IC Markets

Company Background and History

Founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, IC Markets began with a clear mission: to provide traders with the technology, tools, and trading conditions previously only available to institutional investors. This focus on creating an institutional-grade trading environment for retail clients has remained central to their offering.

The company experienced significant growth milestones:

• 2009: Launched MetaTrader 4 platform
• 2013: Introduced the cTrader platform
• 2017: Expanded operations globally
• 2018: Reached $500 billion in monthly trading volume
• 2021: Further expanded regulatory coverage

Today, IC Markets processes over $1 trillion in monthly trading volume, making it one of the largest forex brokers globally. The company maintains its core values of transparency, innovation, and client satisfaction while continuously adapting to evolving market demands.

Trading Platforms and Technology

IC Markets offers multiple trading platforms to suit different trader preferences and strategies:

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

The industry-standard platform known for its reliability and comprehensive features:

• Advanced charting capabilities
• Expert Advisors (EAs) for automated trading
• Custom indicators and scripts
• One-click trading functionality

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

The next-generation platform with enhanced capabilities:

• Access to more markets
• Advanced pending order types
• More timeframes and analytical tools
• Improved backtesting environment

cTrader

Preferred by many professional traders for its:

• Deeper market depth visibility
• Advanced order types
• Superior charting package
• More transparent execution

HIGHLIGHT: IC Markets provides ultra-low latency connections through equinix servers, ensuring execution speeds as low as 40 milliseconds – a critical advantage for scalpers and high-frequency traders.

All platforms are available on desktop (Windows, Mac), web browsers, and mobile devices (iOS and Android), ensuring traders can monitor and execute trades from anywhere, at any time.

Account Types and Features

IC Markets offers several account types designed to meet different trading styles and requirements:

Standard Account

• Platform options: MT4, MT5
• Spread: From 1.0 pips
• Commission: None
• Minimum deposit: $200
• Leverage: Up to 1:500 (jurisdiction dependent)
• Ideal for: Beginners who prefer simpler pricing

Raw Spread Account

• Platform options: MT4, MT5, cTrader
• Spread: From 0.0 pips
• Commission: $7 round turn per lot (MT4/MT5), $6 round turn per lot (cTrader)
• Minimum deposit: $200
• Leverage: Up to 1:500 (jurisdiction dependent)
• Ideal for: Active traders, scalpers, and algo traders

Islamic Account

For traders who require swap-free trading in accordance with Islamic principles:

• Available for both Standard and Raw Spread accounts
• No swap or rollover interest
• Slight premium on spreads for select instruments

All accounts offer:

• No restrictions on trading styles
• No minimum trade size beyond platform limits
• Free demo accounts for practice

Trading Instruments

IC Markets provides access to a diverse range of financial instruments, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on opportunities across different markets:

Forex

• 65+ currency pairs
• Majors, minors, and exotic pairs
• Competitive spreads from 0.0 pips

Commodities

• Precious metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum)
• Energies (Crude Oil, Natural Gas)
• Agricultural products

Indices

• Global stock indices from major markets
• US, European, Asian, and Australian indices
• Available as CFDs for both long and short positions

Stocks/Equities

• 1,200+ global shares
• Major companies from US, European, and Australian markets
• Fractional share trading available

Cryptocurrencies

• Major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin
• Crypto crosses and crypto-fiat pairs
• Leverage available (reduced compared to forex)

HIGHLIGHT: IC Markets offers some of the highest leverage rates in the industry (up to 1:500), but traders should note that available leverage varies based on regulatory jurisdiction and instrument type.

Fees and Spreads

Understanding the cost structure is crucial when selecting a forex broker. IC Markets offers competitive pricing across its account types:

Spread Structure

• Standard Account: Average EUR/USD spread of 1.0 pips with no commission
• Raw Spread Account: Average EUR/USD spread of 0.1 pips plus commission
• cTrader Account: Average EUR/USD spread of 0.0 pips plus commission

Commission Rates

• Standard Account: No commission
• Raw Spread (MT4/MT5): $3.50 per side ($7 round turn) per standard lot
• cTrader Account: $3 per side ($6 round turn) per standard lot

Other Fees

• Overnight Swap Rates: Variable based on current interest rates
• Inactivity Fee: $50 after 12 months of no activity
• Deposit Fees: None from IC Markets (third-party payment providers may charge fees)
• Withdrawal Fees: Vary by method, most electronic methods are free

The true cost of trading includes both the spread and any applicable commissions. For high-volume traders, the Raw Spread account typically offers the best value despite the commission.

