IC Markets
True ECN forex broker.
About IC Markets
IC Markets is one of the largest forex brokers in the world by volume, famous for its "True ECN" offering. It connects retail traders directly to deep liquidity pools from investment banks, resulting in raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips. This low-cost structure makes it the preferred broker for high-volume scalpers and algorithmic traders using Expert Advisors (EAs).
The platform supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. IC Markets is strictly regulated by ASIC in Australia and CySEC in Europe, ensuring funds are segregated and safe. It is a legitimate, high-performance broker for serious traders who require fast execution speeds and minimal slippage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is IC Markets regulated?
Yes, IC Markets holds licenses with top-tier regulators including ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles). This regulatory oversight ensures they adhere to strict financial standards and protect client funds in segregated accounts.
2. specific minimum deposit?
The minimum deposit to open a Standard or Raw Spread account is $200 (or equivalent currency). This allows traders to start with a manageable amount while accessing institutional-grade trading conditions.
3. What are the spreads like?
On the Raw Spread account, spreads often start at 0.0 pips for major pairs like EUR/USD. Instead of a spread markup, you pay a small commission per lot traded (typically $3.50 per lot per side), which is usually cheaper for active traders.
4. Can I use trading bots?
Yes, IC Markets is extremely friendly to algorithmic trading. Their servers are located in the Equinix NY4 data center, providing ultra-low latency connections that are ideal for High Frequency Trading (HFT) and automated Expert Advisors.
5. Is it available in the US?
No, IC Markets does not accept clients from the United States due to CFTC regulations. US residents must use a US-regulated broker like OANDA, IG US, or Forex.com.
