ICM Review Summary in 10 Points
Founded	2009
Headquarters	London, UK
Regulation	FCA, FSA, ARIF, FSC, LabuanFSA, QFC and CABs
Market Instruments	Forex, precious metals, stocks, futures, securities, cryptocurrencies CFD
Demo Account	Available
Leverage	1:200
EUR/USD Spread	1.2 pips
Trading Platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader
Minimum deposit	$200
Customer Support	24/5 live chat, phone, email, WhatsApp or send messages

What is ICM？

ICM, or ICM Capital, is a UK-based online forex and CFD trading provider. It was established in 2009 and is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. The company offers trading services in a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. ICM also provides clients with access to the MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader trading platforms, and offers multiple account types to cater to the needs of different traders.

Pros & Cons

ICM offers several advantages for traders, including the provision of the popular MetaTrader platform and a wide range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes. The broker is also regulated by reputable authorities.

However, there are some drawbacks, such as limited educational resources and research tools. Additionally, ICM is not available for clients in certain jurisdictions.

Pros	Cons
• Regulated by multiple authorities	• Limited educational resources
• Commission-free trading	• No 24/7 customer support
• Islamic accounts offered	• Limited research tools
• Negative balance protection
• MR4, MT5, cTrader supported

Note: The above table is based on general observations and may not be comprehensive. Pros and cons may vary depending on individual preferences and requirements.

ICM Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to ICM, each with their own unique features and offerings. Some popular alternatives include:

• eToro: eToro is a well-known broker that offers social trading, allowing traders to follow and copy the trades of other successful traders.

• IG: IG is a broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

• XM: XM is a broker that offers low spreads and competitive pricing, as well as a range of educational resources for traders.

• Plus500: Plus500 is a broker that offers commission-free trading and a range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

• FXTM: FXTM is a broker that offers a range of trading platforms and a variety of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities.

• It's important to do your own research and compare the features, fees, and offerings of different brokers before choosing one that best fits your trading needs and preferences.

Is ICM Safe or Scam？

ICM is a legitimate forex and CFD broker that is regulated by several reputable financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Financial Services Commission of Mauritius, etc. The company also uses advanced security measures to protect clients' funds and personal information.

However, as with any financial service provider, it is always important to do your own research and due diligence before opening an account and investing your money.

How are you protected？

ICM protect their clients with many different protection measures. Specific details can be found in the table below:

Protection Measures	Description
Regulation	FCA, FSC, LabuanFSA, FSA, ARIF, CABs, QFC
Negative Balance Protection	Clients can not lose more than their account balance in the event of a market downturn
Segregated Accounts	Protect clients in the unlikely event of the broker's insolvency
SSL Encryption	ICM's website and trading platforms use SSL encryption to ensure that all client information and transactions are secure
Two-Factor Authentication	As an additional security measure to protect client accounts from unauthorized access

It's worth noting that while these measures can help protect clients, no security measures can completely eliminate the risk of financial loss in trading. It's important for traders to understand the risks involved in trading and to only trade with funds they can afford to lose.

Our Conclusion on ICM Reliability:

Based on the regulatory oversight, client fund protection, and risk management policies of ICM, it can be considered a relatively reliable broker. It is regulated by several reputable financial authorities, and it implements measures to ensure the security of its clients' funds.

However, like any other broker, there are still risks associated with trading, such as market volatility and price fluctuations, which should be taken into consideration. Though these measures can help protect clients, no security measures can completely eliminate the risk of financial loss in trading. It's important for traders to understand the risks involved in trading and to only trade with funds they can afford to lose

Market Instruments

ICM offers a variety of trading instruments across different asset classes, including:

• Forex: ICM offers over 60 major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, including EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and many more.

• Precious metals: ICM provides trading opportunities for precious metals, including gold and silver, which are traded as CFDs.

• Stocks: ICM allows clients to trade stocks from some of the world's most popular stock exchanges, including the NYSE and NASDAQ.

• Futures: ICM provides access to futures contracts from various markets, including indices, commodities, and currencies.

• Securities: ICM offers trading in bonds, bills, and notes issued by governments and corporations.

• Cryptocurrencies CFDs: ICM also offers trading in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple, as CFDs.

  It's worth noting that the availability of trading instruments may vary depending on the jurisdiction of the client.

