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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.

Quick IC Markets Review in 10 Key Points
Registered in	Australia
Regulated by	ASIC, CYSEC
Founded in	2007
Trading Instruments	Forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, futures
Minimum Initial Deposit	$200
Demo Account	Available
Islamic Account	Available
Maximum Leverage	1:500
Minimum Spread	0.0 pips onwards
Trading Platforms	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader
Deposit & Withdrawal Method	Neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, klarna
Customer Service	24/7 support, email, phone, address

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

Pros	Cons
Wide range of account types	High minimum deposit requirement
Demo account available	Standard account has wider spreads
Islamic account available	Commission charged on some accounts
Different trading platforms	Limited information on account features
Competitive spreads on some accounts

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

Pros	Cons
Support for popular platforms: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader	Limited customization options for cTrader
Variety of trading tools and indicators	Steep learning curve for cTrader
Advanced charting capabilities
Ability to use EAs and automate trading strategies
Mobile trading apps available for all 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

Pros	Cons
Various payment options	Intermediary and beneficiary fees for international bank wire transfers
Free deposits and withdrawals	Withdrawal cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT
Instant withdrawal processing for Paypal/Neteller/Skrill	Withdrawal takes up to 10 business days depending on bank

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

Pros	Cons
24/7 customer support available	No live chat option for immediate assistance
Multiple ways to contact support (phone, email)	Phone support may have international charges
Prompt response times to email inquiries

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.

Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

General Information

Hirose Financial Review Summary in 10 Points
Founded	2010
Registered Country/Region	United Kingdom
Regulation	FCA
Market Instruments	Forex， Spot Gold
Demo Account	Available
Leverage	1:30
EUR/USD Spread	0.8 pips
Trading Platforms	MT4, LION Trader (ActTrader)
Minimum Deposit	USD 0
Customer Support	Email, Phone, Live chat, Request form

What is Hirose Financial？

Hirose Financial UK is a FCA regulated Forex trading company offering multiple trading solutions to the FX community basing in the UK. It is founded in 2010, a subsidiary of Hirose Tusyo of Japan. The broker provides online trading services for the foreign exchange market, allowing clients to trade various currency pairs. They offer both major and minor currency pairs, as well as exotic currency pairs.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
• No commission fees	• Limited trading instruments
• Demo account available	• No MetaTrader 5 platform integration
• MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform support	• Limited payment methods
• No minimum deposit requirement
• Regulated by FCA
• Multiple base currencies available for accounts

Hirose Financial Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to Hirose Financial depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• IC Markets - A popular and reputable Forex and CFD broker with competitive pricing and advanced trading platforms.

• Pepperstone- An award-winning Forex and CFD broker with low fees, fast execution speeds, and multiple trading platforms.

• OANDA- A trusted global Forex and CFD broker with an easy-to-use trading platform, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is Hirose Financial Safe or Scam？

Based on the information available, Hirose Financial is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which makes it appears to be a reliable and reputable online broker. But it is important to note that experience alone does not guarantee the legitimacy or security of a brokerage firm. Exposure of withdrawal and fraud issues are red flags that should not be ignored as well.

Anyway, as with any investment, there is always some level of risk involved, and it is important for traders to do their own research and carefully consider their options before investing.

Market Instruments

Hirose Financial UK offers a large range of Forex instruments for traders, with a wide selection of over 46 currency pairs to trade.

Forex trading involves the buying and selling of different currencies in pairs, with the aim of profiting from the fluctuations in their exchange rates. Traders can engage in trading major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, as well as minor and exotic currency pairs through Hirose Financial.

Accounts

Demo Account: Hirose Financial provides a free demo account that allows you to try out the financial markets without the risk of losing money.

Live Account: Hirose Financial offers the advantage of no minimum deposit requirement to open a live account, allowing traders to start trading without any specific financial commitment while deposit requirements vary depending on the chosen deposit method.

Leverage

When it comes to leverage, Hirose Financial enables its clients to use the maximum trading leverage up to 1:30. Leverage is a mechanism that allows traders to control larger positions in the market with a smaller amount of capital. With a leverage ratio of 1:30, traders can potentially amplify their trading positions by up to 30 times their invested capital. This means that for every $1 of capital, traders can have exposure to $30 worth of assets in the market.

While leverage can magnify potential profits, it's important to note that it also increases the risk of losses. Higher leverage ratios come with increased market exposure and the possibility of larger losses if the trades move against the trader's expectations. Therefore, it's crucial for traders to use leverage judiciously and implement appropriate risk management strategies to protect their capital.

Hirose Financial's provision of leverage up to 1:30 may be suitable for traders who are comfortable with a certain level of risk and have a thorough understanding of the potential implications of trading with leverage. It's important for traders, especially beginners, to educate themselves about leverage, its risks, and how to use it responsibly before engaging in leveraged trading.

Spreads & Commissions

Hirose Financial offers competitive spreads on its trading platforms. For the LION Trader (ActTrader) platform, traders can benefit from spreads starting from as low as 0.7 pips. This means that the difference between the buying and selling prices of currency pairs or other instruments can be as minimal as 0.7 pips, offering potentially tighter pricing for traders.

On the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform, Hirose Financial provides spreads starting from 1.9 pips. While slightly higher than the LION Trader platform, it still offers competitive pricing for traders using MT4. Both platforms aim to offer traders access to tight spreads, allowing for more cost-effective trading.

