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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 Grand Capital

Grand Capital Holdings Limited, headquartered in Hong Kong, operates as a financial services provider encompassing two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Grand Capital Securities Limited and Grand Capital Futures Limited. These entities offer a broad spectrum of financial services to a diverse clientele, including individuals, corporations, and institutions. Services provided by Grand Capital encompass brokerage services, wealth management, asset management, and institutional services. These services facilitate access to a variety of financial markets and instruments, allowing clients to engage in trading activities across a range of asset classes. Additionally, the company provides a selection of trading platforms to cater to different trading preferences, ensuring accessibility and convenience for its clientele.

Is Grand Capital legit or a scam？

Grand Capital, operating under the entity Grand Capital Futures Limited in Hong Kong, is a legitimate broker in the context of its regulatory status. It is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, a reputable regulatory authority known for its stringent oversight of financial institutions. Grand Capital holds a valid license for “Dealing in futures contracts” with License No. BOM175, issued by the SFC, and this license was effective from October 10, 2019.

The fact that Grand Capital is regulated by the SFC and holds a valid license indicates that it has met the regulatory requirements and standards set by the regulatory authority. This regulatory oversight provides a level of assurance to clients that the broker operates within the legal framework and adheres to industry regulations and standards.

Pros and Cons

Grand Capital presents a range of advantages for traders seeking financial services. Firstly, it boasts regulatory oversight by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, instilling confidence in clients regarding the broker's commitment to industry standards. The broker offers a diverse selection of financial products, including securities, futures, stock options, and fixed income, allowing clients to diversify their portfolios. Grand Capital prioritizes accessibility by providing trading platforms for desktop, web, and mobile devices, accommodating traders with varying preferences. Additionally, the inclusion of wealth management services and a physical office presence in Hong Kong enhances the overall client experience.

However, several considerations must be kept in mind. The lack of fee transparency could result in unexpected costs for traders, impacting their overall trading experience. Grand Capital's limited educational resources might hinder traders from developing essential skills and knowledge. Furthermore, unclear deposit and withdrawal information may create inconvenience and uncertainty, and the absence of disclosed spread details leaves traders unaware of potential trading costs. Lastly, the dependency on the Grand Authenticator app for Two-Factor Authentication may not align with all clients' preferences or accessibility needs.

Products

Grand Capital offers a diverse array of financial products, catering to a wide spectrum of investment strategies and preferences. One of its core offerings is securities trading, providing clients with access to global stock markets in over 20 countries, including major exchanges like NYSE, NASDAQ, and more. Investors can engage in the trading of listed stocks, equities, ETFs, REITs, derivative warrants, inline warrants, CBBCs, and fixed-income products. This expansive range allows clients to diversify their portfolios across international markets and asset classes, aligning with their investment goals and risk tolerance.

Furthermore, Grand Capital provides futures trading opportunities, empowering self-directed investors to participate in futures and options on futures contracts. These include equity, foreign exchange, commodities, interest rates, and single stock futures products. The inclusion of stock options and fixed-income products further enhances the depth of Grand Capital's product offerings, giving clients the tools and opportunities to explore various trading strategies and achieve their financial objectives.

Services

Grand Capital offers a wide range of financial services to meet the diverse needs of its clients, making it a versatile player in the financial industry. The company provides brokerage services, enabling clients to access global markets and trade a variety of financial instruments. Whether for individual or institutional investors, Grand Capital's brokerage services offer a gateway to international markets, facilitating portfolio diversification and investment opportunities.

In addition to traditional brokerage, Grand Capital offers comprehensive wealth management and asset management services. Clients can leverage the expertise of the firm's professionals to create tailored investment strategies that align with their financial goals. The inclusion of institutional services and fund set-up services further underscores Grand Capital's commitment to serving a wide range of clients, including institutional investors and fund managers. The firm's global markets multi-asset approach allows clients to explore opportunities across various asset classes and regions, providing a holistic and diversified approach to investment and wealth management.

Account Types

Grand Capital offers a versatile range of account types to accommodate the diverse needs of its clients. For individual investors, the firm provides both securities accounts, which can be further categorized into cash or margin accounts, and futures and options accounts. These options empower investors to choose the account type that aligns with their risk tolerance and trading preferences. Additionally, Grand Capital caters to clients interested in stock options trading, providing a dedicated account type for this purpose.

For more sophisticated investors seeking professional portfolio management, Grand Capital offers asset management accounts. These accounts allow clients to leverage the expertise of professional fund managers to achieve their investment goals. Furthermore, the firm extends its services to high-net-worth individuals through private banking accounts, ensuring personalized financial solutions and a tailored approach to wealth management. Grand Capital's diverse account offerings reflect its commitment to providing a comprehensive suite of options to cater to the unique financial objectives and preferences of its clientele.

How to open an account in Grand Capital？

To open an account with Grand Capital online, the process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps:

1. Go to www.grandch.com and navigate to the account opening section.

2. Select the type of account you wish to open, such as an individual or corporate account.

3. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, financial details, and other required information.

