Founded
2007 Sydney, Australia
A raw-spread ECN broker favoured by scalpers and algorithmic traders.
IC Markets pairs tier-1 ASIC and CySEC oversight with some of the tightest raw spreads and fastest execution available — a benchmark for scalpers and algo traders, provided you note which entity you trade under.
The score, by criterion
IC Markets is authorised by four regulators, led by tier-1 ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (EU). As with many global brokers, the entity you trade under depends on your residence — a key detail, since offshore entities carry lighter protections.
| Regulator | Jurisdiction | Licence / reg. no. | Legal entity |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASIC | Australia | AFSL 335692 | International Capital Markets Pty Ltd |
| CySEC | Cyprus (EU) | 362/18 | IC Markets (EU) Ltd |
| FSA | Seychelles | SD018 | Raw Trading Ltd |
| SCB | The Bahamas | SIA-F214 | IC Markets Ltd |
Cost is IC Markets' calling card. The Raw Spread accounts price from ~0.0 pips on EUR/USD plus roughly US$7 per lot round-turn on MT4/MT5 (about US$6 on cTrader); the commission-free Standard account sits nearer 0.8 pips. For high-frequency and algorithmic traders, the all-in Raw cost is class-leading.
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5 and cTrader plus TradingView, across roughly 2,000+ instruments. Its ECN infrastructure and deep liquidity are built for execution-sensitive strategies.
Ideal for scalpers, high-volume and algorithmic traders chasing the lowest possible cost and fast fills. Beginners who value hand-holding, research and education may prefer a larger, more full-service broker.
Trading forex & CFDs carries a high risk of loss — between 74% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. This is independent editorial analysis, not financial advice or a recommendation to trade. Figures such as spreads and licences were verified as of August 2026 and may change; always confirm current terms and licence status in the regulator's own register.