Focus Markets vs HYCM Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Focus Markets and HYCM. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Focus Markets or HYCM?
Our pick: HYCM
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - HYCM looks preferable to Focus Markets.
HYCM scored 4.2/5 and ranks 37 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Focus Markets suitable for?
Focus Markets is suitable for experienced Forex/CFD traders who trade via MT5 and independently use external analytics.
Who is HYCM suitable for?
Broker HYCM is suitable for most traders, but some features may not meet the expectations of specific traders.
Comparison Table of Focus Markets and HYCM
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | United Kingdom, Cyprus, Cayman Islands, United Arab Emirates |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Focus Markets Review | HYCM Review |
Focus Markets Review
Focus Markets is a broker aimed primarily at independent Forex and CFD traders who value access to popular markets, the familiar MetaTrader 5 platform, and a clear trading account structure. It is not the most versatile option for beginners who need strong education, regular analytics, and a wide selection of services within the broker’s ecosystem.
Focus Markets is best suited to experienced traders who already use external analytics sources, make trading decisions independently, and are looking for a broker for active CFD trading. For beginner clients, the broker may be less convenient due to its weak educational base and limited support in making trading decisions.
Pros and Cons of Focus Markets
Pros
- More than 700 CFD instruments are available, including Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- MetaTrader 5 is supported with WebTrader, mobile versions, Expert Advisors, and one-click trading.
- The broker does not charge internal fees for deposits and withdrawals.
- Various deposit methods are available: cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts.
- No MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or proprietary trading platform.
- Weak analytics: no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party analytical services.
- No educational materials for beginners.
HYCM Review
HYCM is one of the Forex and CFD market leaders whose reputation is backed by strict regulation by major financial authorities such as the FCA, CySEC and DFSA. This ensures high protection of the client's funds and compliance with regulatory standards. The broker offers a wide range of trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, recognized as some of the most reliable and functional in the industry. The variety of trading instruments available allows you to create a diverse investment portfolio, while a rich selection of educational resources supports traders at all stages of their professional development.
HYCM will be most suitable for traders looking for reliability and diversity in the toolkit without worrying about high commissions and a lack of innovative platforms. This broker is ideal for experienced traders who can use the analytical and educational resources provided to improve their trading strategies.
Pros and Cons of HYCM
Pros
- Well-regulated broker.
- An extensive set of educational materials.
- Diversity of trading assets.
Cons
- Absence of proprietary trading platform.
- No social trading.
HYCM is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | United Kingdom, Cyprus, Cayman Islands, United Arab Emirates |
| Regulators |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets combines a regulated Australian division with international structures in Mauritius and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Client protection depends on the legal entity.
Pros
- There is a division supervised by ASIC.
- The group’s international structure is disclosed.
Cons
- No compensation fund.
- No information about additional funds insurance.
HYCM
Broker HYCM provides high reliability and security, being under the control of various strict regulators around the world.
Account Opening
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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Focus Markets
Opening an account with Focus Markets is convenient and fairly fast: registration is completed online, the questionnaire is clear, and document verification usually takes up to 24 business hours.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- Clear 3-step questionnaire.
- Wide selection of account base currencies.
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification is required.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- No instant activation of a live account.
HYCM
The account opening process at HYCM is simple and convenient, ensuring a smooth start for traders. However, verification and financial profile completion may take time.
Pros
- Quick registration, taking less than 5 minutes.
- Straightforward and understandable registration process.
Cons
- Necessity to fill out a detailed financial profile.
- Minimum deposit of $100 may be high for beginners.
Account Types
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ account lineup covers traders’ basic needs, but remains limited: only Standard and Raw are available, with no cent, Islamic, or fixed-spread account.
Pros
- Standard and Raw accounts are available.
- 30-day demo account.
- Trader copy trading is available.
Cons
- No cent account.
- No Islamic account.
- No fixed-spread account.
HYCM
HYCM offers a variety of trading accounts suitable for different levels of experience, but some account types are missing.
