This article introduces and explains how to open a corporate account with overseas FX broker HFM (HotForex), the procedure, necessary documents, and tax savings. Most HF Markets accounts are for individuals. However, it is possible to open a corporate account with HF Markets. However, unlike opening an individual account, it takes a lot of effort and requires the preparation of documents.
HFM Basic Information
| Company Name | HF Markets（SV） Ltd. |
| Year of establishment | 2010 |
| Service Overview | A large brokerage providing services in over 180 countries worldwide with millions of registered accounts |
| Financial products handled | Foreign Exchange (FX), Stock Indices/Commodities, Stock CFDs/Cryptocurrencies |
| Trading Platform | MetaTrader 4（MT4）、MetaTrader 5（MT5） |
| Maximum Leverage | 2,000x |
| User Support | Multilingual support |
| Financial License | ✔ FCA (UK, Financial Conduct Authority) ✔ FSCA (South Africa) ✔ DFSA (Dubai) ✔ FSA (Seychelles) |
| Deposit and Withdrawal Methods | Bank transfer Credit/Debit card (VISA/Master/JCB, etc.) bitwallet / BXONE / Binance Pay / Cryptocurrency |
| Account Type | Cent Account Premium Account Pro Account Zero Account Top-up Bonus Account |
Basic Information and Features of HFM Corporate Accounts
Here, we’ll explain the basic information and features of HFM (formerly HotForex) corporate accounts in detail, starting with differences from personal accounts, benefits, points to note, and suitable candidates. Considering losses and profits, can domestic and overseas directors be effectively utilized? Let’s consider it. You can apply for one on the official website. Depending on the amount, it’s likely to be approved for tax returns, so it’s a good deal to consider.
① What is an HFM Corporate Account?
An HFM Corporate Account is a trading account opened and operated in the name of a corporation (such as a limited liability company or limited liability company). While this is a common question, issuing a live account requires submitting a shareholder register, director list, and telephone number. Additionally, submitting separate registers and statements can be tedious.
The trading terms themselves are nearly identical to those of personal accounts.
Often used for tax, cash management, and business expansion purposes.
② Available Account Types
The following major account types are available for corporate accounts. You can freely decide the timing of authentication.
Standard Account
Premium Account
Zero Account
Micro Account (some restrictions apply)
👉 Trading conditions (spreads, stop-loss levels, etc.) are generally the same as for similar individual accounts.
③ Main Features of HFM Corporate Accounts
✔ Tax Flexibility
Profits are corporate income
Tax rates are generally flat (approximately 23%)
The following are likely to be deductible as expenses:
VPS Fees
EAs/Tools
Communication Expenses
Books/Information Products
Seminar Fees
👉 The larger the profit, the more advantageous it is compared to individuals.
✔ Suitable for multi-person/organizational management
Management by executives/employees
Management as an investment business
Clear separation of funds
✔ Suitable for managing large amounts of capital
Management of business funds is possible
Compatible with financial institutions and accounting procedures
④ Leverage, Stop-Loss, and Zero-Cut
The following applies to corporate accounts the same as individual accounts.
Maximum Leverage: Up to 1,000x (Conditions Apply)
Liquidation Stopout Level: 20%
Margin Call: 50%
Zero Cut: Yes (No Margin Call)
👉 There are no disadvantages to being a corporation.
Required Documents (General)
Corporate Documents
Certified Copy of Company Register (English or Translation)
Articles of Incorporation
Proof of Corporate Address
Representative and Related Persons
Identification
Proof of Address
Signature Documents
*More documents required than for individual accounts
*Review process may take several business days
HFM Corporate Account Opening Procedure
This practical, easy-to-understand explanation covers the process for opening an HFM (formerly HotForex) corporate account, from preparation, application, review, and completion. Members benefit from tax savings. You must clearly indicate various information for each category, such as your headquarters’ capital and your office’s corporate number, on your My Page. Each answer is required in accordance with the terms of use.
