdiction.
What users say

Reader reviews

Charles Maston

Feb 9, 2025

For the past five months, I've been participating in the HYCM affiliate program, and it's been quite an eye-opener. Before this, I had never ventured into earning in this manner. While I was familiar with the concept of passive income, I always dismissed it as something insignificant and only for those unwilling to put in real effort. However, as I delved deeper into the subject, I realized my initial assumptions were misguided. I discovered that many individuals were successfully supplementing their income with passive earnings, seamlessly integrating it with active trading. This revelation encouraged me to give it a shot. After all, there was nothing to lose. Even if it didn't pan out, there would be no financial risk involved, unlike an open trade. Additionally, reading positive reviews about HYCM affiliates motivated me to take that leap of faith. Initially, building a follower base was challenging, but after watching several tutorials on YouTube, I optimized my Telegram channel, which proved far more effective than Facebook.

Helsage

Feb 9, 2025

The brokerage provides three distinct account options tailored to meet the diverse needs of traders. As someone new to trading, I found the micro account to be ideal, requiring only a modest $100 to start. It offers access to 50 trading instruments and a leverage of up to 200, with fixed spreads starting at 1.8. For traders seeking improved spreads and additional features like trading signals, the standard account could be more suitable. This option requires a $1,000 minimum deposit, offers spreads as low as 1.5, and includes 120 available assets with leverage up to 200. For experienced traders, the VIP account is a premium choice, though it does come with a higher entry point of $10,000.

Ennic

Feb 8, 2025

This broker stands out by choosing not to lure clients with gimmicks like bonuses, gifts, or trading competitions. Instead, they focus on providing excellent trading conditions, including low spreads and quick order execution with minimal slippage. Their mobile app is also impressively designed and user-friendly. Overall, I believe this company is ideal for traders who are serious about making money and aren't looking for quick wins. It's a smart choice for those who value a stable and reliable trading environment.

Showing 13 of 10 reviews

Reviewed by the InvestorTrip Editorial team · Last updated 14 May 2026

Broker data documented from public sources: regulator registers (FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BCC and others), the broker's own website, and IOSCO I-SCAN warnings where applicable. Information can change — verify current terms directly with the broker before depositing.