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.

General Information & Regulation

FXGiants is an international online broker that offers retail and institutional traders across the globe access to trade over 200+ instruments from multiple asset-classes including Forex, Commodities, Cryptocurrency, Stocks, Shares, Indices, Metals, Energies & CFDs.

FXGiants, registered in Bermuda, operates as an unregulated broker. While it offers a diverse range of market instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Shares, investors should approach the platform with caution due to the lack of regulatory oversight. The maximum leverage ranges from 200:1 to 1000:1, providing traders with flexibility but also exposing them to higher risks. Spreads and commissions vary across different account types, with options such as fixed spreads, zero spreads, and variable spreads. The absence of regulation raises concerns about investor protection and transparency. Additionally, limited deposit options, the absence of a demo account, and unclear minimum deposit requirements can be considered disadvantages. However, FXGiants offers robust trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and PMAM, along with VPS hosting services for enhanced performance. The customer support team is responsive and available via phone, email, and live chat. Traders can access educational resources through the company's blog, although the offerings may be limited. In summary, FXGiants provides a wide range of trading options but requires careful consideration of the associated risks and limitations.

Is FXGiants legit or a scam？

No, FXGiants, registered in Bermuda, operates without holding any licenses and is not subject to regulatory oversight from any governing bodies. As a result, investors should approach the platform with caution and carefully assess the risks involved. The absence of regulatory supervision means that there are no guarantees regarding the platform's compliance with industry standards and customer protection measures. It is advisable for investors to conduct thorough due diligence, seek professional advice, and consider alternative regulated options to ensure the security of their investments.

Pros and Cons

FXGiants offers a range of advantages and disadvantages for traders. One of the key advantages is the availability of diverse market instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Shares, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios. FXGiants also offers multiple account types, providing flexibility for traders to choose the one that aligns with their preferences. Additionally, FXGiants provides high leverage up to 1000:1. However, a significant drawback is the lack of regulation, which raises concerns about investor protection. The limited deposit options and the absence of a demo account for practice trading are also notable disadvantages. Moreover, the unclear minimum deposit requirement and limited educational resources may hinder comprehensive learning. Traders should carefully consider these factors before engaging with FXGiants.

Markets Instruments

1. Forex: FXGiants offers a wide range of currency pairs for trading in the Forex market. Forex, also known as foreign exchange, involves the buying and selling of currencies. Traders can speculate on the price movements of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, taking advantage of the volatility and liquidity of the Forex market.

2. Metals: FXGiants allows trading in precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These metals are considered as safe-haven assets and are often used as a hedge against inflation or economic uncertainty. Traders can take positions on the price movements of these metals, benefiting from both rising and falling markets.

3. Indices: FXGiants provides access to a variety of global stock indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30, and Nikkei 225. Stock indices represent a basket of stocks from a specific exchange or sector and are used to gauge the overall performance of a market. Traders can speculate on the direction of these indices, capitalizing on market trends and economic indicators.

4. Commodities: FXGiants offers trading opportunities in popular commodities like oil, natural gas, and agricultural products. Commodity markets involve the buying and selling of physical goods, including energy products, metals, and agricultural produce. Traders can take advantage of price fluctuations in these markets, driven by factors such as supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and weather conditions.

5. Futures: FXGiants allows trading in futures contracts, which are agreements to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price and date in the future. Futures cover a wide range of assets, including commodities, stock indices, and currencies. Traders can speculate on the future price movements of these assets, taking advantage of leverage and the ability to profit in both rising and falling markets.

6. Shares: FXGiants provides access to trading shares of major companies listed on global stock exchanges. Share trading allows investors to take ownership in a company and participate in its growth and profitability. Traders can speculate on the price movements of individual stocks, leveraging fundamental and technical analysis to make informed trading decisions.

These market instruments offered by FXGiants provide traders with a diverse range of opportunities to capitalize on price movements across various financial markets, catering to different trading strategies and risk preferences.

