EasyMarkets vs IC Markets for Ethiopia Traders (2026)

Trading costs differ sharply between the two brokers. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads – typically 1.0–1.5 pips on majors – meaning no commission but a wider cost per trade. IC Markets offers Raw Spread accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3.50 commission per lot (round trip). For an Ethiopia trader trading 1 standard lot of EUR/USD, EasyMarkets costs around $10–$15 per trade, while IC Markets costs about $3.50 plus the raw spread (almost zero). Over 100 trades, IC Markets saves hundreds of dollars. If you trade smaller volumes, the difference is less dramatic but still meaningful. ETB conversion to USD is not a factor since both brokers operate in USD. For cost-conscious traders and those who trade regularly, IC Markets is far cheaper.

EasyMarkets provides its own web-based platform and mobile app, designed for simplicity with features like deal cancellation and guaranteed stop-loss. IC Markets offers the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, plus cTrader for advanced charting. For Ethiopia traders, MT4/MT5 are widely used and supported by third-party tools for analysis and automated trading. EasyMarkets' platform is intuitive but limited for scalping or complex strategies. IC Markets gives you more flexibility with custom indicators and Expert Advisors. If you are learning to trade, EasyMarkets' platform is less intimidating; if you want professional tools and faster execution, IC Markets is better. Both are accessible from Addis Ababa with stable internet.

IC Markets uses a true ECN/STP model with no dealing desk, resulting in low latency and no requotes. EasyMarkets is a market maker, meaning it may re-quote prices in volatile conditions. For Ethiopia traders using slower internet connections, IC Markets' execution is more reliable because it doesn't rely on a dealing desk. Scalpers and day traders benefit from IC Markets' faster fills. EasyMarkets' execution is adequate for casual swing traders but can be frustrating during news events. Overall, IC Markets offers better execution quality.

EasyMarkets is regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA (Seychelles). For Ethiopia traders, the NBE does not regulate retail forex brokers, so you rely on these international licenses for client fund segregation and compensation schemes. IC Markets' ASIC regulation provides strong oversight, while EasyMarkets' CySEC regulation includes negative balance protection. Both brokers accept Ethiopian clients without restriction. Given the lack of local oversight, choosing a broker with solid regulation is crucial – IC Markets has a slight edge due to its multiple Tier-1 licenses. Always verify the license numbers on the official regulator websites.

Depositing from Ethiopia requires creative use of available payment methods. Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets accept international bank transfers in USD, which can be arranged through commercial banks in Ethiopia but involve high fees and slow processing. IC Markets goes further by supporting USDT deposits through integrated payment processors like Paxum or Wise, allowing Ethiopia traders to convert ETB to USDT via local exchanges and deposit instantly. EasyMarkets does not directly accept USDT; its deposit options are limited to bank wire, credit cards, and a few e-wallets. Withdrawals follow similar routes – IC Markets can send funds via USDT back to your wallet, while EasyMarkets typically sends via bank wire. For Ethiopia traders, USDT is the fastest and most cost-effective method, giving IC Markets a clear advantage. CBE Birr deposits are not accepted, but you can use USDT as an on-ramp from local currency.

Both brokers offer swap-free Islamic accounts for Muslim traders in Ethiopia. EasyMarkets provides Islamic accounts upon request, with no interest on overnight positions, though some instruments may have administrative fees. IC Markets automatically applies swap-free status for clients from Muslim-majority countries, including Ethiopia, with no additional charges. IC Markets' Islamic accounts are simpler to activate – just select the option during registration. Both are compliant with Sharia principles of no riba (interest). For Ethiopia's large Muslim population, either broker works, but IC Markets' automatic setup is more convenient.

EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat and phone support in English and several other languages. IC Markets has 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, including a dedicated support portal. For Ethiopia traders, the time zone difference (UTC+3) is manageable with both. IC Markets' round-the-clock availability is helpful if you trade during unsociable hours. Response times are similar – both are generally fast. However, IC Markets' English support is slightly more knowledgeable about technical issues. EasyMarkets customer service is friendlier for beginners.