Let's start here

IC Markets is a respected and well-regulated broker, providing a wide range of trading instruments, including over 2250 options, with competitive spreads starting at 0.0 pips. You can start with a demo account to gain experience, and opening a live account only requires a $200 deposit. They offer advanced trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Let's now delve into this IC Markets review.

What is IC Markets？

IC Markets is an Australian online forex and CFD broker that provides traders access to the global financial markets. The company was founded in 2007 and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). IC Markets offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and provides traders with advanced trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. The company also offers 24/7 customer support and a variety of educational resources for traders of all levels.

In the IC Markets review, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

What Type of Broker is IC Markets？

IC Markets is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, IC Markets acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that IC Markets has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients.

Is IC Market Legit？

IC Markets maintains regulatory compliance in both Australia and Cyprus, adhering to the respective financial regulatory standards in these jurisdictions. Regulatory oversight by ASIC and CYSEC helps ensure transparency and accountability in the broker's operations, contributing to a safer trading environment for clients.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD.	Market Making(MM)	335692
	CYSEC	IC Markets (EU) Ltd	Market Making(MM)	362/18

IC Markets' Australian entity, INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD., regulated by ASIC under license number 335692, holding a license for Market Making (MM).

IC Markets' enropean entity, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CYSEC under regulatory number 362/18, holding a license for Maket Making ( MM) as well.

WikiFX's investigation team personally visited the registered address located at Omonoias, 141, The Maritime Centre, Block B, 1st floor, 3045, Limassol, Cyprus. Notably, the IC Markets logo was prominently displayed on billboards in the vicinity of the building. Hence, their visit to the location confirmed that IC Markets was indeed operating from the officially designated regulatory address.

Market Instruments

IC Markets offers a wide range of over 2250 tradable instruments to trade, including forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and futures. This provides traders with the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and access multiple markets and assets. The company offers competitive spreads and low commissions on all instruments, making it a popular choice among traders.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for traders to open an account. In the industry, many established brokers frequently impose minimum deposit requirements that surpass $500 or even reach $1,000. In contrast, certain major players such as Avatrade and Aixtrader only mandate minimum deposits of $100 and $0, respectively. So, IC Markets's minimum deposit requirement seems to be in the “middle”.

Here is the comparison of IC Markets minimum deposit with Avatrade, Exness, and Axitrader:

Broker	Minimum Deposit
	$200
	$100
	$1 USD
	$100

Account Type

C Markets offers traders a range of account types with different trading platforms, commissions, and spreads. The CTrader and Raw spread accounts charge a commission of $3 and $3.5 respectively but offer spreads from 0.0 pips, while the Standard account has no commission but wider spreads from 0.6 pips.

A demo account and Islamic account are also available. Although the minimum deposit of $200 may be high for some traders, the variety of account types and competitive spreads on some accounts may make up for it. However, traders should note that commissions are charged on all other accounts apart from the Standard account, and there is limited information on account features.

Demo Account

IC Markets offers a free advanced demo account for beginner traders to practice on, which lasts for 30 days.

Users who open a demo account can enjoy the following features:

• Access to Raw Pricing

• Spreads Starting at 0.0 Pips

• Fast Order Execution

• Available on MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms

However, demo accounts aim to mimic real markets but function in a simulated environment. This means there are significant differences compared to real accounts, including not relying on real-time market liquidity, encountering price delays, and having access to certain products that may not be tradable on live accounts.

Opening a demo account is simple:

Step 1: click the “Try a Free DEMO” button on the homepage of IC Markets.

Step 2: Fill in your personal info, including your country of residence, name, email, phone number to get a verification code.

Step 3: Choose to demo accounts on your preferrable trading platform, MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Then choose your account currency, virtual funds, starting from $200 to $5,000,000, your desired leverage level.

Step 4: Log into your demo account and start trading.

Leverage

IC Markets' maximum leverage offering of up to 1:500 can be beneficial for experienced traders who know how to manage their risks well. The high leverage can potentially magnify the profits of a successful trade, enabling traders to take advantage of larger positions in the market. However, it is crucial for traders to exercise caution when using high leverage as it also increases the potential for significant losses. Inexperienced traders may not be suited for high leverage as it requires a thorough understanding of risk management. It is important to note that certain jurisdictions may have regulatory restrictions on high leverage, and traders should comply with the relevant regulations.

Spreads & Commissions

IC Markets is known for its tight spreads and low commissions, making it a popular choice among traders. The broker offers a variety of account types to choose from, including the Raw Spread account with spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 commission per lot traded, and the Standard account with spreads starting from 0.6 pips and no commission. The cTrader account also offers low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a $3 commission per lot traded.

Trading Platforms

IC Markets offers its clients a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as the cTrader platform. Each platform offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and traders can choose the platform that best suits their needs.

The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are similar and offer a range of trading tools and indicators, as well as the ability to use Expert Advisors (EAs) and automate trading strategies.

The cTrader platform, on the other hand, offers advanced charting capabilities and a variety of order types. However, it has a steeper learning curve and limited customization options compared to the MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms.

