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.

It is important to note that the information provided in this review may be subject to change due to the constant updating of the company's services and policies. In addition, the date on which this review was generated may also be an important factor to consider, as information may have changed since then. Therefore, readers are advised to always verify updated information directly with the company before making any decision or taking any action. Responsibility for the use of the information provided in this review rests solely with the reader.

In this review, if there is a conflict between the image and the text content, the text content should prevail. However, we recommend that you open the official website for further consultation.

Pros and cons of HYCM

Pros:

• - Wide range of financial instruments available for trading.

• - MT4 and MT5 trading platforms available, as well as a proprietary platform called PrimeTrader.

• - A free demo account is available for traders to practice without risking their real money.

• - Multilingual customer service available 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.

• - HYCM offers an Islamic account for traders who require an interest-free account.

• - Regulation by the FCA of the United Kingdom, CYSEC of Cyprus and CIMA of the Cayman Islands.

Cons:

• - The minimum deposit of $100 may be high for some traders.

• - The company does not accept traders from the United States.

HYCM General Information and Regulation

HYCM is a UK-registered forex broker and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Cyprus Securities Commission (CYSEC) and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). With a track record of over 40 years in the market, HYCM has established itself as a leading broker in the foreign exchange trading industry.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, offering you easy and well-organized information. If you are interested, read on.

Regulators

HYCM is regulated by three major financial regulatory bodies: the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). They are all globally recognized regulators and have a high reputation in the financial industry. The FCA is known to be one of the strictest and most demanding regulators in the world, and its regulation is considered to be one of the most rigorous and reliable in terms of customer protection. On the other hand, CySEC is the financial services regulatory authority in Cyprus, a country known for its attractive regulatory and tax environment for investment firms. And finally, CIMA is the financial regulator for the Cayman Islands, a British overseas territory. Together, these three regulations offer strong customer protection and increased security for financial transactions conducted through HYCM.

What type of broker is HYCM？

HYCM is a Forex and CFD (Contracts for Difference) broker that offers access to a wide variety of financial markets through its online trading platform. As a broker, HYCM acts as an intermediary between its clients and the financial markets, allowing traders to buy and sell financial instruments without having to physically own them.

HYCM operates under a Dealing Desk, which means that bid and ask prices are set by the company itself. This can be beneficial for traders looking for more stable and fixed spreads, but it also means that HYCM may have a conflict of interest with its clients. To mitigate this risk, HYCM offers a Dealing Desk trading account, which allows traders to trade at direct market prices.

Market instruments

HYCM offers its clients a wide variety of trading instruments, which means that traders can trade in different markets and have a greater diversification of their portfolios. In terms of currency pairs, HYCM offers a selection of the major and most popular pairs, such as EUR/USD, USD/JPY, GBP/USD, and many others. In addition, traders can also trade a variety of precious metals, such as gold and silver, and commodities such as crude oil. A selection of indices is also offered, including the S&P 500, the FTSE 100 and the Nikkei 225. HYCM also offers its clients the possibility to trade stocks of some of the world's largest companies, such as Apple, Microsoft and Amazon. Finally, HYCM offers the option to trade cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin. This means that traders can have access to some of the most volatile and exciting markets in the world, which can provide unique trading opportunities and potential profits.

Spreads and commissions for trading with HYCM

1. HYCM charges variable spreads for its operations, which vary according to the type of account and trading instruments.

2. HYCM charges an inactivity fee of $10 per month after 3 months of account inactivity.

3. HYCM charges a commission of $4 per side for raw account transactions.

Trading accounts available at HYCM

HYCM offers three types of trading accounts, with a minimum deposit of $100 for the classic/fixed account and $200 for the raw account. The available accounts are:

Fixed account: the Fixed account offers floating spreads starting from 1.5 pips, Min. position volume of 0.01 lot and allows trading more than 300 financial instruments, including currencies, commodities, indices and cryptocurrencies. In addition, a free demo account is offered for practice and learning, as well as an Islamic account.

Classic account: the classic account offers spreads starting from 1.2 pips and a commission of $0 per lot traded. The min. position volume is 0.01 lot and also allows trading of more than 300 financial instruments.

