Comparison of IC Markets and Libertex
| Feature | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 2007 | 1997 |
| Broker Type | ECN, DMA | MM |
| Dealing | A-book | B-book |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Regulation | SFSA, ASIC, CySEC, CMA | SVGFSA, NBRB, CySEC |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Libertex |
| Spread | ⬊ Low | ⬊ Low |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD | USD |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, POLi, Rapidpay | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Jeton, WebMoney, VLoad, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) |
| Inactivity Fee | ✖ | $10 per month after 3 months |
| Interest on Margin | ✖ | ✖ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | ✖ |
| Investor Protection | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) |
| Protection Size | €20 000 | €20 000 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | ✔ | ✖ |
| Copy Trading | ✔ | ✖ |
| VPS | ✔ | ✖ |
| MAM/PAMM | ✖ | ✖ |
| Scalping Allowed | ✔ | ✔ |
| EAs/Robots | ✔ | ✔ |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tradable Assets (CFDs) | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities, Cryptocurrencies |
| Review | IC Markets Review | Libertex Review |
About IC Markets
IC Markets is a leading forex and CFD broker, well-known for its exceptional trading conditions and advanced technology. Established in 2007 and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA Seychelles, IC Markets has earned a solid reputation among retail and institutional traders alike. The broker is particularly favored by scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders for its ultra-tight spreads, fast execution speeds, and no-dealing-desk (NDD) model. With access to powerful platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, IC Markets offers a seamless trading experience across various asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Its focus on transparency, competitive pricing, and exceptional liquidity ensures that traders can execute strategies efficiently. However, while IC Markets excels in trading infrastructure, it offers limited educational resources, which may not fully cater to beginners.
Pros
- Regulated by top-tier authorities (ASIC, CySEC)
- Tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts
- No dealing desk (NDD) model ensures transparent and fast execution
- Excellent platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader
- High liquidity and competitive pricing ideal for scalping and algorithmic trading
- Wide range of tradable assets, including cryptocurrencies
- Dedicated 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Restricted availability in some regions due to regulatory constraints
- Withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods
About Libertex
Libertex is a well-established online Forex and CFD broker that has been serving traders since its inception in 1997. Libertex is regulated by reputable authorities such as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring a secure trading environment. The broker offers a user-friendly trading platform available on both desktop and mobile devices, catering to traders of all experience levels. Libertex provides access to a wide range of financial instruments, including Forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and stocks, allowing for diversified trading opportunities. Additionally, Libertex is known for its competitive spreads, educational resources, and responsive customer support, making it a popular choice among both novice and seasoned traders.
Pros
- Licensed by CySEC, ensuring adherence to strict regulatory standards and providing a safe trading environment
- Intuitive trading platform available on desktop and mobile, suitable for both beginners and experienced traders
- Access to over 200 financial instruments, including Forex, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and stocks
- Offers competitive spreads on major currency pairs and other instruments, enhancing trading profitability
- Comprehensive educational materials, including webinars, tutorials, and articles to help traders improve their skills
- Provides a free demo account for traders to practice and test strategies without risking real money
- Efficient customer service available through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and phone
- Generally swift processing of withdrawal requests, ensuring traders have timely access to their funds
- Supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers
Cons
- Not available in all countries, limiting access for potential traders in certain regions
- Fewer account variations compared to some competitors, which might restrict flexibility for diverse trading needs
- May charge fees for inactive accounts, which can be a drawback for occasional traders
IC Markets & Libertex Regulation
| Feature | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
Companies | Raw Trading Ltd, International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, IC Markets (KE) Limited | Forex Club International LLC, Forex Club Financial Company LLC, Indication Investments Ltd. |
Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belarus, Cyprus |
Regulators | SFSA, ASIC, CySEC, CMA | SVGFSA, NBRB, CySEC |
Investor Protection | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) | Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) |
Investor Protection Size | €20 000 | €20 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Account Types
| Account | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
Market Maker Account | ||
| Account Name | — | CFD |
| Min Deposit | — | $20 |
| Lot Size | — | $10 |
| Spread Type | — | Floating |
| Execution | — | Market |
| Min Spread | — | 0.3 |
| Fee | — | No |
| Max Leverage | — | 1:999 |
| Stop Out | — | 50% |
| Margin Call | — | 100% |
ECN Account | ||
| Account Name | Standard | — |
| Min Deposit | $200 | — |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | — |
| Spread Type | Floating | — |
| Execution | Market | — |
| Min Spread | 0.6 | — |
| Fee | No | — |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | — |
| Stop Out | 50% | — |
| Margin Call | 100% | — |
Zero Account | ||
| Account Name | Raw Spread | — |
| Min Deposit | $200 | — |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | — |
| Spread Type | Floating | — |
| Execution | Market | — |
| Min Spread | 0 | — |
| Fee | $7 per 1 lot | — |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | — |
| Stop Out | 50% | — |
| Margin Call | 100% | — |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Funding and Fees
| Feature | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD | USD |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, POLi, Rapidpay | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Jeton, WebMoney, VLoad, Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) |
Inactivity fee | $10 per month after 3 months | |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee |
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), Libertex |
Execution Speed | 40 ms | 0 ms |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | low | low |
Trading Assets
| Asset | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 61 | 51 |
Indices | 25 | 36 |
Stocks | 2175 | 139 |
Cryptocurrencies | 21 | 79 |
Bonds | 10 | 3 |
Metals | 7 | 5 |
Energies | 5 | 6 |
Soft Commodities | 8 | 6 |
ETFs | 38 | 10 |
Education and Analytics
| Feature | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Bonuses
| Bonus | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | ||
| Is available | ||
| Size | — | 100%, up to $10000 |
| Details | — | Learn More |
Customer Support
| Contact | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
Email | support@icmarkets.com | support@libertex.org |
Phone | +2484671976 | +447456417828 |
Facebook | ||
LinkedIn | ||
YouTube | — | YouTube |
Instagram | ||
Twitter |
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing IC Markets and Libertex, Libertex comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.
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Andriy Bondarenko
Broker Analyst
Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.