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IC Markets is a respected and well-regulated broker, providing a wide range of trading instruments, including over 2250 options, with competitive spreads starting at 0.0 pips. You can start with a demo account to gain experience, and opening a live account only requires a $200 deposit. They offer advanced trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Let's now delve into this IC Markets review.

What is IC Markets？

IC Markets is an Australian online forex and CFD broker that provides traders access to the global financial markets. The company was founded in 2007 and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). IC Markets offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and provides traders with advanced trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. The company also offers 24/7 customer support and a variety of educational resources for traders of all levels.

In the IC Markets review, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

What Type of Broker is IC Markets？

IC Markets is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, IC Markets acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that IC Markets has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients.

Is IC Market Legit？

IC Markets maintains regulatory compliance in both Australia and Cyprus, adhering to the respective financial regulatory standards in these jurisdictions. Regulatory oversight by ASIC and CYSEC helps ensure transparency and accountability in the broker's operations, contributing to a safer trading environment for clients.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD.	Market Making(MM)	335692
	CYSEC	IC Markets (EU) Ltd	Market Making(MM)	362/18

IC Markets' Australian entity, INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD., regulated by ASIC under license number 335692, holding a license for Market Making (MM).

IC Markets' enropean entity, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CYSEC under regulatory number 362/18, holding a license for Maket Making ( MM) as well.

WikiFX's investigation team personally visited the registered address located at Omonoias, 141, The Maritime Centre, Block B, 1st floor, 3045, Limassol, Cyprus. Notably, the IC Markets logo was prominently displayed on billboards in the vicinity of the building. Hence, their visit to the location confirmed that IC Markets was indeed operating from the officially designated regulatory address.

Market Instruments

IC Markets offers a wide range of over 2250 tradable instruments to trade, including forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and futures. This provides traders with the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and access multiple markets and assets. The company offers competitive spreads and low commissions on all instruments, making it a popular choice among traders.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for traders to open an account. In the industry, many established brokers frequently impose minimum deposit requirements that surpass $500 or even reach $1,000. In contrast, certain major players such as Avatrade and Aixtrader only mandate minimum deposits of $100 and $0, respectively. So, IC Markets's minimum deposit requirement seems to be in the “middle”.

Here is the comparison of IC Markets minimum deposit with Avatrade, Exness, and Axitrader:

Broker	Minimum Deposit
	$200
	$100
	$1 USD
	$100

Account Type

C Markets offers traders a range of account types with different trading platforms, commissions, and spreads. The CTrader and Raw spread accounts charge a commission of $3 and $3.5 respectively but offer spreads from 0.0 pips, while the Standard account has no commission but wider spreads from 0.6 pips.

A demo account and Islamic account are also available. Although the minimum deposit of $200 may be high for some traders, the variety of account types and competitive spreads on some accounts may make up for it. However, traders should note that commissions are charged on all other accounts apart from the Standard account, and there is limited information on account features.

Demo Account

IC Markets offers a free advanced demo account for beginner traders to practice on, which lasts for 30 days.

Users who open a demo account can enjoy the following features:

• Access to Raw Pricing

• Spreads Starting at 0.0 Pips

• Fast Order Execution

• Available on MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms

However, demo accounts aim to mimic real markets but function in a simulated environment. This means there are significant differences compared to real accounts, including not relying on real-time market liquidity, encountering price delays, and having access to certain products that may not be tradable on live accounts.

Opening a demo account is simple:

Step 1: click the “Try a Free DEMO” button on the homepage of IC Markets.

Step 2: Fill in your personal info, including your country of residence, name, email, phone number to get a verification code.

Step 3: Choose to demo accounts on your preferrable trading platform, MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Then choose your account currency, virtual funds, starting from $200 to $5,000,000, your desired leverage level.

Step 4: Log into your demo account and start trading.

Leverage

IC Markets' maximum leverage offering of up to 1:500 can be beneficial for experienced traders who know how to manage their risks well. The high leverage can potentially magnify the profits of a successful trade, enabling traders to take advantage of larger positions in the market. However, it is crucial for traders to exercise caution when using high leverage as it also increases the potential for significant losses. Inexperienced traders may not be suited for high leverage as it requires a thorough understanding of risk management. It is important to note that certain jurisdictions may have regulatory restrictions on high leverage, and traders should comply with the relevant regulations.

