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 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.

What is IC Markets

IC Markets is an Australian-based 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.

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. With such a diverse range of trading instruments, IC Markets caters to a wide range of trading strategies and investment goals.

IC Markets Minimum Deposit

IC Markets, a well-known forex broker, 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

IC Markets Account Types

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.

IC Markets 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.

Spreads and 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. It's important to note that while some account types may have higher commissions, the broker is transparent about its commission structure and there are no hidden fees or charges. The broker also allows scalping and hedging strategies. However, there are inactivity fees after 12 months of no activity. Additionally, some withdrawal methods may have fees.

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. Additionally, traders should note that IC Markets has a limited selection of platforms compared to some other brokers in the industry. Overall, IC Markets offers a solid selection of trading platforms that should satisfy the needs of most traders.

Maximum leverage of IC Markets

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.

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any additional 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 may take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers may take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and may 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 in IC Markets

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. However, some of the educational resources may not be suitable for beginners and may require prior knowledge of forex trading. Additionally, the educational resources may not be as comprehensive or interactive as those offered by some other brokers.

You may 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 of IC Markets

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. Overall, IC Markets provides a reliable and responsive customer support experience.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a reputable 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 about IC Markets

• Q1. What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• A1. The minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets is $200.

• Q2. What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• A2. IC Markets offers various deposit and withdrawal methods, including neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Q3. What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• A3. IC Markets offers three trading platforms: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Q4. What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• A4. IC Markets offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:500.

• Q5. Does IC Markets charge any additional fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• A5. IC Markets does not charge any additional fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

• Q6. What educational resources are available on IC Markets？

• A6. IC Markets offers various educational resources, including an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, glossary, blogs, and calculators.

• Q7. What is the customer support available on IC Markets？

• A7. IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via phone and email, and they have an online chat feature available during trading hours.

Overview of LION

Established in 2016 and headquartered in the Cayman Islands, LION emerges as a dynamic force in the world of online trading. This broker is distinguished by its regulatory compliance, offering a secure and accountable trading environment. Regulated by various authorities, including the SFC for futures contracts, CIMA, and MAS, but exceeded with SFC, dealing in securities.

With a minimum deposit requirement as low as $100, LION ensures accessibility to a broad spectrum of traders. The broker's substantial maximum leverage of 1:500 provides traders with the potential to amplify their positions, while competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips enhance cost efficiency.

RLION combines accessibility, regulatory compliance, comprehensive support, and educational resources to create a platform that caters to traders of all levels.

Regulatory Status

LION operates as a regulated entity in the financial sector, adhering to stringent regulatory standards set forth by several reputable authorities. This commitment to regulatory compliance ensures a secure and accountable trading environment for its clients. Here is an overview of LION's regulatory status:

SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) - Futures Contracts Regulation:LION is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong for its activities related to futures contracts. This regulation signifies LION's compliance with the regulatory framework governing futures trading, providing assurance to traders regarding the broker's adherence to industry standards and best practices.

CIMA (Cayman Islands Monetary Authority) - Offshore Regulation:LION is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). As an offshore regulatory authority, CIMA oversees financial activities within the Cayman Islands jurisdiction. While offshore regulation can vary in stringency compared to major financial centers, it still imposes essential standards on financial entities like LION.

MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) Regulation:LION is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). MAS is the central bank and financial regulatory authority in Singapore, responsible for overseeing and regulating financial activities in the country. Regulation by MAS underscores LION's commitment to compliance with Singapore's financial laws and regulations.

SFC - Dealing in Securities (Exceeded Regulation):In addition to its regulation by the SFC for futures contracts, LION has also exceeded the regulatory requirements of the Securities and Futures Commission for dealing in securities.

Being regulated by multiple reputable authorities provides traders with confidence in the broker's operations, ensuring that it operates within a framework designed to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the financial markets.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Low Minimum Deposit: LION offers accessibility to a wide range of traders with its low minimum deposit requirement of $100. This allows both new and experienced traders to get started with a relatively small investment.

• High Leverage: The broker provides a substantial maximum leverage of 1:500. This high leverage can amplify trading potential, enabling traders to control larger positions with a relatively smaller amount of capital.

• Competitive Spreads: LION offers competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips. Competitive spreads reduce trading costs, which can be advantageous for traders looking to maximize their profits.

• Diverse Tradable Assets: Traders have access to a wide range of tradable assets on LION's platform, including Forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. This diversity allows traders to diversify their portfolios and explore various global markets.

