Risk Warning

Online trading involves significant risk, and you may lose all of your invested capital. It is not suitable for all traders or investors. Please ensure that you understand the risks involved and note that the information contained in this article is for general information purposes only.

General Information

What is IFC Markets？

IFC Markets is an international online broker that provides a wide range of financial instruments and trading services to clients worldwide. The company offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, and cryptocurrencies through multiple trading platforms, including NetTradeX, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. However, IFC Markets operates as an unregulated broker, and traders should exercise caution and conduct thorough research before engaging in any trading activities.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

IFC Markets offers a wide range of trading instruments, multiple trading platforms, and educational resources, providing traders with flexibility and opportunities for learning. The availability of various deposit and withdrawal methods, as well as 24/7 customer support, adds convenience for traders.

However, the lack of regulation raises concerns about investor protection and the reported instances of scams and withdrawal issues highlight potential risks. The limited information on spreads and commissions may also make it difficult for traders to assess trading costs accurately.

Please note that the information provided is based on the available data and may not reflect the complete picture of the pros and cons of IFC Markets. It's always recommended to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when choosing a broker for trading activities.

IFC Markets Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to IFC Markets depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

• Trading 212 - for traders seeking a user-friendly platform with a wide range of tradable instruments and a commission-free trading model.

• TrioMarkets - for experienced traders looking for competitive spreads, multiple account types, and access to various trading platforms.

• XGLOBAL Markets - for traders who prioritize competitive pricing, fast execution, and a diverse range of financial instruments for trading.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is IFC Markets Safe or Scam？

IFC Markets is a forex and CFD broker that holds licenses from various regulatory authorities, including CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission), FSC (British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission), and LFSA (Labuan Financial Services Authority). However, the CySEC license is exceeded, the FSC license is from an offshore jurisdiction, and the LFSA license is a suspicious clone.

It's important to note that having multiple licenses does not necessarily guarantee the safety or legitimacy of a broker. Traders should exercise caution when dealing with brokers that have offshore licenses or licenses from less reputable jurisdictions. It's recommended to conduct thorough research, consider the broker's reputation, and carefully assess the risks before engaging in any trading activities.

Market Instruments

IFC Markets provides a wide range of trading instruments to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. Traders can access over 650 instruments, including currency pairs, precious metals like gold and silver, continuous index CFDs, stock CFDs, and cryptocurrency CFDs.

Currency pairs offer opportunities to trade major, minor, and exotic pairs, allowing traders to participate in the global forex market. Precious metals provide an alternative investment option and a hedge against inflation. Continuous index CFDs enable traders to speculate on the performance of popular stock indices, while stock CFDs allow for trading on the price movements of individual company shares. Additionally, the inclusion of cryptocurrency CFDs allows traders to gain exposure to the volatile and rapidly evolving digital asset market.

Accounts

To meet different types of investors' investment needs and trading experience, IFC Markets offers two live account types. The Beginner account is designed for novice traders and requires a minimum deposit of 1 USD, 1 EUR, or 100 JPY. This account type provides access to a range of trading instruments and features, allowing beginners to start their trading journey with a smaller initial investment.

The Standard account, on the other hand, is suitable for more experienced traders and requires a minimum deposit of 1000 USD, 1000 EUR, or 100,000 JPY. It offers additional benefits and features, including access to more trading instruments, tighter spreads, and personalized customer support.

In addition to live accounts, IFC Markets also offers demo accounts for practice and testing strategies, as well as Islamic Accounts/SWAP-free accounts for clients who adhere to Islamic finance principles. These account options provide flexibility and cater to the diverse needs of traders at different skill levels.

Leverage

IFC Markets provides its clients with leverage options of up to 1:400. Leverage allows traders to control larger positions in the market with a smaller amount of capital. With a leverage ratio of 1:400, traders can amplify their potential profits or losses by 400 times. While leverage can enhance trading opportunities, it is important to note that it also carries higher risks. Higher leverage increases the potential for both gains and losses, and traders should exercise caution and employ risk management strategies when utilizing leverage.

IFC Markets' offering of high leverage provides traders with the flexibility to adjust their trading strategies and access a larger market exposure, but it is crucial for traders to have a thorough understanding of leverage and its implications before engaging in leveraged trading activities.

