IC Markets through an expert lens: ASIC & CySEC licensing, fund protection and trader reviews (2025)

How do you choose a reliable forex broker among hundreds of options? In online trading it’s easy to get lost: every broker has its own promises and terms. IC Markets occupies a distinct niche — since 2007 this broker has offered retail traders conditions that approach institutional standards. It’s often called a “haven for demanding traders” thanks to razor‑thin spreads and lightning‑fast, no‑requote order execution. Over 15+ years, the company has earned a reputation as one of the most tech‑driven and transparent forex brokers.

Expert verdict: IC Markets appeals to traders who value minimal costs and dependable execution. The broker runs an ECN/STP model with no dealing desk, routing orders to liquidity providers. As a result, clients get spreads from 0.0 pips, no requotes, and the freedom to use any strategy. It’s no coincidence that FXEmpire called IC Markets “an ideal choice for seasoned traders seeking ultra‑low spreads with no strategy limitations.” Add modern infrastructure (Equinix NY4/LD5 servers for minimal latency) and it’s clear why IC Markets stands out.

At a glance: IC Markets was founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, by financiers with institutional backgrounds. The goal was to bring bank‑ and hedge‑fund‑level conditions and technology to retail traders. Today IC Markets is a global forex broker with clients worldwide (200k+ active traders) and monthly trading volumes in the trillions of dollars. The broker is private (not publicly listed) and not a bank, yet holds multiple licenses from strict regulators. On ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets earned a Trust Score of 84/99 — a strong mark for a private firm. In short, IC Markets has proven to be a legitimate and safe forex broker that’s been reliably connecting retail traders to the interbank market for more than fifteen years. Even after all this time, I regularly come across reviews praising how consistently and fairly this broker does its job.

IC Markets pros and cons

Pros:

• Spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. Trading costs are among the best on the market. On Raw ECN accounts, spreads on major pairs are near zero, and commission per 1 lot is just $6–7 round‑turn. This significantly benefits active traders. No hidden markups.
• Platform variety. The broker supports MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, TradingView trading, and its IC Social app. The choice is broader than most competitors.
• 2,250+ instruments. You get 60+ currency pairs, around 23 indices, commodities (oil, metals, agri), 2,100+ shares and ETFs, and dozens of cryptocurrencies — excellent diversification.
• No hidden fees. No inactivity fee; the broker charges no deposit fees and covers most withdrawal methods. Deposits are free; withdrawals carry no IC Markets fee (only potential intermediary bank charges).
• 24/7 support. Customer service runs around the clock, including live chat. Traders highlight fast, professional help.

Cons:

• Limited education materials. There is a learning section and analytics, but the volume is average. No structured beginner courses — more a set of articles and videos without a step‑by‑step program.
• No proprietary web platform. The broker hasn’t built a unique terminal: only third‑party solutions (MT4/5, cTrader) are available. Those seeking an all‑in‑one social/web interface may dislike this.
• Geographic restrictions. IC Markets does not accept clients from several countries: the US, Canada, Japan, Israel, Iran, and others. Since 2024, new accounts for Brazil residents are no longer opened (existing Brazilian clients are unaffected). This narrows coverage.
• No bonuses or promos. Unlike some rivals, IC Markets doesn’t offer deposit bonuses or trading promotions. The broker emphasizes low costs as the core benefit — without “gifts” for signing up.

From my 11 years in trading, I’ve concluded that the lack of bonuses is not a drawback but a sign of a serious broker. Instead of gimmicks, IC Markets gives you value from day one via minimal spreads. For experienced traders that’s a plus; beginners might initially feel something is “missing.”

