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)

Overview of BUX Markets

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated financial institution registered in the United Kingdom. It is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with license number 184333. The company has been regulated since December 2001, and its adherence to financial regulations is overseen by the FCA to ensure market integrity and investor protection. However, it is important to note that BUX Markets does not currently have a trading software available.

BUX Markets offers a diverse range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide two types of accounts: retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. The broker offers a demo account for practice trading and various educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos to support traders' learning.

The proprietary trading platform provided by BUX Markets is called “TradeHub®,” offering advanced indicators, charts, and one-click trading. The platform supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices. Customer support is available through phone and email during business hours, and there is a trading desk for trade-related inquiries.

Pros and Cons

BUX Markets, operated by BUX Financial Services Limited, is a regulated trading platform based in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. The company provides two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. BUX Markets has a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®” and offers educational resources such as webinars, guides, and videos. Customer support is available via phone and email during business hours, and a trading desk is available for trade-related inquiries. While BUX Markets is regulated and offers a diverse range of trading options, it's worth noting that its spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants.

Is BUX Markets Legit？

BUX Markets, operating under the licensed institution BUX Financial Services Limited, is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. The company holds a Market Making (MM) license with license number 184333. The regulatory oversight provided by the FCA ensures that BUX Markets adheres to financial regulations and standards.

Market Instruments

BUX Markets offers a variety of market instruments for trading.

Indices: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities for various indices, including the UK 100 Future, Wall Street Future, US 500 Future, US Tech 100 Future, Germany 30 Future, France 40 Future, and other European and Asian indices.

Currencies: Traders can access the foreign exchange market through BUX Markets. They offer currency pairs such as AUDCAD, AUDCHF, AUDJPY, AUDNZD, AUDUSD, CADCHF, CADJPY, CHFJPY, EURAUD, and other combinations.

Shares: BUX Markets allows trading of shares from different countries. They offer shares in various market segments like the UK Blue Chip, UK Mid Cap, US Large Cap, France Large Cap, Germany Large Cap, and many more.

ETFs: BUX Markets provides access to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track underlying indices or commodities. Some of the available ETFs include Powershares QQQ Nasdaq, SPDR DJIA Trust, SPDR Gold Trust, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, Vanguard MSCI Emerging Markets, iShares FTSE 100, and iShares Silver Trust.

Commodities: Traders can participate in commodity markets through BUX Markets. They offer futures contracts for metals like gold, silver, and platinum, as well as energy commodities like US Light Crude Oil and Brent Crude Oil. Additionally, there are futures contracts for soft commodities like Feed Wheat.

Interest Rates & Bonds: BUX Markets provides trading opportunities in interest rates and bonds. Traders can access products like 3-Month Short Sterling Future and Long Gilt Future in the United Kingdom, and Bund Future, Bobl Future, and Schatz Future in Germany.

Cryptocurrencies: BUX Markets also claims to offer trading options in cryptocurrencies.

Account Types

BUX Markets offers two types of accounts: one for retail traders and one for professional traders. The minimum deposit required to start trading is $100, which is in line with the standard in the industry. Additionally, BUX Markets provides demo trading accounts that allow users to practice trading online using virtual funds. These demo accounts serve as a way for traders to familiarize themselves with the trading platform and the services offered by the broker, while also allowing them to test their trading strategies in a risk-free environment.

In addition to the retail account, BUX Markets offers a premium service targeted towards traders who may qualify as Professional Clients. Professional Clients are exempt from certain product intervention measures introduced by ESMA. To be classified as a Professional Client, traders need to meet at least two out of the following three criteria: having executed significant leverage trades at an average frequency of 10 per quarter over the last 4 quarters, possessing a financial instrument portfolio (including cash deposits) exceeding €500,000, or having at least one year of professional experience in a financial sector position that requires knowledge of leveraged products.

How to Open an Account？

To open an account with BUX Markets, follow these steps:

1. Visit the BUX Markets website and locate the “Start trading now” button.

2. Click on the “Start trading now” button to initiate the account opening process.

3. Fill in the required personal information, including your personal details such as name, date of birth, and nationality.

4. Provide your contact details, such as your email address and phone number, which will be used for communication purposes.