Spreads & Commissions

IFC Markets offers competitive spreads to its clients. Traders have the option to choose between fixed spreads and floating spreads. The fixed spreads start from 1.8 pips, providing traders with a clear and consistent cost of trading. On the other hand, the floating spreads start from as low as 0.4 pips, allowing traders to potentially benefit from tighter spreads during periods of market volatility or when liquidity is high.

One advantage of trading with IFC Markets is that they do not charge any hidden commissions on trades. This means that traders can have greater transparency and clarity regarding their trading costs. By offering competitive spreads and transparent fee structures, IFC Markets aims to provide traders with a cost-effective trading environment.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Please note that spreads and commissions can vary depending on market conditions, account type, and trading platform. It is always advisable to check with the broker directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding spreads and commissions.

Trading Platforms

IFC Markets offers traders NetTradeX, the market-leading MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. Both MT4 and MT5 are the most popular forex trading platforms on the market, and both support iOS, Android, and tablet versions, allowing traders to trade flexibly. NetTradeX is IFC Markets' proprietary trading platform, offering a user-friendly interface and a range of advanced trading tools. It is designed to cater to the needs of both beginner and experienced traders.

MT4 and MT5, on the other hand, are popular and widely used platforms in the industry. They offer comprehensive charting capabilities, advanced order management tools, and a wide range of technical indicators and expert advisors for automated trading.

The availability of multiple platforms allows traders to choose the one that best suits their trading preferences and strategies.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Please note that this information is subject to change, and it's always recommended to verify the availability of specific trading platforms with the respective brokers directly.

Deposits & Withdrawals

IFC Markets offers a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal options to cater to the needs of its clients. Traders can choose from various methods such as International Bank Transfer, bank cards (Visa/MasterCard), Pasargad Novin, Cryptocurrencies, TopChange, Perfect Money, Boleto, Bitwallet, WebMoney, ADVCash, and Fasapay.

IFC Markets minimum deposit vs other brokers

The minimum deposit and withdrawal amounts, fees, and processing times may vary depending on the chosen method. It is recommended to refer to the provided screenshots or consult the IFC Markets website for detailed information on each payment option.

Customer Service

IFC Markets is committed to providing comprehensive customer support to assist its clients. With 24/7 availability, traders can reach out to the support team through various channels, including 19 languages live chat, phone, email, Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, or by requesting a callback. This wide range of communication options ensures that clients can choose the method that is most convenient for them.

Additionally, IFC Markets maintains an active presence on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, allowing clients to stay updated on the latest news and developments. Furthermore, an FAQ section is available on the website, providing answers to frequently asked questions and assisting traders in finding quick solutions to common queries.

Overall, IFC Markets' customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Education

IFC Markets places great emphasis on providing educational resources to support traders of all skill levels. Their educational offerings include a variety of materials designed to enhance traders' knowledge and skills. Video tutorials are available, offering step-by-step guidance on various trading topics. Additionally, Forex and CFD trading books provide in-depth information and insights into market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management.

Traders can also benefit from the Trader's Glossary, which contains a comprehensive list of terms and definitions commonly used in the financial markets. For those who seek a more structured learning experience, the IFCM Trading Academy offers courses tailored to different levels of expertise, including beginner, intermediate, and expert.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some reports of scams and unable to withdraw. Traders are encouraged to carefully review the available information and consider the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IFC Markets offers a diverse range of trading instruments, multiple trading platforms, and educational resources, providing traders with opportunities for growth and flexibility. The availability of various deposit and withdrawal methods, along with responsive customer support, adds convenience to the trading experience.

However, the lack of regulatory licenses and reports of scams and withdrawal issues raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the broker. Traders should carefully evaluate the risks associated with trading on an unregulated platform and consider alternative options with stronger regulatory oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

ATFX Information

ATFX is a global online forex and CFD broker established in 2014, offering trading on various markets including forex, precious metals, crude oil, and indices. The broker also offers several account types, including the Standard Account, Edge Account, and Premium Account, targeting different trading groups, with $100 to start. Besides, the demo account is also provided. Regarding trading platform offerings, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) supported and its proprietary trading app - ATFX Mobile Trading App are offered.

Pros & Cons

On the positive side, ATFX is a well-regulated broker and offers negative balance protection to protect security of clients' funds. It also offers various trading instruments with competitive spreads via the industry-leading MT4 platform. You can also test their trading conditions via risk-free demo accounts.

