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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 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 Monex Group

Monex Group, Inc. is a financial services company based in Japan. It was founded in 1999 and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. The company offers various trading platforms, including Monex Trader for stocks and futures, Monex Trader FX for forex trading, Multiboard 500, Full Board Information Tool, Market Board, and Monex Vision.

Monex Group provides a wide range of tradable assets to its clients. These include domestic stocks, US stocks, Chinese stocks, investment trusts, bonds, initial public offerings (IPOs), stock lending services, ETFs, foreign exchange currency pairs, cryptocurrency CFDs, and more.

The specific account types and minimum deposit requirements are not specified in the available information. However, Monex Group offers customer support through email and phone. It provides various payment methods, such as instant deposit services, regular automatic deposit services, ATM deposits through Monex Saison cards, and bank transfers.

For educational purposes, Monex Group offers financial investment information and monthly disclosure of company information, news releases, and other resources to assist traders and investors in making informed decisions.

Is Monex Group legit or a scam？

Monex Group, represented by its licensed institution Monex Securities Inc. (マネックス証券株式会社), is a legitimate and regulated online securities company operating under the supervision of the Financial Services Agency in Japan. Since September 30, 2007, Monex Securities Inc. has held a retail forex license (License No.: 関東財務局長(金商)第165号), ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. The company's headquarters are located at 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, and they can be contacted at 03-4323-3800. This regulatory oversight and transparency contribute to the trustworthiness and credibility of Monex Group.

Pros and Cons

Monex Group, a reputable online securities company based in Tokyo, Japan, offers several advantages and drawbacks to consider. One of its significant strengths is being FSA-regulated, ensuring a level of security and adherence to regulatory standards. Additionally, Monex Group provides a diversified range of products and services, catering to the needs of various investors. Another advantage is the availability of multiple trading platform options, allowing traders to choose the one that suits their preferences. Moreover, Monex Group supports various payment methods, enhancing convenience for clients.

However, there are a couple of downsides to be aware of. Firstly, there is no clear information regarding the minimum deposit requirement, which may pose a challenge for potential investors. Secondly, the customer support provided by Monex Group is considered average, and some clients may have higher expectations in terms of responsiveness and assistance. Overall, Monex Group offers a regulated and diverse investment environment but could improve certain aspects like providing more transparent deposit information and enhancing customer support.

Market Instruments

Monex Group offers a comprehensive range of products and services to investors. These include domestic stocks, US stocks, Chinese stocks, investment trusts, bonds, IPOs, stock lending services, ETFs, foreign exchange currency pairs, cryptocurrency CFDs, and bonds. With such a diverse selection, investors have the opportunity to diversify their portfolios and access a wide range of investment options. Whether they are interested in stocks, bonds, or alternative investments like cryptocurrency, Monex Group aims to meet the diverse needs and preferences of its clients.

Commissions

The diverse lineup of products offered by MONEX is from 110 yen for physical trading to 99 yen for margin trading (tax included), both beginners and experienced traders can make a small investment at a reasonable price. The monthly Fixed Commission Process calculates the commission for the total daily contract amount, which traders can choose according to their needs. For example, the brokerage fee for China stocks (tax included) is 0.275% of the contract price (minimum fee HK$49.5, maximum fee HK$495). The fee for Nikkei 225 Mini Index is 38 yen per order, and the fee for Nikkei 225 Futures is 275 yen per order.

Trading Platforms

Monex Group provides a wide range of flexible trading platforms to cater to the needs of traders. These platforms include Monex Trader, which supports trading in stocks and futures, Monex Trader FX, specifically designed for forex trading, Multiboard 500, Full Board Information Tool, Market Board, and Monex Vision. These platforms offer different features and functionalities to enhance the trading experience and allow traders to access a variety of financial instruments. Whether traders are interested in stocks, futures, forex, or market information, Monex Group offers diverse options to suit their preferences and trading strategies.

