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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 eXcentral

eXcentral, founded in 2018 and based in South Africa, is a financial services company that has had its regulation revoked. The firm requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 and offers trading in Forex, commodities, and indices.

eXcentral provides various account types including Classic, VIP, and Gold, catering to different levels of traders. The company offers leverage of up to 1:30 and boasts competitive trading conditions with spreads ranging from 0.06 to 0.1 pip, without charging commissions.

Traders have access to both MT4 and MT5 platforms, popular choices for their robust features and user-friendliness. A demo account is also available for practice trading. Customer support can be reached via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com or by phone at +278 71 951005.

For deposits and withdrawals, eXcentral accepts bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and third-party payments. However, the revocation of its regulation takes about its credibility and the safety of client funds.

Is eXcentral Limited Legit or a Scam？

eXcentral, operating under the licensed institution OM BRIDGE (PTY) LTD, had its regulatory status revoked by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa.

The company, which held the license number 48296 since June 6, 2017, was categorized as a Financial Service Corporate. The revocation of its license raises significant concerns regarding its compliance with financial regulatory standards and the overall safety and legitimacy of its operations.

The licensed institution is located at UNIT 6C3, 159 Rivonia Road Sinosteel Plaza, Morningside Ext 39 Sandton, and can be contacted at the phone number 27072 216 2542. However, given the revocation of its regulatory status, caution is advised when considering any engagement with eXcentral.

The reason for the revocation and the current operational status of the company would require further investigation for anyone considering their services.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Diverse Market Instruments: Offers trading in Forex, commodities, and indices, providing a range of options for traders.

2. Multiple Account Types: Availability of Classic, VIP, and Gold accounts caters to different levels of traders, offering flexibility and tailored trading experiences.

3. Competitive Spreads: Claims to offer low spreads ranging from 0.06 to 0.1 pip, which can be beneficial for cost-effective trading.

4. Access to MT4 and MT5 Platforms: Both platforms are well-regarded in the trading community for their advanced features and user-friendly interfaces.

5. Demo Account Availability: Provides a demo account, allowing new traders to practice and get acquainted with the platforms without financial risk.

Cons:

1. Regulation Revoked: The revocation of its regulatory status by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa is a major red flag, indicating potential issues with compliance and reliability.

2. High Minimum Deposit: A minimum deposit of $1,000 might be relatively high for beginner traders or those looking to test the waters with smaller investments.

3. Uncertain Operational Status: The revocation of its license raises questions about the current operational status and the safety of client funds.

4. Limited Information on Licensed Institution: Lack of detailed information about the licensed institution OM BRIDGE (PTY) LTD, including its website and email address, hinders transparency.

5. Potential Risk to Investors: Given regulatory concerns, there is a heightened risk for anyone considering investing or trading with eXcentral.

Market Instruments

eXcentral offers trading in a range of market instruments, which include:

1. Forex: This includes a variety of currency pairs, allowing traders to speculate on the changing values of currencies against each other.

2. Commodities: These typically involve trading in natural resources such as gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products. Commodities trading can be a way to diversify a trading portfolio beyond forex and indices.

3. Indices: Trading in indices involves speculating on the price movements of index funds, which represent the aggregated performance of a selection of stocks. Indices usually reflect the performance of a particular sector or the broader market.

Account Types

Classic Trading Account:

The Classic Trading Account at eXcentral is designed for entry-level traders, offering leverage up to 1:30. It features a 2.5 spread on EUR/USD and a $0.10 spread on Crude Oil, catering to those who prefer trading in major forex pairs and commodities.

This account includes negative balance protection, which can be a safety net for traders against going into debt. Additionally, it comes with free trading education, providing resources for beginners to learn and develop their trading skills.

VIP Account:

eXcentral's VIP Account is tailored for more advanced traders, maintaining the same leverage of up to 1:30. It offers narrower spreads, with 0.9 on EUR/USD and $0.06 on Crude Oil, which can be appealing for more frequent or experienced traders.

This account enhances the trading experience with added features like educational webinars, SMS MTE trading signals for timely market insights, and weekly account overviews for a regular summary of trading performance.

The VIP Account is a step up for those seeking more in-depth market analysis and educational support.

Gold Account:

The Gold Account at eXcentral is geared towards serious, committed traders, providing leverage up to 1:30. It offers competitive spreads of 1.8 on EUR/USD and $0.08 on Crude Oil.

Alongside the benefits found in the VIP Account, the Gold Account introduces a monthly account overview for comprehensive performance tracking and the services of a dedicated senior account manager for personalized trading support.

Exclusive one-on-one sessions are a standout feature, offering bespoke guidance and strategy discussion, making this account suitable for those seeking a highly tailored trading experience.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with eXcentral typically involves the following four steps:

1. Account Selection:

   Begin by choosing the type of trading account that best suits your trading needs and experience level. eXcentral offers Classic, VIP, and Gold accounts, each with different features and spreads.

2. Registration Process:

   Complete the registration form on eXcentrals website. This process usually requires providing personal information such as your name, address, contact details, and possibly some financial information to assess your trading experience and risk tolerance.

3. Verification (KYC Process):

   As part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, submit the necessary documents for identity verification. This typically includes a government-issued ID (like a passport or drivers license), proof of residence (such as a utility bill or bank statement), and possibly additional financial documents.

4. Fund Your Account:

   Once your account is verified, deposit funds to meet the minimum deposit requirement, which is $1,000 for eXcentral. Choose a suitable deposit method from the options available, such as bank transfer, debit/credit card, or third-party payment methods.

After completing these steps, youll be able to access the trading platform (MT4 or MT5) provided by eXcentral and start trading with the chosen account type.

Leverage

eXcentral offers leverage of up to 1:30 across its trading accounts, which includes the Classic, VIP, and Gold account types. This level of leverage allows traders to control a larger position with a relatively smaller amount of capital.

For example, with a leverage of 1:30, a trader can hold a position worth up to 30 times their account balance. While this can amplify potential profits, it also significantly increases the risk of losses, especially in volatile market conditions.

Therefore, it's important for traders to use leverage cautiously and understand its implications fully. Leverage is a powerful tool in trading, but it requires a good understanding of risk management to use effectively, particularly for less experienced traders.

Spreads & Commissions

eXcentral offers trading conditions with competitive spreads and no commission fees. The specifics of their spreads and commissions are as follows:

• Spreads

eXcentral advertises spreads as low as 0.06 to 2.5 pip, which is quite tight and can be beneficial for traders looking to minimize their trading costs.

For example, the spread for EUR/USD ranges from 0.06 pip in the VIP account to 2.5 pips in the Classic account. Similarly, the spread for Crude Oil varies from $0.06 in the VIP account to $0.10 in the Classic account.

Such low spreads are particularly advantageous for high-frequency traders or those who trade large volumes.

• Commissions:

The company states that it charges no commissions on trades. This means that traders don't have to pay a separate fee for each trade they execute, which is a cost-effective feature for active traders.

While these trading conditions appear attractive, especially for those looking to keep their trading costs low, it is crucial for traders to consider the overall context of the brokerage, including its regulatory status and reliability.

Trading Platform

eXcentral offers its clients two well-regarded trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

1. MT4 Platform: MT4 is one of the most popular trading platforms in the forex and CFD trading community. It is known for its user-friendly interface, robust technical analysis tools, a wide array of charting options, and support for automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs).

2. MT5 Platform: As the successor to MT4, the MT5 platform offers extended features and capabilities. It supports more types of trading orders and has additional timeframes for analysis. MT5 also provides access to more indicators and analytical tools, along with enhanced charting capabilities.

Both platforms offer mobile versions, allowing traders to manage their accounts and trade from anywhere. The choice between MT4 and MT5 typically depends on the trader's preference, trading style, and the specific instruments they wish to trade.

Deposit & Withdrawal

eXcentral offers various options for deposit and withdrawal, including a specific minimum deposit requirement:

1. Minimum Deposit: The minimum amount required to open an account with eXcentral is $1,000. This sets a relatively high entry barrier, especially for novice traders or those who prefer to start with a smaller capital investment.

2. Payment Methods:

1. Bank Transfer: Allows for direct transfer of funds from a trader's bank account to their trading account. This method is typically secure but may take several days to process.

2. Debit/Credit Card: Offers a quick and convenient way to deposit funds using widely accepted cards like Visa and MasterCard.

3. Third-Party Payment: Accepts deposits via various third-party payment systems, which could include digital wallets or online payment services. These methods often provide quick and easy transactions.

Customer Support

eXcentral provides customer support through multiple channels, aiming to assist clients with their queries and issues. Customers can reach out via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com, offering a direct line of communication for support, queries, or feedback.

Additionally, they provide phone support at +278 71 951005, which can be beneficial for immediate assistance or for discussing more complex issues. The availability of these support options suggests a commitment to maintaining accessible customer service.

Conclusion

In summary, eXcentral, based in South Africa and founded in 2018, offers Forex, commodities, and indices trading on both the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with account options including Classic, VIP, and Gold. They provide leverage up to 1:30 and competitive spreads with no commission fees.

However, a significant concern is their revoked regulatory status, which poses serious questions about the firm's credibility and the safety of client investments.

While they offer a minimum deposit of $1,000 and multiple channels for customer support, potential clients should approach with caution and thoroughly evaluate the risks due to the regulatory concerns.

FAQs

Q:What trading platforms does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral provides the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms for trading.

Q:What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with eXcentral？

A:The minimum deposit required to open an account with eXcentral is $1,000.

Q:What types of trading accounts does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral offers three types of accounts: Classic, VIP, and Gold, each with different features and spreads.

Q:What leverage does eXcentral offer？

A:eXcentral offers leverage up to 1:30 across all its trading accounts.

Q:How can I deposit or withdraw funds from eXcentral？

A:Deposits and withdrawals can be made via bank transfer, debit/credit card, or third-party payment methods.

Q:How can I contact eXcentral's customer support？

A:Customer support can be reached via email at inquiriesaexcentral-int.com or by phone at +278 71 951005.