Choose IC Markets if you want…
Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.
IC Markets
⭐ 4.7 / 5
VS
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
IC Markets vs IG — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IC Markets and IG across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 2), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
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| IC Markets | IG | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | IC Markets |
| Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $200 | $0 (no minimum) | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | IC Markets |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 2007 | 1974 | — |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
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
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
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Which one should you choose?
Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IC Markets or IG?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IC Markets more regulated than IG?
IC Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IC Markets vs IG?
IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IC Markets or IG?
IC Markets: $200. IG: $0 (no minimum). IG has the lower entry barrier.