IC Markets, officially known as International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, was founded in 2007. The broker is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with additional offices in Cyprus and the Seychelles. IC Markets operates as a privately held company, providing trading services to a diverse range of clients globally, including retail traders, institutional clients, and algorithmic traders.
Since its inception, IC Markets has focused on delivering a superior trading experience with low spreads and high execution speeds. The company has achieved significant milestones, including surpassing a trading volume of $1.39 trillion in June 2023, serving over 200,000 clients worldwide. The broker is recognized for its commitment to technology and innovation, catering specifically to high-frequency traders and those employing automated trading strategies.
IC Markets operates under an ECN (Electronic Communication Network) model, which allows direct access to liquidity providers, ensuring that clients receive the best possible pricing and execution. This operational structure has positioned IC Markets as a leading choice for traders seeking competitive trading conditions.
IC Markets is regulated by several reputable authorities, which adds to its credibility as a forex broker. The main regulatory bodies include:
Each of these regulatory licenses ensures that IC Markets adheres to strict financial standards, including capital adequacy and operational transparency. The broker maintains a policy of segregating client funds in top-tier banks, providing an additional layer of security for traders.
Furthermore, IC Markets participates in investor compensation schemes, such as the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which protects eligible retail clients in the event of insolvency. The broker also complies with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, ensuring that all clients undergo proper verification processes before trading.
IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of trading products, providing clients access to over 2,200 tradable instruments across various asset classes. The key offerings include:
IC Markets frequently updates its product offerings to meet evolving market demands, ensuring traders have access to a diverse range of instruments. The broker caters to both retail and institutional clients, providing tailored services and solutions.
IC Markets supports several advanced trading platforms, catering to different trading styles and preferences. The primary platforms include:
In addition to these platforms, IC Markets offers a web-based trading platform accessible from any browser, as well as mobile applications for both iOS and Android devices. The broker operates on an ECN model, ensuring fast execution speeds, with average execution times of approximately 40 milliseconds. The trading infrastructure is supported by servers located in New York and London, providing low latency and high reliability.
IC Markets also supports API access, allowing traders to implement automated trading strategies effectively.
IC Markets offers three main account types, each designed to meet the needs of different trading strategies:
All account types allow for micro-lot trading starting at 0.01 lots, providing flexibility for traders. The leverage offered varies based on the account type and regulatory jurisdiction, with maximum leverage reaching up to 1:500 for international clients.
IC Markets also provides a demo account option, allowing traders to practice their strategies without financial risk.
IC Markets supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, ensuring convenience for its clients. The available deposit options include:
The minimum deposit requirement across all account types is $200. Deposits are generally processed instantly, while withdrawal processing times vary depending on the method used, typically taking between 1 to 3 business days.
IC Markets does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals; however, third-party fees may apply for certain transactions, especially for international bank wire transfers, which may incur a fee of approximately AUD 20.
IC Markets provides robust customer support available 24/7 through multiple channels, including:
The support team is multilingual, catering to a diverse client base, and is known for its responsiveness and professionalism. Additionally, IC Markets offers a comprehensive educational suite, including webinars, video tutorials, and market analysis reports to assist traders in enhancing their knowledge and skills.
The broker's educational resources cover a wide range of topics, from basic trading concepts to advanced strategies, making them suitable for traders of all experience levels.
IC Markets serves a global market, with a strong presence in Australia, Europe, and Asia. The broker operates under various legal entities to accommodate clients from different jurisdictions. However, it does not accept clients from certain countries, including:
These restrictions are in place due to regulatory compliance and local laws governing forex trading.
In conclusion, IC Markets is a well-regulated broker offering competitive trading conditions, a wide range of products, and advanced trading platforms. Its commitment to transparency, security, and customer support makes it a reliable choice for traders seeking to engage in forex and CFD trading.