EFG Hermes Review 2024


2.5 / 5
EFG Hermes is #13 in our CFD broker rankings.

EFG Hermes is a MENA-focused online broker that offers OTC securities and CFD trading in a wide range of markets.

$0
Own
CFDs, Forex, Stocks
-
USD, EUR, GBP
Wire Transfer, Cheque

Forex Trading

EFG Hermes supports spot and CFD forex day trading through both its desktop and mobile platforms.

Stock Trading

EFG Hermes provides access to securities from markets throughout the MENA region, as well as Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam.

CFD Trading

Clients can speculate on a range of CFDs, encompassing foreign exchange, equities, indices and commodities.

EFG Hermes is a financial services corporation and brokerage group that operates in global markets. While it has a focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), day traders from around the world can sign up and speculate on a range of different instruments using either the One or the Pro platform. This 2024 EFG Hermes review will explore the company’s services and outline its platforms, markets, pros, cons and security details.

What is EFG Hermes?

Company Details

Egyptian Financial Group (EFG) Hermes Holding carries out many banking and non-bank financial institution (NBFI) services. These include investment banking, private equity investment management, asset management, research and leasing solutions. In addition, EFG Hermes operates as a securities brokerage firm.

As a broker, it offers many markets in the MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) region. The firm has MENA offices in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain. This is in addition to its head office, which can be found on Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo in Egypt. According to Mubasher, the EFG Hermes Holding company has a market cap of EGP 14.4 billion, which equates to around USD 915 million.

History

EFG Hermes was launched in 1984, though it did not commence its brokerage operations until 1993. There is a large ownership group comprised of many executives, such as Karim Moussa, Mona Zulficar and current CEO Karim Awad. Since Karim Awad took the CEO position in 2013, the broker has won many awards. For example, of the EMEA Finance’s Banking Awards of 2013, it won the best broker awards in Egypt and in Kuwait.

If you wish to see information on each year of the broker’s operations, you can find annual reports, financial statements and research team reports on the website. The broker also hosts several conferences like the EFG Hermes and Tadawul investor conference. Often, these take place in different countries around the world, such as the UK and Egypt. However, in 2020 and 2021, they were replaced with virtual conferences. Annual reports for individual branches such as EFG Hermes Holding SAE are not freely accessible and must be purchased.

Trading Platforms

EFG Hermes Pro

This is a technologically advanced platform that offers access to many different stock exchanges and markets. You can download the Pro platform on Microsoft Windows computer devices. Features include:

EFG Hermes Pro platform reviews
EFG Hermes Pro Platform

EFG Hermes One

The One platform is the option for clients looking to trade online while on the go. The application is available for download on iOS and Android mobile devices via the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Ensure you have the correct name and logo before downloading the application. The mobile platform offers the same markets as the Pro platform but with some additional features, such as:

Markets

With the EFG Hermes securities brokerage service, customers have access to many different markets and stock exchanges. Instruments on offer include the following:

The broker operates mainly with the stock exchanges of countries within MENA, such as Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. The firm also offers day trading with stock exchanges in frontier emerging markets, including Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Trading Hours

The EFG Hermes working hours vary with the different markets. For the normal trading session in Egypt, the trading hours are 10:00 – 14:30 local time (EET). OTC markets are only open for a half-hour period between 12:00 and 12:30 EET on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Account Types

There is one account option available for retail investors. The standard individual account provides access to live stocks and shares prices, as well as price history charts and graphs. Clients can speculate on the full range of markets and instruments, with floating spreads. To open an account with EFG Hermes, sign up on the broker’s website. You will need to provide personal information such as date of birth and nationality, as well as sign an agreement before you can commence trading.

Demo Account

Day traders that wish to test out the platforms or trial the broker’s services can sign up for a demo account. This option has no time limit and lets you fund the account with virtual capital in a real-time simulated trading environment. To enquire, call the customer service team.

Payment Methods

EFG Hermes does not offer an extensive range of payment options and those available vary according to your country. Egypt-based clients can fund their accounts via bank transfers, cheques and cash deposits. All other customers must deposit via bank wire transfer.

There is no minimum initial deposit or transaction charge. Deposits can be made in USD, EUR and GBP, though securities are purchased using the currency of the exchange, so conversion fees may apply.

Withdrawals can only be made via bank wire transfer. While the broker does not charge for this, you may incur third-party fees from your bank.

Fees

EFG Hermes earns its revenue from global clients, those not based in Egypt, the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, via spread markups, with no commissions charged. Egyptian day traders are charged an EGP 75 per month fee for access to the live market data. Fees from the other local countries vary and can be found upon enquiry.

Regulation

The EFG Hermes UAE Limited branch of the Holdings group is licensed and regulated by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under registration number 113. Additionally, the firm is certified by the British Standards Institution, covering processes to account for possible disruption to normal business operation. The broker carries out annual drills that test the computing systems to ensure they are well designed and there is a sufficient number of redundancies for protection.

Security

There are second-level account authentication processes in place for login and account registration. When users create an account, they must provide a valid passport, national ID and proof of address to access the financial markets.