Raw account: the raw account offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips and a commission of $4 per lot traded. The main difference between the raw account and other accounts is that it has a minimum deposit of $200.

HYCM is also proud to offer a free demo account, allowing traders to practice and familiarize themselves with the trading platform before investing their real money.

Operating platform offered by HYCM

HYCM's MT4 platform is one of the most popular and widely used in the world of online trading, with a large user base worldwide. With this platform, traders can access multiple technical analysis tools, customizable charts, technical indicators and expert advisors (EAs). In addition, traders can use the backtesting function to evaluate the effectiveness of their trading strategies and adjust them as needed.

On the other hand, HYCM also offers the MT5 platform for those who are looking for a more advanced trading platform. The MT5 platform is an enhanced version of MT4, with more advanced tools and features. The MT5 platform also offers the hedging function, which means that traders can simultaneously open long and short positions on the same instrument, which can be useful in certain trading strategies. In addition, MT5 also allows traders to access more markets and types of financial assets, including futures and options.

HYCM maximum leverage

HYCM offers a maximum leverage of 1:500 for currencies, which means that traders can trade with a position of up to 500 times their initial capital. This can significantly increase potential profits, but also increases the risk of losses.

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

HYCM offers a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal options, making it easy and convenient for traders to deposit and withdraw funds. Traders can make deposits using a variety of methods, including bank transfers, credit and debit cards, popular e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill, and other online payment methods such as Perfect Money.

The minimum deposit amount is only $20, which is an advantage for those who wish to try HYCM without having to deposit large sums of money. In addition, HYCM does not charge any deposit fees, which means that traders can deposit any amount they wish without worrying about additional charges.

When it comes to withdrawals, HYCM processes withdrawal requests within 24 hours for some payment methods, which is a fast processing time compared to other brokers. Traders can withdraw funds using the same payment methods used to make deposits. There are no withdrawal fees at HYCM, which means that traders can withdraw their profits without having to worry about additional costs.

It is important to note that withdrawal processing times may vary depending on the payment method and the trader's banking institution. HYCM strives to process all withdrawal requests as quickly as possible, but there are factors beyond its control that may affect processing time. Overall, HYCM offers a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal options, as well as fast processing times and no additional fees, making it an excellent choice for traders looking for a reliable and convenient broker.

Education at HYCM

One of the additional advantages of HYCM is that it offers a wide range of educational tools to help traders improve their trading knowledge and skills. This includes live webinars, online seminars, trading guides, video tutorials and much more. HYCM is committed to helping its traders achieve their trading goals and maximize their earning potential.

HYCM Customer Service

HYCM offers 24/5 customer support in several languages, including English, Spanish, German, French and several other languages. Traders can contact the support team by phone, email and live chat. They also have a FAQ section on their website to help traders find answers to common questions.

E-mail: support@hycm.com

Conclusion

Overall, HYCM is a reliable and well-regulated forex broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments and trading platforms. With its focus on transparency and security of client funds, HYCM is an excellent choice for traders of all experience levels. In addition, its wide range of educational resources and exceptional customer service make HYCM an excellent choice for traders looking to improve their skills and knowledge in the Forex market.

Frequently asked questions about HYCM

Question: Does HYCM offer a demo account？

Answer: Yes, HYCM offers a free demo account for traders to test the platform and practice their trading strategies without risking their own money.

Question: What is the minimum deposit to open an account in HYCM？

Answer: The minimum deposit to open an account in HYCM is $100 USD.

Question: What trading platforms does HYCM offer？

Answer: HYCM offers a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms.

Question: Does HYCM offer leverage？

Answer: Yes, HYCM offers leverage for traders. The maximum leverage offered depends on the trading instrument and country regulation.

Question: Does HYCM charge transaction fees？

Answer: On classic and fixed accounts, HYCM charges a spread fee for its trades, which means that it does not charge commissions per trade. But on the raw account there is a commission.

Question: Does HYCM offer educational resources for traders？

Answer: Yes, HYCM offers a wide range of educational resources for traders, including trading courses, live webinars, educational articles and trading strategies on its website.

Question: Is HYCM regulated？

Answer: Yes, HYCM is regulated by several financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).