IC Markets Company Overview

Founding Date and Background

IC Markets, or International Capital Markets, was founded in 2007 by a group of professionals in the financial services industry. The company was established to bridge the gap between retail and institutional traders, providing access to trading solutions that were previously only available to investment banks and high-net-worth individuals.

Parent Company/Ownership Structure

IC Markets operates as a proprietary trading firm and is owned by International Capital Markets Pty Ltd. The company has expanded its reach internationally, establishing multiple entities under its brand to cater to a diverse clientele.

Headquarters Location

The company is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, which is a significant financial hub that allows IC Markets to maintain a strong presence in the global trading market.

Global Business Scope

IC Markets serves clients from over 200 countries, boasting a customer base of more than 200,000 active traders. The firm is particularly known for its services in forex and CFD trading, offering a wide range of financial instruments across various asset classes.

Main Regulatory Bodies

IC Markets is regulated by several reputable financial authorities, including:

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
• Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA)
• Bahamas Securities Commission (SCB)

These regulatory bodies ensure that IC Markets adheres to strict financial standards and operational compliance, providing clients with a sense of security in their trading activities.

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Company History and Development

Key Milestones

Since its inception, IC Markets has achieved several key milestones:

• 2007: The company was founded and began operations in Australia.
• 2010: IC Markets launched its first trading platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), which quickly gained popularity among traders.
• 2014: The company expanded its regulatory framework by obtaining a license from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).
• 2017: IC Markets introduced the cTrader platform, further enhancing its trading offerings.

Business Expansion Journey

IC Markets has steadily expanded its services and geographic reach. Initially focused on the Australian market, the company has grown to serve a global clientele. Its operations now include multiple regulatory licenses, allowing it to cater to traders in various jurisdictions.

Customer Base Growth

Over the years, IC Markets has experienced significant growth in its customer base, now serving over 200,000 active clients. This growth can be attributed to the broker's commitment to providing competitive trading conditions, advanced technology, and exceptional customer service.

Platform Development History

The introduction of multiple trading platforms, including MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader, has positioned IC Markets as a versatile broker catering to different trading styles. The platforms are equipped with advanced trading tools and features that enhance the trading experience for both novice and experienced traders.

Important Awards or Recognitions Received

IC Markets has received numerous accolades in the trading industry, recognizing its excellence in providing low-cost trading solutions, advanced technology, and superior customer service. These awards underscore the broker's commitment to quality and innovation in the forex trading space.

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Trading Services Offered

Forex Trading Options

IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of forex trading options, providing access to over 60 currency pairs. This includes major, minor, and exotic pairs, allowing traders to diversify their trading strategies.

Stock Trading Options

The broker provides access to a wide array of stock CFDs, enabling traders to speculate on the performance of shares from major global exchanges, including the ASX, NASDAQ, and NYSE.

CFD Trading Products

In addition to forex and stock trading, IC Markets offers a variety of CFD products across multiple asset classes, including indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This diverse product range allows traders to explore various market opportunities.

Other Financial Instruments

IC Markets also provides trading options for:

• Cryptocurrencies: Access to more than 20 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
• Commodities: Trading in precious metals like gold and silver, as well as energy products such as oil and natural gas.
• Indices: Opportunities to trade popular indices from around the world, including the S&P 500 and FTSE 100.

Special Services or Unique Advantages

IC Markets is known for its low latency connectivity, offering raw spreads from 0.0 pips and no requotes, which is particularly advantageous for high-frequency traders and scalpers. The broker also provides free VPS hosting for eligible traders, ensuring uninterrupted trading for automated strategies.

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Regulatory and Legal Background

Detailed Regulatory Information

IC Markets is regulated by multiple authorities, providing a robust framework for compliance and client protection:

• ASIC: Regulates the Australian entity, ensuring adherence to strict financial standards.
• CySEC: Regulates the European entity, offering additional security for clients in the EEA.
• FSA: Oversees operations in Seychelles, providing regulatory oversight for international clients.
• SCB: Regulates the Bahamian entity, ensuring compliance with local laws.

Legal Entity Structure by Region

IC Markets operates through several legal entities based on geographical location:

• Australia: International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, regulated by ASIC.
• Cyprus: IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CySEC.
• Seychelles: Raw Trading Ltd, regulated by the FSA.
• Bahamas: IC Markets Ltd, regulated by the SCB.

Client Fund Protection Measures

Client funds are held in segregated accounts with tier-1 banks, ensuring that client money is protected and not used for operational expenses. This provides an additional layer of security for traders.

Countries/Regions Served

IC Markets serves clients from over 200 countries, making it a truly global broker. However, it does not accept clients from certain jurisdictions, including the United States.

Compliance History

IC Markets has maintained a strong compliance record, adhering to the regulations set forth by its regulatory bodies. The broker is committed to transparency and upholding the highest standards of operational integrity.

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Competitive Landscape

3-5 Main Competitors

IC Markets competes with several major brokers in the forex and CFD trading space, including:

• Pepperstone: Another Australian ECN broker known for low spreads and fast execution.
• IG Group: A well-established broker offering a wide range of trading products and services.
• OANDA: A global broker known for its robust trading platform and extensive market research tools.
• FXTM (ForexTime): A broker offering competitive spreads and a variety of trading accounts.

Positioning in the Industry

IC Markets is positioned as a leading ECN broker, particularly favored by high-frequency traders and scalpers due to its low spreads and fast execution speeds. The broker's commitment to providing a transparent trading environment distinguishes it from many competitors.

Market Differentiation Factors

Key factors that differentiate IC Markets in the crowded forex brokerage landscape include:

• Raw Spreads: Offering spreads from 0.0 pips with a transparent pricing model.
• Advanced Trading Platforms: Providing access to popular platforms such as MT4, MT5, and cTrader.
• Customer Support: A dedicated support team available 24/7, catering to a global clientele.
• VPS Hosting: Free VPS services for eligible traders, enhancing the trading experience for automated strategies.

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In conclusion, IC Markets stands out as a reputable and innovative broker in the forex and CFD trading industry. With a commitment to low-cost trading, advanced technology, and a comprehensive range of financial instruments, the company continues to attract a diverse clientele worldwide. For more information on IC Markets and its offerings, learn more.