IFC Markets Review 2024

Last updated Apr 15, 2024
Логотип IFC Markets
4.3/5
№17 in the brokers' listTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds
Nikolay Zavarov - Author
Nikolay Zavarov
Author
Andrey Bondarenko - Editor
Andrey Bondarenko
Editor

IFC Markets is a dynamically developing company that has been in the market for over a decade, offering a wide range of services for trading on the Forex market. But should you engage with this broker? Can it offer you the reliable tools and services necessary for successful trading? Our review will thoroughly analyze IFC Markets and determine if it is trustworthy for your investments.

First and foremost, we will assess their trading platforms, commission fees, and spreads. In addition, we will look closely at the level of customer service, regulatory environment, and measures for securing clients' funds. Our goal is to provide comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision about choosing a broker for your trading. Let's get started!

IFC Markets Broker Overview

Foundation Year2005
Official Websitehttps://www.ifcmarkets.com
Regulated in CountriesBritish Virgin Islands, MalaysiaMore Details
Minimum Deposit
  • 1 USD
  • 1 EUR
  • 100 JPY
Spreadfrom 0.4 points
Max Leverage1:400
Trading Assets
  • Forex
  • Stocks
  • ETF
  • Indices
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Precious Metals
  • Energy Carriers
  • Agricultural Commodities
Trading Platforms
  • NetTradeX
  • MetaTrader 4
  • MetaTrader 5
Email Support
  • rus@ifcmarkets.com
  • support@ifcmarkets.com
  • spa@ifcmarkets.com
  • vn@ifcmarkets.com
  • fr@ifcmarkets.com
  • far@ifcmarkets.com
  • ara@ifcmarkets.com
  • india@ifcmarkets.com
  • tur@ifcmarkets.com
  • chn@ifcmarkets.com
  • pt@ifcmarkets.com
  • jpn@ifcmarkets.com
Hotline Phones
Social Media

IFC Markets (IFCM) is part of the IFCM Group of companies, which, for over 15 years, have been developing and implementing innovative technologies in the financial sector. For this reason, traders have access to state-of-the-art trading terminals and instruments.

IFC Markets was established in 2006 in the British Virgin Islands. Its main line of business is dealing and organizing investment transactions, essentially providing services in the field of online trading in the Forex and CFD markets.

The broker's clients reside in 60 countries, with USA, Russia, and Japan residents not being serviced.

IFC Markets Review Summary

While compiling our review on IFCM Markets, we utilized our tried and tested methodology for evaluating brokers. This approach ensures the objectivity and transparency of our analysis, allowing us to assess and compare brokers based on several important categories.

We hope that our evaluations will assist you in making an informed decision when choosing a broker for your investment needs.

Continue reading the review to learn more about IFCM Markets and to determine if this broker meets your requirements and preferences.

Reliability and Regulation

Rating:4.2/5
Legal EntityRegulator

IFC Markets operates under the regulation of various financial authorities in multiple jurisdictions, including the British Virgin Islands (BVIFSC) and Malaysia (LFSA). This speaks to a high level of reliability, as regulation by respected bodies ensures the protection of traders' interests and requires the broker to adhere to strict operational standards.

Additionally, the broker is insured against professional liability risks with the international company AIG, increasing its reliability and providing additional client guarantees.

However, it is worth noting that regulators in different countries have varying levels of stringency and requirements. For instance, LFSA is known for its strict approach to regulation, while the regulator in the British Virgin Islands, though reliable, may be less stringent in its regulations.

Account Opening

Rating:5/5

The account opening process at IFC Markets appears to be relatively straightforward and user-friendly. Registration is easily accessible from the homepage and requires only basic information. After registering, the profile activation process is also fairly standard.

Registration

For quick registration, there is an application form on the IFC Markets homepage, which you can fill out to open an account immediately.

Registration on IFC Markets
Registration on IFC Markets

All data must be entered in Latin letters or numbers and are required fields.

To start trading, you need to go through several steps:

  • Create a profile.
  • Activate the profile.
  • Decide on a platform choice and trading environment.
  • Download the terminal.
  • Fund the account.

