IC Markets Global ยท Company Profile
Overview
IC Markets Global, an Australian-based broker established in 2007, is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). IC Markets is renowned for low spreads and commissions, which have positioned the company as a competitive broker globally. The broker offers a variety of markets, including currencies, equities, commodities, cryptocurrencies, indices, and futures, with EEA access. IC Markets supports popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, suitable for all trading levels. Comprehensive customer support and educational resources are also provided.
Quick IC Markets Global Summary
- Founded: 2007
- Headquarters: Australia
- Regulation: ASIC, CYSEC
- Market Instruments: Forex, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, futures
- Minimum Initial Deposit: $200
- Demo Account: Available
- Islamic Account: Available
- Maximum Leverage: 1:500
- Minimum Spread: From 0.0 pips
- Trading Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader
- Deposit & Withdrawal Methods: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit card, UnionPay, Poli, wire transfer, Rapidpay, Klarna
- Customer Support: 24/7 via phone and email
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Regulated by ASIC and CYSEC, offering high standards of client protection.
- Diverse financial instruments with more than 2250 tradable assets.
- Low initial deposit requirement of $200.
- Competitive spreads from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts.
- Access to top trading platforms: MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
- Various deposit and withdrawal options with no domestic charges.
- 24/7 customer support available.
Cons
- Raw Spread and cTrader accounts come with commissions.
- Some withdrawal methods have extended processing times, with international transfers taking up to 14 days.
- Lacks live chat support, and international phone charges may apply.
- Demo account is limited to 30 days.
Is IC Markets Legit?
IC Markets is a fully regulated broker, adhering to stringent financial and operational standards set by ASIC and CySEC. This regulation ensures fair trading practices, client fund protection in segregated accounts, and efficient customer assistance. IC Markets' operations in Cyprus are further certified by on-site inspections, verifying its transparency and compliance.
- ASIC: Reference number 335692 (Market Maker license)
- CYSEC: License number 362/18 (Market Maker license)
Market Instruments
IC Markets Global offers access to over 2250 trading instruments:
- Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs
- Commodities: Oil, natural gas, and agricultural products
- Stocks and Cryptocurrencies: Access to individual stocks and popular digital currencies
- Indices, Bonds, and Futures: Various global indices, bonds, and futures contracts
This range provides traders with opportunities to diversify their portfolios across multiple global markets.
Account Types
IC Markets offers several account types:
- Standard Account: No commission; spreads start from 0.6 pips.
- Raw Spread Account: Commission-based with spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 per lot fee.
- cTrader Account: Spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 per lot commission.
- Islamic Account: Swap-free for traders adhering to Islamic financial principles.
A 30-day demo account is available with virtual funds for practice, allowing customization from $200 to $5,000,000.
Minimum Deposit
The minimum deposit for IC Markets Global is $200, a relatively low requirement compared to other brokers.
Demo Account
IC Markets provides a 30-day demo account with real-time trading conditions, suitable for beginners to practice strategies:
- Raw Pricing Access: Spreads from 0.0 pips.
- Platforms Available: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader.
- Customizable Balance: From $200 to $5,000,000 in virtual funds.
Leverage
IC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500, allowing traders to control positions up to 500 times their initial capital. While suitable for professionals, high leverage increases risk, and proper risk management is advised.
Spreads and Commissions
IC Markets provides competitive spreads and commission rates:
- Raw Spread Account: Spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.5 per lot commission.
- Standard Account: Spread-only account starting from 0.6 pips, no extra fees.
- cTrader Account: Spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3 per lot commission.
Trading Platforms
IC Markets offers three leading trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Widely used platform with a variety of tools, indicators, and EAs.
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Enhanced version of MT4 with additional features like extra timeframes and trading options.
- cTrader: Advanced charting and order types for professional traders.
These platforms are available in desktop, web, and mobile versions, providing flexibility for traders to trade from anywhere.
Deposit & Withdrawal Options
IC Markets supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods:
- Methods: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, Rapidpay, Klarna.
- Fees: No fees for deposits or withdrawals, though banks may charge their own fees.
- Processing Times: Bank transfers take 10-14 days; credit/debit cards typically 3-5 days; e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are instant.
Customer Service
IC Markets provides 24/7 customer support via email and phone. However, the lack of live chat and potential international call charges may be limiting for some clients.
Conclusion
IC Markets Global is a well-regulated, trustworthy broker with a wide range of assets, low costs, and advanced technology. While the $200 minimum deposit is competitive, the broker's offerings of low spreads, educational resources, and multiple account types are highly attractive. Additional live support options could further enhance the customer experience, but overall, IC Markets is a secure and cost-effective choice for traders.