• Versatile Trading Platforms: LION provides both web-based and mobile trading platforms, catering to traders' preferences for where and how they execute their trades. This versatility ensures convenience and flexibility.

Cons:

• Limited Educational Resources: LION may have limited educational materials available for traders seeking comprehensive learning opportunities. More extensive educational content could enhance the trading experience.

• Limited Account Types: While LION offers a range of account types, the variety may be limited compared to some other brokers. Traders with specific requirements for account types may find options constrained.

• Limited Payment Methods: The availability of payment methods for deposits and withdrawals on LION's platform may be restricted. This could inconvenience traders who require specific payment options.

• Limited Transparency on Islamic Accounts: Information regarding Islamic accounts, which adhere to Islamic finance principles, is not readily available. Traders who require Sharia-compliant accounts may find it challenging to determine if such accounts are offered.

Market Instruments

LION offers a diverse range of financial products for traders to access and trade on their platform. These products span various asset classes, providing traders with opportunities to diversify their portfolios and explore global markets. Here's a concrete description of the products offered by LION:

1. Forex (Foreign Exchange): LION facilitates trading in the Forex market, the world's largest financial market. Traders can engage in the buying and selling of currency pairs, such as EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, or USD/JPY. Forex trading allows participants to speculate on the exchange rate movements between different currencies.

2. Commodities: Traders on the LION platform have access to trading commodities. These physical assets include precious metals like gold and silver, energy resources like oil and natural gas, and agricultural products like wheat and coffee. Commodity trading enables investors to capitalize on price fluctuations in these essential global resources.

3. Indices: LION provides opportunities to trade on indices. These are measures of the performance of groups of stocks or bonds. Traders can speculate on the overall performance of specific indices, such as the S&P 500 or the FTSE 100, without trading individual stocks.

4. Cryptocurrencies: LION allows traders to participate in the cryptocurrency market. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies created using blockchain technology. Popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC) are available for trading. Traders can take advantage of the price volatility in the cryptocurrency market.

These products collectively offer a wide spectrum of trading opportunities for LION's clients. Traders can choose from these asset classes based on their preferences, risk tolerance, and market outlook, allowing for diversified investment strategies within a single platform. Additionally, the competitive spreads and leverage options further enhance the attractiveness of these trading products on the LION platform.

Account Types

LION offers three types of trading accounts: standard account, professional account, and ECN account. All accounts offer attractive trading conditions and provide a wide range of base currencies to suit the preferences of different traders.

Traders can select the account type that aligns with their trading strategy and enjoy competitive spreads and high leverage for enhanced trading opportunities.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with LION, follow these concrete steps:

1. Access the Registration Page: Look for the “Register” or “Open Account” button and click on it to initiate the account creation process.

2. Provide Personal Information:

1. Begin by entering your full name in the designated field.

2. Input your email address to create a unique login ID for your account.

3. Enter your mobile number, including the country code (e.g., +84).

3. Review and Accept Agreements: Ensure you understand the terms and conditions outlined in these agreements.

4. Verification and Activation: You may be required to verify your email address and mobile number to activate your account. Follow any verification instructions provided by LION to complete this process.

5. Begin Trading: Once your account is funded, you can start exploring the platform, accessing educational resources, and executing trades in the financial markets.

Leverage

LION offers its traders a maximum leverage of 1:500. Maximum leverage represents the ratio of the trader's own capital to the borrowed funds provided by the broker. In this case, for every $1 of the trader's own capital, they can control a trading position of up to $500.

High leverage, such as 1:500, can be advantageous for traders looking to magnify their trading positions and potentially increase their profits.

Spreads & Commissions

LION offers three account types: Standard, Professional, and ECN. The spreads and additional fees for each account type are as follows:

Standard Account: The Standard Account has spreads from 0.0 pips. For forex currency pairs, spreads are typically between 0.0 pips and 1.0 pips. For commodities, indices, and stocks, spreads are typically between 0.1 pips and 1.0 pips. The Standard Account does not charge any additional fees.

Professional Account: The Professional Account has spreads from 0.0 pips. For forex currency pairs, spreads are typically between 0.0 pips and 0.5 pips. For commodities, indices, and stocks, spreads are typically between 0.05 pips and 0.5 pips. The Professional Account does not charge any additional fees.