Login to the personal account can be performed from any website using the "Login" button. The login is your email address, and you create the password during registration.

IFC Markets Client Area
IFC Markets Client Area

Verification

To fully use all the Personal Cabinet features and perform specific operations for depositing or withdrawing funds from your account, IFC Markets may require you to go through a verification process.

The verification procedure involves confirming your identity and place of residence. Go to the "My Profile" - "Personal Information" section to start verification. There, you will find a form to fill out.

IFC Markets Verification
IFC Markets Verification

For identity confirmation, you must provide a copy (scan) of an identity document - a passport, driver's license, or any other document. The image of the document (front and back sides) must be visible.

Address verification is done by providing a scanned copy of a document (utility bill, bank statement, etc., issued within the last six months) confirming your current address, including street, house/apartment number.

Additionally, you must indicate the city of residence, postal code, and date of birth.

The form can be filled out and saved partially, so you can complete the procedure later if you don't have all the necessary information.

After completing the form, click "Save and Submit" to send the form for review and processing. You will receive an email confirmation of the authorization request.

The company's back office will review and process your request within 24 business hours (Monday to Friday). After processing the request, you will receive an email and a message in your Cabinet.

You can change the selected communication language, phone number, and residence address.

Minimum Deposit

The minimum deposit required by IFC Markets depends on the type of trading account you choose.

It is noted that for NetTradeX Beginner and MT4 and MT5 Micro accounts, there are no minimum deposit requirements. This makes them an excellent choice for novice traders or those who prefer to start with smaller investments.

However, for standard NetTradeX MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the minimum deposit amount is $1000 for USD accounts, €1000 for Euro accounts, and ¥100,000 for Japanese Yen accounts. These accounts are usually preferred by more experienced traders ready to invest more significant amounts for corresponding returns.

Account Types

Rating:4.3/5

IFC Markets offers an extensive list of trading accounts for different categories of traders and investors. However, the absence of STP and ECN accounts, which could be preferable for specific traders, should be noted.

Trading Accounts

For each terminal, IFCM provides several types of trading accounts.

NetTradeX Standard FixedNetTradeX Standard FloatingNetTradeX Beginner FixedNetTradeX Beginner FloatingMT4 Standard FixedMT4 Micro FixedMT5 Standard FloatingMT5 Micro Floating
Account CurrencyUSD, EUR, JPY, uBTCUSD, EUR, JPY
Minimum Deposit1 000 $1 000 1 $1 1 000 $1 000 1 $1 1 000 $1 000 1 $1
Trading PlatformsNetTradeXMetaTrader 4MetaTrader 5
Spreadfixedfrom 1.8 pipsfloatingfrom 0.4 pipsfor EURUSD~ 1.4 pipsfixedfrom 1.8 pipsfloatingfrom 0.4 pipsfor EURUSD~ 1.4 pipsfixedfrom 1.8 pipsfloatingfrom 0.4 pipsfor EURUSD~ 1.4 pips
Commission per Trade
Trading AssetsForexStocksETFIndicesCryptocurrencyPrecious MetalsEnergy CarriersAgricultural Commodities
Opened Positions
Leverage1:1-1:2001:1-1:4001:1-1:2001:1-1:4001:1-1:2001:1-1:400
Margin Call / Stop Out100% / 10%
Order ExecutionMM
Demo Account
Islamic Account
RegisterRegisterRegisterRegisterRegisterRegisterRegisterRegister

Any account can be opened in USD, EUR, or JPY. Micro and Beginner accounts allow trading in micro-lots and are suitable for newcomers who do not have significant funds or do not want to take big risks at the start.

For more "advanced" traders, Standard accounts are optimal in terms of conditions.

It should be considered that if a trader has opened a Micro or Beginner account and the balance reaches $5,000, €5,000, or ¥500,000 during trading, the account will be automatically blocked. In such cases, one must withdraw part of the funds or switch to a Standard account.

Therefore, the optimal deposit on Micro and Beginner accounts is $3,000.

Islamic Account

For traders practicing Islam, swap-free accounts are available, in which positions are automatically closed after two weeks.

