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IC Markets is a respected and well-regulated broker, providing a wide range of trading instruments, including over 2250 options, with competitive spreads starting at 0.0 pips. You can start with a demo account to gain experience, and opening a live account only requires a $200 deposit. They offer advanced trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Let's now delve into this IC Markets review.

What is IC Markets？

IC Markets is an Australian online forex and CFD broker that provides traders access to the global financial markets. The company was founded in 2007 and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). IC Markets offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and provides traders with advanced trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. The company also offers 24/7 customer support and a variety of educational resources for traders of all levels.

In the IC Markets review, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

What Type of Broker is IC Markets？

IC Markets is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, IC Markets acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that IC Markets has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients.

Is IC Market Legit？

IC Markets maintains regulatory compliance in both Australia and Cyprus, adhering to the respective financial regulatory standards in these jurisdictions. Regulatory oversight by ASIC and CYSEC helps ensure transparency and accountability in the broker's operations, contributing to a safer trading environment for clients.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD.	Market Making(MM)	335692
	CYSEC	IC Markets (EU) Ltd	Market Making(MM)	362/18

IC Markets' Australian entity, INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD., regulated by ASIC under license number 335692, holding a license for Market Making (MM).

IC Markets' enropean entity, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CYSEC under regulatory number 362/18, holding a license for Maket Making ( MM) as well.

WikiFX's investigation team personally visited the registered address located at Omonoias, 141, The Maritime Centre, Block B, 1st floor, 3045, Limassol, Cyprus. Notably, the IC Markets logo was prominently displayed on billboards in the vicinity of the building. Hence, their visit to the location confirmed that IC Markets was indeed operating from the officially designated regulatory address.

Market Instruments

IC Markets offers a wide range of over 2250 tradable instruments to trade, including forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and futures. This provides traders with the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and access multiple markets and assets. The company offers competitive spreads and low commissions on all instruments, making it a popular choice among traders.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for traders to open an account. In the industry, many established brokers frequently impose minimum deposit requirements that surpass $500 or even reach $1,000. In contrast, certain major players such as Avatrade and Aixtrader only mandate minimum deposits of $100 and $0, respectively. So, IC Markets's minimum deposit requirement seems to be in the “middle”.

Here is the comparison of IC Markets minimum deposit with Avatrade, Exness, and Axitrader:

Broker	Minimum Deposit
	$200
	$100
	$1 USD
	$100

Account Type

C Markets offers traders a range of account types with different trading platforms, commissions, and spreads. The CTrader and Raw spread accounts charge a commission of $3 and $3.5 respectively but offer spreads from 0.0 pips, while the Standard account has no commission but wider spreads from 0.6 pips.

A demo account and Islamic account are also available. Although the minimum deposit of $200 may be high for some traders, the variety of account types and competitive spreads on some accounts may make up for it. However, traders should note that commissions are charged on all other accounts apart from the Standard account, and there is limited information on account features.

Demo Account

IC Markets offers a free advanced demo account for beginner traders to practice on, which lasts for 30 days.

Users who open a demo account can enjoy the following features:

• Access to Raw Pricing

• Spreads Starting at 0.0 Pips

• Fast Order Execution

• Available on MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms

However, demo accounts aim to mimic real markets but function in a simulated environment. This means there are significant differences compared to real accounts, including not relying on real-time market liquidity, encountering price delays, and having access to certain products that may not be tradable on live accounts.

Opening a demo account is simple:

Step 1: click the “Try a Free DEMO” button on the homepage of IC Markets.

Step 2: Fill in your personal info, including your country of residence, name, email, phone number to get a verification code.

Step 3: Choose to demo accounts on your preferrable trading platform, MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Then choose your account currency, virtual funds, starting from $200 to $5,000,000, your desired leverage level.

Step 4: Log into your demo account and start trading.

Leverage

IC Markets' maximum leverage offering of up to 1:500 can be beneficial for experienced traders who know how to manage their risks well. The high leverage can potentially magnify the profits of a successful trade, enabling traders to take advantage of larger positions in the market. However, it is crucial for traders to exercise caution when using high leverage as it also increases the potential for significant losses. Inexperienced traders may not be suited for high leverage as it requires a thorough understanding of risk management. It is important to note that certain jurisdictions may have regulatory restrictions on high leverage, and traders should comply with the relevant regulations.

Spreads & Commissions

IC Markets is known for its tight spreads and low commissions, making it a popular choice among traders. The broker offers a variety of account types to choose from, including the Raw Spread account with spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 commission per lot traded, and the Standard account with spreads starting from 0.6 pips and no commission. The cTrader account also offers low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a $3 commission per lot traded.

