Which broker is better for Kazakhstan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Kazakhstan traders looking for a reliable forex broker often compare EasyMarkets and IC Markets. Both are globally recognized but cater to different trader needs. EasyMarkets, with a score of 3.4/5, is known for its user-friendly platform and fixed spreads, making it suitable for beginners or those who prefer simplicity. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, offers institutional-grade trading conditions with low variable spreads, fast execution, and support for advanced platforms like MetaTrader and cTrader. For Kazakhstan retail traders, local payment methods such as Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 are accepted by both brokers. The local financial regulator does not restrict international brokers, so traders can choose based on their trading style. This comparison covers spreads, platforms, regulation, deposits, and Islamic accounts to help you decide which broker fits your needs in 2025.
| Instrument | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 | IC Markets |
For Kazakhstan traders, trading costs are crucial. EasyMarkets charges fixed spreads starting from 1.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, which provides cost certainty but may be higher during volatile markets. IC Markets offers variable spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread accounts plus a commission of $7 per lot round turn. This makes IC Markets significantly cheaper for high-volume traders. For example, trading 10 lots per month on EUR/USD could save you $50-$100 with IC Markets. Both brokers have no hidden fees and support USD trading, which is convenient for Kazakhstani traders dealing in US dollars.
| Account Type | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $25 | $200 |
| Entity / Asset | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan (offshore) | Up to 1:2000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:2000 | 1:5000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | EasyMarkets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | EasyMarkets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | EasyMarkets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✗ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✗ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides a superior platform selection for Kazakhstan traders. It offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and WebTrader, all with advanced charting, indicators, and algorithmic trading support. EasyMarkets offers its proprietary web-based platform and mobile apps, which are simpler but lack advanced features. For retail traders in Kazakhstan who need automated trading or sophisticated analysis, IC Markets is the better choice. Both platforms are available in English and Russian, making them accessible.
| Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IC Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | EasyMarkets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets offers ultra-fast execution with servers located in New York and London, averaging 40ms latency. EasyMarkets uses a dealing desk model with execution speeds around 100ms. For Kazakhstan traders, IC Markets' low latency is advantageous for scalping and news trading. EasyMarkets may requote during volatile conditions, which can be a drawback. Overall, IC Markets provides superior execution quality for active retail traders.
| Safety Factor | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both EasyMarkets and IC Markets are regulated by top-tier authorities. EasyMarkets is licensed by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia), while IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the Seychelles FSA. Neither is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in Kazakhstan, but they comply with international standards. For Kazakhstan traders, this means funds are segregated and protected under client money rules. IC Markets' multiple licenses provide an extra layer of security, though both are considered reputable.
| Payment Method | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards 1-2 business days; e-wallets instant-1 business day; bank wire 3-10 business days; overall back-office processing within 1 business day (24h) | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days |
Kazakhstan traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20 with both brokers. EasyMarkets also supports credit/debit cards and local bank transfers in USD. IC Markets accepts similar methods plus PayPal and UnionPay. Deposits are typically instant for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers charge no internal fees, but bank or intermediary fees may apply. USDT TRC20 is a fast and cost-effective option for Kazakhstani traders who prefer cryptocurrency.
| Islamic Account Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both brokers offer Islamic accounts (swap-free) for Muslim traders in Kazakhstan. EasyMarkets provides swap-free accounts upon request, available for all account types. IC Markets offers Islamic accounts automatically when selecting the 'Islamic Account' option during registration. These accounts comply with Sharia law by not charging or paying overnight interest. Both brokers allow unlimited swap-free periods, making them suitable for long-term trading strategies. Kazakhstan traders should confirm eligibility with support before opening an account.
| Support Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | EasyMarkets |
IC Markets provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with multilingual agents including Russian. EasyMarkets offers support 24/5 via live chat, email, and callback service. For Kazakhstan traders, IC Markets' round-the-clock help is beneficial, especially during non-standard market hours. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQs and knowledge bases. Response times are typically under 5 minutes for live chat.
| Mobile Feature | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | EasyMarkets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | EasyMarkets | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | EasyMarkets |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | EasyMarkets |
Choose EasyMarkets if you...
Choose IC Markets if you...
For most Kazakhstan retail traders, IC Markets is the stronger choice thanks to its higher rating (4.8/5), lower trading costs, and advanced platforms. It supports local payments like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20, and offers Islamic accounts. EasyMarkets remains a viable option for beginners who value simplicity and fixed spreads. While the local financial regulator does not directly oversee these brokers, both operate under reputable international licenses. Assess your trading style and volume: if you trade actively, go with IC Markets; if you are just starting and prefer safety, EasyMarkets may suffice.