FBS vs IC Markets: Which Broker Suits China Traders in 2025?

IC Markets consistently offers lower trading costs for China traders, especially for high-volume scalpers. On the Raw Spread account, spreads start at 0.0 pips with a $3.5 commission per lot round turn. FBS’s Zero Spread account has spreads from 0.0 pips but with a higher commission of $6 per lot. For standard accounts, FBS spreads average 1.0 pips (no commission) vs. IC Markets’ 0.6 pips (no commission). Over 100 lots per month, IC Markets saves China traders approximately $250 in costs. Both brokers offer CNY-equivalent margin calculations, but IC Markets’ tighter spreads reduce slippage during volatile Asian sessions.

Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, which are popular among China traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets provides cTrader with raw spreads and faster execution, ideal for algorithmic traders. FBS also offers the FBS Trader app for mobile trading, but its desktop platforms lack the depth of IC Markets’ cTrader integration. For China traders who use Expert Advisors (EAs) or scalping strategies, IC Markets’ VPS hosting and low latency are superior.

IC Markets is known for its superior execution, with average trade execution speeds of 40ms and no requotes, thanks to its ECN infrastructure. FBS execution averages 100ms and may experience slippage during news events. For China traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies, IC Markets’ low-latency execution is critical for profitability.

Neither FBS nor IC Markets is regulated by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), which means China traders must use offshore entities. FBS operates under the IFSC (Belize) and CySEC (Cyprus), while IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC, and the FSA (Seychelles). ASIC regulation is considered more stringent, offering negative balance protection and client fund segregation. For China traders, this adds a layer of security, though fund protection is limited compared to local regulation. Both brokers accept Chinese clients, but IC Markets’ ASIC license is often viewed as more reliable for long-term trading.

China traders have several deposit and withdrawal options at both brokers, with USDT (Tether) being the most popular due to its speed and avoidance of capital controls. FBS supports USDT deposits with no fee and instant processing, while IC Markets also accepts USDT via its payment partners. International Bank Transfer is available at both, but may take 2-5 business days and incur intermediary bank fees (typically $10-$30). FBS additionally offers e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, while IC Markets supports credit/debit cards and PayPal. Minimum deposits are $5 at FBS and $200 at IC Markets. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at both, but IC Markets has a reputation for faster verification. China traders should note that bank transfers may require proof of source of funds under Chinese foreign exchange rules.

Both FBS and IC Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China, in compliance with Sharia law. FBS provides swap-free accounts on Standard, Cent, and Zero Spread accounts, with no extra fees but limited holding periods (usually 7-14 days for certain instruments). IC Markets offers Islamic accounts on Standard and Raw Spread accounts, with no swap charges and no time limit on positions. IC Markets’ Islamic accounts are more flexible for long-term traders, while FBS’s option is suitable for shorter-term strategies. Both require a simple request via customer support.

IC Markets provides 24/7 live chat and email support with dedicated account managers for VIP clients, and its support team is responsive in English and Chinese. FBS offers 24/7 live chat, phone support, and a Chinese-language website, but response times can be slower during peak hours. For China traders, IC Markets’ multilingual support and faster resolution times are a clear advantage.