Spreads & Commissions

IC Markets is known for its tight spreads and low commissions, making it a popular choice among traders. The broker offers a variety of account types to choose from, including the Raw Spread account with spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 commission per lot traded, and the Standard account with spreads starting from 0.6 pips and no commission. The cTrader account also offers low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a $3 commission per lot traded.

Trading Platforms

IC Markets offers its clients a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as the cTrader platform. Each platform offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and traders can choose the platform that best suits their needs.

The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are similar and offer a range of trading tools and indicators, as well as the ability to use Expert Advisors (EAs) and automate trading strategies.

The cTrader platform, on the other hand, offers advanced charting capabilities and a variety of order types. However, it has a steeper learning curve and limited customization options compared to the MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms.

Deposit & Withdrawal

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals, however, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

Withdrawal requests have a cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT, and take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and take 3-5 business days to reach your credit card. Paypal/Neteller/Skrill withdrawals are processed instantly and free of charge, but must be made from the same account as the initial funds were sent from.

Educational Resources

IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of educational resources that cater to traders of all levels. These resources include an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, a glossary, blogs, and calculators. The educational resources are updated regularly to ensure the information is relevant and up-to-date. The glossary is particularly useful for understanding forex terms and concepts, while the video tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced strategies. The blogs provide insights into the forex market, which can be useful for making informed trading decisions. The calculators are also helpful tools for calculating risk, margin, and position size. You can also watch videos on their official YouTube channel. For example, this is a video named 7 Common Mistakes New Traders Make, which would be useful for newbies.

Customer Service

IC Markets provides a strong customer care dimension with 24/7 availability for customer support. Clients can reach out to the support team via phone or email, and can expect prompt response times to email inquiries. However, there is no live chat option available for immediate assistance, and phone support may have international charges, which could be a disadvantage for some clients.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a regulated forex broker that offers traders a wide range of instruments, account types, and trading platforms to choose from. With low spreads, competitive commissions, and high leverage options of up to 1:500, traders can enjoy a flexible and customizable trading experience. The company's educational resources, including market reports, video tutorials, and a glossary, are extensive and informative, providing traders with valuable insights into the forex market. Additionally, IC Markets' customer support is available 24/7, ensuring that traders can always receive timely assistance. The company's variety of deposit and withdrawal methods also makes it easy for traders to manage their accounts efficiently. Overall, IC Markets is a reliable and trustworthy broker for both novice and experienced traders alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Question 1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• Answer 1: $200.

• Question 2: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• Answer 2: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Question 3: What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• Answer 3: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Question 4: What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• Answer 4: 1:500.

• Question 5: Does IC Markets charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• Answer 5: IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

General Information

Established in 2004, Hirose Tusyo Inc. is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, and was listed on the JASDAQ market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange on March 18, 2016.The Company is mainly engaged in foreign exchange margin trading business, which provides investors with foreign exchange margin trading and binary options trading through the Internet; provision of trading systems for group companies; provision of white label services for financial instruments traders, as well as covering transaction business as a counterparty of financial instruments traders, among others. Hirose Tusyo Inc. is authorized and regulated by Financial Services Agency, with regulatory license number 9120001106932.

The broker provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs, although these spreads may vary based on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, reducing the overall cost of trading. They offer deposit and withdrawal options and provide customer support through various channels, including phone, fax, and an online inquiry form.

Overall, Hirose-fx is a regulated broker with a range of trading instruments, account types, and trading platforms. Traders can benefit from their fixed spreads, commission-free trading, and accessible customer support.

Pros and Cons

Hirose-fx is a regulated Forex broker that offers a range of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. The company holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. Hirose-fx provides two types of accounts, FX accounts, and LION CFD accounts. They offer various order types to meet different trading needs and have both fixed and variable spreads, depending on market conditions. Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades, which can be advantageous for traders. They offer multiple deposit and withdrawal options, as well as a variety of trading platforms to cater to different preferences and devices. The broker also provides trading tools, educational resources, and customer support through various channels. Overall, Hirose-fx has its strengths and weaknesses, and traders should carefully consider their options before choosing this broker.