Regulation and reliability

Licenses and oversight

• ASIC (Australia) — IC Markets’ primary regulator. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission license (AFSL No. 335692) mandates strict capital and reporting standards. ASIC is known for tough supervision; the broker participates in Australia’s compensation framework, enhancing client protection.
• CySEC (Cyprus, EU) — European license CySEC No. 362/18 held by IC Markets (EU) Ltd. The broker complies with MiFID II and protects EU clients via the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) — coverage up to €20,000 per client. Cypriot authorization allows service across the EU under ESMA rules.
• FSA Seychelles — offshore license (No. SD018 for Raw Trading Ltd). The Seychelles regulator requires baseline standards but allows more flexible terms (e.g., 1:500 leverage) for international clients. Oversight is lighter than ASIC/CySEC but enables global service outside the EU and Australia.
• SCB (Bahamas) — license from the Securities Commission of the Bahamas (SIA-F185). Another offshore jurisdiction used for international expansion (including Latin America and other regions). SCB imposes financial stability criteria, though supervision is also softer than in Europe.
• Other licenses: In 2023, IC Markets received a CMA license in Kenya (No. 162 for IC Markets (KE) Ltd) for local presence in Africa. A registration with South Africa’s FSCA (license No. 50715) is also mentioned. Multiple licenses indicate a commitment to operating legally across regions.

This mix of regulators inspires confidence. Two top‑tier licenses (ASIC and CySEC) place IC Markets among reliable brokers — independent ratings confirm a high trust level (Trust Score 84/99). Notably, the broker lacks an FCA (UK) license, but thanks to Australian oversight many experts equate IC Markets’ reliability with leading UK peers.

Client fund safety. IC Markets prioritizes protecting clients’ money. All client funds are held in segregated accounts at major banks — separate from company capital. This means the broker cannot use client money for operations, and even in the unlikely event of insolvency, funds should be returned from these trust accounts. Additionally, European clients are insured up to €20,000 via the ICF, providing a safety buffer for force majeure.

The broker also employs modern cybersecurity measures to protect data and accounts. Two‑factor authentication (2FA) is available in the client area; all data is encrypted via SSL. Withdrawals follow a “return to source” rule for AML: you can withdraw only to the funding method you used. This helps prevent fraudulent third‑party withdrawals.

IC Markets has been a member of the independent Financial Commission since 2021 — an external dispute resolution body that can act as an arbiter in conflicts between traders and the broker. The Financial Commission provides insurance up to €20,000 per case from its compensation fund. For clients under offshore entities (such as Seychelles), this membership adds another layer of protection and assurance that disputes will be reviewed fairly.

Reputation and reviews. Over more than 15 years, IC Markets has avoided scandals and fraud cases. The broker has steadily grown its client base and volumes — according to Finance Magnates, as early as 2020 IC Markets was the world’s largest forex broker by monthly volume (over $1 trillion). Independent reviews consistently rate IC Markets highly for reliability. For example, ForexBrokers.com labels it “Trusted” and notes the absence of serious, recurring trader complaints.

Real client feedback online is mostly positive. On Trustpilot, IC Markets scores 4.8/5 based on 45,000+ reviews (91% gave a full 5 stars). Traders particularly praise fast execution, prompt withdrawals, and low spreads that set the broker apart from many competitors. There are no widespread complaints about “non‑payments” or cancelling profitable trades — issues seen at some bucket shops, but not here. Of course, isolated negative reviews exist (often from beginners who ran into market risk). Still, among professional traders the broker’s reputation remains solid: IC Markets is regarded as a legitimate broker that fulfills its obligations rather than a dealing‑desk “kitchen.”

You ask whether IC Markets has ever been caught in wrongdoing? The answer is no — no meaningful scandals. On the contrary, over the years the broker has earned the trust of thousands of traders, myself included. I value the company’s openness about licensing, audits, and best‑practice client safeguards.

Tradable instruments and markets

Forex market

IC Markets is a multi‑asset broker. Traders can access 2,500+ instruments across markets: from classic forex to crypto. Let’s review the main asset classes.

Forex: IC Markets’ core is margin FX. The broker offers 60+ currency pairs, including majors (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, etc.), many crosses, and several exotics. By pair count, IC Markets keeps pace with industry leaders.

Spreads in FX are minimal: on Raw accounts, EUR/USD often sits around 0.0–0.1 pips, GBP/USD ~0.3 pips. Even on Standard accounts spreads are competitive (EUR/USD around ~1.0 pip or less). Pricing is close to interbank thanks to its ECN model and deep liquidity.

Q: Is IC Markets good for forex scalping? Definitely. Scalpers, HFT, and algorithmic EAs benefit from tight spreads and fast fills. There is no minimum holding time or news‑trading ban — any strategy (scalping, news, arbitrage) is allowed. During high‑volatility news, the platform handles load without spreads blowing out to extremes. If your approach requires ultra‑fast execution, this broker can deliver.