Trading Platforms

IC Markets offers its clients a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as the cTrader platform. Each platform offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and traders can choose the platform that best suits their needs.

The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are similar and offer a range of trading tools and indicators, as well as the ability to use Expert Advisors (EAs) and automate trading strategies.

The cTrader platform, on the other hand, offers advanced charting capabilities and a variety of order types. However, it has a steeper learning curve and limited customization options compared to the MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms.

Deposit & Withdrawal

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, however, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Withdrawal requests have a cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT, and take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and take 3-5 business days to reach your credit card. Paypal/Neteller/Skrill withdrawals are processed instantly and free of charge, but must be made from the same account as the initial funds were sent from.

Educational Resources

IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of educational resources that cater to traders of all levels. These resources include an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, a glossary, blogs, and calculators. The educational resources are updated regularly to ensure the information is relevant and up-to-date. The glossary is particularly useful for understanding forex terms and concepts, while the video tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced strategies. The blogs provide insights into the forex market, which can be useful for making informed trading decisions. The calculators are also helpful tools for calculating risk, margin, and position size. You can also watch videos on their official YouTube channel. For example, this is a video named 7 Common Mistakes New Traders Make, which would be useful for newbies.

Customer Service

IC Markets provides a strong customer care dimension with 24/7 availability for customer support. Clients can reach out to the support team via phone or email, and can expect prompt response times to email inquiries. However, there is no live chat option available for immediate assistance, and phone support may have international charges, which could be a disadvantage for some clients.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a regulated forex broker that offers traders a wide range of instruments, account types, and trading platforms to choose from. With low spreads, competitive commissions, and high leverage options of up to 1:500, traders can enjoy a flexible and customizable trading experience. The company's educational resources, including market reports, video tutorials, and a glossary, are extensive and informative, providing traders with valuable insights into the forex market. Additionally, IC Markets' customer support is available 24/7, ensuring that traders can always receive timely assistance. The company's variety of deposit and withdrawal methods also makes it easy for traders to manage their accounts efficiently. Overall, IC Markets is a reliable and trustworthy broker for both novice and experienced traders alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Question 1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• Answer 1: $200.

• Question 2: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• Answer 2: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Question 3: What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• Answer 3: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Question 4: What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• Answer 4: 1:500.

• Question 5: Does IC Markets charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• Answer 5: IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Overview of MSC Group

Based in Delaware, USA, MSC Group Inc is an online broker offering a diversified range of trading products, including currencies, indices, metals, and commodities. They provide up to 1:500 leverage and utilize the popular MetaTrader4 (MT4) trading platform. However, it is important to note that MSC Group currently lacks valid regulation, which should be considered when evaluating the potential risks involved in trading with an unregulated broker. While they offer multilingual customer support and a variety of payment methods, educational resources are not currently provided. Traders are advised to seek alternative sources for educational materials and prioritize regulated brokers for enhanced protection of their funds and trading activities.

Is MSC Group legit or a scam？

It has been verified that MSC Group currently lacks valid regulation. It is essential to be cautious and aware of the associated risks. The broker's regulatory status is abnormal, with an official designation of “Unauthorized.” Please exercise caution and consider the potential risks involved in trading with an unregulated broker.

Pros and Cons

MSC Group offers a diversified range of tradable instruments and competitive leverage of up to 1:500, along with the availability of the MetaTrader4 (MT4) platform. The broker also provides multilingual customer support and convenient deposit and withdrawal options. However, it is important to note that MSC Group currently lacks valid regulation, and specific details about spreads and commissions, educational resources, and payment methods are not provided.

Market Instruments

On the MSC Group platform, you can trade the following financial instruments:

1. Currencies: MSC Group provides access to a wide range of currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. These currency pairs allow traders to participate in the forex market and take advantage of fluctuations in exchange rates.

2. Indices: MSC Group offers trading opportunities in various global stock market indices. Popular indices such as the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, FTSE 100, and Nikkei 225 are among the options available. Trading indices allows traders to speculate on the overall performance of specific markets or sectors.

3. Metals: Precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are available for trading on the MSC Group platform. These metals are known for their value and are often considered as safe-haven assets during times of economic uncertainty.

4. Commodities: Traders can also access a range of commodities on the MSC Group platform, including energy commodities like crude oil and natural gas, agricultural commodities like corn and wheat, and soft commodities like coffee and sugar. Trading commodities allows traders to speculate on the price movements of these essential resources.

5. Stocks: MSC Group provides access to a selection of stocks from global markets. These stocks represent shares of publicly traded companies across various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and more. Trading stocks allows investors to participate in the performance of specific companies and benefit from their price fluctuations.