Commissions
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 3/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1.5 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 | $4 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ fees are average: spreads and swaps on Standard are typical for the market, the Raw commission is $3.5 per lot per side, and withdrawals are free of broker fees.
Pros
- No withdrawal fee from the broker.
Cons
- An account inactivity fee may apply.
HYCM
HYCM charges average trading fees and an account inactivity fee.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Focus Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Focus Markets are convenient: many methods are available, there are no internal fees, and withdrawal times are usually 1–3 business days.
Pros
- Cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets are available.
- No internal broker fees.
- Most deposits are processed quickly.
Cons
- Withdrawals are reviewed by the finance department.
- Fees from banks and providers may apply.
HYCM
HYCM offers a flexible and cost-effective approach to account funding and withdrawal of funds.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 50 | 72 |
| Precious Metals | 5 | 5 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 3 |
| Indices | 8 | 27 |
| Stocks | 500 | 1080 |
| Cryptocurrency | 140 | 28 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 4 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers a wide selection of CFD instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- More than 700 instruments.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Cons
- No real stocks or ETFs.
- No soft commodities.
HYCM
HYCM offers a wide range of trading instruments, satisfying the diverse needs of traders.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers the reliable and functional MT5 platform, but the selection is limited: there is no MT4, cTrader, or proprietary broker platform.
Pros
- MetaTrader 5 is available.
- WebTrader and mobile versions are available.
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4.
- No cTrader.
- No proprietary platform.
HYCM
HYCM offers reliable and functional trading platforms MT4 and MT5, available on various devices and supporting automated trading.
Pros
- Availability of popular and functional platforms MT4 and MT5.
- Extensive capabilities for technical analysis and automated trading.
- Support for many devices, including desktop computers and mobile devices.
Cons
- Lack of a proprietary unique platform.
Analytics
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 4/5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ analytics are weak: there are no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party services such as Trading Central or Autochartist.
Cons
- No market reviews.
- No trading signals.
- No analytics from third-party providers.
HYCM
HYCM offers good analytical tools, but the regularity and variety of materials could be improved.
Education
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 4.5/5 |
Focus Markets
Education at Focus Markets is poorly developed: instead of a full knowledge base, the broker offers only an FAQ, with no courses, webinars, video lessons, or market analysis materials.
Pros
- There is an FAQ on key questions.
Cons
- No educational courses.
- No webinars or video lessons.
- No materials on strategies or market analysis.
HYCM
HYCM's educational materials cover a wide range of topics and are available in various formats, making them useful for traders of different levels.
Customer Support
| Broker | Focus Markets | HYCM |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones | — |
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| Social Media | — |
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram
YouTubeFocus Markets
Focus Markets’ technical support is basic: online chat, email, and an FAQ are available, with a 24/5 schedule, but there are few contact channels and limited public feedback on service quality.
Pros
- Online chat is available on the website.
- Support operates 24/5.
Cons
- No clearly specified social networks or messengers.
- Limited number of public reviews.
HYCM
HYCM provides efficient and professional technical support, with some nuances.
Pros
- A sufficiently broad range of communication channels.
- Quick and professional response.
- Positive client reviews.
Cons
- Lack of 24/7 support.
- Can only call an international phone number.
- Absence of messenger services among communication channels.
Comparisons of Focus Markets and HYCM with other brokers
Conclusion
HYCM stands out as the better overall pick, while Focus Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
HYCM scored 4.2/5 and ranks 37 in our rating; Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Focus Markets or HYCM?
HYCM comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.2/5, position 37) versus Focus Markets (score 3.8/5, position 60).
Which broker is better for beginners: Focus Markets or HYCM?
HYCM is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Focus Markets or HYCM?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Focus Markets and HYCM?
Focus Markets: MetaTrader 5. HYCM: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Focus Markets and HYCM?
Focus Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. HYCM: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Focus Markets and HYCM?
Focus Markets: Standard, Raw. HYCM: Classic, Fixed, Raw. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Focus Markets and HYCM?
Focus Markets: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. HYCM: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Focus Markets or HYCM — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