5. Enter your postal address to ensure accurate correspondence.

6. Proceed to provide the necessary financial information as requested by BUX Markets.

7. Share your trading experience details to give the broker an understanding of your level of expertise.

8. Finally, provide the required account details to set up your trading account with BUX Markets.

Leverage

BUX Markets offers leverage for different instruments based on specific ratios. For major currency pairs, the leverage provided is set at 30:1. When it comes to minor or currency pairs, the leverage ratio is 20:1. Odd currency pairs have a leverage ratio of 10:1. For gold, silver, and platinum futures, the leverage is set at 20:1. US light crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 5:1, while Brent crude oil futures have a leverage ratio of 10:1. Lastly, UK, German, and other European bonds have a leverage ratio of 5:1. These leverage ratios determine the amount of exposure and risk that traders can take in their positions.

Spreads & Commissions

Nabtrade offers competitive spreads across various global markets, enhancing trading efficiency for investors. Key examples include:

• EUR/USD: Features a tight spread of 1.2 pips with a bid of 1.08796 and an ask of 1.08808.

• Gold: Trades with a spread of 2.0 points between the bid at 2,354.4 and the ask at 2,356.4.

• Germany 30 Rolling (24): Offers a minimal spread of 1.0 point, with a bid of 18,333.5 and an ask of 18,334.5.

These spreads reflect nabtrade's commitment to providing cost-effective trading options in forex, commodities, and indices.

Fees

Overall fees at BUX Markets are focused on keeping costs low to enhance performance. This includes minimizing spreads, rollover costs, and financing costs. Access to personalized customer service in London is provided free of charge, and there are no account charges.

Funding charges apply for overnight financing, typically at a rate of 0.0098% + ARR (0.0096% + ARR for GBP denominated assets). Long positions attract financing charges, while short positions may receive financial interest credited to the account. Cryptocurrencies may have significantly different financing charges, so it is advisable to review the specific details.

When futures are the reference market, BUX Markets charges only half of the bid offer for rollovers from one contract to the next. This means that the new position is only 50% of the standard spread for that market, reducing the cost for traders.

Inactivity fees are applicable if a trading account remains inactive for 180 days. After this period, an Inactivity Fee will be charged, and if the account continues to be inactive, the fee will recur in increments of £10 in subsequent periods of 30 calendar days. It's important to refer to the company's Terms and Conditions for more information, particularly regarding accounts held in currencies other than GBP.

Deposit & Withdrawal

Credit/Debit Card:

BUX Markets allows users to fund their trading account using both debit and credit cards. Deposits made through these payment methods are processed immediately. It is important to note that the name on the card must match the name on the trading account. Deposits made with credit/debit cards are generally free of charge, except for cards issued outside of the European Economic Area (EEA), which may incur a 1.75% transaction fee. However, BUX Markets only accepts card payments that are 3-D secure, which adds an extra layer of protection against online fraud. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that BUX Markets does not accept third-party payments to maintain compliance with its internal policies.

Bank Wire Transfer:

BUX Markets also accepts deposits through bank wire transfer in various currencies such as EUR, GBP, USD, SEK, DKK, SGD, and CHF. To initiate a bank transfer, the account holder's name should match the name on the BUX Markets account. It is advisable to include the account holder's name and trading account number as a reference to ensure smooth allocation of funds. For the first deposit in GBP via bank transfer, BUX Markets may require a copy of a bank statement or transaction receipt. Cash deposits are not accepted due to money laundering regulations. Similar to credit/debit card deposits, third-party payments are not allowed, and users should ensure they fund their account with their own funds. Bank transfers may take up to 5 working days to appear in the trading account.

Withdrawing Funds:

The process of withdrawing funds from a BUX Markets account is straightforward. If a withdrawal is requested using a credit or debit card, the funds are debited from the trading account upon receipt of the request. BUX Markets returns funds only to their original source. Withdrawal requests made after 12:30 (GMT) are processed on the following working day. The withdrawal process generally takes up to 5 working days to complete. While it is possible to withdraw funds via bank wire transfer, debit/credit cards are the preferred method, and cheque refunds are not available.

Payment Methods:

BUX Markets accepts various payment methods, including VISA, Maestro, Mastercard, bank wire transfer, and Klarna. There is a minimum deposit requirement of 100 GBP/EUR/USD for credit card deposits, while there is no minimum deposit requirement for bank wire transfers.