Indices and commodities (CFD)

You can trade CFDs on stock indices and commodities. About 23 major indices are available: US (US500, NAS100, Dow30), European (GER30, FTSE100, CAC40), Asian (Nikkei225, Hang Seng), and more. Index trading is commission‑free with spreads from ~0.4 points. For example, S&P 500 (US500) often runs at 0.3–0.5 points — very competitive.

Among commodities IC Markets offers around 20 instruments: precious metals (XAU/USD, XAG/USD), WTI and Brent oil, natural gas, and agricultural futures (wheat, corn), etc. Oil spreads are around $0.02–0.03 per WTI barrel; gold around $0.10–0.20. Leverage varies: metals can reach 1:500 (on international accounts), oil typically up to 1:100 due to volatility.

Q: What about volatility and risk? Indices and commodities are volatile, and the broker is upfront about the risks (around 70% of CFD retail accounts lose money). Newcomers should use stop orders and handle leverage with care. Experienced traders, however, get all the necessary tools at IC Markets: flexible leverage and convenient risk‑management features.

Shares and ETFs (share CFDs)

One advantage of IC Markets is its very broad share CFD list. The broker offers 2,100+ stocks from leading global companies — US, European, and Asian. You’ll find all the big names: Apple, Amazon, Google, Tesla, Microsoft, plus smaller caps. Popular ETFs are available as CFDs too.

Share trading runs on MetaTrader 5 and cTrader (MT4 doesn’t support shares). If you want to trade stocks at IC Markets, open an MT5 or cTrader account. Commission on US shares is about $0.02 per share (i.e., $2 per 100 shares; minimum ~ $7 per trade). For European and Asian markets the structure varies, but the broker keeps it competitive. Many shares trade with zero separate commission — the broker’s revenue is built into the spread.

Remember that with CFDs you don’t own the underlying stock. There’s no expiry, you can hold indefinitely, but overnight swap (financing) applies. Stock swaps are market‑based and should be considered for long holds.

Q: Can I hold stock positions long‑term at IC Markets? Yes. Many use share CFDs for longer‑term exposure with leverage, especially on MT5 (which supports hedging different positions). Keep swaps in mind: over long periods they can add up. For short‑ and medium‑term stock trading, IC Markets fits well — you get access to global equities with modest capital and without opening an account at a foreign stockbroker.

Cryptocurrencies

Keeping up with trends, IC Markets supports crypto trading. The list includes roughly 10–20 crypto pairs — major coins like BTC/USD, ETH/USD, LTC/USD, XRP/USD and other altcoins. Crypto trading is via CFDs, 24/7.

Leverage on crypto is capped for risk control: typically up to 1:5 (1:2 or 1:3 on smaller alts). Spreads are moderate: for BTC/USD, around $30–$100 depending on volatility (≈0.5% — competitive for CFDs). No separate commission, only spread.

Q: Can I invest long‑term in crypto on IC Markets? As these are CFDs, you don’t buy coins directly and can’t withdraw crypto to a wallet. You can hold long positions as long as you wish — swaps apply but are usually modest. Many traders speculate on BTC and ETH price moves without managing wallets. Crypto volatility is extreme, and IC Markets clearly warns about this (around 70% of retail accounts lose money on crypto CFDs). Careful money management is essential.

Bottom line on instruments: IC Markets offers a genuinely wide market range. Trade forex, hedge with indices, diversify with shares, or try oil and bitcoin — all within one account. Such breadth is typical of large multi‑asset brokers, and IC Markets is one of them.

