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)

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.