Accounts

ICM offers two account types: ICM Direct (ECN) and ICM ZERO.

The ICM Direct (ECN) account has variable spreads starting from 1.2 pips and requires a minimum deposit of $200. It also offers a maximum leverage of 1:200.

The ICM ZERO account has spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission of $7 per lot traded and requires a minimum deposit of $1,000. It also offers a maximum leverage of 1:200. Both accounts offer access to the MT4, MT5 and cTrader trading platforms.

Leverage

ICM offers leverage up to 1:200 for forex trading. However, the maximum leverage available for other instruments such as indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies may vary depending on the instrument and market conditions.

It is important to note that while leverage can increase potential profits, it also amplifies potential losses, and traders should use it with caution and employ appropriate risk management strategies.

Spreads & Commissions

ICM offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can fluctuate depending on market conditions. The spread for EUR/USD can start from as low as 1.2 pips on the ICM Direct account, while on the ICM ZERO account the spread can be as low as 0.0 pips, but with a commission of $7 per lot.

It's important to note that the spreads and commissions may vary depending on the account type, trading instrument, and market conditions. It's always recommended to check the latest information on the ICM website or trading platform.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Broker	EUR/USD Spread	Commissions
ICM	1.2 pips	0 ($7 per lot on ICM ZERO account)
eToro	1.0 pips	0
IG	0.75 pips	0
XM	0.9 pips	0
Plus500	0.6 pips	0
FXTM	1.3 pips	0

Note: Spreads and commissions are subject to change and may vary depending on the account type and trading platform used.

Trading Platforms

ICM offers MetaTrader4 (MT4), MetaTrader5 (MT5), and cTrader as trading platforms.

MetaTrader4 is a widely used platform among traders and offers a range of features such as automated trading and advanced charting tools.

MetaTrader5 is the successor to MT4 and includes additional features such as more advanced trading tools and indicators.

cTrader is a popular platform among ECN traders and offers advanced charting tools, level 2 pricing, and other advanced features.

Overall, ICM's trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Broker	Trading Platforms
ICM	MT4, MT5, cTrader
eToro	eToro Platform
IG	IG Platform
XM	MT4, MT5
Plus500	Plus500 Platform
FXTM	MT4, MT5

Deposits & Withdrawals

ICM offers several deposit and withdrawal options for its clients.

Deposit methods include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Skrill, Neteller, FasaPay, and China Union Pay. Withdrawal methods include bank wire transfer, Skrill, Neteller, FasaPay, and China Union Pay.

ICM does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees, but fees may be charged by the payment provider. Withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours, but may take longer depending on the payment method.

The minimum deposit amount for ICM Direct account is $200 and for ICM Zero account is $1,000.

ICM minimum deposit vs other brokers

	ICM	Most other
Minimum Deposit	$200	$100

ICM Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from your ICM trading account, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your ICM client portal.

Step 2: Click on the “Withdrawal” button.

Step 3: Select the payment method you want to use.

Step 4: Enter the amount you want to withdraw and fill in any required details.

Step 5: Submit your withdrawal request.

ICM will then process your withdrawal request and send the funds to the payment method you selected. The processing time can vary depending on the payment method and your bank's processing times. It is recommended to check with your payment provider for more information.

Fees

ICM charges various fees that traders should be aware of. Apart from spreads and commissions, there are also some other fees that will be charged.

• Inactivity fee: If an account is inactive for 180 days, ICM charges an inactivity fee of $50 per month.

• Overnight swap fees: ICM charges overnight swap fees on positions held open overnight, which can be either positive or negative, depending on the trading instrument.

• Conversion fees: If traders deposit or withdraw funds in a currency different from their account currency, ICM charges a conversion fee of 2%.

See the fee comparison table below:

Broker	Deposit Fee	Withdrawal Fee	Inactivity Fee
ICM	Free for most methods, bank wire may incur a fee	Free for most methods, bank wire may incur a fee	$5/month after 180 days of inactivity
eToro	Free	$5	$10/month after 12 months of inactivity
IG	Free for most methods, bank wire may incur a fee	$1.20 per withdrawal	£12/month after 24 months of inactivity
XM	Free for most methods, bank wire may incur a fee	Free for most methods, bank wire may incur a fee	$5/month after 90 days of inactivity
Plus500	Free	$1.3 - $39 depending on the withdrawal method used	$10/month after 3 months of inactivity
FXTM	Free for most methods, bank wire may incur a fee	Free for most methods, bank wire may incur a fee	$5/month after 6 months of inactivity

It is important to note that fees may vary depending on the account type, trading instrument, and market conditions. Traders should always check the latest fee schedule on ICM's website before trading.