To open an Islamic account, one must create a personal cabinet and then send a request for a swap-free account through it. It is not possible to revert to the regular type of account afterward.

VIP Status

Clients whose balance exceeds USD 50,000/EUR or JPY 5 million automatically receive VIP status. The benefits of such status include:

  • A personal account manager.
  • Individual, flexible conditions discussed with a personal manager.
  • Expert assistance when working with the GeWorko method.
  • Compensation for commission on deposits and withdrawals.
  • The provision of an advance of up to $10,000/€10,000 or ¥1 million, provided that there is a payment order for transfer.

Demo Account

The training account from IFCM offers the following advantages:

  • One can learn to trade on the exchange without risking losing money.
  • The demo account is not limited in use and has an unlimited deposit.
  • Testing the classic MetaTrader 4 terminal and the broker's proprietary development, NetTradeX is possible.
  • The demo account teaches market analysis through indicators and assistants.
  • It allows testing the effectiveness of a new strategy.
  • No capital investment is required to open a demo account; one must fill out a form or open it in the personal cabinet.

PAMM Accounts

PAMM accounts are an investment product that allows investors to entrust their funds to professional managing traders, called PAMM traders. Broker IFCM offers a PAMM investment service enabling clients to invest in PAMM accounts opened on the MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 platform.

Rating of PAMM accounts on IFC Markets
Rating of PAMM accounts on IFC Markets

IFCM allows its clients to choose from various PAMM accounts, each with its unique set of parameters, such as risk, profitability, the amount of minimum contribution, etc. Clients can choose PAMM accounts according to their personal investment goals and preferences.

IFCM PAMM account statistics
IFCM PAMM account statistics

In addition, IFCM broker also has the "Multi-PAMM" functionality, which allows clients to create portfolios of several PAMM accounts with different investment ratios in each.

Overall, PAMM accounts in IFC Markets are not very popular. For selection, traders only have access to about 12 accounts. This is very few, as other Forex brokers with PAMM accounts have thousands of accounts.

Commissions

Rating:3/5

One of the preferable features of working with IFC Markets is the absence of commissions for account inactivity or fund withdrawals. This simplifies working with the broker, especially for those just starting their trading activity. However, it's important to remember that payment systems may charge their fees, so checking with the payment service provider in advance is recommended.

Spreads and Swaps

IFC Markets offers its clients spreads that can be assessed as average compared to the offers of other brokers.

On the other hand, swaps at IFC Markets are relatively high and mostly negative, unlike other brokers where they can be positive. This can make long-term trading less profitable, so planning strategies should consider this factor.

Below is a table of average spreads and swaps for major currency pairs on MT5 Standard Floating account.

AssetAverage spreadSwap longSwap short
AUDUSD1.5 pips-4.61 pips0.44 pips
EURUSD1.4 pips-7.74 pips0.21 pips
GBPUSD2.6 pips-4.28 pips-2.81 pips
NZDUSD2.4 pips-2.02 pips-1.79 pips
USDCAD2.6 pips-2.83 pips-6.53 pips
USDCHF1.7 pips3.52 pips-15.50 pips
USDJPY1.7 pips4.09 pips-31.27 pips

These values reflect the brokerage's competitiveness in terms of costs. However, traders should also consider swap rates when holding positions overnight, as these can impact profitability, particularly for long-term trades.

Deposit and Withdrawal

Rating:4.5/5

IFC Markets offers a wide selection of methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, allowing clients to choose the most convenient option for themselves.

A significant advantage is that the broker does not charge its commission for deposits or withdrawals, although the payment systems may charge fees.

The processing time for a withdrawal request is up to two business days, which is standard practice in the market.

