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.

Pepperstone Review Summary in 10 Points
Founded	2010
Headquarters	Melbourne, Australia
Regulation	ASIC, CYSEC, FCA, DFSA, SCB
Market Instruments	Forex, Cryptocurrencies, Shares, ETFs, Indices, Commodities
Demo Account	Available
Leverage	1:500
EUR/USD Spread	average 0.12 pips
Trading Platforms	TradingView, MetaTrader5, MetaTrader4, cTrader
Minimum deposit	$200
Customer Support	24/5 phone, email, live chat

What is Pepperstone？

Pepperstone is a Forex and CFD broker founded in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. The company has quickly grown to become one of the largest Forex and CFD brokers in the world with over 150,000 clients across the globe. Pepperstone is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), etc. It offers a wide range of trading instruments including Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Pros & Cons

Pepperstone is a well-established and reputable forex and CFD broker, with a number of strengths. One of its biggest advantages is its range of trading platforms, which include the popular MetaTrader4 and 5 platforms, as well as cTrader. Another advantage is the broker's competitive pricing, with tight spreads and low commission fees.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. One is that Pepperstone's customer service can sometimes be slow to respond, which can be frustrating for traders who need quick assistance. Additionally, the broker offers limited educational resources and research tools.

Pros	Cons
• Regulated by reputable financial authorities including ASIC, CYSEC, FCA, DFSA and SCB	• Limited product offerings with no stock trading
• Multiple account options and funding methods	• Inactivity fee of $15 per month after 6 months of inactivity
• Low spreads and commissions, particularly for active traders	• Limited educational resources
• Advanced trading platforms including MT4, MT5, and cTrader	• Limited research tools
• Excellent customer support with 24/5 availability	• No fixed spread account options
• Negative balance protection	• Limited social trading features

It's worth noting that while there are some cons associated with Pepperstone, the overall consensus is that it is a reputable and reliable broker with competitive pricing and advanced trading platforms.

Is Pepperstone Safe or Scam？

Pepperstone is a regulated broker, authorized and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, etc. Pepperstone is considered a legitimate and reliable broker in the industry.

How are you protected？

Pepperstone has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and protection of its clients' funds and personal information.

More details can be found in the table below:

Client Protection Measures	Description
Regulation	ASIC, CYSEC, FCA, DFSA, SCB
Segregated Accounts	Ensuring that client funds are protected in the event of company insolvency
Negative Balance Protection	Clients can not lose more than their account balance
Two-Factor Authentication	Providing an additional layer of security to protect against unauthorized access to their trading accounts
Encryption Technology	To protect client information and transactions from potential threats such as hacking or fraud
Investor Compensation Scheme	Provide protection to clients in the event of financial loss or misconduct by the broker

Our Conclusion on Pepperstone Reliability:

Overall, Pepperstone uses advanced security measures to protect its clients' personal and financial information. The broker's commitment to transparency, and customer satisfaction makes it a trustworthy choice for traders.

Market Instruments

Pepperstone offers 1200+ trading instruments across multiple asset classes, including:

Forex: Major, minor and exotic currency pairs, including USD/EUR, AUD/USD, EUR/GBP, and more.

Stocks: Trading of popular global stocks including Apple, Amazon, Google, etc.

Indices: CFDs on global indices, including S&P 500, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225, and more.

Commodities: CFDs on gold, silver, oil, and other popular commodities.

Cryptocurrencies: Trading of popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.

Note that the specific instruments available for trading may vary depending on the account type and region of the client.

Accounts

Pepperstone offers four types of accounts to its clients:

• Standard Account: This account type is suitable for beginners as it has no commission and offers variable spreads starting from 1 pip. The minimum deposit required is $200.

• Razor 0.0 Account: This account type is designed for experienced traders who prefer low spreads and are willing to pay a commission. The minimum deposit required is $200, and it offers variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot traded.

• Swap-Free Account: This account type is designed for traders who follow Sharia laws and do not want to earn or pay interest on overnight positions. It has no commission and offers variable spreads starting from 1 pip. The minimum deposit required is also $200.

• Demo Account: This account type is available for 30 days, especially for traders to practice their trading skills and strategies. It provides traders with virtual funds to trade with and access to real-time market data, allowing them to simulate trading conditions without risking real money. It is a useful tool for beginners to get familiar with the trading platform and for experienced traders to test new strategies or instruments.

Leverage

Regarding European traders and those whose accounts are registered with Pepperstone UK, the European ESMA law has recently reduced the maximum permitted leverage for security reasons.

On Forex instruments, the maximum leverage allowed for European clients is 1:30. However, leverage levels are contingent upon the entity's laws, such as international offerings. Pepperstone continues to offer leverage of 1:500 for professional clients on each asset.

Nonetheless, ensure you have a thorough understanding of leverage and how to utilize it intelligently, as an increase in your trading size can have a major impact on your potential earnings or losses.

Spreads & Commissions

The EUR/USD spread offered by Pepperstone varies depending on the type of account and market conditions. The commission fees also vary based on the account type and trading platform.

For the Razor 0.0 account, which is designed for advanced traders and uses ECN pricing, the average spread for EUR/USD is around 0.12 pips with a commission of $3.5 per lot.

For the Standard account, the average spread for EUR/USD is around 1.1 pips without any commission. It's important to note that spreads can vary depending on market conditions such as volatility and liquidity.

It is important to note that the above figures are subject to change depending on market conditions and other factors, and traders should always check the latest spreads and commission fees on Pepperstone's website.