Customer Service

ICM offers customer support 24/5 via live chat, phone, email, WhatsApp or send messages online to get in touch.

You can also follow some social networks such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Pros	Cons
• 24/5 customer support via phone, email, and live chat	• No 24/7 customer support
• Personal account managers for certain account types	• No in-person customer support
• Multilingual customer support	• Limited educational resources on customer support page
• Quick response times to customer inquiries

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with ICM's customer service.

Overall, ICM's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ICM is a regulated broker that offers a range of trading instruments and account types. The broker has a strong emphasis on customer protection and provides negative balance protection to its clients. Additionally, the broker offers a demo account for traders to practice their trading strategies before investing real money.

ICM offers two account types with different spreads and commissions, and clients can choose between MT4, MT5, and cTrader as their trading platforms. The broker offers multiple deposit and withdrawal options, and fees are relatively competitive compared to other brokers in the industry.

In terms of customer service, ICM has a knowledgeable support team that can be reached through email, phone, or live chat. However, the broker's educational resources could be more extensive to cater to novice traders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is ICM regulated？
A 1:	Yes. It is regulated by FCA, FSA, ARIF, FSC, LabuanFSA, QFC and CABs.

Q 2:	At ICM, are there any regional restrictions for traders？
A 2:	Yes. ICM does not provide services to residents of the USA, North Korea and a few other countries.

Q 3:	Does ICM offer industry-standard MT4 & MT5？
A 3:	Yes. Both MT4 and MT5 are available. It also supports cTrader.

Q 4:	What is the minimum deposit for ICM？
A 4:	The minimum deposit requirement at ICM is $200.

Q 5:	Is ICM a good broker for beginners？
A 5:	Yes. ICM is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various trading instruments with no minimum deposit requirement on the leading MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Registered in	Cyprus
Regulated by	CYSEC, ASIC
Year(s) of establishment	15-20 years
Trading instruments	Forex instruments, global indices, energies, metals and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ripple and Ethereum.
Minimum Initial Deposit	200 AUD
Maximum Leverage	N/A
Minimum spread	0.0 pips onwards
Trading platform	MT4, WebTrader, Mobile App
Deposit and withdrawal method	Bank Wire Transfer, Local Bank Credit/Debit Cards, NetellerSkrill, and more.
Customer Service	Email/ phone number/ address
Fraud Complaints Exposure	Yes

Overview of easyMarkets

easyMarkets is a Cyprus-registered forex broker that is regulated by CYSEC and ASIC. With 15-20 years of establishment, easyMarkets offers a wide range of trading instruments including forex, global indices, energies, metals, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides a user-friendly trading platform, educational resources, and flexible account options to cater to the needs of both beginners and experienced traders. They offer customer support in English, and their headquarters are located in Sydney, Australia.

Regulatory Authority

easyMarkets holds licenses from several regulatory authorities, ensuring a secure and compliant trading environment for its clients. These licenses include:

1. ASIC Regulated Market Making (MM): easyMarkets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) as a Market Maker (MM). This regulatory oversight ensures that the company adheres to stringent financial and operational standards while providing financial services to traders.

CYSEC Regulated Market Making (MM): Additionally, easyMarkets operates under the regulatory framework of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CYSEC) as a Market Maker (MM). CYSEC regulation enforces transparency and fair practices in the forex market.

FSA Offshore Regulatory Retail Forex License: easyMarkets holds a license from an offshore regulatory authority, the Financial Services Authority (FSA), which authorizes the provision of retail forex services. This further underscores their commitment to regulatory compliance and trader protection.

FSC Offshore Regulatory Retail Forex License: Another offshore regulatory license in easyMarkets' portfolio is from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). This license allows easyMarkets to offer retail forex services within the framework of offshore regulations.