TradeStation offers state-of-the-art trading technology and online electronic brokerage services to active individual and institutional traders. TradeStation has been able to leverage its award-winning technology solutions in global markets extending from Europe to Japan, China, and South Korea. TradeStations powerful yet convenient mobile and web trading apps let clients capitalize on trading opportunities virtually anytime anywhere, while its desktop platform provides all the tools needed to design, test, optimize, automate, and monitor custom equities, options and futures trading strategies. TradeStation also provides personalized support from fully licensed brokerage professionals, a vast array of educational offerings to help clients improve their trading skills, different accounts to meet every trading and investment objective, and simplified low-cost commission pricing.

Deposit & Withdrawal

MONEX provides investors with a diverse selection of deposit and withdrawal options, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Investors can choose from instant deposit services, regular automatic deposit services, ATM deposits through Monex Saison cards, and bank transfers. These options allow investors to easily fund their investment accounts and access their funds when needed. With a variety of choices available, MONEX aims to accommodate the preferences and requirements of its clients, making the deposit and withdrawal process efficient and user-friendly.

Customer Support

Clients with any inquiries or trading-related issues can easily contact MONEX through various accessible channels. They can reach out to MONEX via telephone at +81 0120-430-283 or send an email to feedback@monex.co.jp. Additionally, MONEX maintains an active presence on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, allowing clients to stay updated and engage with the company. These multiple contact channels provide clients with convenient options to seek assistance, receive support, and stay connected with MONEX, ensuring a responsive and interactive customer experience.

Education Resources

Monex Group claims to provide comprehensive educational resources for investors. Here are some key points about the educational resources offered by Monex Group:

1. For New Investors:

Monex Group provides tailored educational materials and resources specifically designed for new investors. These materials cover a wide range of topics, including investment basics, risk management, and investment strategies.

2. Financial Result Related Materials:

Monex Group regularly publishes financial result-related materials to keep investors informed about the company's performance. These materials include financial statements, earnings reports, and management commentary, providing a transparent view of the company's financial health.

3. IR Library:

Monex Group maintains an extensive IR (Investor Relations) library, which serves as a repository for various important documents. This library includes consolidated financial summaries, presentation materials, and the annual report, offering comprehensive information about the company's operations and performance.

4. Stock & Rating Information:

Monex Group provides detailed stock and rating information to help investors make informed decisions. This information includes stock profiles, stock prices, credit ratings, and analyst coverage, enabling investors to stay updated on the company's stock performance and market analysis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Monex Group is a legitimate online securities company based in Tokyo, Japan, regulated by the Financial Services Agency. They offer a wide range of market instruments, including domestic and international stocks, investment trusts, bonds, IPOs, and various trading services. Monex provides different trading platforms to cater to the needs of traders, and they offer flexible deposit and withdrawal options. While Monex Group has several advantages such as a diverse product lineup and regulated operations, some potential disadvantages may include transaction fees and spreads associated with certain products. Overall, Monex Group presents itself as a reputable option for individuals interested in online securities trading, backed by a strong regulatory framework and customer support channels.

FAQs

Q: What is the Global Vision business strategy of Monex Group？

A: The Global Vision is a comprehensive initiative that brings together all companies within Monex Group worldwide, aiming to establish a truly global online financial institution that generates beneficial synergies for all stakeholders.

Q: How does Monex Group aspire to be a Global Technology-based Retail Financial Service Provider？

A: Monex Group, formed through the merger of Monex, Inc. and Nikko Beans, Inc., leverages its expertise and strengths in the capital markets to become a leading Global Technology-based Retail Financial Service Provider.

Q: How does Monex Group disclose information？

A: Monex, Inc., a subsidiary of Monex Group, provides monthly disclosures. While the Monex, Inc. website is available only in Japanese, information about Monex Group, Inc., the parent company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, can be found in both Japanese and English on their website at https://www.monexgroup.jp/en/. This includes company information and news releases.

Q: What affiliations does Monex, Inc. have？

A: Monex, Inc. is a registered financial instruments firm under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (registered number 165). It is a member of several associations, including the Japan Securities Dealers Association, Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association, The Financial Futures Association of Japan, Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association, and Japan Investment Advisers Association.