4. Upload the necessary identification and verification documents as specified by Grand Capital.

5. Double-check the provided information, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit your application.

6. Grand Capital's team will review your application and notify you once your account is approved and ready for trading.

Alternatively, clients can opt for an in-person account opening by scheduling a visit to Grand Capital's offices, where experienced staff will assist with the process. Additionally, for those who prefer to open an account by mail, Grand Capital can send the relevant account opening documents upon request, which can then be completed and sent back to the office for processing. These alternative methods provide flexibility to clients in choosing the most convenient way to open their accounts with Grand Capital.

Spread and Commission Fees

Grand Capital's lack of disclosure regarding fees or spreads associated with trading activities may present challenges for traders in assessing the true cost of their trades. Without clear information on fees, commissions, or spreads, clients may find it difficult to accurately calculate their trading expenses, potentially leading to unexpected costs that can impact overall profitability. Transparency in fee structures is crucial for traders to make informed decisions and manage their trading costs effectively. Therefore, prospective clients should exercise caution and seek clarity on fee-related information before engaging in trading activities with Grand Capital.

Trading Platform

Grand Capital offers a robust and versatile trading platform that caters to the needs of both securities and futures traders. Clients can access a range of platforms, including iTrade and WebTrade for online trading, as well as desktop applications for a more comprehensive trading experience. Notably, Grand Capital provides mobile trading options through the Play Store and App Store, offering basic and advanced versions of their trading platform, ensuring accessibility for traders on the go. This multiplatform availability allows traders to conveniently access their account balances, positions, market data, and other essential information from various devices, enhancing flexibility and convenience in their trading activities.

In addition to its trading platforms, Grand Capital offers the Grand Authenticator app, which serves as a Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) solution. This app adds an extra layer of security to clients' accounts, helping protect against unauthorized access. Users can easily download the app for both iOS and Android devices, ensuring their account security while trading. By implementing 2FA through the Grand Authenticator app, clients can benefit from enhanced peace of mind and safeguard their trading accounts from potential security breaches.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Grand Capital offers several methods for deposits and withdrawals, including bank transfers, cheques, and overseas remittances. Clients can choose the option that aligns with their preferences and location. Bank transfers provide a secure and direct way to move funds to and from their trading accounts. However, it's important to note that fees may apply for these transactions, and the exact charges may vary depending on the bank and location. Additionally, the processing time for bank transfers can vary, ranging from a few business days to potentially longer for international transfers.

Clients opting for cheque deposits or overseas remittances should also be aware of potential fees and processing times associated with these methods. It's essential for traders to review the broker's fee schedule and terms for each transaction method to make informed decisions regarding their deposits and withdrawals, as fees and processing times can impact the overall cost and speed of accessing their funds.

Customer Support

Grand Capital's commitment to customer support is evident through its accessible contact information and dedicated service channels. Clients can reach out to the company through various means, including telephone support via the provided contact number, ensuring direct and immediate assistance. Additionally, clients can utilize the provided email address to contact the customer support team, offering a convenient way to seek assistance, address inquiries, or resolve any issues.

The company's physical presence at its Hong Kong office further underscores its dedication to customer service. Grand Capital's central office location in Hong Kong enhances accessibility for clients who prefer in-person consultations or support. Overall, Grand Capital's multi-channel customer support approach demonstrates its commitment to providing responsive and accessible assistance to its clientele, contributing to a positive trading experience.

Educational Resources

The absence of educational resources in Grand Capital could hinder traders, especially newcomers, from acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for effective trading. Without access to tutorials, webinars, and trading guides, they may face increased risks, potential losses, and limited opportunities for skill development, making it less attractive for those seeking comprehensive support and guidance in trading.

Conclusion

In summary, Grand Capital is a Hong Kong-based financial services firm with a diverse range of offerings for traders and investors. It provides access to global financial markets, including securities, futures, stock options, and fixed-income products, catering to a wide range of investment preferences. The broker offers multi-platform accessibility, regulatory oversight by the SFC, wealth management services, and a physical office presence in Hong Kong for client convenience.

However, concerns arise due to the lack of fee transparency, limited educational resources, and unclear information regarding deposit and withdrawal methods. Traders should exercise caution and seek comprehensive information before engaging with this broker to ensure they align with their specific trading needs and preferences.

FAQs

Q: Is Grand Capital regulated？

A: Yes, Grand Capital is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong, providing regulatory oversight.

Q: What financial products does Grand Capital offer？

A: Grand Capital offers a diverse range of products, including securities, futures, stock options, and fixed-income instruments.

Q: How can I contact Grand Capital's customer support？

A: You can reach Grand Capital's customer support through phone at +852 3891 9888 or via email at cs@grandch.com.

Q: What trading platforms are available at Grand Capital？

A: Grand Capital offers multiple trading platforms, including desktop, web, and mobile options to suit different preferences.

Q: What payment methods are accepted for deposits and withdrawals？

A: Grand Capital facilitates deposits and withdrawals through bank transfers, cheques, and overseas remittances, although specific fees and processing times may apply.