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

Broker	EUR/USD Spread	Commission (per lot)
Pepperstone	1.1 pips	$0
IC Markets	0.10 pips	$7
FXTM	0.50 pips	$4
XM	1.60 pips	$0
Admiral Markets	0.50 pips	$0
FP Markets	1.45 pips	$6

Note: The spreads and commissions are based on the standard account type for each broker and may vary depending on the account type, trading platform, and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

Pepperstone provides TradingView, MetaTrader5, MetaTrader4 and cTrader. Traders can utilize either the Razor or Standard account type on any platform.

• MetaTrader4 (MT4): The world's most popular forex trading platform, featuring advanced charting, automated trading capabilities, and a vast library of indicators and add-ons.

• MetaTrader5 (MT5): A more advanced version of the MT4 platform, with additional features and capabilities, such as more advanced order types and an economic calendar.

• cTrader: A powerful and user-friendly platform with advanced charting, one-click trading, and a range of advanced order types.

Overall, Pepperstone's trading platforms are highly regarded for their speed, reliability, and ease of use, and are suitable for both beginner and advanced traders.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Broker	Trading Platform(s)
Pepperstone	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader
IC Markets	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, cTrader, WebTrader
FXTM	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, WebTrader
XM	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, XM WebTrader
Admiral Markets	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5
FP Markets	MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, IRESS, WebTrader

Note: This table is not exhaustive and other trading platforms may be available for each broker.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Pepperstone offers various deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients, including: Visa/Mastercard, POLi, Bank transfer, BPay, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and Union Pay. It's important to note that some deposit and withdrawal methods may not be available in certain countries. Clients should check with Pepperstone for specific details and requirements for their region.

Pepperstone does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, fees may be charged by the payment provider.

Withdrawal forms received after 21:00 (GMT) will be processed the following day. If these are received before 07:00 (AEST) theyll be processed on the same day. Withdrawals made by Bank Wire Transfer usually take 3-5 working days to reach your account.

Minimum deposit requirement

Pepperstone's minimum deposit requirement depends on the type of account you choose. For the standard account, the minimum deposit is $200 (or equivalent in another currency), while for the Razor 0.0 account, the minimum deposit is $200 (or equivalent in another currency) for users who choose to deposit via debit card or PayPal, and $1,000 (or equivalent in another currency) for users who choose to deposit via bank transfer. It's worth noting that different funding methods may have different minimum deposit requirements.

Pepperstone minimum deposit vs other brokers

	Pepperstone	Most other
Minimum Deposit	$200	$/€/£100

Pepperstone Money Withdrawal

To initiate a withdrawal, log in to your Pepperstone account and navigate to the “Withdrawals” section. Select your preferred withdrawal method, enter the amount you wish to withdraw, and follow the instructions provided.

Fees

Pepperstone charges various types of fees including spreads, commissions, and swap fees. We have mentioned spreads and commissions before. Now we talk about other fees.

• Swap fees: Pepperstone charges swap fees for holding positions overnight. The swap fee may be a credit or a debit depending on the instrument traded and the direction of the position.

• Inactivity fee: Pepperstone does not charge any inactivity fee.

See the fee comparison table below:

Broker	Deposit Fee	Withdrawal Fee	Inactivity Fee
Pepperstone	Free	Free for domestic wire	$0
IC Markets	Free	$3.50 per withdrawal	$0
FXTM	Free	Free	$5 per month after 6 months of inactivity
XM	Free	Free for first 5 withdrawals per month, $15 for subsequent withdrawals	$0
Admiral Markets	Free	Free for first 2 withdrawals per month, €1 for subsequent withdrawals	€10 per month after 24 months of inactivity
FP Markets	Free	Free for domestic wire, $20 for international wire	$0

Please note that the fees listed in this table are subject to change and may vary based on factors such as account type, payment method, and location. It's important to check with the broker directly for the most up-to-date and accurate fee information.

Customer Service

Pepperstone offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat 24/5. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website that addresses a wide range of topics. You can also follow them on some social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

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

Pros	Cons
• 24/5 multilingual customer support	• No 24/7 customer support
• Live chat and email support available	• No dedicated account managers for all users
• Quick response times
• Detailed FAQ section available

Note: These pros and cons are based on general feedback and may not be representative of every individual's experience.

Education

Pepperstone offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. Here are some of the educational offerings provided by Pepperstone:

Trading guides: Pepperstone offers a comprehensive trading guide that covers various topics such as trading psychology, technical analysis, and risk management.

Webinars: Pepperstone regularly hosts live webinars that cover various trading topics, including market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management.

Video tutorials: Pepperstone offers a collection of video tutorials that cover various trading topics such as platform walkthroughs, charting techniques, and risk management.

Overall, Pepperstone offers a robust educational suite that can benefit both beginner and experienced traders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pepperstone is a well-established broker with a solid reputation and a wide range of trading instruments and platforms. They offer competitive pricing with low spreads and commissions and a range of account types to suit different traders. Their customer support is available 24/5 and they offer a range of educational resources for traders of all levels. Overall, Pepperstone is a reliable and reputable broker for traders looking for a broker with a global presence and a wide range of trading options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q 1:	Is Pepperstone regulated？
A 1:	Yes. Pepperstone is regulated by ASIC, CYSEC, FCA, DFSA, and SCB.

Q 2:	Does Pepperstone offer demo accounts？
A 2:	Yes. Pepperstone offers 30-day demo accounts.

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

Q 4:	What is the minimum deposit for Pepperstone？
A 4:	The minimum initial deposit with Pepperstone is $200.

Q 5:	Is Pepperstone a good broker for beginners？
A 5:	Yes. Pepperstone is a good choice for beginners because it is regulated well and offers a wide variety of trading instruments with competitive trading conditions on the leading MT4 and MT5 platforms. Also, it offers demo accounts that allow traders to practice trading without risking any real money. But somehow we cant access their website currently.