IC Markets vs FXTM: Complete Comparison for Kazakhstan Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Kazakhstan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Kazakhstan traders looking to enter the forex market, choosing the right broker is crucial. IC Markets (rated 4.8/5) and FXTM (rated 4.3/5) are two globally recognized brokers that cater to retail traders in Kazakhstan. Both accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, making deposits and withdrawals convenient. IC Markets is known for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution, ideal for active traders. FXTM, on the other hand, offers a more beginner-friendly platform with extensive educational resources. This comparison will help Kazakhstan traders decide which broker aligns best with their trading style and local needs, considering factors like spreads, platforms, regulation, and customer support.
| Instrument | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | FXTM |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
When comparing trading costs for Kazakhstan traders, IC Markets has a clear advantage with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, plus a commission of $3.50 per lot. FXTM’s standard account offers spreads from 1.3 pips with no commission. For high-volume traders in Kazakhstan, IC Markets can reduce costs significantly. For example, trading 100 lots per month with IC Markets costs around $350 in commission, while FXTM’s spread cost would be approximately $1,300. This makes IC Markets more cost-effective for frequent traders.
| Account Type | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:2000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:2000 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Margin call level | 80% | 80% |
| Stop out level | 50% | 50% |
| Asset Class | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are widely used by Kazakhstan traders. IC Markets also provides cTrader, known for its advanced charting and fast execution. FXTM offers its proprietary FXTM Trader app, which is user-friendly for beginners. Kazakhstan traders who value customization and speed may prefer IC Markets, while those seeking simplicity and mobile trading options may lean toward FXTM.
| Factor | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Dealing desk | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| News trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets is known for its ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40 milliseconds, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. FXTM offers execution speeds of around 100 milliseconds, which is still reliable for most retail traders. For Kazakhstan traders using automated strategies, IC Markets’ lower latency and minimal slippage provide a clear edge.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Reg number | #335692 | #600475 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). FXTM is regulated by CySEC and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Neither broker is directly regulated by Kazakhstan’s local financial regulator, but both operate under strict international standards. For Kazakhstan traders, this means client funds are segregated and protected, though local regulatory oversight is absent. It is advisable to verify the broker’s license and ensure compliance with Kazakhstan’s financial laws.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Deposit fee | None | None |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | Cards instant (up to 2h EU); e-wallets instant-2h; bank/local transfer 1 business day; crypto up to 24h |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Kazakhstan traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT with both brokers. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while FXTM allows deposits as low as $10. Deposits via Skrill, Neteller, and USDT are processed instantly, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. Withdrawals are also supported through these methods, with IC Markets typically processing within 24 hours and FXTM within 2-3 business days. USDT is particularly popular among Kazakhstan traders for its speed and low fees. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply depending on the method.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gold swap-free | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto swap-free | ✓ | — |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Kazakhstan Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts automatically upon request, with no swap fees on overnight positions. FXTM also offers swap-free accounts but requires traders to apply after registration and may restrict certain instruments. For Kazakhstan traders seeking ethical trading options, both brokers are suitable, but IC Markets offers a more straightforward process.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| 24/5 support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English as the primary language. FXTM offers multilingual support, including Russian, which is beneficial for Kazakhstan traders. FXTM also has a local office in Almaty, offering phone support in Russian. IC Markets’ support is faster for technical issues, while FXTM’s local presence may be more accessible for general inquiries.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5★ | 4.3★ | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3★ | 4.2★ | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Mobile deposit/withdrawal | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Dark mode | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | IC Markets |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
| Beginner resources | Excellent | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are a high-volume or scalping trader seeking the lowest spreads (from 0.0 pips).
- Prefer ultra-fast execution (40ms) for algorithmic trading.
- Want access to cTrader for advanced charting and analysis.
- Are comfortable with a higher minimum deposit of $200.
Choose FXTM if you...
- Are a beginner trader needing educational resources and a user-friendly platform.
- Prefer a lower minimum deposit of $10 to start trading.
- Value local support in Russian with a presence in Almaty.
- Want a broker with a strong focus on Islamic accounts and ethical trading.
For Kazakhstan traders, the choice between IC Markets and FXTM depends on trading style and experience. IC Markets is the superior option for experienced, high-volume traders due to its ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and advanced platforms. FXTM is better for beginners and those who value localized support, lower minimum deposits, and educational resources. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and are not directly regulated by Kazakhstan’s local financial regulator but adhere to international standards. Overall, IC Markets’ higher rating (4.8/5) and cost advantages make it the recommended choice for active Kazakhstan traders.