Deposit & Withdrawal

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, however, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Withdrawal requests have a cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT, and take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and take 3-5 business days to reach your credit card. Paypal/Neteller/Skrill withdrawals are processed instantly and free of charge, but must be made from the same account as the initial funds were sent from.

Educational Resources

IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of educational resources that cater to traders of all levels. These resources include an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, a glossary, blogs, and calculators. The educational resources are updated regularly to ensure the information is relevant and up-to-date. The glossary is particularly useful for understanding forex terms and concepts, while the video tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced strategies. The blogs provide insights into the forex market, which can be useful for making informed trading decisions. The calculators are also helpful tools for calculating risk, margin, and position size. You can also watch videos on their official YouTube channel. For example, this is a video named 7 Common Mistakes New Traders Make, which would be useful for newbies.

Customer Service

IC Markets provides a strong customer care dimension with 24/7 availability for customer support. Clients can reach out to the support team via phone or email, and can expect prompt response times to email inquiries. However, there is no live chat option available for immediate assistance, and phone support may have international charges, which could be a disadvantage for some clients.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a regulated forex broker that offers traders a wide range of instruments, account types, and trading platforms to choose from. With low spreads, competitive commissions, and high leverage options of up to 1:500, traders can enjoy a flexible and customizable trading experience. The company's educational resources, including market reports, video tutorials, and a glossary, are extensive and informative, providing traders with valuable insights into the forex market. Additionally, IC Markets' customer support is available 24/7, ensuring that traders can always receive timely assistance. The company's variety of deposit and withdrawal methods also makes it easy for traders to manage their accounts efficiently. Overall, IC Markets is a reliable and trustworthy broker for both novice and experienced traders alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Question 1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• Answer 1: $200.

• Question 2: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• Answer 2: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Question 3: What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• Answer 3: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Question 4: What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• Answer 4: 1:500.

• Question 5: Does IC Markets charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• Answer 5: IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Overview of Darwinex

Darwinex is a UK-based financial services firm that offers a range of investment and trading services to clients. The company was founded in 2012 and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Darwinex is known for its unique trading platform that allows traders to develop and sell their trading strategies to other investors.

Darwinex offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares, which can be traded on its proprietary trading platform, as well as on MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). The company offers both fixed and variable spreads, with the latter starting from 0.0 pips. Darwinex does not charge any commissions on forex trades.

Darwinex offers several account types to cater to the different needs of traders, including a Standard Account, a Professional Account, and a Corporate Account. The Standard Account has a minimum deposit requirement of €500 and offers leverage of up to 1:30 for forex trading.

Is Darwinex Legit or a scam？

Darwinex is a legitimate and regulated broker. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, and it also holds an MiFID (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) passport for the European Union. Additionally, Darwinex uses segregated bank accounts to hold client funds, which provides an extra layer of security for traders. However, as with any broker, it is important for traders to conduct their own due diligence and research before opening an account with Darwinex or any other broker.

Market Instruments

Darwinex offers a range of trading instruments in various asset classes, including:

• Forex currency pairs: Darwinex provides access to major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. Some popular pairs include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and AUD/USD.

• Stock CFDs: Darwinex allows trading on a variety of popular stock CFDs, including Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Tesla, among others.

• Commodity CFDs: Traders can also access commodity CFDs such as gold, silver, oil, and natural gas.

• Index CFDs: Darwinex provides trading on popular index CFDs, such as the US30, UK100, and GER30.

• ETFs: Darwinex also allows trading on a selection of ETFs, including SPDR S&P 500 ETF, iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF.

Account Types

Darwinex provides its clients with the flexibility to choose from three different types of accounts, each designed to cater to specific needs. The first account type is designed for traders who are more involved in the day-to-day activities of the market. The second and third account type, on the other hand, is designed for investors who prefer to take a more hands-off approach and let their investments grow over time. The minimum deposit to open either account is $10,000.

How to open a live account？

1. Visit the Darwinex website and click on the “Open a live account” button.

1. Fill out the registration form with your personal information, such as name, email, phone number, and address.

1. Select the account type you want to open, either Classic, DARWIN or MetaTrader, and choose the currency of your account.

2. Complete the verification process by providing a copy of your ID and proof of address. You can upload the documents through your account dashboard.

3. Choose your preferred deposit method and fund your account with a minimum deposit of $500.

4. Download and install the trading platform of your choice, either MT4 or MT5.

5. Start trading by placing your first order.

Leverage

Darwinex offers varying levels of leverage to suit the needs of different traders. The maximum leverage available for forex trading is 1:200, while for stock trading it is 1:20. However, it's important to note that leverage can be a double-edged sword and while it can magnify potential profits, it can also magnify potential losses. Therefore, traders should exercise caution and use appropriate risk management strategies when trading with leverage. Darwinex also offers negative balance protection, ensuring that traders do not lose more than their account balance in the event of significant market movements.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

Darwinex operates a variable spread model, meaning that the spread on its trading instruments may vary depending on market conditions. The spread is the difference between the bid and ask price of a trading instrument, and it represents the cost of trading with the broker. The typical spreads offered by Darwinex are competitive, and they start from as low as 0.5 pips on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD.