① Advance Preparation (This is the most important part)
First, gather all the necessary documents.
Since this process takes longer than a personal account, advance preparation is key to success.
Required Corporate Documents (General)
Certified Copy of Company Register (Certificate of All Historical Information)
Articles of Incorporation
Corporate Address Certificate
(Utility Bill, Bank Statement, etc.)
*English translation may be required. *Japanese documents may require translation (simple translation is often acceptable).
Documents of Representative and Related Parties
Representative’s ID (Passport or Driver’s License)
Representative’s Address Certificate
Signature Certificate
Shareholder/UBO Information
👉 If there are multiple shareholders, you may need to submit information for all of them.
② Apply via the HFM Official Website
Access the HFM Official Website
Select “Corporate Account”
Enter Corporate Information
Corporate Name (in English)
Registered Address
Date of Establishment
Business Description
Representative Information
👉 Input in English as a Basic Requirement (Use a translation tool if unsure)
③ Document Upload
After completing the information, upload the required documents.
Important Notes for Uploading
Corners are not cut off
Text is clear
Valid within the expiration date
File Format (PDF/JPG/PNG)
⚠ If there are any deficiencies,
👉 Your application will be returned, resubmitted, and the review will be delayed.
④ Review (KYC/Corporate Review)
Review Period: Usually 2-5 business days
Content Verification and Additional Questions May Arrive
Communication Will Mostly Be Through Email
👉 At this stage, you may be asked about
Business Description
Purpose of Transaction
⑤ Account Opening Completed and Login Information Received
After the review is complete, you will receive the following information via email:
Trading Account Number
MT4/MT5 Login Information
Deposit Instructions
👉 You will now be able to use your corporate account.
⑥ Initial Deposit and Start Trading
Deposit from a Corporate Bank Account
Deposits from Personal Accounts are Not Accepted (Generally)
⚠ Withdrawals Also
👉 Only Corporate Accounts are Accepted
⑦ Common Points to Note When Opening an Account (Important)
❗ Standardize English Names
Registry
Application Form
Bank Account Name
👉 Use the Same Name for All Accounts
❗ Bonus Ineligibility
Some deposit bonuses are not available for corporate accounts.
👉 Corporate accounts are not eligible.
How Long Does it Take to Open an HFM Corporate Account?
We’ll explain the time it takes to open an HFM (formerly HotForex) corporate account in the following order: overall estimate → breakdown → reasons for delays → tips for the fastest process.
Conclusion: How long does it take?
Estimate: 3-7 business days
(2-3 business days if all documents are complete)
*This process takes significantly longer than an individual account (same day to one day).
Common Causes of Prolonged Review
Insufficient Information in the Company Registry and Articles of Incorporation
Inconsistent English Notation on Documents
Proof of Address
Expired
Incorrect Name
Insufficient Shareholder/UBO Information
Slow Responses to Additional Questions
👉 Even a single deficiency can delay the process by several days to a week.
Cases Where Additional Verification is More Likely
The review process tends to be more cautious if the following conditions apply.
Newly established corporation
Complex shareholder structure
Has overseas stakeholders
Unclear business operations (unclear investment objectives)
Tips for quick setup (Important)
✔ Clear, up-to-date PDFs of company register and articles of incorporation
✔ Exact match of English corporate name and address
✔ Address proof within the last three months
✔ Submit all shareholder and representative information from the start
✔ Respond promptly to support emails
👉 This should be enough to set up within 2-3 business days
Pros and Cons of an HFM Corporate Account
We’ll explain the pros and cons of an HFM (formerly HotForex) corporate account from practical, tax, and operational perspectives.
✅ Benefits of an HFM Corporate Account
① Benefits of the Corporate Tax Rate (Tax Strategy)
Corporations are taxed at the corporate tax rate
While individual income tax is often high due to progressive taxation,
Corporate tax is generally around 23-30% (depending on income size and region).
