Ope Abiola, managing director, HF Markets Nigeria Limited, in this interview with OBINNA EMELIKE, spoke on the line of business, its offering to customers, factors that have led to the company’s expansion in Nigeria, the recognitions in terms of awards, among others. Excerpts:
By way of introduction, kindly tell our readers what line of business is the HF Markets Group into?
With over 2,500,000 live accounts opened, and 60+ industry awards, HFM, a brand name of HF Markets Group, is a multi-asset and multi-regulated broker providing advanced online trading services to retail traders and institutional clients all over the world. Clients can trade contract for differences (CFDs) on 1,200+ products in the top nine asset classes including Forex, Commodities, Bonds, Metals, Energies, Shares, Indices, and more.
Read also: 9 Best Forex Brokers in Nigeria
What sets you apart from other Forex trading services providers?
As a multi-asset and multi-regulated CFD broker, we pride ourselves on offering the best trading conditions to our clients. Some of our unique trading conditions are:
One- Comprehensive Education and Resources: HFM offers an extensive range of FREE educational materials, including webinars, seminars, and market analysis, to help traders at all levels enhance their skills and knowledge.
Two- Cutting-Edge Technology: We provide advanced trading platforms with powerful tools and features, ensuring a seamless and efficient trading experience.
Three- Exceptional Customer Support: Our dedicated support team is available 24/5 to assist traders with queries or issues, ensuring a smooth and reliable trading journey.
Four- Wide Range of Trading Instruments: HFM offers a diverse array of financial instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and more allowing traders to diversify their portfolios.
Five- Best Trading Conditions: We provide Zero Spread, Swap-Free, High Leverage (1:2000), Ultra-fast Execution, Quick Deposits and Withdrawals to traders.
Six- Regulations & Licenses: The HF Markets Group is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA UK), Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (CYSEC), Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA South Africa), Financial Service Commission (FSC Mauritius), Dubai Financial Services Authority and the Capital Markets Authority of Kenya.
Seven- Innovative Trading Tools: Our platform includes advanced trading tools like AutoChartist and Advanced Insights to help traders make informed decisions.
Eight- Robust Security Measures: We prioritise the security of our clients’ funds and data, employing top-tier encryption and protection measures.
You seem to have a spread across many continents; may we know what attracted you to Nigeria?
HFM’s expansion into Nigeria was driven by several key factors. Firstly, Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly growing economy presents a wealth of opportunities, particularly in the financial and tech sectors. The country’s youthful and tech-savvy population is eager for innovative financial solutions, making it a prime market for our services. Additionally, Nigeria has a burgeoning interest in forex trading and financial markets, providing a robust demand for the tools and education that HFM offers. Our goal is to empower Nigerian traders with the resources they need to succeed and to contribute positively to the local financial ecosystem.
With the harsh economic realities of our time, are Nigerians still trading on CFDs?
Yes, despite the economic challenges, Nigerians continue to trade CFDs. Many see it as a viable means of generating income and diversifying their investment portfolios. The flexibility and potential for high returns that CFD trading offers make it an attractive option for those looking to capitalise on market movements, even in tough economic times.
You have over 60 industry awards to your credit. What spurs those awards?
Our dedication to providing exceptional customer service, innovative trading solutions, and a strong commitment to client education and support are key drivers behind our numerous industry awards. We continually strive to enhance our platform, offer the best trading conditions, and ensure our clients have access to the best resources and tools to succeed in their trading endeavours.
Which of the awards do you consider most important and why?
While all our awards are a testament to our hard work and commitment, the “Best Global Forex Trading Education Provider” stands out. This award is quite important to us because it recognizes our efforts in empowering traders through education, which is a core aspect of our mission. Providing top-notch educational resources helps our clients make informed trading decisions, contributing significantly to their success.
What translated into your winning the Best Global Forex Trading Education Provider award and what form of education do you offer?
Winning the “Best Global Forex Trading Education Provider” award was the result of our comprehensive and accessible educational programs. We offer a wide range of resources, including webinars, seminars, market analysis, podcasts, and trading educational videos. Our focus on delivering high-quality, practical education that caters to traders of all levels set us apart and earned us this prestigious recognition.
Can you explain how your online app, which won you an award, works?
Our award-winning online app is designed to provide a seamless and efficient trading experience. It offers real-time market data, advanced tools, and an intuitive interface that allows users to execute trades quickly and efficiently. The app also includes educational resources, market news, and analysis, ensuring traders have all the information they need at their fingertips to make informed trading decisions.
You introduced new trading conditions in 2023, what are they?
In 2023, we introduced several new trading conditions to enhance our clients’ trading experience. These include lower spreads, faster execution times, increased leverage, new account types, and swap-free trading. Additionally, we expanded our range of financial instruments and introduced more robust risk management tools to help traders better navigate the markets and make informed decisions.
How are you able to manage over 2.5 million client accounts and how many of those clients are in your Nigerian market?
Managing over 2.5 million client accounts requires a combination of advanced technology, efficient processes, and dedicated customer support. Our robust trading platform is designed to handle high volumes of transactions seamlessly. Also, we employ highly skilled account managers and a support team that ensures personalized support and attention to each client’s needs. A significant portion of our clients are from Nigeria, reflecting the strong interest and engagement in Forex trading within the country.
If you are to make a projection, tell us where you will like to see HF Markets in the next ten years?
In the next ten years, we envision HF Markets continuing to lead the industry with innovative trading solutions, best trading conditions and unparalleled client support. We aim to expand our global reach, increase our market share, and further enhance our educational offerings. Our goal is to empower more traders worldwide, helping them achieve financial success and security through our cutting-edge technology and comprehensive trading resources.