Is Hirose-fx Legit？

Based on the information provided, Hirose-fx, also known as Hirose Financial UK Ltd, is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan. It holds a Retail Forex License and is regulated under the supervision of the Kinki Local Finance Bureau (近畿財務局長（金商）第41号). The licensing institution is Hirose Tsusho Kaisya Limited (ヒロセ通商株式会社).

The effective date of the license is September 30, 2007. The company's address is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan. The phone number provided for the licensed institution is 06-6534-0708.

Market Instruments

Hirose-fx offers a variety of trading instruments, including 51 currency pairs. These currency pairs encompass major currencies from around the world and provide opportunities for traders to engage in foreign exchange (Forex) trading. Some of the currency pairs offered include AUD/CAD, AUD/CHF, AUD/JPY, AUD/NZD, AUD/USD, CAD/CHF, CAD/JPY, CHF/JPY, CNH/JPY, EUR/AUD, EUR/CAD, and others.

Additionally, Hirose-fx offers a selection of large currency pairs, which are often traded frequently and have high liquidity. These large currency pairs include Large USD/JPY, Large EUR/USD, Large EUR/JPY, Large GBP/USD, Large GBP/JPY, and Large AUD/JPY.

Account Types

Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Customers residing overseas are unable to open a LION CFD account. If a customer already has a LION FX account and wishes to open a LION CFD account, they can do so from the trading screen after the next business day following the completion of the FX account opening procedure. For more information on how to apply for a LION CFD account, customers can refer to the provided guidelines.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with Hirose-fx, follow these steps:

1. Access the main website of Hirose-fx and click on “新規口座開設” (Open a new account) or a similar option.

1. The account opening process may vary depending on the required identity verification documents and delivery method. Choose the appropriate option and proceed.

1. Fill in the necessary information and review the required documents. Note that using Internet Explorer (IE) is. not recommended; it's advisable to use another browser.

1. Submit your identity verification documents and My Number verification documents. You can choose from various sending methods, including simple identity verification with a smartphone, easy identity verification with Internet banking, upload, email, fax, or mail.

5. Once all the necessary documents are received, Hirose-fx will begin the screening and account opening process. Normally, it takes 1-2 business days after the arrival of the verification documents.

6. You will receive your user ID and password via email. The method of sending the user ID and password depends on the method used to send the identification documents.

7. Deposit funds into your trading account. Once the funds are deposited, you can log in and start trading.

FX Spreads & Commissions

FIXED SPREADS: Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads on several currency pairs. For example, USD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips, AUD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.6 pips, GBP/JPY has a fixed spread of 1.0 pip, AUD/USD has a fixed spread of 0.4 pips, EUR/USD has a fixed spread of 0.3 pips, NZD/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.8 pips, and MXN/JPY has a fixed spread of 0.2 pips. These fixed spreads indicate that the difference between the buying and selling prices of these currency pairs remains constant under normal market conditions.

VARIABLE SPREADS: It should be noted that while Hirose-fx provides fixed spreads, these spreads are not completely fixed. The spreads may widen or contract based on market conditions and exceptional events such as low liquidity times. This means that during times of increased volatility or reduced market liquidity, the spreads may change from their fixed values. As a result, the actual spreads experienced by traders may differ from the ones mentioned above.

COMMISSIONS: Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on its trades. This means that traders can execute their trades without incurring any additional fees in the form of commissions. The absence of commissions can be advantageous for traders.

Order Types

There are 27 order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, IF-DONE order, IF-OCO order, Trail Order, Streaming order, Timed Market order, Timed Limit ( stop) order, one-click order, Quick Order, One-click payment order, Bulk Settlement Order, Bulk Purchase Settlement order, Bulk Sale Settlement order, All Settlement Order by currency, All settlements Orders, Pip difference Settlement order, Doten Order, Bulk Order, Amount specified all settlement, trigger order, Timed All Settlement order, BID Judgment Buy (ASK Judgment Sell) Stop Order, Trigger orders in other currencies, Repeat time specified market order.