These licenses collectively demonstrate easyMarkets' dedication to operating within the boundaries of robust regulatory oversight, providing traders with confidence in the safety and integrity of their trading activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
- Regulated by CYSEC and ASIC	- Acts as intermediary (Market Maker)
- Offshore regulatory licenses	- Potential conflict of interest
- Diverse trading instruments	- Lack of transparency on spreads
- Flexibility in account choices	- Potential higher spreads
- User-friendly trading platforms	- Limited info on additional costs
- Free guaranteed stop loss, fixed spreads	- Limited account feature details
- Educational resources and webinars	- Some outdated educational content
- Multiple contact options for support	- Limited non-English support

What type of broker is easyMarkets？

easyMarkets 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, easyMarkets 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 easyMarkets 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. It is important for traders to be aware of this dynamic when trading with easyMarkets or any other MM broker.

Market Instruments

easyMarkets offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex instruments, global indices, energies, metals, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum. This extensive selection allows traders, whether beginners or experienced, to access diverse markets and find opportunities that suit their trading preferences. The advantages include the ability to diversify portfolios, explore popular and emerging markets, and implement flexible trading strategies. However, it's important to note the potential disadvantages, such as market volatility, the need for complex market analysis, regulatory restrictions, increased complexity due to multiple markets, and the requirement for adequate market knowledge. Traders should also be mindful of price fluctuations and the need for efficient execution speed while trading multiple instruments.

Spreads and Commissions

When it comes to spreads, commissions, and other costs, easyMarkets stands out by offering no commissions on all accounts. This simplified cost structure allows traders to focus on their trading strategies without the worry of additional charges. However, one disadvantage is the lack of transparency regarding the specific spreads and SWAP rates, as this information is not detailed on the company's website. While easyMarkets aims to provide competitive pricing, traders may experience potential higher spreads compared to other brokers who provide more visibility on these costs. Additionally, the limited information on additional trading costs may make it challenging for traders to fully assess the overall cost implications of their trades. Nonetheless, the absence of commissions and hidden charges, along with the ease of cost calculation, can be considered advantages for those seeking a straightforward and transparent pricing structure.

Trading Accounts

easyMarkets offers a range of account types to cater to the diverse needs of traders. The availability of a demo account is a significant advantage, as it allows traders to practice and familiarize themselves with the financial markets without risking real money. This feature is especially beneficial for beginners who want to gain experience and test their trading strategies before transitioning to live trading. In addition to the demo account, easyMarkets offers three live account options: Standard, Premium, and VIP. While the Standard account requires a minimum deposit of 200 AUD, it should be noted that the premium and VIP accounts have higher initial deposit requirements of 3000 AUD and 10,000 AUD, respectively. However, one disadvantage is the limited information provided on the specific features and benefits of each account type. Traders may find it helpful to have more detailed insights into the advantages and differences between the account options to make an informed decision based on their trading goals and preferences. Nonetheless, the flexibility of having multiple account choices is advantageous, allowing traders to select the account that aligns best with their individual trading needs.

Trading platform

easyMarkets offers traders a variety of platform options to cater to their trading needs. The easyMarkets web platform, mobile app, and easyMarkets MT4 trading software provide flexibility and convenience. The platforms are user-friendly and packed with features, suitable for both new and experienced traders. Traders can benefit from features like free guaranteed stop loss, fixed spreads, and real-time market dynamics and pricing.

The easyMarkets MT4 platform supports over 80 markets, including currencies, metals, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, offering one-click CFD trading and customizable trading templates. The platforms are accessible on multiple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Android phones, tablets, and PCs, ensuring traders can stay connected and trade from anywhere. While specific information about platform features may be limited, the overall advantages of easyMarkets' platform options make it a convenient and comprehensive choice for traders.

Trading Platform	easyMarkets Platform (Web & App)	TradingView	MT4 & MT5 Platforms
Features	- Tight fixed spreads- Free guaranteed stop loss and take profit- Zero Slippage- No commissions or hidden fees	- Tight fixed spreads- Access to a vast social network for traders- Advanced charting & analytics- No commissions or hidden fees	- Tight fixed spreads on MT4- Variable spreads starting from 0.5 pips on MT5- Expert Advisors allowed- No commissions or hidden fees

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

easyMarkets provides various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals, including wire transfers, MasterCard, VISA, Maestro, and popular e-wallet processors like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal. These options offer convenience and flexibility to traders in managing their funds.

