Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
China traders seeking international forex exposure often compare IC Markets and Moneta Markets as offshore broker options. Both accept deposits in CNY via USDT and international bank transfers, catering to the local need for flexible funding. IC Markets holds a strong 4.8/5 rating, known for its tight spreads, advanced platforms like cTrader, and robust regulation under ASIC and CySEC. Moneta Markets, rated 3.3/5, offers a simpler platform suite and competitive pricing, but with lighter regulation from FSA St. Vincent and FSCA. For Chinese traders, choosing between them depends on priorities: IC Markets excels in cost efficiency and execution speed for high-volume trading, while Moneta Markets provides a lower entry barrier and straightforward USDT support. Neither broker is regulated by the CSRC, meaning traders operate under international frameworks, but both have proven track records for servicing offshore Chinese clients. This comparison breaks down the key factors—spreads, platforms, regulation, deposit methods, and Islamic accounts—so you can decide which aligns with your trading goals in 2025.
| Instrument | IC Markets | Moneta Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Moneta Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Moneta Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Moneta Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Moneta Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $50 | IC Markets |
For China traders, trading costs are a decisive factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with a commission of $3.50 per lot round turn. Moneta Markets also has raw spreads from 0.0 pips but charges $4 per lot. On a typical monthly volume of 100 lots, IC Markets saves $50 in commissions. Additionally, IC Markets' aggregate spread data shows average spreads about 0.2 pips lower across forex pairs, benefiting scalpers and day traders. Non-trading fees such as swap rates are competitive at both, but IC Markets' lower margin requirements (1% for major pairs) give Chinese traders greater leverage efficiency. For those trading in CNY-equivalent volumes, even small spread differences can impact profitability, making IC Markets the more cost-effective choice.
| Account Type | IC Markets | Moneta Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $50 |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Moneta Markets |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:1000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:1000 |
| 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 | Moneta Markets | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Moneta Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | Moneta Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
China traders favor platforms that are fast, reliable, and familiar. IC Markets provides MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, offering advanced charting, algorithmic trading via EA support, and low-latency execution. CTrader is particularly popular for its depth of market and 70+ indicators. Moneta Markets offers MT4 and MT5 only, which are sufficient for most traders but lack cTrader's advanced features. Both brokers support automated trading and VPS hosting, but IC Markets' cTrader integration appeals to Chinese traders seeking professional-grade tools. For those who prefer simplicity, Moneta Markets' platforms are easier to navigate, but IC Markets' broader platform choice gives it an edge for technical traders.
| Factor | IC Markets | Moneta Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Moneta Markets |
| 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 executes trades via Equinix NY4 and LD4 data centers, offering ultra-low latency under 1ms on most instruments. Moneta Markets uses multiple liquidity providers but does not specify server locations. For China traders, latency to offshore servers is critical; IC Markets' proximity to major hubs (e.g., LD4) and support for VPS in the same data centers ensures faster execution. Moneta Markets may have slightly higher slippage during volatile news events. IC Markets' order execution quality is consistently better, making it the preferred choice for scalpers and news traders.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Moneta Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities: ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and the FSA (Seychelles). Moneta Markets is regulated by the FSA St. Vincent and the Grenadines (non-primary) and the FSCA (South Africa). For China traders, neither broker is overseen by the CSRC, so regulatory protection is international. IC Markets' multi-jurisdictional oversight offers stronger client fund segregation and compensation schemes (e.g., up to €20,000 under CySEC). Moneta Markets provides basic segregation but lacks a compensation fund. Chinese traders should prioritize IC Markets for its robust regulatory framework, which reduces counterparty risk. However, both are acceptable for offshore trading as long as traders verify the specific entity they use.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Moneta Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Internal Processing: Generally handled within 24 hours by the finance team.Credit/Debit Cards: 1 to 5 business days to fully reflect.Bank Wire / International Transfers: 3 to 5 business days to complete. |
China traders can fund accounts using USDT and international bank transfers at both brokers. IC Markets supports USDT deposits on networks like TRC-20 and ERC-20, with no fees and a minimum of $50 or equivalent. Withdrawals via USDT are processed within 24 hours and also free. International bank transfers at IC Markets have a minimum $200 and take 1–3 business days, with fees around $15–25. Moneta Markets similarly accepts USDT (TRC-20) with instant processing, but charges a 1% conversion fee for non-USDT tokens. Bank transfers at Moneta Markets have a minimum $100 and slightly faster processing (1–2 days) but higher bank intermediary fees. For Chinese traders, USDT is the fastest and most cost-effective method; IC Markets' zero-fee USDT policy is a clear advantage. Both brokers accept deposit in CNY equivalent via bank transfer, but actual settlement may be in USD. Always check current exchange rates and any additional bank charges.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Moneta 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 |
For Muslim traders in China, both IC Markets and Moneta Markets offer swap-free Islamic accounts that comply with Sharia law. IC Markets requires you to request an Islamic account via support after registration, and approval is typically granted within 24 hours. Moneta Markets automatically converts accounts to Islamic upon verification, making it slightly more convenient. Both accounts have no overnight interest charges, but IC Markets may charge an administrative fee after the first few months of holding a position beyond 7 days. Moneta Markets has no such fee. For China Muslim traders who want a hassle-free setup, Moneta Markets is simpler; those who prefer a more established broker with tighter spreads may choose IC Markets despite the extra step.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Moneta Markets | 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 live chat, email, and phone support with a dedicated Mandarin-speaking team during Asian trading hours. Moneta Markets provides email and live chat support 24/6, with phone support available on request. Both respond within minutes via chat, but IC Markets' Mandarin support is more reliable for Chinese traders, especially during peak market hours. Moneta Markets offers limited Chinese-language resources. Overall, IC Markets wins on support availability and language coverage for China.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Moneta Markets | 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 | Moneta Markets | 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 Moneta Markets if you...
After a comprehensive comparison, IC Markets emerges as the stronger choice for most China traders in 2025. With a 4.8/5 rating, it offers tighter spreads, superior execution, robust regulation, and zero-fee USDT deposits—critical factors for offshore trading from China. Moneta Markets (3.3/5) is a viable alternative for beginners or those seeking simpler Islamic account setup, but its lower regulatory tier and marginally higher trading costs may deter serious traders. Given China's capital controls, the ability to fund with USDT seamlessly is a major advantage for IC Markets. While neither broker is CSRC-regulated, IC Markets' established global reputation and client protection mechanisms provide greater peace of mind. For serious forex traders in China prioritizing cost, speed, and reliability, IC Markets is the recommended broker.