Trading Time

When US standard time is applied, Japan time Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time. When summertime is applied, Japan time Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am. Rollover time (6:59 am Japan time) Minutes, 5:59 am when US summer time is applied), communication will be disconnected, and day closing work and maintenance will be performed. (It takes about 15 minutes for the day closing work and maintenance, but it may take up to 30 minutes.)

Trading Platforms

Hirose-fx offers a range of trading platforms designed to cater to the diverse needs of traders. These platforms provide access to the financial markets and offer various tools and features to facilitate trading activities.

NET4 (installed version): This trading platform is available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It offers customizability, easy-to-see screens, and the ability to view charts and execute orders. It supports various order types and provides access to account information and news.

LION FX C2 (installed version): This platform is recommended for beginners and offers versatile functionality. It allows for simultaneous ordering and payment, displays order and position execution history, and supports collective payment. It provides a simple and comfortable user experience.

LION FX Mobile App (iPad, iPhone, Android): Hirose-fx offers mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices. These apps provide access to essential functions and information. Traders can check rates, view charts, place orders, monitor positions, and manage their accounts using these mobile apps.

HTML5 version, Flash version: Hirose-fx also offers web-based trading platforms compatible with various web browsers. The HTML5 version provides access to charting tools, order placement, and account information. The Flash version may have similar functionality but requires Flash support.

Mobile app/portable version: Hirose-fx provides a mobile version of its trading platform that is compatible with mobile phones from different carriers such as docomo, au, and SoftBank. This version allows traders to conduct transactions and access various features on their mobile devices.

The trading platforms offered by Hirose-fx provide traders with the ability to view real-time rates, analyze charts, place different types of orders, manage positions, and access account information. Each platform has its own set of features and compatibility options to cater to traders' preferences and device capabilities.

Deposit & Withdrawal

There are three types of deposit options available with Hirose-fx: quick deposit, quick deposit at ATM, and transfer deposit. Payments can be made 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Quick deposits support approximately 380 lines and are free of charge, except for PayPay, Mizuho, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, which may charge a fee. Quick deposit at ATMs allows fee-free deposits and supports various banks, including Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, Mitsubishi UFJ, Mitsui Sumitomo, Resona, Saitama Resona, Aomori, Shonai, Gunma, Chiba, Yokohama, Kansai Mirai, Nanto, Hyakujushi, Fukuoka, Juhachi Shinwa, Towa, Keiyo, and Kumamoto. Some agricultural cooperatives and Shinren also support this option. There is also a general transfer deposit available for users.

Hirose-fx offers two types of withdrawals: real-time withdrawals and regular withdrawals. Real-time withdrawals allow for immediate reflection of funds and can be requested within specific timeframes. There are no commissions for real-time withdrawals, except for overseas remittances. Normal withdrawals have specific request and reflection times and are also commission-free, excluding overseas remittances. Withdrawals can be requested once a day, either for real-time withdrawals or regular withdrawals. However, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, withdrawals can only be made once every three days. It's important to note that real-time withdrawals cannot be canceled once the procedure is completed. Withdrawal requests require authentication with a PIN code set by the customer in advance.

Trading Tools

Hirose-fx offers several trading tools to assist users in their investment activities. These tools include:

1. Economic News: The platform provides real-time updates on economic bulletins. Users can stay informed about the latest economic developments that may impact their trading decisions.

2. FX Wave: This feature delivers 24-hour real-time investment information focused on foreign exchange. Users can access over 150 articles per day, providing insights and analysis to help them make informed trading choices.

3. Klug NEWS: Klug NEWS offers a continuous feed of Forex news, available 24 hours a day. Users can access more than 180 news deliveries daily, ensuring they stay updated on the latest developments in the Forex market.

4. Dow Jones: Hirose-fx translates and delivers news on various asset classes, providing users with information necessary for making investment decisions. Users can expect around 150 news articles per day, covering a range of relevant topics.

These trading tools aim to keep users informed about market trends, economic news, and relevant investment information, enabling them to make well-informed trading decisions.