Account types and trading conditions

Account lineup

IC Markets keeps it simple: essentially two core account types, each available on multiple platforms. Here’s the breakdown:

• Standard Account: classic account with no per‑lot commission. The broker’s markup is built into the spread — roughly +1.0 pip over interbank. For example, EUR/USD averages ~1.0–1.2 pips (still cheap). Good for newcomers and those who don’t want to track separate commissions — costs are in the spread. Ideal if you trade occasionally and prefer “all‑inclusive” pricing.
• Raw Spread (MetaTrader): raw spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 per 100k per side commission on MT4/MT5. That’s $7 round‑turn per 1 standard lot. Spreads are minimal, often 0.0–0.2 pips on majors. Effectively an ECN account with direct liquidity access — perfect for scalpers and algo traders. Example: for 1 lot EUR/USD, total cost can be ~0.8 pips (0.1‑pip spread + $7 ≈ $8 = 0.8 pips) — among the lowest in the industry.
• Raw Spread (cTrader): the Raw equivalent for cTrader. Conditions are nearly the same: spreads from 0.0, $3 per 100k per side (i.e., $6 round‑turn). Thanks to the slightly lower commission, all‑in costs on cTrader can be a fraction lower than on MT4 Raw (e.g., ~0.6–0.7 pips on EUR/USD). Choose this if you prefer cTrader’s interface and extras. Liquidity and execution match the MetaTrader Raw account.

All accounts can be opened as Individual, Joint, or Corporate. For most retail traders, Individual is the default.

Any account type can be made Islamic (swap‑free). The process: open a Standard or Raw account, then request swap‑free status via support. Once approved, swaps are disabled (positions held beyond a set period may incur a fixed administration fee). Terms are clear and Sharia‑compliant (no interest).

Account currencies. IC Markets supports 10 base currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, NZD, SGD, JPY, HKD, CAD, CHF. This helps avoid extra conversion on deposits/withdrawals. Q: Can I open an account in RUB or UAH? No — those local currencies aren’t supported. Traders from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, etc., typically choose USD or EUR.

One client can open multiple IC Markets accounts — with different types and currencies. Many do exactly that: for example, one USD Raw account for primary trading and another (demo or live) in EUR for testing. You can add accounts freely in the client area.

Minimum deposit. Officially $200 (or equivalent) for any account type. That’s relatively low for an ECN‑class broker. Many competitors require $500+ for similar terms. $200 is enough to trade mini‑lots in FX or take a few share positions with leverage.

Q: Must I deposit $200 right away — can I start with less? Formally you’ll be told $200. In practice, smaller sums — even $50 — will activate the account. Just remember that small balances with high leverage can be wiped out quickly by normal price swings. Starting at $200 (the broker’s guidance) is more sensible for testing without overexposure.

Leverage. Maximum leverage is 1:500 for forex and metals (on international accounts under ASIC/Seychelles entities). In regulated regions, limits apply: EU clients (CySEC) max 1:30; Australia (ASIC) also 1:30 for retail under ASIC/ESMA rules. Professionals can qualify for higher leverage, subject to criteria.

High leverage cuts both ways: it amplifies gains but also the risk of rapid loss. IC Markets gives you the choice and encourages responsible use.

Q: Can I change my account leverage? Yes. Choose leverage at account setup (often the max, e.g., 1:500, is the default for offshore entities). You can later request a reduction to 1:100, 1:50, 1:10, etc. Many traders deliberately lower leverage to limit risk. You can even keep different leverage settings on different accounts for different strategies.

In short, IC Markets offers flexible, transparent accounts. The $200 entry is accessible, the types are straightforward (with or without commission), and leverage can be tuned to taste. The option to open a swap‑free Islamic account is another plus. Overall, the terms are on par with — or better than — peers in this segment.

Trading fees and costs

Let’s detail what trading at IC Markets actually costs — and which fees you won’t pay.

Spreads.

IC Markets is known for tight spreads. On Raw accounts, spreads on many popular instruments are virtually zero. Average EUR/USD on Raw is about 0.1 pips; GBP/USD ~0.3; USD/JPY ~0.2. Sometimes it’s 0.0 in calm markets — you see the interbank book. Even including commission (see below), all‑in costs are very low — roughly 0.6–0.8 pips per 1‑lot trade on EUR/USD. By contrast, many brokers run ~1.0–1.2 pips spread alone.

On Standard accounts, spreads include the broker markup yet remain competitive: EUR/USD ~1.0 pip, GBP/USD ~1.3, gold (XAU/USD) ~20–30 cents. Many beginners start with Standard because there’s no explicit commission — and even then IC Markets often beats mass‑market brokers that quote 2–3 pips.