Since expenses can be recorded while retaining profits for the corporation,
the higher the profits from FX trading, the greater the tax savings.
📌 Examples of expenses that can be recorded
VPS/Server costs
EA/Tool purchase costs
Proration of communication/utility costs
Seminar/Education expenses
② Clarification of fund management and accounting
Corporate and personal assets are separated
All transactions and profits/losses can be organized as corporate accounting
Linking to a corporate bank account simplifies cash flow management
👉 Increased transparency between multiple fund managers and investors
③ Credibility as an Investment Business
Corporate transactions have
High credibility
Easier to scale transactions
IP and address verification are more likely to be highly reliable
👉 Suitable for large-scale fund management and collaboration with institutional investors
④ Flexible account management
Corporate entities can open multiple trading accounts
Trading strategies (discretionary, EA, hedge accounts) can be differentiated by purpose
⑤ Bank connection under corporate name
Deposits and withdrawals are only made to and from the corporate bank account
Clear fund transfers make them resistant to internal audits and tax investigations
❌ Disadvantages of HFM corporate accounts
① Corporate establishment and maintenance costs
Corporate establishment procedure costs (registration fees, etc.)
Tax accountant fees and accounting software fees
Efforts to complete financial statements and tax returns
👉 May be more expensive when profits are small
② Document preparation and review are tedious (and time-consuming)
More documentation required than for individual accounts
Proof of address, shareholder information, articles of incorporation, translation, etc.
→ Incomplete documentation can easily cause delays in approval.
📌 Opening an account takes an average of 3-7 business days.
③ Deposits and withdrawals must be made in the name of the company only.
Withdrawals cannot be made to personal or third-party accounts.
The name on the bank account must match the name on the company’s account.
👉 Personal withdrawals require separate dividend and payroll processing.
④ Bonuses may not be eligible.
Some deposit bonuses and promotions may not be available to corporate accounts.
⑤ Maintaining a corporate status is mandatory (tax burden).
Regular corporate filings are required.
Corporate and consumption tax (if applicable) may be required.
How to Use an HFM Corporate Account
This article explains practical ways to use an HFM (formerly HotForex) corporate account, divided into objectives, investment strategies, and tax/management considerations.
We focus on how to maximize value after opening an account.
① Use it for tax optimization (the classic approach)
✔ Consolidate profits from individuals to corporations
Record FX profits as corporate income
Avoid progressive personal taxation (up to 55%)
Stable corporate tax rates (approximately 23-30%)
✔ Maximize business expenses
The following expenses are well suited to a corporate account.
VPS/Cloud Costs
EA/Analysis Tools
PC/Monitor (Depreciation)
Communication/Rent Proration
Books/Seminars/Education Expenses
👉 The Greatest Advantage: Lowering Your Effective Tax Rate
② Utilization by Trading Strategy
① Discretionary Trading Account
Only Implement Stable Strategies for Corporates
Separate High-Risk Strategies in Personal Accounts
👉 Clear P/L Management and Taxation
② EA (Automated Trading) Management
24-Hour Operation
Excellent Compatibility with VPS
Corporate Expenses
EA
VPS
Maintenance Costs
👉 Best Optimal Use in the Medium to Long Term
③ Split Account Management
Account A: Low-Risk/Stable
Account B: High-Volatility Products (Gold/Cryptocurrency)
Account C: Hedging/Testing
👉 The Strength of Corporates: The Ability to Create Multiple Accounts for Different Purposes
③ Use for Risk Management
✔ Separation of Funds
Corporate Funds = Investment Only
Complete Separation from Living Funds
👉 Prevent Emotional Trading
✔ Increase Loss-Cut Resistance
Increase Capital Size
Reduce Lot Size
→ Maintain Margin Ratio at 300-500% or Higher
✔ Use Zero-Cut as “Insurance”
Insurance for Unexpected Events (Gap/Indicator)
Do Not Operate with Zero-Cut Assumptions
④ Use in Organizations/Multiple-Person Operations
✔ Division of Roles
CEO: Final Decision
Staff: Analysis/EA Management
Accounting: Cash Deposits/Withdrawals/Bookkeeping
👉 Allows for a division of labor that would be difficult for an individual
✔ Investment/Joint Investment
Centralized Management of Capital Investments by the Corporation
Clear Profit Allocation
Transparent Tax Treatment
*Pay Attention to Regulations such as the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act
⑤ Proper Use of Withdrawals/Fund Transfers
Transferring Funds from Corporation to Individual
Direct Withdrawals are not permitted. See below for procedures.