Deposits and Withdrawals

IC Markets provides various options for funding your trading account and withdrawing your profits:

Payment Methods Accepted

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• Bank Wire Transfer
• Electronic Payment Processors:
  • PayPal
  • Skrill
  • Neteller
  • UnionPay
  • FasaPay
  • Many others depending on region

Processing Times

• Deposits: Most electronic methods are instant
• Credit/Debit Cards: Immediate
• Bank Transfers: 1-3 business days
• Withdrawals: Processed within 24 hours

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum Deposit: $200 recommended (technically can start with less)
• Minimum Withdrawal: No set minimum for most methods

Currency Options

Accounts can be denominated in:

• USD
• EUR
• GBP
• AUD
• NZD
• SGD
• CAD
• CHF
• JPY

IMPORTANT: IC Markets maintains segregated client accounts, meaning your funds are kept separate from company operational funds for enhanced security.

Regulation and Security

IC Markets operates under multiple regulatory frameworks depending on the entity clients trade with:

Regulatory Authorities

• IC Markets (EU) Ltd – Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
• IC Markets (SC) Ltd – Financial Services Authority (FSA) Seychelles
• Raw Trading Ltd – Securities Commission of The Bahamas (SCB)

Client Fund Security

• Segregated client funds in tier-1 banks
• Regular audits and compliance reporting
• Negative balance protection (for retail clients under certain jurisdictions)
• Compensation schemes (jurisdiction dependent)

Security Measures

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• SSL encryption for all transactions
• Regular security audits and updates
• Strict verification procedures

→ Best Forex Broker List for Beginners & Pro Traders 2025

Trading with a regulated broker provides important protections, but the level of protection varies significantly between regulatory jurisdictions. CySEC regulation typically offers the strongest consumer protections for European traders, including participation in the Investor Compensation Fund.

Trading Tools and Resources

IC Markets provides various tools and resources to help traders make informed decisions:

Educational Materials

• Comprehensive trading guides
• Video tutorials
• Trading glossary
• Webinars and seminars

Market Analysis

• Daily market updates
• Technical and fundamental analysis
• Economic calendar
• Market insights from experts

Trading Tools

• Trading calculators (pip, margin, profit)
• VPS services for automated trading
• MAM/PAMM solutions for money managers
• API integration for custom solutions

→ Top Forex Trading Systems – Boost Your Strategy

HIGHLIGHT: IC Markets offers a Virtual Private Server (VPS) service, which is crucial for traders running Expert Advisors or algorithmic strategies. This ensures strategies can run 24/7 with minimal downtime.

Customer Support

Quality customer support is essential, especially during volatile market conditions:

Support Channels

• 24/5 live chat support
• Email support
• Phone support
• Callback service
• Online help center

Languages Supported

IC Markets offers multilingual support in 15+ languages, including:

• English
• Chinese
• Spanish
• Arabic
• Russian
• French
• German
• Italian

Response Times

• Live chat: Typically within 1-2 minutes
• Email: Usually within 24 hours
• Phone: Minimal wait times during business hours

Conclusion

IC Markets stands out in the crowded forex broker space with its institutional-grade liquidity, competitive pricing, and technology infrastructure. The broker is particularly well-suited for:

• Active traders who benefit from tight spreads and low commissions
• Scalpers and high-frequency traders who need fast execution
• Algo traders requiring reliable infrastructure for EAs and scripts
• Intermediate to advanced traders looking for professional tools

However, complete beginners might find the wealth of options and technical focus somewhat overwhelming at first, though the standard account provides a more accessible entry point.

Before opening a live account, we recommend:

1. Trying the free demo account to test the platforms
2. Starting with the standard account if you’re new to forex
3. Understanding the regulatory protections available based on your location

FINAL HIGHLIGHT: While IC Markets offers competitive conditions and powerful features, remember that over 70% of retail trader accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Always trade with capital you can afford to lose and develop a solid trading plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is IC Markets safe to trade with?

Yes, IC Markets operates under multiple regulatory frameworks including CySEC (Europe), FSA (Seychelles), and SCB (Bahamas). The broker maintains segregated client funds and implements industry-standard security measures.

What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets?

While accounts can technically be opened with less, IC Markets recommends a minimum deposit of $200 to start trading effectively.

Does IC Markets offer a demo account?

Yes, IC Markets provides unlimited free demo accounts across all their platforms (MT4, MT5, and cTrader) with virtual funds to practice trading.

What leverage does IC Markets offer?

IC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500, but available leverage varies based on your region, the regulatory framework you fall under, and the specific instruments you’re trading.

How long do withdrawals take with IC Markets?

IC Markets processes withdrawal requests within 24 hours. The actual time to receive funds depends on your withdrawal method – electronic methods are typically faster than bank transfers.

Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) with IC Markets?

Yes, IC Markets fully supports automated trading with Expert Advisors on both MT4 and MT5 platforms, as well as cBots on the cTrader platform.

What are the trading hours with IC Markets?

IC Markets offers 24/5 trading on forex and most CFDs, following the global market schedule from Monday to Friday. Specific trading hours vary by instrument.

Does IC Markets offer Islamic/Swap-free accounts?

Yes, IC Markets provides swap-free trading accounts that comply with Islamic finance principles, available upon request.