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.

FXCM Review Summary in 10 Points
Founded	1999
Headquarters	London, UK
Regulation	FCA, ASIC, CYSEC, FSCA
Market Instruments	currency pairs, precious metals, commodities, global stock indices, treasury bonds
Demo Account	Available
Leverage	1:30-1:400
EUR/USD Spread	1.3 pips
Trading Platforms	Trading Station, TradingView Pro, MetaTrader 4, ZuluTrade, Capitalise AI
Minimum deposit	$50
Customer Support	24/5 phone, email, and live chat
Promotions	Yes

What is FXCM？

FXCM is a retail forex broker that was founded in 1999. The company is headquartered in London, UK, but has offices and affiliates in a number of other countries, including Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa, and the United States.

The company provides online trading services in forex, contracts for difference (CFDs), and other financial instruments. FXCM offers various trading platforms including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4), Trading Station, TradingView Pro, ZuluTrade, Capitalise AI. The broker provides customer support in multiple languages and offers educational resources and market analysis tools to help traders make informed trading decisions.

What Type of Broker FXCM is？

FXCM is a retail forex and CFD broker that operates as a No Dealing Desk (NDD) broker. This means that FXCM does not take the opposite side of clients' trades and instead uses Straight Through Processing (STP) to send client orders to liquidity providers in the interbank market. This model is designed to provide traders with faster execution and more transparent pricing. FXCM also offers commission-based pricing, as opposed to spreads, which may appeal to traders who prefer a more transparent fee structure.

Pros & Cons

FXCM is a well-established and reputable forex broker with over two decades of experience in the industry. Its strengths include its comprehensive educational resources, a wide range of trading instruments and platforms, and a global presence. FXCM also offers competitive pricing and flexible account options, making it accessible to traders of all levels.

However, FXCM's weaknesses include limited deposit and withdrawal options, high fees for certain services, and the potential for slippage during periods of high volatility. Some traders have also reported issues with customer support, particularly in non-English speaking regions.

Pros	Cons
• Regulated by FCA and ASIC	• US clients are unaccepted
• Commission-free trading available on Standard accounts	• Limited product offerings beyond forex and CFDs
• Multiple trading platforms to choose from, including MetaTrader 4 and Trading Station	• Limited educational resources compared to some other brokers
• Competitive spreads on forex pairs	• Limited research and analysis tools
• No deposit or withdrawal fees	• Limited customer support availability on weekends
• Low minimum deposit requirement	• Limited payment options

It's worth noting that the pros and cons listed above are not exhaustive and may not necessarily apply to every trader's individual experience with FXCM.

Overall, FXCM can be a good choice for traders who prioritize education and a diverse range of trading options, but it may not be the best fit for those who require a specific deposit or withdrawal method, or who prioritize low fees above all else.

Is FXCM Safe or Scam？

FXCM is a legitimate broker with a long-standing reputation in the industry. The company is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, such as the FCA in the UK, the ASIC in Australia, CYSEC in Cyprus and FSCA in South Africa, which ensures that it operates under strict financial and ethical guidelines. FXCM also has a solid track record of handling client funds in a secure and responsible manner.

However, like any broker, there are potential risks involved in trading, such as market volatility and the possibility of losses. It's important to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits before deciding to trade with any broker.

How are you protected？

FXCM provides negative balance protection and offers its clients access to segregated accounts, providing additional security measures. More details can be found in the table below:

Protection Measure	Detail
Regulation	FCA, ASIC
Segregated Funds	Yes
Investor Protection	Up to £85,000
Negative Balance	Yes
Financial Audit	Yes
Insurance	No

Note: The table only includes a few of the many safety measures that FXCM employs to protect its clients.

Our Conclusion on FXCM Reliability:

FXCM is a well-regulated and reputable broker with a long-standing history in the industry. The company is regulated by top-tier financial authorities and has multiple licenses, demonstrating a commitment to client protection.

However, FXCM has faced regulatory penalties in the past and the company's reputation was negatively impacted. Overall, while FXCM has had some past issues, the broker has taken steps to address them and appears to be a reliable choice for traders.