Account Types

FXGiants offers a range of account types to cater to different trading preferences and strategies. Here are the details of the six account types:

1. Live Floating Spread Account: This account features variable spreads starting from 1.0 pips, with no commissions charged per trade. Traders can benefit from a maximum leverage of 1000:1, allowing for greater trading flexibility and potential.

2. Live Fixed Spread Account: With this account, traders enjoy fixed spreads starting from 1.3 pips, and there are no commissions per trade. Similar to the Live Floating Spread Account, the maximum leverage is set at 1000:1.

3. Live Zero Fixed Spread Account: This account type offers zero fixed spreads. Instead, traders are charged a commission of $9 per lot traded. The maximum leverage for this account is set at 500:1.

1. STP/ECN No Commission Account: Designed for traders who prefer straight-through processing (STP) and electronic communication network (ECN) execution, this account provides variable spreads starting from 1.7 pips without any commissions. The maximum leverage is set at 200:1.

2. STP/ECN Zero Spread Account: Traders opting for this account enjoy zero spreads, meaning there is no markup on the raw interbank spreads. However, a commission of $3.75 per lot is charged. The maximum leverage for this account type is 200:1.

3. STP/ECN Absolute Zero Account: This account features extremely low spreads starting from 0.2 pips, with no commissions charged per trade. Traders can leverage up to 200:1 in this account type.

These various account types offered by FXGiants allow traders to choose the one that aligns with their trading style, risk tolerance, and specific requirements, ensuring a customized trading experience.

How to open an account？

Here are the steps involved in the account opening process with FXGiants:

1. Registration: Visit the FXGiants website and click on the “Open Account” or “Register” button. Fill in the required personal information such as name, email address, phone number, and country of residence.

   

2. Verification: After submitting your registration details, you will need to complete the verification process. This typically involves providing identification documents such as a valid passport or driver's license and proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. FXGiants may require additional documents based on regulatory requirements.

3. Account Type Selection: Choose the type of trading account that suits your trading preferences and needs. FXGiants typically offers different account types, such as Standard, Premium, or VIP, each with varying features and trading conditions. Select the account type that aligns with your trading goals.

4. Deposit Funds: Once your account is verified, you can proceed to deposit funds into your trading account. FXGiants offers various deposit methods such as credit/debit card, wire transfer, or online payment systems. Choose the preferred method and follow the instructions to deposit the desired amount.

5. Start Trading: After successfully depositing funds, you can log in to your FXGiants trading account using the provided credentials. Download the trading platform (such as MetaTrader 4) or access the web-based platform. You are now ready to start trading by selecting financial instruments and executing trades.

It's worth noting that the specific steps and requirements may vary slightly based on your location and regulatory guidelines. FXGiants typically provides clear instructions and guidance throughout the account opening process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for their clients.

Leverage

When it comes to trading leverage, the maximum leverage offered by FXGiant is super high, reaching up to 1:1000. Generous leverage is not necessarily a good thing,e especially offered by unregulated brokers, so traders should take extra care to use it.

Spreads & Commissions

FXGiants offers varying spreads and commissions across different account types, providing traders with flexibility and choice. Here are the details:

1. Live Floating Spread Account: This account features spreads starting from 1.0 pip with no commissions charged per trade. Traders can benefit from floating spreads while enjoying commission-free trading.

2. Live Fixed Spread Account: With this account, traders can take advantage of fixed spreads starting from 1.3 pips without any commissions. The absence of commissions ensures transparent trading costs.

3. Live Zero Fixed Spread Account: This account type offers traders the benefit of zero fixed spreads, meaning there is no markup on the raw interbank spreads. However, a commission of $9 per lot is charged for each trade.

4. STP/ECN No Commission Account: Traders who opt for this account type enjoy variable spreads starting from 1.7 pips without any commissions. This account offers direct market access with no additional commission charges.

5. STP/ECN Zero Spread Account: With this account, traders benefit from zero spreads, while a commission of $3.75 per lot is charged. This ensures traders have access to raw interbank spreads with low-cost trading.

6. STP/ECN Absolute Zero Account: This account features incredibly low spreads starting from 0.2 pips with no additional commission charges.