On the downside, ATFX has limited options for deposit and withdrawal methods, as it only accepts payments via bank transfers and credit/debit cards. Another disadvantage is that ATFX does not offer social trading or copy trading features, which may be important to some traders. Finally, ATFX has limited research and analysis tools compared to other brokers, which may be a concern for more advanced traders.

Is ATFX Legit?

ATFX is a thoroughly regulated broker, boasting four licenses from esteemed global financial regulatory bodies.

These include a Market Making (MM) license (No. 418036) from the Australia Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC), an Institution Forex License (No. 760555) from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, an STP license (No. 285/15) from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and a general registered Investment Advisory License (No. 20200000078) from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) in the United Arab Emirates.

These multiple layers of regulation demonstrate ATFX's commitment to adhering to high financial standards, transparency, and the protection of investor interests.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	AT GLOBAL MARKETS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD	Market Making (MM)	418036
	SFC	AT Global Financial Services (HK) Limited	Leveraged foreign exchange trading	BUM667
	FCA	AT Global Markets (UK) Limited	Institution Forex License	760555
	CYSEC	ATFX Global Markets (Cy) Limited	Straight Through Processing (STP)	285/15
	SCA	Investment Advisory License	Investment Advisory License	20200000078

Market Intruments

ATFX supports trading on forex, precious metals, crude oil, and indices. However, in contrast to other brokers, ATFX does not enable shares, cryptocurrencies, ETFs, futures or options trading, and their product choices are somewhat limited.

Account Types

ATFX understands that every trader has their own trading style, preferences, and needs, and that's why it offers flexible trading account options. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, there is an account type that is suitable for you.

The Standard Account is a basic account type that is suitable for beginner traders who are just starting in the forex market. It requires a minimum deposit of $100.

The Edge Account is a more advanced account type that is suitable for traders who have some experience in the forex market. It requires a minimum deposit of $5,000.

The Premium Account is the most advanced account type offered by ATFX, designed for professional traders who require advanced trading features and tools. It requires a minimum deposit of $10,000. This account type offers free VPS hosting, market analysis, a personal account manager, and access to exclusive trading tools, such as Autochartist and Trading Central.

Demo Trading

ATFX offers demo trading accounts to its clients, allowing them to practice and familiarize themselves with the trading platform and strategies before committing real funds. Demo accounts are available for all account types, including Standard, Edge, and Premium accounts. These accounts simulate real market conditions, providing traders with the opportunity to test their trading skills and strategies without any financial risks.

The demo accounts are also an excellent tool for beginners who are new to trading as it enables them to learn the basics of trading without the fear of losing money. The demo accounts offer the same features as live accounts, including access to all trading instruments and educational resources, enabling traders to experience the real trading environment.

ATFX's demo accounts have no time limit, giving traders ample time to perfect their trading strategies and techniques. Moreover, traders can switch between the demo and live accounts anytime they want.

Leverage

ATFX offers varying levels of leverage depending on the type of trading account and financial instrument.

For forex trading, the maximum leverage available for retail clients is typically 30:1 for major currency pairs and 20:1 for minor and exotic currency pairs. Professional clients may have access to higher leverage, up to a maximum of 400:1, depending on their trading experience and other criteria.

Notably, while leverage can amplify potential profits, it also magnifies potential losses, so it's crucial to use leverage responsibly and only trade with funds you can afford to lose. Additionally, different regulations may apply in different regions and countries, which could impact the maximum leverage available to traders.

Spreads & Commissions (Trading Fees)

ATFX offers competitive spreads and commissions on its trading accounts, which vary depending on the type of account and trading instrument.

For forex trading, ATFX offers both fixed and variable spreads, depending on the account type. The spreads for major currency pairs on the standard account start from 1.0 pip, while the spreads on the Edge account start from 0.0 pips but come with a commission of $7 per lot traded.

Non-Trading Fees

Aside from trading fees, ATFX also charges non-trading fees that traders should be aware of, including:

• Inactivity Fee: ATFX charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter for accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days. This fee may be waived for active traders or in certain circumstances.
• Conversion Fee: If you deposit or withdraw funds in a currency different from your account's base currency, ATFX may charge a conversion fee to cover the costs of currency conversion.
• Overnight Financing Charges: If you hold a position overnight, ATFX may charge or credit you with an overnight financing charge, also known as a swap fee. This fee is based on the interest rate differential between the two currencies being traded and is typically charged at a fixed percentage of the position value.
• Deposit/Withdrawal Fee: While ATFX does not charge any deposit/withdrawal fees, third-party payment providers may charge a fee for their services.