Executive Compensation (Salary)
Dividends
Expense Reimbursements
👉 Planned Tax Processing
Important Points to Note for HFM Corporate Accounts
This article explains important points to note when using an HFM (formerly HotForex) corporate account.
We will explain these points in four stages: before opening, during operation, withdrawals and taxes, and regulatory risks.
We will focus on “points that can lead to trouble if not taken care of.”
① Important Points to Note Before Opening
✔ Incomplete Documents = Delays in Review or Denial
Inconsistencies in the English Names of the Company Register and Articles of Incorporation
Expired Proof of Address (Usually Within 3 Months)
Insufficient Shareholder/UBO Information
👉 A single incomplete item often results in a delay of several days to a week.
✔ Newly established corporations are likely to have more questions.
Business Description
Investment Objectives
Source of Funds
You may be asked for details.
✔ Conversion from a personal account is not automatic.
Existing personal accounts cannot be converted to corporate accounts.
A new corporate account must be opened.
② Important Points to Note During Operation
✔ Commingling of personal and corporate funds is strictly prohibited.
Transferring funds from a personal account to a corporate account → Violation of terms and tax risks.
👉 Always:
Corporate bank account → HFM corporate account
HFM corporate account → Corporate bank account
✔ Deposits and withdrawals under mismatched names risk freezing.
Bank accounts in the name of a third party
In the name of the representative
❌ Not permitted
✔ Beware of trades that violate terms and conditions.
Even corporate accounts are subject to strict scrutiny for the following:
Hedging between multiple accounts
Bonus abuse
Latency trading
Illegal scalping during index announcements
👉 Corporate accounts tend to have large amounts of capital, making them more susceptible to increased scrutiny
③ Withdrawals and Fund Transfers
✔ Direct withdrawals from corporations to individuals are not permitted
Fund transfers are limited to the following methods:
Executive Compensation (Salary)
Dividends
Expense Reimbursements
👉 Tax Processing Required
✔ Withdrawals May Be Subject to Review
Large Withdrawals
Sudden Increase in Profits
→ Additional Documents May Be Required
④ Tax and Accounting Considerations
✔ Corporations Must File Tax Returns
Filing Obligations Even with Zero Profits or a Loss
Filing Financial Statements and Corporate Tax Returns Required
✔ Be Careful with Consumption Tax
FX Trading Is Tax-Exempt
VPS and Overseas Services May Be Subject to Reverse Charges
👉 Check with a Tax Accountant in Advance
✔ Managing Losses Carryforward
Losses Can Be Offset Against Future Profits
Failure to File May Result in Announcement
⑤ Bonus and Campaign Considerations
Corporate Accounts
👉 Some Bonuses Not Eligible
Misunderstanding the Terms
👉 Reasons for Withdrawal Rejection
⑥ Typical Examples of Account Freezing (Caution)
❌ Deposits and withdrawals under different names
❌ Commingling of funds between individuals and corporations
❌ Hedging/arbitrage trading
❌ Unnatural transactions immediately before withdrawals
❌ Operating EAs without reading the terms and conditions
⑦ Practical checklist for avoiding problems
✔ Up-to-date documentation and consistent English translation
✔ Prepare a corporate bank account
✔ Document operating rules
✔ Determine withdrawal rules in advance
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