FXGiants' diverse account types allow traders to choose the spreads and commissions structure that aligns with their trading style and preferences, providing flexibility and transparency in trading costs.

Trading Platform

FXGiants offers a robust trading platform that caters to the needs of traders. The platform primarily supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), a widely acclaimed and popular trading platform in the industry. MT4 provides a comprehensive set of tools and features for traders to execute trades, perform technical analysis, and access real-time market data. It offers a user-friendly interface, customizable charts, and a wide range of technical indicators for advanced analysis.

In addition to MT4, FXGiants also provides the PMAM (Percentage Allocation Management Module) platform. This platform allows traders to easily manage multiple forex investment portfolios. With PMAM, traders can allocate and distribute funds among different trading accounts, monitor performance, and efficiently manage their investment strategies.

FXGiants also offers VPS hosting services. By connecting their trading accounts to FXGiants' free MT4 VPS (Virtual Private Server), traders can benefit from enhanced trading performance, reduced latency, and uninterrupted trading even during power outages or Internet disruptions. VPS hosting ensures that traders can fully utilize the potential of their trading strategies without worrying about technical issues.

Overall, FXGiants' trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and PMAM, coupled with their VPS hosting service, provide traders with advanced tools, convenience, and reliability to optimize their trading experience.

Deposit& Withdrawal

FXGiants offers convenient options for depositing and withdrawing funds. Clients can choose from various methods, including VISA, Wire Transfer, and BTC. VISA provides a quick and easy way to transfer funds using a credit or debit card. Wire Transfer allows for direct bank-to-bank transactions. Additionally, FXGiants supports BTC, enabling cryptocurrency enthusiasts to deposit and withdraw funds using Bitcoin. While FXGiants' official website does not specify the minimum deposit amount, clients can contact their customer support for more information.

Customer Support

FXGiants provides excellent customer support to assist traders in every possible way. Their dedicated staff is available 24/5, ensuring prompt assistance during trading hours. Clients can reach out to FXGiants' customer support through various channels. Alternatively, clients can reach out via email, allowing them to provide detailed information and receive a timely response. Additionally, FXGiants offers a convenient live chat feature on their website, enabling real-time communication with a support agent for quick resolutions to any issues.

Educational Resources

FXGiants offers educational resources to help traders gain knowledge about the financial markets. While their official website primarily provides a blog for accessing trading market information, it serves as a valuable resource for traders to stay informed about market trends, analysis, and insights. Traders can leverage these resources to enhance their understanding of the markets and make informed trading decisions. While FXGiants' educational offerings may be primarily focused on their blog, the availability of valuable market information can still contribute to traders' learning and development.

Conclusion

In summary, FXGiants is an unregulated broker registered in Bermuda. It offers a wide range of market instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, and Shares. The platform provides multiple account types with varying spreads, commissions, and leverage options. FXGiants' trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and PMAM, offer advanced tools and features for traders. However, the lack of regulation raises concerns about investor protection. The limited deposit options, absence of a demo account, and unclear minimum deposit requirement are notable drawbacks. The customer support is responsive, and educational resources are available through the company's blog. Traders should carefully consider the risks and limitations associated with FXGiants before engaging with the platform.

FAQs

Q: Is FXGiants a regulated broker？

A: No, FXGiants is not a regulated broker.

Q: What trading instruments are available at FXGiants？

A:FXGiants offers a wide range of trading instruments, including Forex, Metals, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Shares

Q: Does FXGiants offer a demo account？

A: No, FXGiants does offer a demo account.

Q: What payment methods does FXGiants accept？

A: FXGiants accepts three kinds of payment methods, including VISA, Wire Transfer, and BTC

Q: What trading platforms does FXGiants offer？

A:FXGiants offers trading platform MetaTrader 4

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

A: The minimum deposit required to open an account withFXGiants is $100 for all account types.

Q: Does FXGiants offer any bonuses or promotions？

A: Yes, FXGiants offers bonuses or promotions and the information is provided on their website.

Q: What is the maximum leverage offered by FXGiants？

A: The maximum leverage offered by FXGiants is 1:1000.