Best HFT Brokers & Platforms for 2025
We rigorously test brokers on real accounts and evaluate them using our methodology. Here are the top HFT Brokers based on our analysis:
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FP Markets - Best HFT Broker - Robust regulation, serious fund protection plus segregated accounts in AA banks. Competitive trading conditions: spreads from 0 pip, commission 6 USD/lot; execution ≈ 20 ms on the NY4 server. Rich selection of trading platforms. - 2
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ACY Securities - Robust regulation and segregated accounts at major Australian banks. A range of accounts featuring low spreads and competitive commissions. Excellent selection of trading platforms. - 4
Pepperstone - Wide selection of trading platforms. Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions. Numerous regulatory licenses. - 5
Eightcap - Support for popular platforms MT4, MT5, and integration with TradingView. Over 800 trading instruments, including 160+ cryptocurrency CFDs. Regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, and SCB. - 6
Roboforex - A variety of trading platforms. Over 12,000 trading assets. Different types of trading accounts. - 7
AMarkets - A wide range of trading assets. Extensive analytical capabilities using modern tools and trading robots. No commissions on many operations. - 8
FxPro - Various trading platforms. A diverse range of available markets and products. Multiple analytics tools. - 9
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High-frequency trading (HFT) demands more than tight spreads - it requires fast, reliable execution and infrastructure built for speed. This guide ranks HFT-friendly forex/CFD brokers and platforms for 2025 using latency, fill quality, and all-in trading costs. We assess ECN/DMA access, FIX API and platform support (MT5, cTrader), throughput limits, last-look policies, and VPS/colocation near LD4/NY4/TY3. You’ll also find quick comparisons, pros/cons, and setup tips for a low-latency stack. HFT carries elevated risks and isn’t suitable for everyone - always test on demo or small size and confirm your broker permits your strategy.
HFT Brokers List 2025
1. FP Markets
FP Markets successfully combines a strict licensing framework, a fast ECN order book with zero spreads, a rich selection of platforms — ranging from classic MT4/5 to TradingView and Iress DMA — and a developed analytics, education, and 24/7 support infrastructure. This combination makes the broker attractive for active scalpers and algorithmic traders who value speed and moderate commission per lot, as well as for investors preferring copy trading, PAMM/MAM, or DMA stocks via Iress. Beginners will benefit from a low entry of 100 AUD, online courses, and no inactivity fees.
Pros and Cons of FP Markets
Pros
- Robust regulation, serious fund protection plus segregated accounts in AA banks.
- Competitive trading conditions: spreads from 0 pip, commission 6 USD/lot; execution ≈ 20 ms on the NY4 server.
- Rich selection of trading platforms.
- Wide range of instruments.
- Numerous deposit/withdrawal methods.
- Strong analytics and education.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Lack of cent accounts and fixed spread accounts.
- Some analytical materials and software are accessible only with a deposit or trading volume.
2. IC Markets
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
3. ACY Securities
ACY Securities is a reliable Australian broker offering high-quality services with transparent trading conditions. With strict regulation and a diverse range of trading instruments, the broker caters to both novice and experienced professionals, including enthusiasts of automated and copy trading. ACY is particularly appealing to traders who value low spreads, a broad mix of assets, and high-quality analytics.
Pros and Cons of ACY Securities
Pros
- Robust regulation and segregated accounts at major Australian banks.
- A range of accounts featuring low spreads and competitive commissions.
- Excellent selection of trading platforms.
- Over 1200 trading instruments: forex CFDs, stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies.
- High-quality analytics and a variety of educational resources.
- Convenient and swift deposit and withdrawal methods with no fees (first 3 withdrawals per month free).
Cons
- Lack of cent accounts and fixed spread accounts.
- No weekend support available.
4. Pepperstone
Pepperstone is a significant and reliable broker that offers a broad range of trading instruments and attractive trading conditions. With regulation by serious authorities, clients can be confident in the security of their funds.
The broker is suitable for various types of traders. Beginners will find extensive educational materials, including trading guides, webinars, instructional videos, and Forex trading courses. Experienced traders will also appreciate Pepperstone's opportunities, including favorable trading conditions, various trading platforms, and access to complex trading instruments.
The broker's technical support operates at a high level, offering clients quick and efficient responses to any questions.
Pepperstone is an excellent choice for traders of all experience levels. With a unique combination of educational materials, trading tools, and high-quality customer service, this broker ensures excellent conditions for successful trading.
Pros and Cons of Pepperstone
Pros
- Wide selection of trading platforms.
- Tight spreads and favourable trading conditions.
- Numerous regulatory licenses.
- A large number of trading assets.
Cons
- Lack of diversity in types of trading accounts.
5. Eightcap
Eightcap is a modern broker with reliable regulation, convenient MT4, MT5, and TradingView platforms, and a wide selection of instruments, including over 160 cryptocurrency CFDs. It suits traders who value technology, fast market access, and competitive trading conditions. The broker will be especially interesting for active traders and those who use CFD instruments, but is less convenient for investors seeking passive trading solutions.