In terms of commissions, Darwinex charges a commission on trades executed on its MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. The commission charged depends on the type of account and the trading instrument being traded. For example, on the Classic account, the commission charged on forex trades is 0.0035% of the notional value of the trade, with a minimum commission of 2.5 units of the account currency. On the other hand, the commission charged on stocks trades on the DarwinIA account is 0.1% of the notional value of the trade, with a minimum commission of 4 units of the account currency.

Non-trading Fees

Darwinex charges a few non-trading fees, such as inactivity fees and withdrawal fees. The inactivity fee is charged when the account has been inactive for more than 60 days and amounts to €/$/£ 36 per month.However, the inactivity fee is waived for clients with a balance of €500 or more. It is important to note that the inactivity fee may be subject to change, and clients are advised to check the Darwinex website for the latest information on fees and charges.The withdrawal fee varies depending on the payment method, and the minimum withdrawal amount is set at €/$/£ 100.

Trading Platform

Darwinex offers its clients two popular trading platforms, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Both platforms are available in desktop, web, and mobile versions, providing traders with the flexibility to choose the platform that best suits their trading needs and preferences.

MetaTrader 4 is one of the most widely used trading platforms in the industry, known for its user-friendly interface and advanced charting capabilities. MT4 supports multiple order types and trading strategies, as well as the use of automated trading systems, also known as Expert Advisors (EAs). Traders can access a range of technical indicators and charting tools, as well as real-time news and market analysis. MT4 also provides a secure and stable trading environment, with fast and reliable trade execution.

MetaTrader 5 is the successor to MT4 and is considered to be an even more advanced platform, with additional features and capabilities. Like MT4, it also supports multiple order types and trading strategies, as well as the use of EAs. MT5 offers more advanced charting tools, with additional timeframes and more technical indicators. It also supports more types of pending orders, including Buy Stop Limit and Sell Stop Limit. Additionally, MT5 provides a built-in economic calendar and a customizable news feed, allowing traders to stay up-to-date with the latest market news and events.

Here is a comparison table of the trading platforms offered by Darwinex, Exness, and IC Markets:

Deposit & Withdrawal

Darwinex offers several deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients. The available deposit methods are Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, and UnionPay. It's worth noting that deposits made by bank transfer may take longer to process compared to other deposit methods.

Minimum Deposit

When it comes to the minimum deposit requirement, Darwinex may not be the most cost-effective option in the market as it requires a minimum deposit of $500, which can be perceived as relatively high compared to some of its competitors in the industry. However, it is worth noting that the minimum deposit amount varies among brokers and is often influenced by various factors such as the type of account, the trading platform, and the financial instruments offered.

When it comes to withdrawals, Darwinex processes them through the same deposit method used. There are no fees charged for withdrawal requests, but it's worth noting that the receiving bank or payment provider may apply their own fees. Darwinex does not charge any inactivity fees, which is a plus for traders who may not be active in their accounts for a certain period of time.

Customer Support

Darwinex offers several customer support channels to its clients. The broker provides customer support in English and Spanish through email, phone, and live chat.

Clients can reach out to Darwinex's customer support team through email at support@darwinex.com. The broker also has a phone line that clients can use to contact customer support during market hours. Additionally, clients can get in touch with Darwinex's support team through live chat, which is available on the broker's website.

Darwinex also has an extensive FAQ section on its website, which covers a range of topics such as account opening, funding and withdrawals, trading, and more. The broker's website also features a knowledge base that clients can use to learn about various aspects of trading and investing.

Educational Resources

Darwinex offers a range of educational resources to help traders develop their skills and knowledge. They provide regular webinars, articles, and trading guides covering a range of topics such as trading psychology, risk management, technical analysis, and more. They also offer a blog where traders can keep up to date with the latest market news and analysis.

In addition, Darwinex has a community section where traders can share ideas and interact with each other. This provides a platform for traders to learn from each other, share experiences, and get support from the community.

Conclusion

Darwinex is a regulated online broker that provides access to a range of financial instruments, including forex, stocks, and futures. The broker offers a choice of trading platforms, including MT4 and MT5, and competitive spreads and commissions. However, the minimum deposit requirement of $500 may be considered high compared to some other brokers, and the range of payment methods is limited. Darwinex also offers some educational resources and customer support in multiple languages, although some traders may find these to be limited. Overall, Darwinex may be a suitable choice for experienced traders looking for a range of instruments and competitive trading conditions, but beginner traders may find the broker's high minimum deposit and limited educational resources challenging.

FAQs

• Q: What is Darwinex？

  A：Darwinex is a UK-based online broker that provides access to forex, stock, and commodity markets. It also offers social trading services where traders can buy and sell trading strategies.

• Q: Is Darwinex regulated？

  A：Yes, Darwinex is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

• Q: What trading platforms does Darwinex offer？

A： Darwinex offers both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms.

• Q: What account types are available at Darwinex？

A：Darwinex offers three types of accounts, including Classic, Stocks Darwin and Futures Darwin.

Q: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account at Darwinex？

A：The minimum deposit required to open a Classic account is $500.