IC Markets vs IG Australia 2026: Which ASIC-Regulated Broker Wins for Experienced Traders?
Which broker is better for Australia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced Australia traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, the choice between IC Markets and IG is critical for long-term trading success. Both brokers are headquartered in Australia and regulated by ASIC, ensuring client funds are held in segregated accounts and leverage is capped at 30:1 for retail clients. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is renowned for its True ECN pricing model that delivers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs like AUD/USD, making it a top choice for scalpers and high-frequency traders. IG, rated 4.2/5, is a well-established broker with over 45 years of experience, offering a comprehensive trading platform with integrated news, research, and a wider range of markets including shares, indices, and commodities. Both brokers support local Australia payment methods such as BPAY, POLi, and Bank Transfer, making deposits and withdrawals straightforward. This comparison focuses on the specific needs of Australia traders, examining spreads, platforms, regulation, and local features to help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style.
| Instrument | IC Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | IG |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | IG |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | IG |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | IG |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 | IG |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
When comparing trading costs for Australia traders, IC Markets has a clear edge with its True ECN pricing model. On the Raw Spread account, spreads on AUD/USD can be as low as 0.0 pips with a commission of $7 AUD per lot round turn. For high-volume traders, this structure significantly reduces costs compared to IG's standard account, where AUD/USD spreads start around 0.8 pips. IG also offers a direct market access (DMA) account with lower spreads but higher commissions. For Australia traders trading 10+ lots per month, IC Markets' cost advantage can save hundreds of dollars annually. Both brokers charge no deposit or withdrawal fees for local methods like BPAY and POLi, but IG's inactivity fee of $15 AUD per month after 12 months of no trading is a consideration for occasional traders.
| Account Type | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:200 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| 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 | IG | 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+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | IG |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets offers the powerful MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, plus cTrader for advanced charting and algorithmic trading. These platforms are ideal for experienced Australia traders who rely on custom indicators, automated trading strategies, and fast execution. IG provides its proprietary web-based platform, which is intuitive and packed with integrated news, analyst commentary, and advanced charting tools. IG also offers MetaTrader 4 through its subsidiary, but the proprietary platform is the main draw. For Australia traders who value speed and customization, IC Markets' MT4/MT5 and cTrader are superior. For those who prefer an all-in-one platform with research and news, IG's platform is more convenient.
| Factor | IC Markets | IG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | IG |
| 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 uses True ECN execution with no dealing desk, offering average execution speeds under 40ms on MetaTrader platforms. This is ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders in Australia. IG uses a mix of market maker and DMA execution, with execution speeds around 100ms. While IG's execution is reliable, IC Markets' faster speeds and lower latency are better for high-frequency strategies. Both brokers offer negative balance protection, ensuring Australia traders don't lose more than their account balance.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Reg number | #335692 | #195355 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Both IC Markets and IG are regulated by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), providing Australia traders with strong client protections. ASIC regulation means client funds are held in segregated trust accounts, leverage is limited to 30:1 for retail clients, and negative balance protection is offered. IC Markets also holds regulatory licenses in Cyprus (CySEC) and the Seychelles (FSA), while IG is regulated in the UK (FCA) and other jurisdictions. For Australia traders, the ASIC oversight ensures compliance with local financial laws, including mandatory reporting and dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). Both brokers are publicly transparent about their regulatory status, giving traders confidence in their operations.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Card instant-24hrs; bank transfer 1-3 days |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Australia traders can fund their IC Markets and IG accounts using local payment methods including BPAY, POLi, and Bank Transfer. IC Markets also accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, and Neteller, while IG offers similar options plus Apple Pay and Google Pay. Deposits via BPAY and POLi are processed instantly for both brokers, with no fees charged. Bank transfers may take 1-2 business days and some Australian banks may charge a small fee. Withdrawals are processed efficiently: IC Markets processes withdrawals within 24 hours for most methods, while IG typically takes 1-2 business days. Both brokers allow withdrawals back to the original deposit method where possible. The minimum deposit is $200 AUD for IC Markets and $250 AUD for IG, making both accessible to most traders.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
For Muslim traders in Australia seeking Sharia-compliant accounts, both IC Markets and IG offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on request for all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader), with no swap charges on overnight positions. IG offers Islamic accounts through its standard platform, also free of swap fees. Both brokers require proof of Muslim faith, such as a declaration or religious certificate. However, traders should note that Islamic accounts may have restrictions on holding periods for certain instruments, and some brokers may charge administrative fees if positions are held for extended periods. For Australia traders, both brokers' Islamic accounts are compliant with Sharia principles and available for forex and CFD trading.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | IG | 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 offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Australia support team available during local business hours. IG also provides 24/7 support through live chat, phone, and email, plus a comprehensive FAQ section. Both brokers offer support in English and other languages. For Australia traders, IG's local phone support (1800 number) is a plus, while IC Markets' faster response times (under 30 seconds for live chat) are beneficial for urgent trading issues.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | IG | 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 | IG | 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 an experienced trader focused on scalping or high-frequency trading with tight spreads.
- Prefer MetaTrader 4/5 or cTrader for advanced charting and algorithmic trading.
- Trade high volumes (10+ lots per month) to benefit from the raw spread and low commission structure.
- Want fast execution speeds under 40ms for optimal trade entry and exit.
Choose IG if you...
- Prefer an all-in-one platform with integrated news, research, and analyst commentary.
- Trade a wide range of markets including shares, indices, and commodities beyond forex.
- Value a long-established broker with over 45 years of industry experience.
- Want a more traditional broker experience with local Australia phone support and educational resources.
For experienced Australia traders seeking ASIC-regulated brokers, IC Markets is the superior choice for active traders who prioritize low spreads, fast execution, and advanced trading platforms. Its True ECN pricing model and support for MT4/MT5 and cTrader make it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. IG is a strong alternative for traders who want a comprehensive platform with integrated research and a wider range of markets, but its higher spreads and slower execution make it less suitable for high-frequency strategies. Both brokers support local Australia payment methods like BPAY, POLi, and Bank Transfer, and are ASIC-regulated, ensuring client fund security. Ultimately, choose IC Markets for cost efficiency and speed, or IG for a feature-rich, all-in-one trading experience.