IC Markets Review 2026
True ECN Raw Spreads from 0.0 Pips — Direct Liquidity Across Equinix Infrastructure
"True ECN execution with deep premium liquidity"
Equinix Hosted
Servers co-located in Equinix NY4 & LD5 data centers
Raw 0.0 Pips
Direct interbank pricing with low $3.50 commission
Scalper Friendly
No stop-distance limits, unrestricted EA trading
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"True ECN execution with deep premium liquidity"
IC Markets Snapshot
IC Markets is one of the world's only true "Raw Spread" brokers. Founded in Sydney in 2007, they were built by traders for traders, with a focus on providing direct interbank liquidity access and tight raw spreads. The core differentiator for IC Markets is their infrastructure. They utilize Equinix NY4 data center servers in New York and LD5 in London, co-located alongside major financial institutions. This infrastructure is designed to minimize round-trip order times and slippage for most orders (per IC Markets' documented specifications). While they are not directly FCA regulated for their main global entity, they are heavily regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Europe), making them a top choice for serious high-frequency scalpers and algorithmic traders who need tight spreads.
Verified Data & Specifications
| Broker Name | IC Markets |
| Primary Regulation | ASIC (AU) / CySEC (EU) Global Tier-1 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 |
| Spread Model | 0.0 pips |
| Supported Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Execution Model | No Dealing Desk (NDD) / ECN Liquidity |
| Asset Classes | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Shares, Crypto |
What We Like
- Ultra-tight spreads
- Equinix NY4 infrastructure
- No restrictions on scalping
What We Don't Like
- Not FCA regulated (ASIC/CySEC)
- Limited education for beginners
Account Structure & Options
IC Markets offers three primary account types: 1. Raw Spread (MetaTrader): The most popular choice. Spreads from 0.0 pips with a small commission of $3.50 per lot per side. 2. Raw Spread (cTrader): Optimized for the cTrader platform with a slightly lower commission of $3.00 per $100k traded. 3. Standard Account: No commission, with spreads starting from 0.6 pips. All accounts provide access to 60+ forex pairs and over 1,000 CFDs across indices, stocks, and commodities.
Trading Platforms & Software
IC Markets focuses on providing the best third-party platforms: MT4 & MT5: The industry standards, optimized with IC Markets' deep liquidity and fast execution. cTrader: A superior platform for manual traders, offering Level 2 market depth and advanced charting. TradingView: Full integration for charting and direct trade execution. Social Trading: They support third-party social trading via Myfxbook AutoTrade and ZuluTrade.
Spreads, Commissions & Fee Breakdown
IC Markets is built for the lowest possible cost of trading. - Forex Spreads: Consistently 0.0 pips on EURUSD and other majors. - Commissions: $7.00 round-turn per lot (Standard) or $6.00 (cTrader). - Deposits/Withdrawals: Zero fees for almost all methods, including credit cards and international bank transfers. - No Inactivity Fee: They do not charge for dormant accounts.
Regulatory Compliance & Trust
Globally Regulated Tier-1 Broker
Regulated by top-tier authorities (such as ASIC in Australia or CySEC in Europe), maintaining segregated client money accounts with major international banks.
IC Markets is a global firm with strong Tier-1 licenses: - ASIC Regulated (Australia) - CySEC Regulated (Europe) - FSA Regulated (Seychelles) - Segregated Client Funds: All client capital is held in top-tier banks like Westpac and NAB. - Professional Indemnity Insurance: Providing an extra layer of security for client funds.
Ideal Fit For
- High-frequency scalpers
- Algorithmic traders and EA users
- Traders needing 0.0 pip raw spreads
- Users who value lightning-fast execution
Not Recommended For
- UK traders who strictly require FSCS protection (ASIC/CySEC entities)
- Absolute beginners who need simple mobile-only apps
- Long-term stock investors
Who Should NOT Choose IC Markets?
If you are a UK retail trader who values the security of the FCA and FSCS protection above all else, the lack of a direct UK retail license for IC Markets' primary entity might be a deterrent.
The Final Verdict
IC Markets is the ultimate choice for the technical power-user. Their execution quality is unmatched in the retail space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is IC Markets an ECN broker?
Yes, IC Markets uses a true ECN/Raw Spread model with deep premium liquidity.
Q: What is the minimum deposit?
The minimum deposit for IC Markets is $200.
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