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Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan
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
Trust rank #24 · Editorial rating 9 / 10 · Founded 1982
TradeStation forex broker offers forex trading on a well-regarded platform with advanced charting, customizable order tools, and API-driven automation. Users can analyze currency pairs, execute trades, and streamline workflows within a technology-focused…
Read the TradeStation reviewHYCM (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. TradeStation (United States, founded 1982) holds 3 regulatory licences (CFTC, FCA, NFA), 3 of them tier-1, offers Proprietary and sits in our low-fee bracket. The two overlap in 203 countries; HYCM is available in 2 countries where TradeStation is not, and TradeStation in 30 where HYCM is not.
Scored on 9 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.
| Criteria | HYCM | TradeStation |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial rating | 8.7 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Trust rank | #30 | #24 |
| Founded | 1977 | 1982 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom | United States |
| Regulators | CIMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA | CFTC, FCA, NFA |
| Broker type | Market Maker, STP | Market Maker |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | Proprietary |
| Instruments | Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, Metals | Forex |
| Countries accepted | 205 countries | 233 countries |
| Fee level | Medium | Low |
| Trading types | CFD Trading, Spot Trading | Spot Trading |
| Best-for use cases | Professional Trading, Retail Trading | Professional 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.
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 HYCM (2): Japan, Libya.
Only TradeStation (30): Afghanistan, Albania, Antarctica, Barbados, Belgium, Bouvet Island, British Indian Ocean Territory, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, France, French Southern Territories, Gibraltar, Haiti, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Panama, Philippines, Portugal, Senegal and 5 more.
Availability reflects the countries each broker declares it serves. Local rules change; confirm on the broker's own site before signing up.
HYCM holds more regulatory licences: HYCM (CIMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA) versus TradeStation (CFTC, FCA, NFA). Tier-1 licences: HYCM 1, TradeStation 3.
HYCM offers MT4, MT5; TradeStation offers Proprietary.
TradeStation is in the lower fee bracket (medium vs low) in our catalogue.
HYCM is the older of the two, founded in 1977; TradeStation was founded in 1982.
They overlap in 203 countries. HYCM is additionally available in 2 countries (Japan, Libya) and TradeStation in 30 countries (Afghanistan, Albania, Antarctica, Barbados, Belgium, Bouvet Island and 24 more).
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.