Pros and Cons of Eightcap
Pros
- Support for popular platforms MT4, MT5, and integration with TradingView.
- Over 800 trading instruments, including 160+ cryptocurrency CFDs.
- Regulated by ASIC, FCA, CySEC, and SCB.
- Convenient deposit and withdrawal methods with no fees.
- Modern analytics tools: AI economic calendar and FlashTrader for MT5.
Cons
- No cent or Islamic accounts.
- No passive trading solutions (copy trading, PAMM).
6. RoboForex
RoboForex is recognized as one of the few Forex brokers with an impeccable reputation. The company strictly adheres to its regulations, does not delay payments, and provides fair quotes. RoboForex can be a good choice for both novice and professional traders due to its robust offerings, which include a variety of trading instruments, account types, platforms, and competitive trading conditions. The broker's commitment to transparency and customer service further solidifies its standing in the Forex community.
Pros and Cons of Roboforex
Pros
- A variety of trading platforms.
- Over 12,000 trading assets.
- Different types of trading accounts.
- Competent 24/7 customer support.
- Loyalty programs and bonus offers for clients.
- Low spreads and fees.
Cons
- Regulation in an offshore jurisdiction.
- Beginner traders may find a lack of educational materials.
7. AMarkets
AMarkets is a versatile broker offering a full range of services in the Forex market. It enables independent trading and investing funds in copy trading with equal success.
Traders can access several accounts with low spreads, permitted scalping, and fast trade execution. Up-to-date analytics, valuable services, and rapid fund withdrawal support a stable technical platform.
Investors who are not keen on engaging in independent trading can still achieve significant profits by copying the trades of successful traders. Building a portfolio is time-efficient and offers the possibility of passive income.
Pros and Cons of AMarkets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Extensive analytical capabilities using modern tools and trading robots.
- No commissions on many operations.
- Convenience and simplicity of opening an account and managing it.
Cons
- Not the most extensive educational materials.
- On some assets, spreads are higher than those of competing Forex brokers.
8. FxPro
FxPro provides a comprehensive range of services and tools for traders. With its variety of trading accounts, platforms, and available markets, it is well-suited to meet the needs of different traders. This broker suits traders looking for a wide selection of markets, diverse platforms, and analytical tools. It is also apt for beginner traders, thanks to the educational materials and experienced traders who value flexible trading conditions.
Pros and Cons of FxPro
Pros
- Various trading platforms.
- A diverse range of available markets and products.
- Multiple analytics tools.
- Extensive educational materials.
Cons
- An inactivity fee.
- Absence of cent accounts and services for copying trades.
9. Exness
Broker Exness is one of the most attractive companies offering brokerage services for clients worldwide in the Forex market.
Partnership with leaders in financial analytics, minimal commissions, numerous positive client reviews, a well-established operational scheme, and a decent selection of real assets and account currencies makes trading with the broker profitable and secure.
Pros and Cons of Exness
Pros
- Wide selection of trading accounts.
- Instant fund withdrawal.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- A variety of analytical tools.
Cons
- Limited selection of educational materials.
- Average selection of markets and products.
- Deposit fees.
10. Admirals
The broker Admirals is suitable for a broad spectrum of traders. With its strict regulation, various account types, and a competent set of educational and analytical materials, this broker provides high-quality services for novice and experienced traders.
Beginners seeking detailed educational resources and support will undoubtedly appreciate this broker. Experienced traders will also find it beneficial due to competitive trading commissions, abundant tools for analysis and trading, and the convenience of the depositing and withdrawal process.
Pros and Cons of Admirals
Pros
- Low trading fees.
- Wide range of payment methods.
- Extensive analytical resources.
- A rich collection of educational materials.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Some users complain about the intrusiveness of the support service.
How the Best HFT Brokers List Is Compiled
When selecting the best HFT (high-frequency trading) brokers, we apply clear, HFT-specific criteria:
Inclusion criteria. We shortlist only brokers that: (1) offer ECN/DMA or RAW-spread accounts, (2) explicitly permit scalping/automation/HFT in their terms, and (3) provide low-latency platforms or APIs (MT4/MT5 ECN, cTrader/cAlgo, FIX).
Ranking foundation. Positions are derived from our master Forex brokers list and then refined for HFT use cases.
Methodology-based assessment. Scores follow our published Methodology, with extra weight on execution speed and stability: order round-trip time, fill rate, typical slippage (median/95p), reject/timeout rates, server proximity (e.g., LD4/NY4/TY3), throughput limits (orders/sec), and last-look vs. firm liquidity.
Total cost review. We compare all-in trading cost (RAW spread + commission + typical slippage), plus swaps, platform/data fees, VPS/colocation pricing, and volume rebates.
Policy & support checks. We verify written rules (news/latency/scalping), min-distance/freeze levels, and audit support responses.
