Choose FP Markets if you want…
Australian + EU traders wanting deep equity CFD coverage via IRESS plus ECN FX execution from a dual-tier-1 broker.
FP Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
IC Markets
⭐ 4.7 / 5
FP Markets vs IC Markets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared FP Markets and IC Markets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. FP Markets wins on more criteria (2 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| FP Markets | IC Markets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | IC Markets |
| Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA SVG | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas | Tie |
| Min. deposit | $100 | $200 | FP Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | Tie |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS, FP Markets Mobile | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | FP Markets |
| Founded | 2005 | 2007 | — |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia | Sydney, Australia | — |
Pros & cons compared
FP Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 2005 — 20+ year operating history
- ✓ ASIC + CySEC dual tier-1 regulation
- ✓ Raw account: 0.0 pips + $3/lot commission per side
- ✓ Five platforms incl. IRESS — DMA access to ASX & global equities
- ✓ 10,000+ share CFDs across 9 international exchanges
Cons
- ✗ $100 minimum deposit higher than budget brokers
- ✗ Smaller brand than IC Markets / Pepperstone
- ✗ IRESS platform has steeper learning curve than MT4
IC Markets pros
- ✓ Industry-leading raw spreads (0.0 pips on EUR/USD typical)
- ✓ Three platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader — one of few brokers offering cTrader
- ✓ Equinix NY4 server location — sub-millisecond execution for HFT/scalpers
- ✓ ASIC + CySEC dual-tier-1 regulation
- ✓ No restrictions on scalping, EAs, or hedging
Cons
- ✗ $200 minimum deposit — higher than budget brokers
- ✗ EU leverage capped at 1:30 retail (ESMA)
- ✗ Educational content thinner than XM / eToro
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Which one should you choose?
Choose IC Markets if you want…
Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — FP Markets or IC Markets?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), FP Markets wins 2 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is FP Markets more regulated than IC Markets?
FP Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA SVG. IC Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. Both brokers have the same number of regulatory licenses; the specific regulators differ.
What are the spreads at FP Markets vs IC Markets?
FP Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, FP Markets or IC Markets?
FP Markets: $100. IC Markets: $200. FP Markets has the lower entry barrier.