Other markets are similarly sharp. Gold XAU/USD on Raw runs ~$0.10–0.15; WTI oil about $0.02. S&P 500 (US500) ~0.4 points. Bitcoin is dynamic: $30–$50 in calm periods, widening to $100+ on spikes — still lean compared with brokers that set fixed $150+ spreads.

Note: on crypto and shares, there’s usually no separate commission — costs are in the spread. So if you trade Apple share CFDs, you pay the bid/ask difference only.

Raw account commission.

To support ultra‑low spreads, the broker charges a fixed turnover commission on Raw accounts: $3.50 per 100k per side on MetaTrader, $3.00 on cTrader. For a standard 1‑lot FX trade (100k), that’s $7 round‑turn on MT4/MT5 and $6 on cTrader.

Example: you open 1 lot EUR/USD on Raw MT5 with a 0.1‑pip spread (~$1) plus $7 commission = ~$8 total, i.e., ~0.8 pips. That’s very low — many rivals’ all‑in costs of 1.5–2 pips are considered normal. Unsurprisingly, IC Markets ranks top‑tier globally for pricing (5/5 for costs and 5th of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com).

Q: Are there discounts for high‑volume traders? Yes. With substantial monthly volume you may qualify for bespoke terms. IC Markets runs an invitation‑only Active Trader program with reduced commission for large flow (often from ~$50M monthly and up). Exact tiers are negotiated. There are also partner rebate programs via IBs (e.g., Traders Union), where a portion of spread/commission is rebated. IC Markets itself doesn’t run direct bonuses, but partner rebates may apply — more on that later.

Share CFD commissions.

As noted, US shares on MT5 Raw carry about $0.02 per share. Buy 100 Apple CFDs at $150 and you’ll pay roughly $2 (about $1 in and $1 out). That’s competitive — many brokers charge $0.04 or a $10 minimum. IC Markets’ minimum is low (~$7), so small‑size equity trading stays economical. European and Australian shares are often priced as a percentage (e.g., 0.1%). The broker publishes detailed fee tables by market; check them before trading to avoid surprises.

Good news: many European share CFDs trade with zero commission — slightly wider spreads, but no per‑trade fee. This depends on each market’s liquidity.

Deposit/withdrawal fees.

IC Markets doesn’t charge for deposits and most withdrawals. Whatever you send is what lands on your balance (the broker absorbs payment fees). Similarly, withdrawals to cards and e‑wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, etc.) are fee‑free on the broker’s side — unlike many brokers that charge $10–30.

One caveat: international bank wires (SWIFT) may incur a fixed ~$20 due to correspondent banks taking their cuts. That’s not a broker fee but banking costs. To avoid this, many clients withdraw via cards or e‑wallets for smaller sums where there’s no fee.

Inactivity fee.

None. If you open an account and don’t trade for months, IC Markets won’t deduct a cent. Some brokers levy $10/month after 3 idle months — not here. Your account can “sleep” indefinitely without balance erosion.

Swaps (overnight financing).

Holding positions overnight incurs swap — positive or negative depending on instrument rates. IC Markets’ swaps are floating and market‑based. The broker publishes daily swap rates. On average they’re in line with the industry. For example, EUR/USD might be around −$5 per lot on shorts and +$1 on longs (illustrative), while indices are often negative both ways (dividends accounted for). If swaps are an issue (for faith or strategy), request a swap‑free account; prolonged holds may incur an alternative admin fee. The broker is flexible here.

Transparency.

IC Markets discloses all fees up front. The official site lists spreads, commissions, swaps, and payment charges — no surprises. There’s no account maintenance fee, platform fee, or market data charges. Even VPS is free for active traders (details below). This transparency is commendable — many reviews note that IC Markets “earns trust by not nickel‑and‑diming outside of trading.”

All told, IC Markets is one of the strongest choices on costs. Versus Pepperstone or Exness, the gap is narrow; versus brokers like eToro (wider spreads), the savings can be substantial. I always advise calculating effective pips — at IC Markets it’s often around 0.6–0.8 pips on forex, which is very attractive.

Platforms and technology

One of IC Markets’ strengths is its platform range and quality. The broker leans into technology, offering both classic and modern terminals.

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5.