Trading Platform

ATFX currently provides the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform for its traders, which is a widely used platform among forex traders. It offers advanced charting tools, technical analysis indicators, and automated trading options through Expert Advisors (EAs).

While some traders may prefer other trading platforms, the MT4 platform is a robust and reliable option with a large community of users and third-party developers creating and sharing custom indicators and EAs.

In addition to the MT4 platform, ATFX also provides the Mobile Trading App, allowing traders to trade on the go.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Minimum Deposit

ATFX's minimum deposit requirement of $100 makes it an accessible option for traders who are just starting out or those who prefer to trade in smaller amounts. The following payment methods are available for deposits:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted. The processing time for deposits made via credit/debit cards is instant, and there are no fees charged by ATFX.
• Bank Wire Transfer: Deposits can be made via bank wire transfer. The processing time for this method varies, and it may take 2-5 business days to reflect in the trader's account. ATFX does not charge fees for deposits made through bank wire transfer, but traders should check with their bank for any charges that may apply.
• Online Payment Methods: ATFX also supports online payment methods such as Skrill, Neteller, and Trustly. Deposits made using these methods are typically processed instantly. ATFX does not charge fees for deposits made through online payment methods, but third-party payment providers may charge a fee for their services.

Withdrawal

How to withdraw money from my trading account?

1. Log in to the secure Client Portal section of our homepage, then click “Withdrawal”.
2. This broker will always return funds to the original source they were deposited. For example, if a deposit is made by credit card, funds will be returned to the same credit card. The return can be done through bank transfer, credit/debit card or e-wallet transfers.
3. If you are withdrawing profit, this broker may ask you for bank account details to send funds directly to your account.

Please note: Your bank account must be fully verified before submitting a withdrawal request.

The time it takes for funds to return to a trader's bank account will depend on the withdrawal method used.

For bank transfers, once the funds have been removed from the trading account, it will take 3-5 business days before they arrive in the trader's bank account. The actual time required for processing may vary, and traders should refer to their bank for more information.

If using an e-wallet, funds will typically be returned to the trader's e-wallet within 2 business days.

For refunds to credit/debit cards, the process typically takes 2-5 business days after the withdrawal has been successfully processed. However, if there are restrictions preventing funds from being returned to the card, ATFX may request a valid bank statement and return the funds to the trader's registered bank account. In such cases, the trader will be contacted by their relationship manager.

All withdrawal requests received before 2 pm (UK time) on a business day will be processed on the same day. Requests received after this time will be processed on the next available business day.

Customer Support

ATFX customer support can be connected through the following channels:

• Live chat, contact form
• Phone: +357 25 258 774, the phone lines are open during Mon – Fri 08:00 – 18:00 GMT+2*, and *GMT+3 during Daylight Saving Time.
• Email: info@atfxgm.eu
• Headquarters: Maryvonne Building, 159 Leontiou A Street, Office 204, 3022, Limassol, Cyprus

Educational Resources

ATFX offers rich and solid educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge.

One of the primary educational resources available through ATFX is their comprehensive online trading academy. This academy provides traders with a variety of resources, including webinars, videos, articles, and e-books, all designed to help traders learn the fundamentals of trading and improve their strategies. The academy covers a range of topics, from basic concepts such as market analysis and risk management to more advanced topics like trading psychology and algorithmic trading.

ATFX also provides traders with access to a variety of market analysis tools and resources. These include daily market analysis reports, economic calendars, and real-time news feeds, all of which can help traders stay informed about the latest market trends and make more informed trading decisions.

FAQs

Is ATFX a regulated broker?

Yes. It is regulated by ASIC, SFC, FCA, CYSEC, and SCA (general registration).

What is the minimum deposit requirement for ATFX?

$100 is required to start real trading.

What trading platforms does ATFX offer?

ATFX offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform for desktop, web, and mobile devices.

Does ATFX offer demo accounts?

Yes.

Is ATFX suitable for beginner traders?

Yes. ATFX offers a range of educational resources, including an online trading academy and tailored courses, to help beginner traders develop their knowledge and skills.