Methods of Depositing Funds

Payment SystemCurrenciesDeposit FeeOperation Limit
AdvCashAdvCash
USDEUR
0%
from 1 to 5000 USDfrom 1 to 5000 EUR
WebMoneyWebMoney
USD
20%
from 1 USD
Perfect MoneyPerfect Money
USDEUR
0.5%
from 1 to 5000 USDfrom 1 to 5000 EUR
Bank TransferBank Transfer
USDEUR
0%
from 100 USDfrom 100 EUR
VisaVisa
USDEURJPY
0%
from 100 to 5000 USDfrom 100 to 5000 EURfrom 10000 to 500000 JPY
MastercardMastercard
USDEURJPY
0%
from 100 to 5000 USDfrom 100 to 5000 EURfrom 10000 to 500000 JPY
CryptocurrencyBlockchainDeposit FeeOperation Limit
Логотип BitcoinBTC (Bitcoin)BTC
0%
from 100 USD
Логотип EthereumETH (Ethereum)ERC20
0%
from 100 USD
Логотип TetherUSDT (Tether)TRC20
0%
from 100 USD

IFCM provides the ability to fund accounts through the most popular payment systems, each differing in the minimum deposit amount, commission size, and crediting period.

Methods of Withdrawing Funds

Payment SystemCurrenciesWithdrawal FeeOperation Limit
AdvCashAdvCash
USDEUR
0.5%
WebMoneyWebMoney
USD
0.8%
Perfect MoneyPerfect Money
USDEUR
0.5%
Bank TransferBank Transfer
GBP
0%+ 20 GBP
VisaVisa
USD
0%
MastercardMastercard
USD
0%
CryptocurrencyBlockchainWithdrawal FeeOperation Limit
Логотип BitcoinBTC (Bitcoin)BTC
0%+ 0.0004 BTC
Логотип EthereumETH (Ethereum)ERC20
0%+ 0.004 ETH
Логотип TetherUSDT (Tether)TRC20
0%

Funds can be withdrawn using the same method used for deposit. The money will be sent to a personal bank account if this is impossible. This ensures security and money laundering prevention, as it ties the withdrawal process to the source of funds.

Markets and Products

Rating:5/5

IFCM offers over 500 financial instruments.

BrokerIC MarketsIFC MarketsPepperstone
Forex615397
Precious Metals7720
Energy Carriers544
Agricultural Commodities81616
Indices251226
Stocks2175461986
ETF384108
Bonds10
Cryptocurrency211430

Leverage

Leverage varies for different types of instruments.

Trading InstrumentMax. Leverage for Retail Traders
Forex
1:400
Precious Metals
1:400
Energy Carriers
1:400
Agricultural Commodities
1:400
Indices
1:100
Stocks
1:20
ETF
1:10
Cryptocurrency
1:10

This leverage setup allows traders to amplify their trading position beyond their initial investment, which can increase both potential profits and potential losses. Traders must use leverage cautiously, considering the risks involved in leveraged trading.

Trading Platforms

Rating:5/5

IFCM offers three trading platforms that can be used individually or in combination:

  1. NetTradeX: IFCM's proprietary development;
  2. MetaTrader 4 (MT4);
  3. MetaTrader 5 (MT5).

MetaTrader 4 and 5

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are two of the most popular trading platforms available today, providing traders with all the necessary tools for successful trading.

  • MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is an efficient, intuitive, and reliable platform widely used by traders worldwide. MT4 provides access to all the major financial markets and instruments and offers various features such as real-time charts, technical analysis, and the use of Expert Advisors (EAs).

  • MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is an enhanced version of MT4, offering even more features for advanced traders. MT5 provides additional charts, more indicators, an improved terminal for strategy testing, and the ability to trade on multiple markets, including currencies, stocks, and commodities.

Both platforms have a user-friendly interface that can be customized to meet individual trader needs. MT4 and MT5 are available for desktop and mobile devices or as a web version, allowing traders to operate anytime and anywhere.

MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 5

NetTradeX

NetTradeX has several features not available in MT4 and MT5:

  • It allows trading with arbitrary volumes in any base currency.
  • When making a deal, balance and locked trading, with the choice of trading type.
  • The ability to create Personal Composite Instruments (PCI).
  • It enables the display of the dynamics of a trading instrument in percentage terms in a single chart.
  • Placing complex orders such as "one cancels the other" or activating pending orders.
  • Locking the setting of signals under various conditions.
  • One-click trading.
  • A trailing stop mode that works even when the client's computer is turned off.
  • Additional features in this terminal include the ability to work on multiple monitors and to drag windows across screens.
IFC Markets NetTradeX
IFC Markets NetTradeX

Analytics

Rating:4.5/5

The broker IFC Markets provides a comprehensive set of analytical tools. Yet, the absence of automated economic and financial news and analysis tools, such as Autochartist, could be a shortcoming for some traders.