These are the legendary platforms known to almost every trader. IC Markets provides MT4 and MT5 on desktop (Windows, Mac), web, and mobile. Highlights at IC Markets:

• One‑click trading, ultra‑fast execution. The IC Markets MT4/5 build includes a one‑click plugin for instant orders. Fills come in milliseconds, thanks to Equinix NY4 connectivity. Users report no requotes even during sharp moves.
• EAs and algos. IC Markets is popular with quants. Any expert advisors are allowed without restrictions. The stack runs 24/5 reliably — ideal for algorithmic strategies. It often ranks #1 for algo trading (ForexBrokers.com) due to MT4/MT5, robust infrastructure, and no strategy bans.
• Add‑ons. The broker integrates tools like Trading Central directly into MetaTrader for technical analysis and signals. Extra indicators and enhanced drawing tools are included — free for clients.
• Depth of Market (Level II). In MT5 you get market depth, useful for stocks and FX to gauge liquidity. IC Markets supports this thanks to Raw accounts’ liquidity pool. MT4 has limited DOM, but plugins help.
• Awards. Thanks to quality MT implementations, the broker has earned industry recognition — often cited as “Best for MetaTrader.” In my experience, IC’s MT terminals run like clockwork.

cTrader.

An alternative platform also supported by IC Markets. cTrader is a modern terminal from Spotware, appreciated for its interface and advanced features. Key points:

• Interface and charts. A sleek UI, flexible timeframes (create custom intervals like 3‑minute or 8‑hour), and more built‑in periods than MT.
• Level II DOM. A robust depth‑of‑market view shows liquidity across price levels — vital for scalpers and HFT.
• Order types. cTrader includes Stop Limit and server‑side trailing stops — features MT4 lacks by default.
• Algo via C# (cAlgo). Build robots and indicators in C# on .NET — a win for developers who prefer this ecosystem.
• Availability. Desktop, web, and mobile apps are all supported by IC Markets — trade in the browser or via the app.
• Execution. cTrader Raw accounts are ECN as well. Commission is slightly lower; latency is minimal. Some pros find cTrader steadier in extreme volatility (anecdotal).
• Q: Any downsides vs MetaTrader? Functionally, no major gaps for trading. MetaTrader’s ecosystem is larger (thousands of EAs/indicators). cTrader’s built‑in copy trading (cTrader Copy) is a plus. Ultimately, it’s preference — IC Markets offers both.

Mobile apps.

Modern traders need markets on the go. IC Markets provides MT4, MT5, and cTrader on iOS and Android. Install on your phone or tablet and trade fully.

These are the standard apps from the platform vendors configured for IC Markets’ servers. You can view quotes, trade, and analyze charts (though small screens are less convenient).

Interfaces are intuitive, with push notifications for price levels and order events. For example, MetaTrader Mobile can alert you when TP/SL is hit.

A limitation: app login is password‑only, without built‑in 2FA. If someone gets your phone, they could access the app. Use strong passwords and enable 2FA in the IC Markets client area for peace of mind.

Q: Can I trade solely from mobile? For basic trading — yes. You can open/close positions, set orders, read news, and do light TA. For extended sessions, desktop/web is more comfortable. Mobile is a great companion: I often monitor positions and occasionally exit from my phone when I see the move I want.

TradingView web platform.

One of IC Markets’ recent additions is integration with TradingView. You can now trade directly via TradingView’s web interface using your IC Markets account. How it works:

On TradingView, select IC Markets as the broker, log into your account, and submit orders right from the charts. You combine TradingView’s powerful charting and social features with IC Markets execution.

Benefits: an enormous library of indicators (including user scripts), excellent charts, customization, and social tools — ideas, chats, streams. Many younger traders prefer TradingView, and IC Markets caters to that audience.

Q: Is execution via TradingView different? No. Orders route to the same IC Markets servers with the same speed. TradingView is just the interface. Your account type and fees remain unchanged.

In sum: IC Markets offers maximum choice. Prefer classics? Use MetaTrader. Want a modern UI? Go with cTrader. Love web charting? TradingView is there. Add mobile apps, and it’s a complete toolkit. Unlike brokers locked into a single web terminal, here you choose your platform.