These steps ensure the brokers we recommend are not just low-cost on paper, but truly fast, reliable, and HFT-friendly in live conditions.
How to Choose a HFT Broker
Safety first. Pick brokers with solid regulation, segregated client funds, and negative balance protection. If safety is weak, skip - speed won’t matter.
Execution model & liquidity. Look for ECN/DMA or RAW accounts, multiple LPs, and firm quotes (not just last-look). Ask about internalization and how rejects/slippage are handled.
Latency & hosting. Confirm server locations (e.g., LD4/NY4/TY3/NY4) and your ping/jitter. Check for low-jitter VPS/colocation, cross-connects, and a kill-switch.
Platforms & APIs. Ensure stable, low-latency stacks: cTrader/cAlgo, MT5 with true ECN bridge (oneZero/PrimeXM), and FIX 4.4/5.0 or WebSocket/REST. Verify order types (IOC/FOK, OCO, reduce-only).
Throughput & limits. Ask for published caps: max orders per second, burst limits, min stop distance, freeze levels, and any news/latency-arbitrage restrictions.
Real trading cost. Compare all-in cost = raw spread + commission + typical slippage. Also consider swaps, platform/data fees (futures/stocks), VPS prices, and volume rebates.
Demo vs live parity. Make sure demo settings (feeds, commissions, throttles) match live as closely as possible; otherwise test on micro-size first.
Support & transparency. You want fast, technical support (logs welcome), clear T&Cs, and written answers to your questions. Poor answers now = pain later.
Tip: Run a 1–2 week micro-test: measure round-trip times, fill rate, and slippage at different hours. Keep what’s consistently fast and predictable.
FAQ
What is high-frequency trading (HFT)?
HFT is automated, ultra-fast order submission and cancellation to capture tiny, short-lived price edges. It relies on low latency, high throughput, and precise risk controls rather than long holding periods.
How does HFT trading work?
Algorithms read tick data, generate signals, and route orders to ECN/DMA venues. They manage queue position with rapid cancel/replace, monitor slippage and rejects, and use hard risk limits (kill-switch, exposure caps).
Is HFT legal in the US/EU/UK?
Yes - HFT is legal if you follow market rules. Market abuse (e.g., spoofing/layering) is illegal; brokers/exchanges may impose order-rate limits and fair-usage policies. Always check local regulation and your broker’s T&Cs.
Is HFT profitable for retail traders?
It can be, but the edge is thin and costs are high. Without excellent execution, fees and slippage can erase gains. Most retail traders do “low-latency scalping” rather than true HFT - start micro and validate with live stats.
Can retail traders do HFT with forex or crypto?
Yes, if the broker/venue allows automation and offers fast APIs. Use RAW/ECN FX accounts or crypto venues with firm liquidity, clear rate limits, and stable matching engines. Verify API throttles, maker/taker fees, and funding costs.
Can you do HFT on a mobile app?
No. Mobile is fine for monitoring, not execution. True HFT needs a server/VPS or colocation close to the broker’s trade servers and automated strategies running 24/5.
How to choose a HFT platform and API?
Prefer platforms with ECN bridges and robust APIs: MT5 (via oneZero/PrimeXM) - see our MT5 brokers; cTrader/cAlgo - see our cTrader brokers; or FIX 4.4/5.0 for low-latency access. Look for server-side orders (IOC/FOK, OCO, reduce-only), stable connections, drop-copy, and published throttle limits (orders/sec, burst). Check hosting proximity (LD4/NY4/TY3) and demo/live parity.
How much does HFT cost to start?
Expect ongoing costs—not just code. Budget for a low-jitter VPS/colocation near LD4/NY4/TY3; trading costs (commissions + RAW spreads - compare with our lowest spread Forex brokers); typical slippage; potential market-data/platform fees (futures/stocks); and engineering time for testing, logging, monitoring, and on-call.
What are the risks of high-frequency trading?
Model decay, slippage and rejects on fast moves, last-look rejections, outages and desync, rule violations (if T&Cs disallow your style), and amplified losses due to leverage and high order rates.
What HFT strategies and algorithms are popular?
Popular playbooks include ultra-short-term scalping (see our Best Forex Brokers for Scalping), market making, latency/triangular arbitrage, lightweight stat-arb (pairs), and event-driven microstructure signals. Expect to lean on tick-level feature engineering, queue-position management, and robust execution algos.
How do brokers ensure low latency and execution quality?
Proximity hosting (e.g., Equinix LD4/NY4/TY3), multiple LPs with smart routing, firm vs last-look liquidity policies, stable bridges (oneZero/PrimeXM), and published metrics (fill rate, median slippage, order-ack times).
What to avoid when choosing an HFT broker?
Vague or anti-scalping T&Cs, large min stop distances/freeze levels, heavy last-look usage, poor server locations, weak APIs, mismatched demo/live conditions, slow technical support, and unclear regulation or fund protection.