It's worth noting that Hirose Financial does not charge commissions on trades. This indicate that traders can execute their trades without incurring additional fees beyond the spread. This fee structure can be beneficial for traders, as it allows for more transparent and predictable transaction costs.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Broker	EUR/USD Spread (pips)	Commissions (per lot)
Hirose Financial	Variable	No commissions
IC Markets	0.1 pips	$7 (round turn)
Pepperstone	0.09 pips	No commissions
OANDA	0.9 pips	No commissions (except for ECN)

Please keep in mind that spread values can vary depending on market conditions, account type, and other factors. Commission structures may also differ based on the broker's pricing model and the type of account being used. It's important to review the official websites or contact the brokers directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on spreads and commissions.

Trading Platforms

Hirose Financial UK offers its clients the flexibility to trade on multiple devices through their supported platforms. Traders can access the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform on various devices, including PC, iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. This allows for seamless trading experiences across different operating systems and devices, catering to the diverse needs of traders.

Additionally, Hirose Financial provides the Lion Trader platform, which is available on PC, iPhone, iPad and Android devices. The Lion Trader platform offers a user-friendly interface and features specifically designed to enhance the trading experience. Traders can conveniently access their trading accounts, monitor market movements, execute trades, and manage their positions from their preferred devices.

Overall, Hirose Financial's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Broker	Trading Platforms
Hirose Financial	MT4, Lion Trader
IC Markets	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
Pepperstone	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, WebTrader
OANDA	OANDA Trade, MetaTrader 4, MT4 Hedging

Deposits & Withdrawals

Hirose Financial offers convenient options for depositing and withdrawing funds.

Deposits: Traders can make deposits using Neteller, a popular electronic payment method, or through wire transfers. Additionally, Hirose Financial allows for account balance transfers between accounts without any extra fees.

Withdrawals: When it comes to withdrawals, traders have the choice of using Neteller, local wire transfer, or international wire transfer. Neteller offers a seamless and quick withdrawal process. Local wire transfers are available for withdrawals in GBP, EUR, and USD, with specific handling fees applicable. For international wire transfers, fees vary based on the currency, and additional fees may apply when funds are returned to the beneficiary bank.

Fees

There are no extra fees when making deposit within Hirose Financial, while for withdrawals, theres different thresholds and handling fees:

Neteller: with Neteller withdrawals, there are no fees involved, and the minimum withdrawal amount is 20 GBP, 20 USD, or 20 EUR, maximum withdrawal limit is 5,000 USD per transaction.

Local wire transfers: Clients can expect a fee of £6.00 for GBP, £8.50 for EUR, and £8.50 for USD, along with a minimum withdrawal amount of 20 GBP, 20 USD, or 20 EUR by this method.

International wire transfers: there will be £5.00 for EUR and £8.50 for USD and GBP via this method, with a minimum withdrawal amount of 50 GBP, 50 USD, or 50 EUR.

It's important to note that additional fees may apply for certain transactions, such as when returning international wire transfers to the beneficiary bank. Clients should consult their own banks for specific details regarding any additional fees.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that a report of unable to withdraw. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Customer Service

Hirose Financial provides multiple customer service options to assist its clients. Customers can reach out to Hirose Financial through various channels to address their queries and concerns as below:

Phone: +44 (0)20 3089 3880

Customer support email: info@hiroseuk.com.

Additionally, Hirose Financial offers a Contact Us form on their website. Customers can fill out this form with their queries, providing details about their specific needs or concerns.

Live chat support is also available for immediate assistance.

Additionally, Hirose Financial offers screen sharing functionality through Skype.

Besides of this, you can also get in touch with this broker on some social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube while their FAQ section is a valuable resource for finding quick answers to common queries as well.

Overall, Hirose Financial's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Pros	Cons
• Direct Contact	• Quality and Expertise
• Accessibility
• Personalized Support
• Multi-channel support

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with Hirose Financial's customer service.

Education

Hirose Financial offers a comprehensive educational package to support traders in their journey.

The educational resources include a forex guide, trading manual, and glossary, providing valuable insights and knowledge about the foreign exchange market. These resources aim to enhance traders' understanding of forex trading concepts, strategies, and terminology.

In addition to the foundational materials, Hirose Financial also offers educational resources on technical analysis and economic indicators. Technical analysis equips traders with tools and techniques to analyze price charts, identify trends, and make informed trading decisions. Economic indicators provide valuable information about the overall economic health which can impact currency markets. By understanding and interpreting these indicators, traders can better anticipate market movements and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Whether traders are beginners or experienced, these educational materials can serve as valuable references to improve their trading abilities and make more informed decisions in the forex market.

Conclusion

According to available information, Hirose Financial is a regulated UK-based brokerage firm. While the firm has significant experience in the industry and offers a professional Forex trading and receives a lot of good reviews from their clients, it is important to consider certain factors such as reports of unable to withdraw that may raise concerns. It is critical that potential clients exercise caution, conduct thorough research and seek up-to-date information directly from Hirose Financial before making any investment decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is Hirose Financial regulated？
A 1:	Yes. It is regulated by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Q 2:	At Hirose Financial, are there any regional restrictions for traders？
A 2:	Yes. Hirose Financial UK is unable to open accounts from US citizens or residents and Japan residents.

Q 3:	Does Hirose Financial offer demo accounts？
A 3:	Yes.

Q 4:	Does Hirose Financial offer the industry leading MT4 & MT5？
A 4:	Yes. It offers MT4 on Windows, iOS and Android devices.

Q 5:	What is the minimum deposit for Hirose Financial？
A 5:	The minimum initial deposit to open an account is $0.

Q 6:	Is Hirose Financial a good broker for beginners？
A 6:	Yes. It is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various Forex trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 platforms and its own LION Trader. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.