Available Analytical Materials

In the "Analytics" section, traders have access to a vast arsenal of analytical tools:

  • Real-Time Quotes: Current online rates for all types of assets traded on the broker's platform.
  • Economic Calendar: Lists upcoming economic events and financial market indicators.
  • Calculators: Tools for profit/loss, margin calculation, and a currency converter to help plan and execute trades.
  • Daily Reviews and Market Forecasts: Analysts provide insights and predictions on market movements.
  • Weekly Market Sentiments: Summaries of market trends and trader sentiments for the week.
  • Technical Analysis: Charts and technical indicators provide insights into market trends and potential trading opportunities.
  • Weekly Video Reviews: Visual and audio summaries of the week's market events and trends.

The trading schedule can be found in the "Trading" section. Company news is posted in the "About Us" section, but economic and financial updates may need to be sought out independently by the traders. This means traders relying heavily on up-to-the-minute news and automated analytical tools may need additional sources alongside IFC Markets' offerings.

IFC Markets Technical Analysis
IFC Markets Technical Analysis

Education

Rating:5/5

A deep dive into educational materials, including articles, books, video tutorials, and the interactive learning center, ensures high-quality and diverse education for traders of all levels.

The IFCM website features an entire section with educational articles on trading in the Forex and CFD markets, abundant technical and fundamental analysis information, and a series of articles on the psychology of trading. Additionally, books on trading can be downloaded, and video tutorials are available for viewing.

You can learn to read charts and work with various trading platforms at the IFCM interactive education center.

IFCM Trading Academy
IFCM Trading Academy

Customer Support

Rating:4.5/5

IFC Markets' technical support is known for its wide range of communication channels, prompt response, and knowledgeable staff.

Support Working Hours

Technical support is available Monday to Friday, from 6:00 to 19:00 Central European Time (CET).

How to Contact Support?

Customers can reach support through live chat, Skype, Telegram, WhatsApp, or request a callback. For residents of the United Kingdom, a phone number is available at +442039661649. Additionally, contact can be made via email at support@ifcmarkets.com.

IFC Markets Pros and Cons

Advantages of IFC Markets

  1. Instruments: The broker offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, stocks, indices, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies.
  2. Platforms: IFC Markets provides access to popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and its proprietary platform NetTradeX.
  3. Educational Materials: The company offers educational materials for traders of all experience levels, including videos, articles, webinars, and analytical resources.
  4. Customization: Tools for creating Personal Composite Instruments (PCI) are available on IFC Markets, allowing users to develop their trading instruments based on multiple assets.
  5. Multilingual Support: The broker offers support in various languages, which can be beneficial for clients from around the world.

Disadvantages of IFC Markets

  1. Country Restrictions: IFC Markets does not accept clients from Russia, the USA, Japan, and other countries with strict regulatory requirements.
  2. No ECN Accounts: IFC Markets does not offer trading on the ECN market, which could disadvantage experienced traders who prefer trading with direct market access.

Conclusion

IFC Markets is a reliable and licensed broker, offering a broad spectrum of trading instruments and platforms for investors of various experience levels. With multilingual support and extensive educational resources, the company aims to provide its clients with a comfortable and efficient trading environment.

IFC Markets could be a suitable choice for investors seeking a variety of trading instruments and platforms.

Visit IFC MarketsTrading CFDs carries high risks. You may lose all invested funds
Nikolay Zavarov - AuthorNikolay ZavarovAuthor

Nikolay is an experienced specialist in financial markets and co-founder of IamForexTrader. He has been successfully trading Forex since 2014 and has been actively involved in the cryptocurrency market since 2017.

He develops investment strategies adaptable to any level of experience and has been actively investing in stocks, bonds and ETFs since 2018.

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