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 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.

What is IC Markets

IC Markets is an Australian-based 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.

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. With such a diverse range of trading instruments, IC Markets caters to a wide range of trading strategies and investment goals.

IC Markets Minimum Deposit

IC Markets, a well-known forex broker, 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

IC Markets Account Types

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.

IC Markets 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.

Spreads and 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. It's important to note that while some account types may have higher commissions, the broker is transparent about its commission structure and there are no hidden fees or charges. The broker also allows scalping and hedging strategies. However, there are inactivity fees after 12 months of no activity. Additionally, some withdrawal methods may have fees.

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. Additionally, traders should note that IC Markets has a limited selection of platforms compared to some other brokers in the industry. Overall, IC Markets offers a solid selection of trading platforms that should satisfy the needs of most traders.

Maximum leverage of IC Markets

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.

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any additional 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 may take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers may take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and may 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 in IC Markets

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. However, some of the educational resources may not be suitable for beginners and may require prior knowledge of forex trading. Additionally, the educational resources may not be as comprehensive or interactive as those offered by some other brokers.

You may 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 of IC Markets

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. Overall, IC Markets provides a reliable and responsive customer support experience.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a reputable 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 about IC Markets

• Q1. What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• A1. The minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets is $200.

• Q2. What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• A2. IC Markets offers various deposit and withdrawal methods, including neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Q3. What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• A3. IC Markets offers three trading platforms: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Q4. What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• A4. IC Markets offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:500.

• Q5. Does IC Markets charge any additional fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• A5. IC Markets does not charge any additional fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

• Q6. What educational resources are available on IC Markets？

• A6. IC Markets offers various educational resources, including an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, glossary, blogs, and calculators.

• Q7. What is the customer support available on IC Markets？

• A7. IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via phone and email, and they have an online chat feature available during trading hours.

Overview of Deriv

There are two brokers named Deriv, which can cause confusion:

One company is registered in Malta and is commonly known as Deriv.com, with its company name: Binary.com. In 2013 Binary.com rebranded to Deriv. They are a legitimate online trading platform offering forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more, with regulation from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and other regulatory bodies.

The other company, also named Deriv (FX) Ltd, is suspected to be a clone or fake broker. There is limited information available about this company, and it is not clear whether they are regulated or offer legitimate trading services.

Is Deriv legit or a scam？

Please note that this Deriv is the trading name of Deriv (FX) Ltd, and this company is not regulated or authorized by any other regulatory authorities. More clearly, this broker is using another legit Deriv's url website to confuse people and it is a clone broker.

Trading with a cloned forex broker carries a high risk as these brokers are not authorized or regulated by any legitimate regulatory body. These cloned brokers often use the names, logos, and websites of established and reputable brokers to deceive traders into believing that they are dealing with a legitimate broker.

Cloned brokers often offer attractive trading conditions such as low spreads, high leverage, and bonuses to lure unsuspecting traders into depositing funds into their accounts. Once traders deposit their funds, they may find that it is impossible to withdraw their money or receive any support from the cloned broker.

Pros and Cons

Based on the available information, it has been reported that Deriv is a suspected clone broker, which means that it is not a legitimate or regulated financial entity. Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid trading with this broker. It is important to trade with a regulated and reputable broker to ensure the safety of your funds and investments. In conclusion, as there are no pros to trading with an unregulated and potentially fraudulent broker, it is advisable to consider reputable alternatives.

Market Intruments

Deriv offers a wide range of market instruments for traders to trade on, including forex currency pairs, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and synthetic indices. Forex currency pairs include major, minor, and exotic pairs, while commodities include precious metals, energies, and agricultural products. Traders can also trade on popular indices such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225. Deriv also offers trading on popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Additionally, traders can trade on synthetic indices, which are proprietary indices designed to simulate the behavior of real-world markets.

Account Types

Deriv offers different account types to cater to the varying needs and preferences of traders.

Synthetic Account: This account provides access to synthetic markets, which are artificial markets that simulate real-world market conditions. It requires a minimum deposit of $1 and offers leverage of up to 1:1000.

