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.

Dukascopy Bank stands as an innovative Swiss online banking institution, with its headquarters situated in Geneva, Switzerland. The bank specializes in providing cutting-edge internet-based and mobile trading services, with a strong focus on foreign exchange, CFDs, and binary options. Additionally, the bank offers a wide range of banking and financial services, all supported by their in-house technological solutions.

Dukascopy Bank was established on November 2, 2004, in Geneva by Andre and Veronika Duka, both Swiss nationals residing in Geneva who continue to maintain a 99% ownership stake in the company. Dukascopy Bank is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA both as a bank and a securities firm.

Dukascopy Bank fully owns Dukascopy Europe IBS AS, a European licensed brokerage company based in Riga and Dukascopy Japan, a Type-1 licensed broker located in Tokyo. In addition to its Geneva Headquarters, Dukascopy Bank has offices in Riga, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Currently, Dukascopy Group employs over 300 staff.

The Dukascopy Group primarily offers online and mobile trading services through the SWFX - Swiss FX Marketplace, which is Dukascopy's proprietary ECN (Electronic Communication Network) technological solution and a registered trademark.

What you will get

Dukascopy offers an exceptional trading experience that is worth every trader's attention. With a client-first approach, Dukascopy provides numerous advantages, making them a standout choice for anyone looking to enter the financial markets. Dukascopy's commitment to cost-efficiency is evident through their low spreads, allowing for savings on trading costs. Swift execution ensures obtaining the best possible prices, providing a competitive advantage in trades. Additionally, with deposit protection of up to CHF 100,000, you can trade with peace of mind.

The unique trading platform, JForex4, Dukascopy's proprietary solution, is user-friendly, making trading accessible even for beginners. JForex4 presents over 200 technical indicators and trading widgets to help in staying informed about potential opportunities. With support for minute timeframes like ticks and seconds, it is perfect for scalping. Dukascopy's 19 years of experience and Swiss banking license instill trust and security. With over 1200 instruments, leverage up to 1:200, and 24/7 live trading support, Dukascopy stands as a trusted partner to guide traders through their trading journey. 

Moreover, Dukascopy offers a great feature – detailed historical price feed data makes it easier to develop and test trading strategies. This data covers various financial instruments, helping traders make informed decisions and reducing the risk of price manipulation. Dukascopy's extensive data archive is a useful resource for creating trading strategies, especially for high-frequency trading, and provides practical insights.

With such a comprehensive offering, Dukascopy is the go-to choice for transparent and professional trading services. Make a smart move and open an account today!

Dukascopy regulations 

Dukascopy is strictly supervised and regulated by esteemed regulatory bodies. The regulatory authorities play a pivotal role in ensuring Dukascopy’s compliance with the highest standards of financial and securities industry practices.

Dukascopy's international presence is underlined by its licenses and oversight by regulatory authorities in different parts of the world:

• Dukascopy Bank SA is licensed and regulated as a bank and as a securities firm by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), which is classified as a Tier-1 regulator.

• Dukascopy Europe IBS AS is licensed and regulated by the Bank of Latvia, also recognized as a Tier-1 regulator. 

• Dukascopy Japan K.K. is licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA), known as a Tier-1 regulator.

These regulatory bodies set specific requirements for Dukascopy, and the company has diligently complied with them since 2004. It is important to note that failure to comply with these requirements could result in the withdrawal of the bank's license. Regular audits are conducted to ensure adherence to Swiss laws. Dukascopy also ensures client security by providing deposit protection for amounts up to CHF 100,000, in line with Swiss financial service provider requirements.

Dukascopy is widely regarded as one of the safest brokerage firms. They maintain strict safety standards and hold official licenses from respected financial regulators. Routine audits by PKF for internal affairs and KPMG for financial records further solidify their commitment to safety and financial integrity.

In summary, Dukascopy's reputation as a trusted and stable entity is due to its adherence to three top-tier regulations, regular audits, stringent safety standards, and a strong commitment to transparency. These qualities make Dukascopy a reputable choice for investors around the world.

Trading terms for Dukascopy clients

Traders opt for Dukascopy due to its well-established reputation for providing a secure trading environment. Dukascopy Bank SA, headquartered in Switzerland, operates under the regulation of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). This regulatory oversight ensures strict adherence to financial standards and secures client accounts up to CHF 100,000.

Dukascopy takes pride in delivering favorable trading terms to its clients. By offering narrow spreads, cost-effective commissions, and access to abundant liquidity from numerous providers, Dukascopy enables traders to execute trades at competitive rates, ultimately increasing their profitability.

Dukascopy also permits traders to select from a range of trading accounts, including Standard, ECN, and Islamic accounts, to suit various trading styles and preferences.

Furthermore, in addition to the widely-used MT4 platform, Dukascopy presents its proprietary JForex4 trading platform, available for both desktop and mobile devices. This platform grants traders the flexibility to monitor and participate in the markets from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a trading opportunity. Dukascopy's JForex4 mobile platform offers real-time quotes, comprehensive order management features, and full account accessibility.

With Dukascopy, you can transfer funds directly from the JForex platform to a multi-currency banking account (MCA), without any associated fees. The MCA account supports various payment methods, including card and cryptocurrency transactions.