Trading Platforms

BUX Markets offers traders a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which differentiates itself from the popular MT4/MT5 platforms.

TradeHub® provides advanced indicators and charts for market analysis and allows for one-click trading directly from the charts. The platform's lifecycle costs are presented neutrally, including spreads, funding, and rollover costs.

Traders can opt for variable margin levels, ranging from low to 100%, to manage risk. Notional value trades allow users to input specific amounts for trades, providing options to adjust positions based on individual needs, strategies, or investment goals.

TradeHub® supports trading across multiple markets and is accessible on PCs, tablets, and mobile devices through the iOS and Android app. The platform offers a 24-hour dealing desk and emphasizes fast and accurate execution. Telephone trading is available without charge. Personal client service is based in London to provide support and assistance to traders.

Trading Tools

The trading tools offered by BUX Markets encompass various features to support traders in their activities. One of these tools is the TradeHub® charting package, which allows users to trade directly from the charts. The charts in TradeHub® provide persistent indicators that apply to the new instrument when it is changed, maintaining consistency. Traders have the option to customize technical indicators' parameters according to their preferences and strategies.

The TradeHub® charting package also includes pattern recognition capabilities, enabling users to identify market patterns and trends. The charts support bid, offer, and mid-prices for different timeframes and instruments. Users can choose from a variety of chart types and studies to analyze market data.

The charting package is compatible with mobile devices, allowing traders to access and monitor their trades. Simple filters are available to facilitate quick and accurate searches. The charts are browser-based, eliminating the need for additional software downloads.

Educational Resources

BUX Markets provides educational resources to help clients enhance their performance in CFD Trading and Spread Betting. These resources include webinars, guides, and videos, which are available to clients at no cost. These materials can simplify the learning process and provide insights into BUX Markets' products.

Additionally, customers have access to expert client services teams based in London. These teams can offer further assistance and support to clients.

The educational resources cover topics such as Spread Betting and CFDs, and include frequently asked questions (FAQs), a glossary of relevant terms, and useful dates related to trading activities. These resources are designed to provide clients with information and knowledge to make informed decisions in their trading endeavors.

Customer Support

BUX Markets provides customer support services during regular business hours from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 and 17:00 UK time. Clients can reach out to the service team through phone or email for assistance with their inquiries. The company aims to respond to customer queries as promptly as possible.

For trade-related inquiries, BUX Markets offers support through their trading desk. The trading desk's phone lines are open from 22:15 on Sunday until 22:15 on Friday, UK time. Clients can direct their trading-related questions to the trading desk via phone or email.

BUX Markets is headquartered in London, specifically at the following address: BUX Financial Services Limited, 3rd Floor, Canvas, 35 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4LH, United Kingdom. Clients can contact the company's London office through the provided phone number or email address for any support needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BUX Markets is a registered company, BUX Financial Services Limited, operating in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). With over 20 years of experience, BUX Markets offers a variety of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies. They provide a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®,” which offers advanced charting and one-click trading capabilities. BUX Markets offers two types of accounts, retail and professional, with a minimum deposit requirement of $100. They also provide a demo account for practice trading and offer customer support through phone and email during business hours. However, it should be noted that BUX Markets does not have a trading software available, and their spreads are not considered particularly competitive compared to other market participants.

Educational Resources

Webinars, trading manuals, a dictionary of words, frequently asked questions, and instructional videos are all available. It's awesome that you can get them at no cost from the site. This is great since it makes learning about internet trading accessible to complete novices. To put it another way, they want you to make well-informed trading decisions, and this is evidence of that. The benefits of the broker's products and how they can help you can be researched as well. CM Trading has an extensive library of learning resources available if you feel you need some additional guidance.

FAQs

Is BUX Markets a legitimate company？

Yes, BUX Markets is a legitimate company registered in the United Kingdom and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

What trading platforms does BUX Markets offer？

BUX Markets offers a proprietary trading platform called “TradeHub®”

What are the available account types at BUX Markets？

BUX Markets offers retail and professional accounts to cater to different types of traders.

What markets and instruments can I trade with BUX Markets？

BUX Markets offers a wide range of tradable assets, including indices, currencies, shares, ETFs, commodities, interest rates & bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with BUX Markets？

The minimum deposit requirement is $100.

What is the maximum leverage offered by BUX Markets？

The maximum leverage is set at 1:30 for most instruments.