Financial account: Deriv also provides a financial account, which is specifically designed for trading on financial instruments. This account offers a higher leverage of up to 1:1000, allowing traders to maximize their trading potential. Additionally, traders can access a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, and commodities.

Financial STP Account: This account is designed for traders who prefer to trade with Straight Through Processing (STP) execution. It requires a minimum deposit of $100 and provides access to over 50 tradable assets, including forex, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The account also offers leverage of up to 1:100.

Demo Account

Deriv offers a demo account for traders who want to practice trading without risking real money. The demo account is a simulation of the live trading environment, and it comes with $10,000 in virtual funds that can be used to place trades in a risk-free setting. The demo account allows traders to test the trading platform, try out different trading strategies, and get a feel for the market conditions before investing real money. The demo account is available for all account types, including financial account. It is a great way for new traders to learn how to trade and for experienced traders to test out new strategies.

How to open an account？

1. Go to the Deriv website and click on “Create free demo account” or “Sign up for free” to create a demo or real account, respectively.

1. Fill in your personal information, such as your name, email address, and phone number.

2. Choose the account type that you want to open, such as a real or demo account.

3. Agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application.

4. Once your application is approved, you can fund your account and start trading.

Leverage

Leverage is a critical component of trading that allows traders to control more significant positions in the market with a smaller amount of capital. Deriv offers various leverage options for traders, depending on the type of account and trading instrument. For forex trading, the maximum leverage offered is up to 1:1000 for professional clients and 1:30 for retail clients. For commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, the maximum leverage offered is up to 1:200 for professional clients and 1:5 for retail clients.

It's essential to understand the risks involved with leverage trading and how to use it properly to avoid significant losses. Deriv provides education and resources for traders to understand leverage and its impact on trading. Traders can also adjust their leverage levels according to their risk appetite and trading strategies. It's crucial to note that high leverage comes with high risks, and traders should exercise caution when using leverage in their trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

The exact spreads and commissions vary depending on the account type and trading instrument. Here's a brief overview of the spreads and commissions offered by Deriv:

For forex trading, the spreads start from 0.5 pips for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. The spreads for minor and exotic currency pairs are slightly higher, ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 pips.

For commodities, the spreads start from as low as 0.01 pips for Gold and 0.03 pips for Silver. For other commodities such as Crude Oil and Natural Gas, the spreads range from 0.3 to 3.0 pips.

For indices trading, the spreads start from as low as 0.5 pips for major indices such as the US 500 and Germany 30. For other indices, the spreads range from 1.0 to 3.0 pips.

Deriv charges a commission of $1 for forex trading and $0.50 for commodities and indices trading. However, the commission is only applicable to certain account types such as the Financial and Synthetic Indices account types.

Non-Trading Fees

Deriv does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, there are some non-trading fees that clients need to be aware of. For instance, an inactivity fee of $5 per month is charged on accounts that have been inactive for more than 12 months. There is also a fee of $10 for each returned deposit or withdrawal, and a $25 fee for withdrawals to international bank accounts. Moreover, clients may incur additional fees for using certain payment methods such as credit cards or e-wallets. It is recommended that clients thoroughly review the fee schedule provided by Deriv before opening an account.

Trading Platform

Deriv offers its clients a variety of trading platforms to choose from, each with its own unique features and advantages. The DTtrader platform is a browser-based platform that is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it suitable for beginner traders. It offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and stocks. The platform also comes with a built-in economic calendar and technical analysis tools to help traders make informed trading decisions.

The Deriv platform is a comprehensive trading platform that is suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. It offers advanced charting tools, customizable layouts, and a wide range of technical indicators. The platform is available as a desktop, web, and mobile application, providing traders with access to the markets from anywhere in the world.

For traders who prefer automated trading strategies, Deriv offers the DBot platform. This platform allows traders to create and test their own trading bots using simple drag-and-drop tools. It also provides access to pre-built trading bots that have been developed by other traders.

Trading Tools

Deriv offers a range of trading tools to help traders analyze the markets and manage their trades effectively. Some of the trading tools available on the platform include:

• Swap calculator: This tool helps traders to calculate the swap fees incurred when holding positions overnight. It provides traders with the required swap rate and the amount of swap to be charged or credited to their accounts.

