Regulators
ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas
Min. deposit
$200
Spread from
0.0 pips (Raw Spread)
Max. leverage
Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore)
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Founded
2007 · Sydney, Australia
IC Markets review summary
IC Markets is widely regarded as one of the world’s top execution-quality retail brokers. Founded in Sydney in 2007, it pioneered true ECN/STP execution for retail traders and remains a benchmark for scalping, news trading, and high-frequency strategies.
The technology stack is the key advantage: servers co-located in Equinix NY4 (the same data centre used by tier-1 banks and major prop firms), sub-millisecond execution times, and direct liquidity aggregation from 50+ tier-1 banks and non-bank market makers. Spreads on EUR/USD routinely show 0.0 pips raw, with commission of $3.50 per lot per side on the Raw Spread account.
Dual tier-1 regulation under ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (EU), plus offshore licenses for international clients, give IC Markets one of the strongest compliance profiles in the industry.
Account types
| Account | Min. deposit | Spreads | Commission | Best for |
|---|
| Standard | $200 | From 0.6 pips | None | Beginners |
| Raw Spread MT4/5 | $200 | From 0.0 pips | $3.50/lot/side | Scalpers |
| Raw Spread cTrader | $200 | From 0.0 pips | $3.00/lot/side | cTrader users |
Regulation
- International Capital Markets Pty Ltd — ASIC 335692 (Australia, primary entity)
- IC Markets (EU) Ltd — CySEC 362/18 (EU clients)
- Raw Trading Ltd — FSA Seychelles SD018 (international)
Bottom line
IC Markets scores 4.7/5 — arguably the strongest pure-execution broker in the retail FX space. The trade-off is a less hand-holding experience: minimal educational content, $200 minimum, and a setup that rewards traders who already know what they’re doing.
IC Markets — Frequently Asked Questions
Is IC Markets regulated and safe?
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-1 banks and the broker operates under active financial-services licenses. Verify each license number on the regulator's official website before opening an account.
What is the minimum deposit at IC Markets?
The minimum deposit at IC Markets is $200. Most account types accept this minimum; premium tiers may require higher deposits — see the account-types table above.
What are the typical spreads at IC Markets?
Spreads at IC Markets start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). Actual spreads vary by account type, instrument, time of day, and market volatility. Raw/ECN accounts add a per-lot commission on top of the tighter spread.
What trading platforms does IC Markets offer?
IC Markets supports: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. MT4 / MT5 are the industry standards; cTrader is preferred for ECN execution; proprietary platforms offer broker-specific tools but less third-party compatibility.
What is the maximum leverage at IC Markets?
Maximum leverage at IC Markets: Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore). EU retail clients are capped at 1:30 by ESMA rules regardless of broker policy. Professional clients and offshore-entity clients can access higher leverage subject to qualification.
Who is IC Markets best suited for?
Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.