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 Ontega

Ontega is a trading broker headquartered in Cyprus, with a focus on providing access to various financial markets. They offer an array of market instruments, including cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, shares, and currencies, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios. The platform prides itself on its user-friendly approach, featuring a web-based trading platform that requires no installation, making it accessible from both desktop and mobile devices. Additionally, Ontega provides multiple customer support channels, including email, telephone, and WhatsApp, to assist traders with their inquiries and concerns.

Is Ontega legit or a scam？

Ontega's regulatory status has raised suspicions in the trading community as it lacks clear and established regulatory oversight from recognized financial authorities. Traders are encouraged to exercise caution when considering this platform due to the absence of a well-known regulatory body overseeing its operations. The lack of regulatory oversight can pose potential risks, as traders may not have the same level of protection and assurance as they would with brokers regulated by respected authorities.

Given the concerns surrounding Ontega's regulatory status and the absence of a verifiable track record with recognized regulators, potential investors and traders should conduct thorough research and exercise vigilance. It is crucial to prioritize safety and security when selecting a trading platform, and choosing a broker with a strong regulatory framework can provide an added layer of protection for traders' funds and interests.

Pros and Cons

Ontega offers a user-friendly one-click registration process, making it easy for traders to get started quickly. The platform's web-based nature eliminates the need for installations, ensuring accessibility across various devices. It provides a range of trading instruments, including cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, shares, and currencies, catering to diverse trading preferences. Additionally, Ontega offers multiple customer support channels, such as email, telephone, and WhatsApp, providing options for assistance. Lastly, it provides a variety of leverage options, allowing traders to choose their preferred level of risk exposure.

Ontega's regulatory status raises concerns, as it lacks clear oversight from recognized financial authorities, potentially posing risks to traders. The absence of comprehensive educational resources is a drawback for those seeking in-depth learning materials. While the platform offers various customer support channels, the disclaimer regarding WhatsApp communication and potential third-party access to information may raise privacy concerns. Moreover, the 1:10 maximum leverage for CFDs on shares may limit trading flexibility for some investors. Lastly, the lack of transparency on fees beyond rollover fees could lead to uncertainty about the cost of trading.

Market Instruments

Ontega offers a diverse range of market instruments, providing traders with opportunities to diversify their portfolios and explore various asset classes. Among the options available are cryptocurrencies, including popular assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Cryptocurrencies have gained significant attention in recent years, offering traders the chance to speculate on the price movements of these digital assets, which can be highly volatile and present both potential rewards and risks.

In addition to cryptocurrencies, Ontega provides access to commodities, enabling traders to participate in the commodities market. This includes various commodities such as gold, oil, and agricultural products. Commodity trading can be appealing to investors seeking to hedge against inflation or capitalize on supply and demand dynamics in these markets. Ontega also offers indices, shares, and currencies for trading, allowing traders to engage in global financial markets and potentially benefit from price fluctuations in major stock indices, individual company shares, and currency pairs.

How to open an account in Ontega？

Opening an account with Ontega is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps.

1. Go to Ontega's official website to begin the account registration process.

2. Locate and click on the “Open an Account” or similar button on the website's homepage.

3. Provide your personal information, including your name, email address, and contact details, as requested in the registration form.

4. After completing the form, check your email inbox for a verification link from Ontega and click on it to confirm your email address.

5. Select the type of trading account you wish to open, taking into consideration your trading preferences and requirements.

6. Deposit the initial funds into your Ontega trading account using one of the supported payment methods to start trading.

Once these steps are completed, you'll have a fully registered Ontega trading account, ready to explore the platform's features and engage in online trading activities.

Fees

Ontega imposes fees primarily in the form of rollover fees, which can vary depending on the asset class being traded. For cryptocurrencies, traders should be aware of a 0.50% rollover fee, which is applied when positions are held overnight. This fee is a percentage of the position's value and is important to consider when planning long-term cryptocurrency trades.

In contrast, commodities, indices, shares, and currencies all incur a 0.015% rollover fee for positions held overnight. While these fees are relatively low compared to some other brokers, they can still accumulate over time for traders who frequently hold positions overnight.

Leverage

Ontega offers a range of maximum leverage levels across different asset classes, catering to traders with varying risk appetites and strategies. In foreign exchange currency trading (Forex) and commodities trading, Ontega provides a maximum leverage of 1:200. This level of leverage allows traders to control a more substantial position size relative to their initial capital, potentially amplifying both profits and losses. While higher leverage can enhance the potential for significant gains, it also heightens the risk of substantial losses, making it crucial for traders to exercise prudent risk management practices.