Market Instruments

FXCM offers investors a diverse range of tradable instruments, including currency pairs, precious metals, commodities, global stock indices, treasury bonds, as well as a forex basket, a stock basket, CNH, and other popular products.

Account Types

There are two types of accounts: Regular Accounts and Premier Accounts. Regular accounts have a minimum deposit of $50 and allow investors to trade up to 39 popular currency pairs and the entire CFD range.

The Premier Account is designed for high-volume investors and requires, firstly, an FXCM account or a new account, a total USD notional trading volume of $10 million per natural month. The account offers investors a range of benefits: exclusive support, premium services, and tailor-made trading solutions.

Leverage

FXCM offers different leverage levels based on the jurisdiction of the client and the type of trading account. In general, FXCM offers leverage up to 1:400 for forex trading, and up to 1:200 for CFD trading on certain instruments. It's important to note that high leverage increases the potential for both profits and losses, so traders should use it with caution and have a good risk management strategy in place.

It's also worth noting that different regulatory bodies have different restrictions on leverage. For example, in the United States, the maximum leverage for forex trading is limited to 1:50, while in Europe, it's limited to 1:30 for retail clients. Traders should always check the specific leverage restrictions for their jurisdiction and account type before trading.

Spreads & Commissions

The spreads are 1.3 pips for EUR/USD, 2.3 pips for EUR/GBP, and 1.8 pips for AUD/USD. The Premier account offers investors a cashback offers. If a client trades EUR/USD pair and reaches $300 million in notional volume for the month (for the fifth step), then the cashback amount is $25/million, for a total cashback amount of $7,500. The cashback for equity index CFD products ranges from $1 to $3 per million USD.

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

Broker	EUR/USD Spread	Commission
FXCM	1.3 pips	$25/1M traded
IG	0.6 pips	No
Oanda	0.9 pips	No
Pepperstone	0.0 pips	AUD $3.5 / side / 100k traded
XM	0.6 pips	No
Plus500	0.6 pips	No

Note: Spreads can vary depending on market conditions and volatility.

Promotions

FXCM provides rebates through three channels: Rebate Program, Friends and Family, Accounts Promotions. Account promotions, particularly, gives traders most benefits. To benefit from these promotions, traders simply need to open an account and register for the promotion by filling out the designated form. Upon account activation, making a deposit within 24 hours qualifies traders for the highest bonus of 5%, while those depositing within one month of activation can enjoy a 2-3% bonus. The bonus amount is then credited to the trader's account within 14 business days of the deposit, enabling them to boost their trading capital right from the start.

Trading Platforms

FXCM offers a comprehensive platform suite designed ffor various trading needs:

Trading Station: Proprietary advanced platform

TradingView Pro: Powerful charting and analysis

MetaTrader 4: Industry-standard user-friendly platform

ZuluTrade: Social trading, copy successful strategies

Capitalise AI: AI-powered automated trading and portfolio management

Overall, FXCM's trading platforms offer a range of advanced features and tools that can appeal to traders of all levels and styles.

Broker	Trading Platform
FXCM	Trading Station, TradingView Pro, MetaTrader 4, ZuluTrade, Capitalise AI
IG	IG Trading, MetaTrader4
Oanda	Oanda Trade, MetaTrader4, Oanda Web Trading
Pepperstone	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader, Pepperstone Webtrader
XM	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5
Plus500	Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Windows Trader

Deposits & Withdrawals

FXCM welcomes several payment methods, including online banking payments, bank transfers, and other payments. The minimum single deposit for CUP is $100, and the minimum deposit for a credit card or wire transfer is $50. Besides, traders can withdraw funds once a month for free.

Minimum deposit requirement

The minimum deposit requirement for FXCM varies depending on the account type and the region of the client. For example, in the UK and some other regions, the minimum deposit for a Standard account is £300 or equivalent in another currency, while for the Mini account, it is £50 or equivalent.

However, in some other regions, such as the US, the minimum deposit for a Standard account is $5,000, while for the Mini account, it is $50. It is important to check the minimum deposit requirement for the specific account type and region before opening an account with FXCM.