Educational Resources

Hirose-fx offers a variety of educational resources to assist users in improving their trading knowledge and skills. One of their resources is the LION FX easy operation video seminar, which provides step-by-step guidance on using their trading platform. The seminar covers topics such as installing the app, navigating the transaction screen, understanding different order types, making payments, and managing orders.

Additionally, they offer the FX MARKET INFORMATION SEMINAR, which provides valuable insights into the market and strategies to enhance trading performance. The seminar includes various equations and formulas aimed at helping traders achieve success in their trades. They also offer a special equation designed specifically for winning trades.

Moreover, Hirose-fx provides resources on topics like quick deposit methods, changing currency pairs and order display, order preferences setup, chart analysis techniques, saving chart settings, using technical indicators and trend lines, and accessing execution history. They also cover features such as signal functions, measurement tools, and customizing the transaction screen.

Furthermore, Hirose-fx offers seminars on campaign product cooking, which may provide additional information or strategies related to specific trading promotions or offerings.

Trading Hours

- When US standard time applies, Hirose-fx operates from Monday 7:00 am to Saturday 6:30 am Japan time.

- When daylight saving time applies in Japan, the trading hours shift to Monday 6:30 am to Saturday 5:30 am Japan time.

During Rollover time, which is at 6:59 am Japan time (or 5:59 am when US daylight saving time is applied), certain activities occur. Communication will be temporarily cut off, and date closing work as well as maintenance will be performed. This process usually takes around 15 minutes, but it could extend up to 30 minutes. Additionally, a maintenance pop-up may appear, potentially affecting the ability to trade during this period.

Customer Support

Hirose-fx provides various channels for customer support. You can reach their customer support team via telephone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the representative number 06-6534-0708. Additionally, you can contact them through fax using the toll-free number 0120-34-0709 or the number 06-6534-0709. Visiting their head office or branches is also an option.

They offer an inquiry form on their website where you can submit your opinions, questions, or requests directly. They also provide a FAQ section where you can find answers to frequently asked questions.

For specific information on deposits, withdrawals, and changing registration information, they provide detailed information on their website. They have a complaint consultation desk for addressing any complaints, and you can contact them for information about the final tax return.

There is an opinion box where you can share your feedback and impressions about their website, trading system, and various services. They offer an operation manual for LION FX, and you can access information to better understand Forex, including country information and technical analysis.

You can contact their customer support team via phone using the toll-free number 0120-63-0727 or the direct dial number 06-6534-0708. They also provide an email address, info@hirose-fx.co.jp, for inquiries if you are unable to use the inquiry form on their website.

Conclusion

Hirose-FX is a forex trading platform that offers several advantages to traders. It provides a user-friendly interface with various tools and features to facilitate trading activities. Hirose-FX also offers a range of trading instruments, allowing users to diversify their portfolios. However, there are some disadvantages worth considering. The platform may lack in-depth educational resources and research materials, which could limit the learning opportunities for traders. Additionally, customer support may not always be readily available or responsive, potentially leading to delays in issue resolution. Traders should carefully assess these factors before deciding to engage with Hirose-FX.

FAQs

Q: Is Hirose-fx a regulated broker？

A: Yes, Hirose-fx is regulated by the Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan and holds a Retail Forex License.

Q: What is the address of Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx is located at MG Building, 1-3-19 Shimmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Q: What trading instruments does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers 51 currency pairs for trading, including major currency pairs like AUD/USD, EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, and more.

Q: What types of accounts does Hirose-fx offer？

A: Hirose-fx offers two types of accounts: FX accounts and LION CFD accounts. Overseas customers can only open FX accounts.

Q: How can I open an account with Hirose-fx？

A: To open an account with Hirose-fx, you need to visit their website and follow the account opening process, which involves providing necessary information and submitting verification documents.

Q: What order types are available on Hirose-fx？

A: Hirose-fx offers various order types, including Market Order, Limit Order, Stop Order, OCO order, Trail Order, and more, to meet different trading needs.

Q: Does Hirose-fx charge commissions on trades？

A: No, Hirose-fx does not charge any commissions on trades.