Risk Warning Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. General Information IFC Markets Review Summary in 10 Points Founded 2006 Registered Country/Region Cyprus Regulation CYSEC (exceeded), FSC (offshore regulatory), LFSA (suspicious clone) Market Instruments Currency Pairs, Precious Metals, Continuous Index CFDs, Stock CFDs, and Cryptocurrency CFD Demo Account Available Leverage 1:400 EUR/USD Spread Fixed (from 1.8) and Floating (from 0.4) Spreads Trading Platforms NetTradeX, MT4, MT5 Minimum deposit $1 Customer Support 24/7 multilingual live chat, phone, email What is IFC Markets？ IFC Markets is an international online broker that provides a wide range of financial instruments and trading services to clients worldwide. The company offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies through multiple trading platforms, including NetTradeX, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. However, IFC Markets operates as an unregulated broker, and traders should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging in any trading activities. In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance. Pros & Cons IFC Markets offers a wide range of trading instruments, multiple trading platforms, and educational resources, providing traders with flexibility and opportunities for learning. The availability of various deposit and withdrawal methods, as well as 24/7 customer support, adds convenience for traders. However, the lack of regulation raises concerns about investor protection and the reported instances of scams and withdrawal issues highlight potential risks. The limited information on spreads and commissions may also make it difficult for traders to assess trading costs accurately. Pros Cons • Wide range of trading instruments • Operates as an unregulated broker • Multiple trading platforms • United States, BVI, Japan and Russian residents are excluded • Demo accounts and Islamic Accounts/SWAP-free accounts available • Reports of scams and withdrawal issues • Various deposit and withdrawal methods • Limited information available about specific spreads and commissions • Rich educational resources • Multilingual customer support available 24/7 Please note that the information provided is based on the available data and may not reflect the complete picture of the pros and cons of IFC Markets. It's always recommended to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when choosing a broker for trading activities. IFC Markets Alternative Brokers There are many alternative brokers to IFC Markets depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include: Trading 212 - for traders seeking a user-friendly platform with a wide range of tradable instruments and a commission-free trading model. TrioMarkets - for experienced traders looking for competitive spreads, multiple account types, and access to various trading platforms. XGLOBAL Markets - for traders who prioritize competitive pricing, fast execution, and a diverse range of financial instruments for trading. Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs. Is IFC Markets Safe or Scam？ IFC Markets is a forex and CFD broker that holds licenses from various regulatory authorities, including CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), FSC (British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission), and LFSA (Labuan Financial Services Authority). However, the CySEC license is exceeded, the FSC license is from an offshore jurisdiction, and the LFSA license is a suspicious clone. It's important to note that having multiple licenses does not necessarily guarantee the safety or legitimacy of a broker. Traders should exercise caution when dealing with brokers that have offshore licenses or licenses from less reputable jurisdictions. It's recommended to conduct thorough research, consider the broker's reputation, and carefully assess the risks before engaging in any trading activities. Market Instruments IFC Markets provides a wide range of trading instruments to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. Traders can access over 650 instruments, including currency pairs, precious metals like gold and silver, continuous index CFDs, stock CFDs, and cryptocurrency CFDs. Currency pairs offer opportunities to trade major, minor, and exotic pairs, allowing traders to participate in the global forex market. Precious metals provide an alternative investment option and a hedge against inflation. Continuous index CFDs enable traders to speculate on the performance of popular stock indices, while stock CFDs allow for trading on the price movements of individual company shares. Additionally, the inclusion of cryptocurrency CFDs allows traders to gain exposure to the volatile and rapidly evolving digital asset market. Accounts To meet different types of investors' investment needs and trading experience, IFC Markets offers two live account types. The Beginner account is designed for novice traders and requires a minimum deposit of 1 USD, 1 EUR, or 100 JPY. This account type provides access to a range of trading instruments and features, allowing beginners to start their trading journey with a smaller initial investment. The Standard account, on the other hand, is suitable for more experienced traders and requires a minimum deposit of 1000 USD, 1000 EUR, or 100,000 JPY. It offers additional benefits and features, including access to more trading instruments, tighter spreads, and personalized customer support. In addition to live accounts, IFC Markets also offers demo accounts for practice and testing strategies, as well as Islamic Accounts/SWAP-free accounts for clients who adhere to Islamic finance principles. These account options provide flexibility and cater to the diverse needs of traders at different skill levels. Leverage IFC Markets provides its clients with leverage options of up to 1:400. Leverage allows traders to control larger positions in the market with a smaller amount of capital. With a leverage ratio of 1:400, traders can amplify their potential profits or losses by 400 times. While leverage can enhance trading opportunities, it is important to note that it also carries higher risks. Higher leverage increases the potential for both gains and losses, and traders should exercise caution and employ risk management strategies when utilizing leverage. IFC Markets' offering of high leverage provides traders with the flexibility to adjust their trading strategies and access a larger market exposure, but it is crucial for traders to have a thorough understanding of leverage and its implications before engaging in leveraged trading activities. Spreads & Commissions IFC Markets offers competitive spreads to its clients. Traders have the option to choose between fixed spreads and floating spreads. The fixed spreads start from 1.8 pips, providing traders with a clear and consistent cost of trading. On the other hand, the floating spreads start from as low as 0.4 pips, allowing traders to potentially benefit from tighter spreads during periods of market volatility or when liquidity is high. One advantage of trading with IFC Markets is that they do not charge any hidden commissions on trades. This means that traders can have greater transparency and clarity regarding their trading costs. By offering competitive spreads and transparent fee structures, IFC Markets aims to provide traders with a cost-effective trading environment. Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers: Broker EUR/USD Spread Commission IFC Markets fixed spreads from 1.8 pips and floating spreads from 0.4 pips no hidden commissions Trading 212 from 0.9 pips $0 TrioMarkets from 0.0 pips $7 per lot round turn XGLOBAL Markets from 0.1 pips $0 Please note that spreads and commissions can vary depending on market conditions, account type, and trading platform. It is always advisable to check with the broker directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding spreads and commissions. Trading Platforms IFC Markets offers traders NetTradeX, the market-leading MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. Both MT4 and MT5 are the most popular forex trading platforms on the market, and both support iOS, Android, and tablet versions, allowing traders to trade flexibly. NetTradeX is IFC Markets' proprietary trading platform, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of advanced trading tools. It is designed to cater to the needs of both beginner and experienced traders. MT4 and MT5, on the other hand, are popular and widely used platforms in the industry. They offer comprehensive charting capabilities, advanced order management tools, and a wide range of technical indicators and expert advisors for automated trading. The availability of multiple platforms allows traders to choose the one that best suits their trading preferences and strategies. See the trading platform comparison table below: Broker Trading Platform IFC Markets NetTradeX, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 Trading 212 Trading 212 TrioMarkets MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader XGLOBAL Markets MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, XGLOBAL Mobile Trader Please note that this information is subject to change, and it's always recommended to verify the availability of specific trading platforms with the respective brokers directly. Deposits & Withdrawals IFC Markets offers a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal options to cater to the needs of its clients. Traders can choose from various methods such as International Bank Transfer, bank cards (Visa/MasterCard), Pasargad Novin, Cryptocurrencies, TopChange, Perfect Money, Boleto, Bitwallet, WebMoney, ADVCash, and Fasapay. IFC Markets minimum deposit vs other brokers IFC Markets Most other Minimum Deposit $1 $100 The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts, fees, and processing times may vary depending on the chosen method. It is recommended to refer to the provided screenshots or consult the IFC Markets website for detailed information on each payment option. Customer Service IFC Markets is committed to providing comprehensive customer support to assist its clients. With 24/7 availability, traders can reach out to the support team through various channels, including 19 languages live chat, phone, email, Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, or by requesting a callback. This wide range of communication options ensures that clients can choose the method that is most convenient for them. Additionally, IFC Markets maintains an active presence on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, allowing clients to stay updated on the latest news and developments. Furthermore, an FAQ section is available on the website, providing answers to frequently asked questions and assisting traders in finding quick solutions to common queries. Overall, IFC Markets' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance. Pros Cons • Multiple communication channels N/A • 24/7 multilingual customer support availability • Live chat support • Social media presence and interaction Education IFC Markets places great emphasis on providing educational resources to support traders of all skill levels. Their educational offerings include a variety of materials designed to enhance traders' knowledge and skills. Video tutorials are available, offering step-by-step guidance on various trading topics. Additionally, Forex and CFD trading books provide in-depth information and insights into market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management. Traders can also benefit from the Trader's Glossary, which contains a comprehensive list of terms and definitions commonly used in the financial markets. For those who seek a more structured learning experience, the IFCM Trading Academy offers courses tailored to different levels of expertise, including beginner, intermediate, and expert. User Exposure on WikiFX On our website, you can see that some reports of scams and unable to withdraw. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information and consider the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you. Conclusion In conclusion, IFC Markets offers a diverse range of trading instruments, multiple trading platforms, and educational resources, providing traders with opportunities for growth and flexibility. The availability of various deposit and withdrawal methods, along with responsive customer support, adds convenience to the trading experience. However, the lack of regulatory licenses and reports of scams and withdrawal issues raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the broker. Traders should carefully evaluate the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform and consider alternative options with stronger regulatory oversight. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q 1: Is IFC Markets regulated？ A 1: No. The CYSEC license is exceeded, the FSC license is offshore regulatory, and the LFSA license is a suspicious clone. Q 2: At IFC Markets, are there any regional restrictions for traders？ A 2: Yes. It does not provide services for United States, BVI, Japan and Russian residents. Q 3: Does IFC Markets offer demo accounts？ A 3: Yes. Q 4: Does IFC Markets offer the industry leading MT4 & MT5？ A 4: Yes. It supports NetTradeX, MT4 and MT5. Q 5: What is the minimum deposit for IFC Markets？ A 5: The minimum initial deposit to open an account is 1 USD | 1 EUR | 100 JPY. Q 6: Is IFC Markets a good broker for beginners？ A 6: No. It is not a good choice for beginners. Though it advertises well, dont forget the truth that IFC Markets is unregulated.