FXCM minimum deposit vs other brokers

	FXCM	Most other
Minimum Deposit	$50	$100

FXCM Money Withdrawal

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

Step 1: Log in to your FXCM account on the FXCM website.

Step 2: Click on the “MyFXCM” menu and select “Withdraw.”

Step 3: Select the account you wish to withdraw from and choose your withdrawal method.

Step 4: Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and provide any additional information that may be required for your chosen withdrawal method.

Step 5: Review and confirm your withdrawal request.

Step 6: Once your withdrawal request has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation with details of the transaction.

It's important to note that the time it takes for your funds to be withdrawn will depend on the withdrawal method you choose and the processing times of your bank or payment provider.

Fees

Apart from spreads and commissions, FXCM also charges overnight fees. Overnight fees, also known as swap fees, are charged for positions that are held overnight.

FXCM does not charge any deposit fees, but there are withdrawal fees depending on the withdrawal method used. For example, bank wire withdrawals are subject to a $40 fee, while credit card withdrawals are subject to a 1.8% fee.

Inactivity fees may also be charged if an account is inactive for a certain period. For example, FXCM charges an inactivity fee of $50 per year if there are no trades or open positions for 12 months.

It is important to review the fee schedule on FXCM's website before opening an account to ensure a full understanding of the fees associated with trading.

See the fee comparison table below:

Broker	Deposit Fee	Withdrawal Fee	Inactivity Fee
FXCM	Free for most methods	Free for most methods	$50/year
IG	Free	Free	$18/month
Oanda	Free	Free	$10/month
Pepperstone	Free	Free for Australian bank transfer, $20 for international wire transfer	$0
XM	Free	Free	$5/month after 90 days of inactivity
Plus500	Free	$10	$10/quarter

Please note that these fees may be subject to change and may vary depending on your location and account type. It's always a good idea to check with the broker directly for the most up-to-date information.

Customer Service

FXCM offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat 24/5 during market hours. They also have a FAQ section on their website to provide answers to common questions. FXCM provides localized support in various languages and countries, and they have a team dedicated to handling account-related inquiries.

In addition, they offer remote assistance through TeamViewer to assist clients with any technical issues they may encounter. Overall, FXCM is known for their responsive and helpful customer support.

Pros	Cons
• 24/5 customer support through phone and chat	• No 24/7 customer support
• Multilingual support	• No local office in some countries
• Comprehensive FAQ section on the website	• No dedicated account manager
• Personalized support for VIP clients	• Some clients report slow response times for inquiries

Note: The above information is based on general feedback from clients and may not be applicable to every individual experience.

Education

FXCM offers a range of educational resources to help traders improve their knowledge and skills. Some of the educational resources available on the FXCM website include:

• Webinars: Live and recorded webinars covering a variety of trading topics, including market analysis, technical analysis, and trading strategies.

• Video library: A collection of videos covering various trading topics, including trading psychology, chart patterns, and trading platforms.

• Trading guides: In-depth guides on various trading topics, including Forex trading, stock trading, and trading psychology.

• Forex news: Daily updates on market news and analysis from FXCM's team of experts.

• Trading signals: Trading signals based on technical analysis and market trends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, FXCM is a well-established and reputable broker that offers a range of trading instruments and account types with competitive spreads and commissions. The broker's trading platforms are user-friendly and offer advanced features for traders of all levels. Additionally, FXCM provides educational resources and excellent customer support, including 24/5 support in multiple languages.

However, FXCM does have some drawbacks, including the lack of negative balance protection and the high inactivity fee. The broker is also not available in all countries, which may limit accessibility for some traders. Overall, FXCM is a reliable and trustworthy broker that can meet the needs of both beginner and experienced traders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is FXCM regulated？
A 1:	Yes. It is regulated by FCA and ASIC.

Q 2:	Does FXCM offer demo accounts？
A 2:	Yes.

Q 3:	Does FXCM offer industry-standard MT4 & MT5？
A 3:	Yes. It offers MT4 and Trading Station.

Q 4:	What is the minimum deposit for FXCM？
A 4:	The minimum initial deposit to open an account is $50.

Q 5:	Is FXCM a good broker for beginners？
A 5:	Yes. It is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers various trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 platform. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money.