• Margin calculator: The margin calculator is used to calculate the required margin for opening a new position based on the instrument traded, leverage, and trade size.

• Pip calculator: This tool helps traders to calculate the value of a pip for a given currency pair, allowing them to estimate their potential profits or losses on a trade.

• PNL for margin: The Profit and Loss calculator for margin is used to calculate the profit or loss of a trade based on the margin used. It takes into account the instrument traded, leverage, and trade size to provide an accurate estimate of the potential profit or loss on a trade.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Deriv offers various deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients, including bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. The available payment options may vary depending on the client's country of residence.

For deposits, clients can use bank wire transfers, credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), and e-wallets (Neteller, Skrill, FasaPay, Jeton, Perfect Money, and Qiwi). Deposits made via e-wallets and credit/debit cards are usually processed instantly, while bank wire transfers may take a few business days to reflect in the trading account.

For withdrawals, clients can use bank wire transfers, e-wallets (Neteller, Skrill, FasaPay, Jeton, Perfect Money, and Qiwi), and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin). Withdrawals made via e-wallets and cryptocurrencies are usually processed within a few hours, while bank wire transfers may take up to 7 business days to reflect in the client's account.

It's important to note that some payment methods may have fees associated with them, and the processing time may also vary depending on the payment method and the client's country of residence. Deriv does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, but clients may be subject to fees charged by the payment provider or the intermediary bank.

Customer Support

Deriv offers customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. The customer support team is available 24/7 to assist traders with any questions or issues they may have. Additionally, Deriv has an extensive FAQ section on its website, which covers a wide range of topics, including account registration, deposits and withdrawals, trading platforms, and more.

One of the advantages of Deriv's customer support is its multilingual support team. The customer support team can assist traders in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, and more. This allows traders from around the world to communicate effectively with the support team.

Another benefit of Deriv's customer support is its responsiveness. The live chat support team is typically available within seconds, and email and phone support requests are usually addressed within a few hours. Overall, Deriv's customer support is highly rated by traders, and the broker is committed to providing exceptional customer service.

However, one potential downside of Deriv's customer support is that it does not offer support through social media channels. Some traders may prefer to communicate through social media, and the lack of this option could be seen as a limitation.

Educational Resources

Deriv offers various educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills. Some of the educational resources offered by Deriv include:

• Trading guides: Deriv provides detailed trading guides that cover various topics such as forex trading, digital options trading, and contracts for difference (CFDs).

• Video tutorials: The broker also offers video tutorials on its website that cover a wide range of topics such as how to use the trading platforms, technical analysis, and trading strategies.

• Webinars: Deriv conducts regular webinars that cover a variety of topics related to trading. These webinars are conducted by experienced traders and are designed to provide traders with valuable insights and tips.

• Economic calendar: Deriv provides an economic calendar that displays important upcoming economic events and their impact on the financial markets.

• Trading contests: The broker also conducts trading contests that provide traders with an opportunity to test their skills and win prizes.

Conclusion

Based on the information available, Deriv (FX) Ltd is a suspected fake clone broker. It is important for traders to be cautious when dealing with such brokers and to thoroughly research and verify the legitimacy of a broker before opening an account or depositing funds. It is always recommended to choose a regulated broker with a good reputation in the industry to ensure the safety of your investments.

FAQs

• Q: Is Deriv a regulated broker？

A: No, this Deriv is the trading name of Deriv (FX) Ltd, which is not regulated by any regulatory authority.

• Q: What trading instruments does Deriv offer？

  A: Deriv offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, cryptocurrencies, stock indices, and synthetic indices.

• Q: What are synthetic indices on Deriv？

  A: Synthetic indices on Deriv are proprietary financial instruments that simulate real-world market movements using algorithms. They are available for trading 24/7, unlike regular market indices that have trading hours.

• Q: Does Deriv offer educational resources for traders？

  A: Yes, Deriv offers a range of educational resources such as video tutorials, trading guides, webinars, and market analysis to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

• Q: Is customer support available on Deriv？

  A: Yes, Deriv offers customer support via live chat, email, and phone in multiple languages.