Focus Markets vs IC Markets Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Focus Markets and IC Markets. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Focus Markets or IC Markets?
Our pick: IC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - IC Markets looks preferable to Focus Markets.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is Focus Markets suitable for?
Focus Markets is suitable for experienced Forex/CFD traders who trade via MT5 and independently use external analytics.
Who is IC Markets suitable for?
IC Markets is suitable for traders looking for low spreads and ECN accounts and the ability to scalp and use expert advisors.
Comparison Table of Focus Markets and IC Markets
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review | Focus Markets Review | IC Markets Review |
Focus Markets Review
Focus Markets is a broker aimed primarily at independent Forex and CFD traders who value access to popular markets, the familiar MetaTrader 5 platform, and a clear trading account structure. It is not the most versatile option for beginners who need strong education, regular analytics, and a wide selection of services within the broker’s ecosystem.
Focus Markets is best suited to experienced traders who already use external analytics sources, make trading decisions independently, and are looking for a broker for active CFD trading. For beginner clients, the broker may be less convenient due to its weak educational base and limited support in making trading decisions.
Pros and Cons of Focus Markets
Pros
- More than 700 CFD instruments are available, including Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
- MetaTrader 5 is supported with WebTrader, mobile versions, Expert Advisors, and one-click trading.
- The broker does not charge internal fees for deposits and withdrawals.
- Various deposit methods are available: cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets.
Cons
- Limited selection of trading accounts.
- No MetaTrader 4, cTrader, or proprietary trading platform.
- Weak analytics: no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party analytical services.
- No educational materials for beginners.
IC Markets Review
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
IC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2019 | 2007 |
| Regulated in Countries | Mauritius, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya |
| Regulators |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets combines a regulated Australian division with international structures in Mauritius and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Client protection depends on the legal entity.
Pros
- There is a division supervised by ASIC.
- The group’s international structure is disclosed.
Cons
- No compensation fund.
- No information about additional funds insurance.
IC Markets
IC Markets operates under the regulation of several jurisdictions, including ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, and SFSA in the Seychelles, indicating a high degree of regulation.
Account Opening
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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Focus Markets
Opening an account with Focus Markets is convenient and fairly fast: registration is completed online, the questionnaire is clear, and document verification usually takes up to 24 business hours.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- Clear 3-step questionnaire.
- Wide selection of account base currencies.
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification is required.
- Additional documents may be requested.
- No instant activation of a live account.
IC Markets
The account opening process at IC Markets is well-thought-out, transparent, and detailed, ensuring convenience and ease for clients. However, the high minimum deposit may deter many beginners.
Account Types
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ account lineup covers traders’ basic needs, but remains limited: only Standard and Raw are available, with no cent, Islamic, or fixed-spread account.
Pros
- Standard and Raw accounts are available.
- 30-day demo account.
- Trader copy trading is available.
Cons
- No cent account.
- No Islamic account.
- No fixed-spread account.
IC Markets
IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.
Pros
- ECN accounts
- Ability to copy trades
- Access to VPS
Cons
- No cent accounts
- No fixed spread accounts
Commissions
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 0.62 |
| Commission per Lot | $3.5 | $3.5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ fees are average: spreads and swaps on Standard are typical for the market, the Raw commission is $3.5 per lot per side, and withdrawals are free of broker fees.
Pros
- No withdrawal fee from the broker.
Cons
- An account inactivity fee may apply.
IC Markets
IC Markets has low commissions. Fees for transactions on ECN accounts and spreads are acceptable to most traders, and the absence of charges for deposits/withdrawals and account inactivity is a significant advantage.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Focus Markets
Deposits and withdrawals at Focus Markets are convenient: many methods are available, there are no internal fees, and withdrawal times are usually 1–3 business days.
Pros
- Cards, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and e-wallets are available.
- No internal broker fees.
- Most deposits are processed quickly.
Cons
- Withdrawals are reviewed by the finance department.
- Fees from banks and providers may apply.
IC Markets
IC Markets offers multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, but possible fees from banks and payment systems should be considered, along with some restrictions on withdrawal methods.
Markets and Products
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 50 | 61 |
| Precious Metals | 5 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 3 | 5 |
| Indices | 8 | 25 |
| Stocks | 500 | 2175 |
| Cryptocurrency | 140 | 21 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 8 |
| ETF | - | 38 |
| Bonds | - | 10 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers a wide selection of CFD instruments: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- More than 700 instruments.
- Leverage up to 1:500.
Cons
- No real stocks or ETFs.
- No soft commodities.
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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Focus Markets
Focus Markets offers the reliable and functional MT5 platform, but the selection is limited: there is no MT4, cTrader, or proprietary broker platform.
Pros
- MetaTrader 5 is available.
- WebTrader and mobile versions are available.
Cons
- No MetaTrader 4.
- No cTrader.
- No proprietary platform.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Analytics
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Focus Markets
Focus Markets’ analytics are weak: there are no regular market reviews, trading ideas, signals, or third-party services such as Trading Central or Autochartist.
Cons
- No market reviews.
- No trading signals.
- No analytics from third-party providers.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides its clients with an extensive set of analytical tools and materials, which can assist them in successful trading in the financial markets.
Education
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2/5 | 5/5 |
Focus Markets
Education at Focus Markets is poorly developed: instead of a full knowledge base, the broker offers only an FAQ, with no courses, webinars, video lessons, or market analysis materials.
Pros
- There is an FAQ on key questions.
Cons
- No educational courses.
- No webinars or video lessons.
- No materials on strategies or market analysis.
IC Markets
IC Markets offers a wide range of educational resources, from interactive video lessons to webinars and podcasts, demonstrating care for their clients and a commitment to providing all the necessary resources for successful trading.
Customer Support
| Broker | Focus Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Email Support |
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| Hotline Phones | — |
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| Social Media | — |
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedInFocus Markets
Focus Markets’ technical support is basic: online chat, email, and an FAQ are available, with a 24/5 schedule, but there are few contact channels and limited public feedback on service quality.
Pros
- Online chat is available on the website.
- Support operates 24/5.
Cons
- No clearly specified social networks or messengers.
- Limited number of public reviews.
IC Markets
IC Markets provides a variety of communication channels, ensuring support service accessibility for clients. Numerous client reviews indicate the support team's quick response and high professionalism.
Pros
- Positive reviews about professional support
- Multiple channels for support communication
- Support is available 24/7
Cons
- Only international call option is available
Comparisons of Focus Markets and IC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while Focus Markets trails on aggregate criteria.
IC Markets scored 4.7/5 and ranks 4 in our rating; Focus Markets has 3.8/5 and ranks 60.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Focus Markets or IC Markets?
IC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.7/5, position 4) versus Focus Markets (score 3.8/5, position 60).
Which broker is better for beginners: Focus Markets or IC Markets?
IC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Focus Markets or IC Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Focus Markets and IC Markets?
Focus Markets: MetaTrader 5. IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Focus Markets and IC Markets?
Focus Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks, Cryptocurrency. IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Focus Markets and IC Markets?
Focus Markets: Standard, Raw. IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Focus Markets and IC Markets?
Focus Markets: Neteller, Skrill, Swift, Visa, Mastercard. IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Focus Markets or IC Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