For CFD trading on indices, Ontega offers a maximum leverage of 1:100, which still provides traders with considerable leverage to capitalize on price movements in these markets. However, CFD trading on shares is subject to a lower maximum leverage of 1:10, reflecting the higher risks associated with individual company stocks. In the cryptocurrency market, Ontega offers a maximum leverage of 1:2, highlighting the high volatility and risk inherent in the crypto space. Additionally, Ontega provides the option of 5 protected positions with a maximum leverage of 1:20, which can serve as a risk management tool to limit potential losses.

Trading Platform

Ontega offers traders a user-friendly online trading platform with several notable features. One of its key advantages is the straightforward one-click registration process, allowing users to open an account swiftly within just 5 minutes. This simplicity can be appealing to new traders looking to get started quickly. Additionally, Ontega's web-based platform eliminates the need for installations or downloads, ensuring accessibility across various desktop and mobile devices.

Moreover, Ontega places a strong emphasis on the fusion of learning and trading, aiming to provide traders with valuable skills and knowledge. The platform offers a range of tools, including Stop Limit, Stop Loss, Trailing Stop, and Guaranteed Stop, along with free email and push notifications on market events, price alerts, and market updates. This suite of tools empowers traders to make informed decisions and manage their risk effectively. Furthermore, Ontega allows users to customize their platform settings, tailoring it to their preferences and risk management strategies. While these features may be appealing to traders seeking convenience and control, it's essential for individuals to conduct their due diligence and carefully assess Ontega's offering and suitability for their trading needs.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Ontega offers a variety of payment methods to cater to the diverse needs of its traders. These methods include well-known options such as VISA, MasterCard, and Maestro, providing a convenient way for users to deposit funds into their trading accounts using their credit or debit cards. This can be especially convenient for those who prefer traditional banking methods for financial transactions.

In addition to card payments, Ontega also supports electronic payment solutions like NETELLER and Skrill, which offer an added layer of security and flexibility for users. These e-wallet options can be particularly attractive to traders looking for fast and efficient ways to manage their funds. Furthermore, Ontega provides the option of Bank Transfers, ensuring that traders can initiate direct transfers from their bank accounts if they prefer this method.

Customer Support

Ontega provides multiple avenues for customer support, ensuring that traders have access to assistance when needed. They offer an email support option through Customer.Service@ontega.com, allowing users to reach out with their inquiries or concerns. Additionally, Ontega provides telephone support during specified operating hours from Monday to Friday, between 08:00 and 19:00 GMT+2. This direct phone support can be valuable for traders seeking immediate assistance and guidance with their trading-related issues.

For added convenience, Ontega also offers customer support via WhatsApp at +447520640100. While this channel provides a modern and efficient way to communicate with the support team, it's worth noting the company's disclaimer regarding potential third-party access to information during these WhatsApp communications. Traders should consider their privacy and take necessary precautions when using this platform.

Educational Resources

Ontega is notably limited in terms of educational resources, which can be a drawback for traders, especially those who are new to the financial markets and seeking comprehensive educational materials. The platform does not offer a robust selection of tutorials, webinars, or educational articles that can assist traders in developing their skills and understanding market dynamics. As a result, individuals looking for in-depth educational resources may find Ontega lacking in this aspect, and they might need to seek supplementary learning materials from external sources to enhance their trading knowledge and proficiency.

Conclusion

In summary, Ontega is a trading platform that offers a user-friendly experience with one-click registration and a web-based interface, making it accessible across various devices. It provides a diverse range of trading instruments, including cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, shares, and currencies, catering to different trading preferences. The broker also offers multiple customer support channels, ensuring assistance is readily available to traders. Moreover, Ontega offers flexible leverage options, allowing traders to customize their risk exposure.

However, it's essential to note the concerns raised about Ontega, primarily related to its regulatory status. The lack of clear oversight from recognized financial authorities can raise questions about the platform's trustworthiness and the level of protection it offers to traders. Additionally, the limited educational resources and potential privacy issues with WhatsApp communication are factors that traders should carefully consider when evaluating Ontega as a trading option. As with any trading platform, due diligence and thorough research are crucial to making informed decisions that align with individual trading needs and risk tolerance.

FAQs

Q: Is Ontega a regulated broker？

A: Ontega's regulatory status is unclear, and it lacks oversight from recognized financial authorities.

Q: What types of market instruments can I trade on Ontega？

A: Ontega offers a range of market instruments, including cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, shares, and currencies.

Q: How can I contact Ontega's customer support？

A: You can reach Ontega's customer support through email at Customer.Service@ontega.com, telephone, or WhatsApp during specified operating hours.

Q: What is the maximum leverage available on Ontega？

A: Ontega provides varying maximum leverage levels, such as 1:200 for Forex and commodities, 1:100 for CFDs on indices, 1:10 for CFDs on shares, and 1:2 for cryptocurrencies.

Q: Does Ontega offer educational resources for traders？

A: Ontega lacks comprehensive educational resources, and traders may need to seek external materials for in-depth learning about trading strategies and market analysis.