ECN Account: The ECN Account has spreads from 0.0 pips. For forex currency pairs, spreads are typically between 0.0 pips and 0.2 pips. For commodities, indices, and stocks, spreads are typically between 0.05 pips and 0.2 pips. The ECN Account charges a small commission, the amount of which depends on the trading product and the trading volume.

Trading Platform

LION offers two trading platforms and tools to facilitate the intuitive execution of trading strategies on industry-leading platforms.

1. MetaTrader 4 Platform: LION provides access to the popular MetaTrader 4 platform, which offers a user-friendly interface and advanced features for seamless trading experiences. Traders can utilize its comprehensive charting tools, technical indicators, and Expert Advisors (EAs) to enhance their trading strategies.

2. MetaTrader 5 Platform: Additionally, LION offers the MetaTrader 5 platform, an advanced version of MT4 with enhanced functionalities. MT5 provides more timeframes, additional technical indicators, and support for trading a wider range of financial instruments.

Deposit & Withdrawal

LION makes it simple to move your money from place to place. They provide a range of account funding and account withdrawal options in multiple base currencies.

Customer Support

LION provides comprehensive customer support to assist traders with their inquiries, and concerns:

• Live Chat: LION offers a live chat feature, allowing traders to engage in real-time text-based conversations with customer support representatives. This instant communication method is often preferred for quick inquiries and problem resolution.

• Email: Traders can also contact LION's customer support via email. Email support provides a written record of interactions and is suitable for more detailed inquiries or issues that may require documentation.

• Phone: For those who prefer voice communication, LION offers phone support. Traders can call the provided phone number to speak directly with customer support representatives, facilitating immediate assistance and clarification.

Educational Resources

LION offers a range of educational resources to assist traders in making informed decisions:

1. Webinars: LION provides live webinars conducted by experienced traders and financial experts. These webinars cover a wide range of topics, including market analysis, trading strategies, risk management, and more. Webinars offer traders the opportunity to learn from professionals in real time and engage in interactive Q&A sessions.

2. Tutorials: LION offers comprehensive tutorials that cater to traders of all levels, from beginners to experienced traders. These tutorials typically cover essential trading concepts, platform navigation, order execution, and other fundamental aspects of trading. Tutorials serve as a valuable resource for those looking to build a solid foundation in trading.

3. Articles: The broker publishes articles on various financial and trading topics. These articles provide in-depth insights into market trends, analysis, and trading strategies. Traders can access articles to stay informed about current events and trends affecting the financial markets.

4. E-books: LION offers e-books that delve deeper into specific trading subjects. These e-books are typically more extensive than articles and provide a more comprehensive understanding of topics such as technical analysis, chart patterns, risk management, and more. E-books are valuable resources for traders looking for in-depth knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LION offers several notable advantages, including a low minimum deposit requirement, high maximum leverage, competitive spreads, a diverse range of tradable assets, and versatile trading platforms that cater to traders' preferences. However, there are also certain limitations, such as limited educational resources, account types, and payment methods. Additionally, the transparency regarding Islamic accounts and potential regulatory complexities could pose challenges for specific traders.

Overall, LION presents an opportunity for traders to access global financial markets with favorable conditions but may require traders to seek additional educational resources independently and carefully consider their account needs and payment preferences.

FAQs

Q: What is the minimum deposit requirement to start trading with LION？

A: To commence trading on the LION platform, you need a minimum deposit of $100. This accessibility allows traders with varying capital levels to participate in the financial markets.

Q: Can I access educational materials to enhance my trading knowledge with LION？

A: Yes, LION provides a range of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, articles, and e-books. These resources are designed to help traders improve their understanding of the markets and trading strategies.

Q: Is there a demo account available on LION's platform？

A: Indeed, LION offers a demo account, allowing traders to practice and refine their trading strategies without risking real capital. It's a risk-free way to get accustomed to the platform and test trading approaches.

Q: How can I contact LION's customer support if I have questions or need assistance？

A: LION provides customer support through various channels, including live chat, email, and phone. Traders can access support during trading hours to address inquiries or seek assistance with their trading activities.

Q: Does LION offer a copy trading tool for traders interested in automated trading strategies？

A: Specific details about a copy trading tool on LION's platform are not specified in the provided information. It's recommended to check with LION directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date information on available trading tools.

Q: Are there any bonuses or promotional offers available to traders on LION？

A: Information regarding bonuses or promotional offers is not provided in the available data. Traders interested in potential bonuses should refer to LION's official website or contact their customer support for relevant details.