Unique features and tools

Beyond the basics, IC Markets provides a suite of extras for both beginners and advanced traders.

Social trading and copy trading.

Copy trading has surged in popularity, and IC Markets embraces it. You have several options:

• IC Social — IC Markets’ own mobile app for social trading. Experienced traders can become signal providers, and newcomers can subscribe. Browse leaderboards with performance and risk stats and copy trades automatically. Execution is instant within IC Markets’ ecosystem, minimizing slippage. Providers are compensated transparently. IC Social makes passive following straightforward.
• ZuluTrade — a major global copy platform integrated with IC Markets. Link your account to ZuluTrade and choose from thousands of strategies worldwide. Q: Is there a fee? Registration is free; providers are typically compensated via a small spread markup through ZuluTrade’s model. IC Markets doesn’t add extra charges for the integration.
• Myfxbook AutoTrade / Signal Start. IC Markets supports connections to services like Signal Start (by Myfxbook). If you subscribe to signals there, link them to your IC Markets account. Myfxbook AutoTrade is also available.
• cTrader Copy. If you use cTrader, copy trading is built in. Strategies are shared within Spotware’s network, and you can subscribe directly in cTrader. IC Markets fully supports it. Providers set their terms; the platform automates the rest.

In short, IC Markets opens the door wide for social trading, regardless of platform (MT4/5 or cTrader). Choose the in‑house IC Social or global hubs like ZuluTrade. The broker doesn’t impose extra fees or restrictions. Choose providers carefully, though: past returns don’t guarantee future results. As a concept, it’s a powerful tool — especially for beginners.

Advanced trading tools.

IC Markets clients get helpful analysis aids:

• Trading Central. Market insights with daily technical scenarios, support/resistance levels, targets, and news context. Indicators integrate into MetaTrader or arrive by email — free for clients.
• Autochartist. Automated chart pattern recognition (triangles, flags, head‑and‑shoulders, Fibonacci levels). Delivers actionable alerts like “triangle on GBP/USD — potential breakout.” Integrated via MT4/5 plugins, saving you scanning time.
• VPS service. For algo traders, IC Markets offers free VPS with sufficient monthly volume (around 15 lots on Raw). VPS keeps your terminal running 24/5 near the broker’s servers (NY4/LD5) for 1–2 ms pings and high uptime — essential for EAs, HFT, and copy services. Otherwise, discounted VPS plans are available.
• Reports and stats. The client area provides extended trade reports. MT5 can export detailed analytics (drawdown, Sharpe, etc.). Data export isn’t restricted — you fully own your history.

Programs for active traders.

• VIP accounts & reduced commissions. With a larger deposit (e.g., $10,000+) and high activity, speak with an account manager — you may get improved terms (say, Raw commission from $3.5 down to $2.5 per lot) or unconditional free VPS. Such arrangements aren’t advertised but do exist.
• IB program. If you can refer traders, IC Markets has an Introducing Broker program. Earn rebates from referred clients’ volume (often $2–3 per lot). Many blogs and forums use this and share a portion back as cashback. It’s popular thanks to the broker’s reputation — referring to a trusted broker is easier.
• No direct bonuses. As noted under “Cons,” there are no deposit bonuses. Instead, the broker competes on low costs. Occasional events (webinars, contests) do happen, but no mass bonus schemes with tricky “turnover” rules.

Other perks

• MAM/PAMM accounts. Professional money managers can aggregate investor accounts via PAMM. You trade a master account; trades allocate proportionally to subscribers. Profits/losses are split by share. Terms are arranged with the broker (a license may be required), but the platform supports it.
• “Client reviews” page. The official site embeds a live Trustpilot widget with thousands of reviews (45k+), showing both positives and negatives — a transparent touch. The rating is very high (~4.8/5), which speaks for itself.
• Contests and guest education. IC Markets occasionally collaborates with analysts (e.g., Trading Central) for webinars or runs demo contests. Not on a fixed schedule, but a nice add‑on.

Together, these features reinforce the feeling of a platform “built by traders for traders.” Copy services, analytics, API access, VPS — everything’s geared toward comfortable trading and efficient execution.

Igor Lementov - Financial Expert and Analyst at Trading-Today.net