Leverage

MSC Group offers a diversified range of tradable instruments with varying trading leverage. For Forex instruments, the leverage can go up to 1:500, while for indices and commodities, it can reach up to 1:100. Trading leverage can be advantageous as it allows traders to amplify their potential profits with a smaller initial investment. However, it is important to understand that higher leverage also increases the risk of potential losses, as losses are magnified in proportion to the leverage used. Traders should exercise caution and employ risk management strategies when utilizing high leverage to mitigate potential risks.

Spreads & Commissions

Cedar FX offers a low minimum deposit requirement of $10 to open a trading account, which is in line with what legitimate brokers typically require for a micro account. While this may seem attractive, it is important to note that Cedar FX is currently an unregulated broker. Due to the lack of regulatory oversight, traders are advised to exercise caution and consider the potential risks associated with trading with an unregulated broker. It is recommended to choose regulated brokers that provide additional safeguards and protections for clients' funds and trading activities.

Trading Platform Available

MSC Group offers the widely acclaimed MetaTrader4 (MT4) trading platform, known for its powerful features and extensive capabilities. With MT4, traders can enjoy convenient access to the platform through various channels, ensuring flexibility and ease of use. The user-friendly interface of MT4 makes it accessible to traders of all experience levels, including novice traders. One of the standout features of MT4 is its advanced charting capabilities, allowing traders to analyze market trends and make informed trading decisions. Furthermore, MT4 is designed to support multiple markets, enabling traders to access a wide range of financial instruments. The platform also includes an embedded expert advisor system, allowing traders to automate certain aspects of their trading strategies. By choosing to trade with MSC Group, traders can leverage the benefits of MT4 for their trading needs, providing them with every possible advantage for achieving financial success.

Deposit & Withdrawal

MSC Group offers a range of payment methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, ensuring convenient and secure transactions for its clients. While specific details about the payment methods are not provided, clients can expect to have access to popular options such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic payment systems. The availability of payment methods may vary depending on the client's country of residence. It is recommended to visit the MSC Group website or contact their customer support to obtain detailed information about the payment methods supported and any associated fees or processing times.

Customer Support

The MSC Group prioritizes effective communication and provides multilingual customer support to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. You can reach their customer support team through email at support@mscgroupglobal.com. Additionally, an online chat feature is available for real-time assistance and prompt resolution of queries or concerns. Whether you have questions about their services, need technical support, or require general assistance, the MSC Group's customer support is dedicated to providing helpful and timely responses to ensure a positive trading experience for their clients.Educational Resources

The MSC Group recognizes the importance of educational resources for traders, especially for those who are new to the market. However, it is important to note that the availability of educational materials or resources may vary among different brokers. While the MSC Group may not currently provide specific educational resources such as webinars or daily Forex news, traders can explore alternative sources to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the market. There are numerous reputable websites, online forums, and educational platforms that offer comprehensive educational content, tutorials, market analysis, and news updates. Traders are encouraged to leverage these external resources to supplement their trading education and stay informed about market trends and developments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MSC Group Inc is an online broker based in Delaware, USA, offering a diverse range of trading products through the MetaTrader4 (MT4) platform. The broker provides access to various financial instruments, offers competitive leverage ratios, and supports micro trade sizes, making it beginner-friendly. However, it is important to note that MSC Group lacks valid regulation, and its regulatory status is designated as “Unauthorized.” This lack of regulation poses risks to traders, and caution is advised when considering trading with an unregulated broker. While MSC Group offers multilingual customer support and convenient deposit and withdrawal options, it does not currently provide specific educational resources. Traders are encouraged to seek alternative sources for educational materials to enhance their trading knowledge. It is recommended to prioritize regulated brokers that offer additional safeguards and protections for clients' funds and trading activities.

FAQs

Q: Is MSC Group regulated？

A: Currently, MSC Group lacks valid regulation, and its regulatory status is classified as “Unauthorized.”

Q: What financial instruments can I trade with MSC Group？

A: MSC Group offers a variety of tradable instruments, including currencies, indices, metals, commodities, and stocks.

Q: What leverage does MSC Group offer？

A: The leverage offered by MSC Group varies depending on the specific instrument. For Forex instruments, leverage can go up to 1:500, while for indices and commodities, it can reach up to 1:100.

Q: What is the minimum trade size with MSC Group？

A: MSC Group allows a micro trade size of 0.01 lots.

Q: Does MSC Group charge spreads or commissions？

A: Specific details about spreads and commissions are not provided.

Q: What trading platform is available with MSC Group？

A: MSC Group offers the MetaTrader4 (MT4) trading platform, known for its powerful features, user-friendly interface, advanced charting capabilities, and support for multiple markets.

Q: What are the deposit and withdrawal methods supported by MSC Group？

A: MSC Group offers a range of payment methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and electronic payment systems.