IC Markets Review 2026
IC Markets is an Australia-founded ECN broker with ASIC, CySEC and FSA Seychelles entities, known for raw spreads, cTrader, TradingView access and VPS options for qualifying active traders.
- 89 / 100
- Compliant
- Australia
- ASIC
- CySEC
- CMA Kenya
- FSA Seychelles
- Min. Deposit
- $0–$200*
- Max. leverage
- Up to 1:5000, entity-dependent
- Spread From
- 0.0 pip
- Commission
- $7/lot MT; $3/side per $100k cTrader
- Trading platforms
- MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and IC WebTrader/mobile tools.
Key features
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pip on MetaTrader and cTrader Raw Spread accounts
- Average execution under 40 ms and Equinix NY4 infrastructure promoted by IC
- 2,850+ tradable instruments including forex, commodities, stocks, indices, bonds, crypto and futures CFDs
- Free VPS hosting for traders who meet monthly volume thresholds
Regional coverage
ASIC entity suits Australian traders; CySEC entity covers the EU/EEA; many international clients are routed through the Seychelles entity, where leverage and protection differ.
Investor protection
Client funds are described as held in segregated accounts. CySEC entities fall under the Cyprus ICF (up to €20,000); ASIC entities follow Australian retail conduct rules; the FSA Seychelles entity has different protection and compensation rules.
Licenses and Legal Entities
Match the legal entity and license number below against the account agreement before you deposit.
FSA Seychelles · License No. SD018
Raw Trading Ltd · Global / International
Trading conditions
- Min. Deposit
- $0–$200*
- Spread From
- 0.0 pip Raw
- Commission
- $7/lot MT; $3/side per $100k cTrader
- Max. leverage
- Up to 1:5000, entity-dependent
- Islamic
- Yes
- Trading platforms
- MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView and IC WebTrader/mobile tools.
Spreads shown are minimum values from the lowest-spread account type. Actual spreads vary by account, instrument, and market conditions. Islamic (swap-free) account availability may depend on your region and entity. Always verify directly with the broker.
8-pillar score
Weighted /100
Pros
- Holds at least one tier-1 licence (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CFTC/NFA or FMA).
- Multiple legal entities are documented, so you can match the company in the client agreement.
- Advertises raw / 0.0-pip pricing on at least one account path.
- Islamic / swap-free accounts are published as available in supported regions.
- Both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are listed.
Cons
- At least one offshore entity is in the group. Protection and leverage follow that company, not the brand name.
Usually not for
- US residents who need a CFTC/NFA retail forex broker.
How do I choose a licensed forex broker?
Choose the entity licensed where you live — FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia) or DFSA (Dubai/Gulf) — and match its license number to the client agreement before you deposit.
Detailed explanation
A brand is not a license. Compensation, leverage caps and complaints follow the company that opens the account. CySEC covers the EEA (Cyprus ICF). FCA sits under UK rules and the FSCS. ASIC serves Australian retail clients. DFSA serves the DIFC. Offshore entities such as FSA Seychelles or FSC Belize sit outside those schemes.
Example
A UK account under an FCA-authorised company can use the Financial Ombudsman and, if the firm fails, the FSCS (up to £85,000). The same brand’s Seychelles entity would not.
Common mistake
Treating a CySEC, FCA or ASIC logo on a landing page as proof that your account is covered. Many groups onboard international clients through an offshore company. If the agreement names that company, the EU, UK or Australian compensation scheme does not apply.
Professional tip
Search the official register by license number, not only by brand. Confirm the status is authorised or active, that forex or CFDs are listed, and that the legal name matches the agreement before the first deposit.