EFG Hermes One central mobile app with integrated contact number
EFG Hermes One App

Customer Support

EFG Hermes has many branches across the MENA region that customers can contact in either Arabic or English. Often, there is more than one office location per country. For example, in Egypt, there are branches in Alexandria, Maadi, Cairo and Dokki in Giza. In Saudi Arabia, there is an office in Riyadh and a brokerage call centre. There are also branches outside of the MENA region, such as Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan, Dhaka in Bangladesh, New York in the USA and London in the UK. Each office has a phone number hotline and an email address, which is particularly useful for area-specific issues.

Alternatively, you can contact the firm through one of its many social media accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. These are also helpful channels to keep up to date with news, announcements and research.

Advantages

Disadvantages

EFG Hermes Verdict

EFG Hermes is an exotic and accessible broker that is based in Egypt and caters primarily to the MENA region, though global clients are accepted. The firm offers a desktop trading platform or a mobile application through which to speculate on a wide range of securities and CFDs from the region and across the world. The company also demonstrates a focus on customer service, with a local phone number and email address for most customer regions, as well as lots of physical branch locations. However, the payment methods on offer are limited and those wishing to trial the firm using its demo account have a limited time to do so.

FAQs

Who Is The Founder Of EFG Hermes?

EFG Hermes was launched by Dr Mohamed Taymour, though he is no longer the owner. Nowadays, there is a large board of directors and management team, up-to-date details of which can be found on the website. The full list of shareholders, such as Natixis S.A and RA MENA Holdings, can also be found on the website on the investor relations page.

Where Can I Find Out More About EFG Hermes?

Websites such as Reuters, Zoominfo and Zawya are good for details on news and events such as acquisitions, funds and the different parts of the company. For example, the EFG Hermes non-profit Foundation or investor relations. The broker’s website has press releases and its own news section for information on company activities, such as partnerships with valU, Ignis and Tanmeyah and the many funds, including an education fund, the Vortex Energy fund, the MEDA fund and mutual funds. Reuters additionally reported on the controversial links between Gamal Mubarak, a shareholder, and the broker.

Is EFG Hermes Regulated?

Yes, EFG Hermes is regulated by the Dubai International Finance Centre.

What Are The Different Branches Of The EFG Hermes Group?

There are many different branches of the firm under a range of jurisdictions outside of the main Holding SAE and Brokerage Group in Egypt. There are several in other Middle East countries, such as the EFG Hermes Syria LLC, EFG Hermes IFA Financial Brokerage Company and EFG Hermes UAE Ltd. In Africa, there is EFG Hermes Kenya Ltd. and EFG Hermes Nigeria Ltd. Furthermore, there are global branches such as EFG Hermes UK Limited and EFG Hermes SP Limited in the Cayman Islands.

What Stock Exchanges Does EFG Hermes Offer Securities From?

EFG Hermes clients can invest in or speculate upon stocks, shares and indices from exchanges and markets in Egypt, the UAE, Nigeria, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Kenya, Vietnam and more. This includes Tadawul and the Nairobi Stock Exchange.

Top 3 Alternatives to EFG Hermes

Compare EFG Hermes with the top 3 similar brokers that accept traders from your location.

  1. IG – Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.
    Go to IG
  2. Interactive Brokers – Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage for experienced traders, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
    Go to Interactive Brokers
  3. World Forex – World Forex is an offshore broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines, offering commission-free trading with a $1 minimum deposit and 1:1000 leverage. Digital contracts are also available, offering beginners a straightforward way to speculate on popular financial markets.
    Go to World Forex

EFG Hermes Comparison Table

Compare EFG Hermes With Similar Brokers
EFG Hermes IG Interactive Brokers World Forex
Rating 2.5 4.4 4.3 4
Markets CFDs, Forex, Stocks CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies Forex, CFD Stocks, Metals, Energies, Cryptos, Digital Contracts
Demo Account Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit $0 $0 $0 $1
Minimum Trade $0 0.01 Lots $100 0.01 Lots
Regulators DIFC FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB SVGFSA
Bonus 100% Deposit Bonus
Education No Yes Yes No
Platforms Own Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral MT4, MT5
Leverage Variable 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro) 1:50 1:1000
Payment Methods 2 6 6 10
Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit
Review IG
Review
Interactive Brokers
Review
World Forex
Review

Compare Trading Instruments

Compare the markets and instruments offered by EFG Hermes and its competitors. Please note, some markets may only be available via CFDs or other derivatives.

Compare EFG Hermes Trading Instruments
EFG Hermes IG Interactive Brokers World Forex
CFD Yes Yes Yes Yes
Forex Yes Yes Yes Yes
Stocks Yes Yes Yes Yes
Commodities No Yes Yes Yes
Oil No Yes No Yes
Gold No Yes Yes Yes
Copper No Yes No No
Silver No Yes No Yes
Corn No No No No
Crypto No Yes Yes Yes
Futures No Yes Yes No
Options No Yes Yes No
ETFs No Yes Yes No
Bonds No Yes Yes No
Warrants No Yes Yes No
Spreadbetting No Yes No No
Volatility Index No Yes No No

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EFG Hermes is a MENA-focused online broker that offers OTC securities and CFD trading in a wide range of markets.