Which broker is better for Taiwan traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For experienced retail traders in Taiwan, choosing the right forex broker is essential for long-term success. This comparison between IC Markets and Libertex examines how each broker serves the local trading community, with a focus on costs, platforms, and payment methods like Bank Transfer and Credit Card. IC Markets, rated 4.8/5, is a global powerhouse known for its tight spreads and professional-grade execution, making it a top choice for active and algorithmic traders in Taiwan. Libertex, rated 3.7/5, offers a simpler, more user-friendly platform but with higher trading costs and fewer advanced features. While the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Taiwan does not directly regulate these offshore brokers, both accept Taiwan clients and provide services in TWD. This guide will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and local needs, such as TWD deposits and reliable customer support in Mandarin.
| Instrument | IC Markets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Libertex |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Libertex |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Libertex |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Libertex |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | Libertex |
For Taiwan traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those who trade high volumes. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.5 per lot per side, making it one of the cheapest options for frequent traders. In contrast, Libertex uses a spread-only model with no commission, but its spreads are significantly wider—often 1.0 to 1.5 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD. This difference becomes substantial for Taiwan traders executing dozens of lots daily, with IC Markets saving hundreds of dollars per month. For lower-frequency traders, Libertex's all-in spread may be simpler, but for cost-conscious professionals, IC Markets is the clear winner.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:999 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:999 |
| 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 | IC Markets | Libertex | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Libertex |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✗ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all of which are industry standards for advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and fast execution. These platforms are ideal for experienced Taiwan traders who need custom indicators, Expert Advisors (EAs), and depth-of-market data. Libertex offers its proprietary web and mobile platform, which is intuitive and beginner-friendly but lacks the advanced tools and automation capabilities that serious traders require. Taiwan traders who rely on EAs or scalping strategies will find IC Markets' platform ecosystem far superior. Additionally, IC Markets supports VPS hosting for low-latency trading, a key benefit for those trading from Taiwan.
| Factor | IC Markets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Libertex |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-fast execution speeds, with average latency under 40 milliseconds and no requotes, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center infrastructure. This is critical for Taiwan traders using scalping strategies or EAs. Libertex, while reliable, has slower execution speeds due to its dealing desk model, which can lead to slippage during volatile markets. For experienced traders who prioritize precision and speed, IC Markets is the superior choice. Libertex is better suited for casual traders who do not require millisecond execution.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | CySEC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✗ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), providing strong client fund protection and negative balance protection. Libertex is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK and CySEC, offering a similar level of oversight. However, neither broker holds a license from the FSC Taiwan, meaning Taiwan traders rely on the broker's international regulatory status. Both brokers segregate client funds, but IC Markets' longer track record and higher regulatory tier give it an edge in trustworthiness. Taiwan traders should always verify the specific entity accepting their account to ensure proper regulatory coverage.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 5 business days |
Depositing and withdrawing funds in TWD is straightforward with both IC Markets and Libertex. IC Markets accepts Bank Transfer (local TWD transfers via Taiwan banks) and Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard), with no deposit fees and same-day processing for bank wires. Withdrawals are free and typically processed within 1-2 business days. Libertex also supports Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits, with a minimum deposit of just $50, making it more accessible for beginners. However, Libertex may charge a small conversion fee for TWD deposits, and withdrawal times can take 2-5 business days. For Taiwan traders who prioritize fast, low-cost access to their funds, IC Markets' efficient system is preferable. Both brokers allow TWD withdrawals, but IC Markets offers more consistent processing speeds.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Libertex |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets and Libertex offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in Taiwan who require compliance with Sharia law. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all standard and Raw Spread accounts, with no swap charges on overnight positions. This is automatically applied upon request and covers forex, indices, and commodities. Libertex also offers Islamic accounts, but traders must contact customer support to activate the feature, and it may not be available on all instruments. For Taiwan Muslim traders, IC Markets offers a more seamless and comprehensive swap-free experience, while Libertex's process is less transparent. Both brokers ensure no interest is charged or earned on overnight positions.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Mandarin-speaking agents available during Asian trading hours. Libertex also provides 24/5 support with live chat and email, but its Mandarin support is less consistent. For Taiwan traders who may need assistance during late-night trading sessions, IC Markets' round-the-clock availability is a significant advantage. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections, but IC Markets' support is more responsive and technically knowledgeable.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | IC Markets | Libertex | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Choose IC Markets if you...
Choose Libertex if you...
For experienced Taiwan traders, IC Markets is the definitive choice, offering a 4.8/5 rating, industry-leading spreads, and professional-grade execution. Its support for Bank Transfer and Credit Card deposits in TWD, combined with fast withdrawals and 24/7 Mandarin support, makes it perfectly suited to the local trading environment. Libertex, with a 3.7/5 rating, is a simpler alternative that may appeal to beginners, but its higher spreads and limited platform features fall short for serious traders. While neither broker is regulated by the FSC Taiwan, IC Markets' stronger regulatory oversight and proven track record provide greater peace of mind. For those prioritizing cost efficiency, advanced tools, and reliability, IC Markets is the recommended broker for Taiwan traders in 2026.