However, the broker's website lacks specific information and clarity on the deposit and withdrawal processes, leading to ambiguity. The speed of withdrawing funds from a forex broker is an essential factor that contributes to the broker's reputation. While easyMarkets supports widely accepted payment methods, the lack of transparency regarding processing times and potential fees associated with certain methods raises concerns. Traders should be cautious and seek additional clarification from the broker to ensure a smooth and efficient deposit and withdrawal experience.

Educational resources in easyMarkets

easyMarkets offers a variety of educational resources to enhance traders' knowledge and skills. These resources include webinars, technical and fundamental analysis insights, knowledge articles, and strategies. The availability of webinars provides traders with interactive learning experiences and the opportunity to gain insights from industry experts. The technical and fundamental analysis materials can assist traders in making informed trading decisions. Additionally, the knowledge articles and strategies cover a wide range of topics to cater to different learning styles. However, some drawbacks of easyMarkets' educational resources include the lack of specificity or depth in some materials and the absence of comprehensive educational courses or programs. It's important for traders to consider the relevance and timeliness of the information, as older educational materials may contain outdated content. While the resources provided by easyMarkets offer valuable insights, there may be limited options for personalization or customization to meet individual learning preferences.

Customer service of easyMarkets

Advantages	Disadvantages
24/5 service availability	Limited language support outside of English
Multiple contact options (phone, email, fax)	Potential delays in response time
Direct phone line for the Dealing Room in Sydney	Limited social media presence
Convenient Sydney-based address for in-person interactions	Lack of specific customer support for non-Sydney locations

easyMarkets provides customer service options to assist traders with their inquiries and concerns. The customer service is available 24/5, allowing traders to reach out for support during trading hours. Multiple contact options are available, including telephone, email, and fax, providing flexibility in communication. The direct phone line for the Dealing Room in Sydney enables direct access to the trading desk for immediate assistance. Additionally, a Sydney-based address is provided, allowing for in-person interactions if needed. However, it should be noted that customer support outside of English may be limited, which may pose challenges for non-English-speaking traders. Response time for inquiries may also vary, potentially resulting in some delays. While easyMarkets has a presence on various social media platforms, the extent of their engagement and support through these channels may be limited. Overall, the customer care dimension of easyMarkets offers convenient and accessible options for traders to seek assistance, with some considerations for language support and response time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, easyMarkets is a reputable forex broker with a strong regulatory framework and a history of 15-20 years in the industry. With its diverse range of trading instruments, including forex, global indices, energies, metals, and cryptocurrencies, traders have access to various markets to suit their trading preferences. The company provides a user-friendly trading platform and offers multiple account options to cater to the needs of different traders. Additionally, easyMarkets offers educational resources, customer support in English, and has a physical presence in Sydney, Australia. While there are certain areas such as transparency around spreads and additional trading costs that could be improved, overall, easyMarkets provides a reliable and accessible trading environment for both novice and experienced traders. With its focus on customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and a wide range of trading opportunities, easyMarkets remains a popular choice among traders looking to participate in the global financial markets.

Frequently asked questions about easyMarkets

• Q1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with easyMarkets？

• A1: The minimum initial deposit required to open an account with easyMarkets is 200 AUD.

• Q2: What trading platforms are available at easyMarkets？

• A2: easyMarkets offers a range of trading platforms including the easyMarkets web platform, mobile app, and the easyMarkets MT4 trading software.

• Q3: Is easyMarkets regulated？

• A3: Yes, easyMarkets is regulated by CYSEC and ASIC, providing traders with a regulated and secure trading environment.

• Q4: Can I trade cryptocurrencies on easyMarkets？

• A4: Yes, easyMarkets offers the opportunity to trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum, along with other trading instruments like forex, global indices, energies, and metals.

• Q5: What are the customer service hours at easyMarkets？

• A5: The customer service at easyMarkets is available 24/5, allowing traders to reach out for assistance during trading hours.

• Q6: Are there educational resources available for traders？

• A6: Yes, easyMarkets provides a variety of educational resources such as webinars, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, articles, and strategies to support traders in their learning and development.

• Q7: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods？

• A7: easyMarkets offers various deposit and withdrawal methods including bank wire transfer, local bank credit/debit cards, and e-wallet processors such as Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal.