FXCM vs HYCM (2026): regulation, platforms and costs compared

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Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan

FXCM

Trust rank #9 · Founded 1999

FXCM is a well-regarded forex broker that provides access to currency pairs on proprietary and third-party trading platforms, with market research, education, and risk management tools. It operates through regulated entities.

Read the FXCM review

HYCM

Trust rank #30 · Editorial rating 8.7 / 10 · Founded 1977

HYCM is a well-regarded forex and CFD broker offering access to a broad range of currency pairs and other markets on MetaTrader platforms. It provides flexible account types, education and research resources,…

Read the HYCM review

FXCM (United Kingdom, founded 1999) holds 4 regulatory licences (ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSCA), 2 of them tier-1, offers MT4, Proprietary, TradingView and sits in our low-fee bracket. HYCM (United Kingdom, founded 1977) holds 4 regulatory licences (CIMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA), 1 of them tier-1, offers MT4, MT5 and sits in our medium-fee bracket. The two overlap in 203 countries; FXCM is available in 23 countries where HYCM is not, and HYCM in 2 where FXCM is not.

Verdict at a glance

  • FXCM leads on trust rank, platform choice, country coverage, fee level and tier-1 licences.
  • HYCM leads on track record and instrument range.
  • Level on regulatory coverage.

Scored on 8 measurable dimensions where both brokers have verified data. Dimensions missing for either side are excluded rather than guessed. This is a data summary, not a recommendation.

FXCM vs HYCM: side-by-side data

CriteriaFXCMHYCM
Editorial ratingNot verified8.7 / 10
Trust rank#9#30
Founded19991977
HeadquartersUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom
RegulatorsASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSCACIMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA
Broker typeSTPMarket Maker, STP
PlatformsMT4, Proprietary, TradingViewMT4, MT5
InstrumentsCommodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, IndicesCommodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, Metals
Countries accepted226 countries205 countries
Fee levelLowMedium
Trading typesCFD Trading, Spot TradingCFD Trading, Spot Trading
Best-for use casesProfessional Trading, Retail TradingProfessional Trading, Retail Trading

Highlighted cells mark the stronger value where a direction is objectively better (e.g. more licences, lower fees). "Not verified" means the field is not yet in our catalogue for that broker — we never fill gaps with estimates.

Pros

FXCM

  • FCA- and ASIC-regulated; segregated client funds
  • NDD/STP agency execution; deep liquidity
  • Trading Station and MT4; advanced charting and order types
  • REST/FIX APIs and Python SDK; VPS support for algos
  • Broad instrument range: FX, indices, commodities, crypto CFDs

HYCM

  • Multi-jurisdiction regulation (FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA)
  • MT4 and MT5 platforms with EA support
  • Multiple account types (Fixed, Classic, Raw) incl. Islamic accounts
  • Competitive pricing with tight raw spreads and low commissions
  • Negative balance protection and segregated client funds

Cons

FXCM

  • Not available to U.S. clients
  • Inactivity fee
  • Limited product range
  • Best pricing requires high balance/volume
  • Offshore unregulated entity exposure

HYCM

  • Offshore CIMA entity for most international clients
  • No guaranteed stop-loss orders
  • Inactivity fees on dormant accounts
  • Limited platforms (MT4/MT5 only; no cTrader)
  • Wider spreads on Standard/Fixed accounts

Key features

FXCM

  • STP No Dealing Desk Forex Execution
  • Multi Asset Forex and CFD Trading
  • Trading Station MetaTrader 4 NinjaTrader and TradingView Integration
  • REST and FIX API and VPS for Algorithmic Trading
  • FCA ASIC and FSCA Regulation with Segregated Funds and Negative Balance Protection
  • Active Trader Account with Volume Based Pricing

HYCM

  • Regulated in the UK Cyprus UAE and Cayman Islands
  • MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms
  • Account types Fixed Classic Raw
  • Forex and CFD trading on indices commodities and shares
  • Negative balance protection and segregated client funds
  • Support for algorithmic trading and expert advisors

Country availability: FXCM vs HYCM

Available at both (203): Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica and 163 more.

Only FXCM (23): Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Haiti, Iraq, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Senegal, South Sudan, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda.

Only HYCM (2): India, Japan.

Availability reflects the countries each broker declares it serves. Local rules change; confirm on the broker's own site before signing up.

FXCM vs HYCM: common questions

Which broker is more regulated, FXCM or HYCM?

FXCM holds more regulatory licences: FXCM (ASIC, CySEC, FCA, FSCA) versus HYCM (CIMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA). Tier-1 licences: FXCM 2, HYCM 1.

Which trading platforms do FXCM and HYCM offer?

FXCM offers MT4, Proprietary, TradingView; HYCM offers MT4, MT5.

Which has lower fees, FXCM or HYCM?

FXCM is in the lower fee bracket (low vs medium) in our catalogue.

Which is older, FXCM or HYCM?

HYCM is the older of the two, founded in 1977; FXCM was founded in 1999.

Are FXCM and HYCM available in the same countries?

They overlap in 203 countries. FXCM is additionally available in 23 countries (Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cayman Islands and 17 more) and HYCM in 2 countries (India, Japan).

Keep comparing

FXCM

HYCM

Risk warning: CFDs and forex are complex, leveraged instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. A majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Nothing on this page is financial advice; verify licence status on the regulator's register before depositing. Full risk disclosure.