Which broker is better for Mongolia traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Mongolia’s retail forex market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing internet penetration and a young, tech-savvy population. For emerging traders in Ulaanbaatar and beyond, choosing the right broker is critical. This comparison examines two popular choices: IC Markets (rated 4.8/5) and Moneta Markets (3.3/5). Both accept Mongolian clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, QPay, and USDT. However, they differ significantly in trading costs, platform features, and regulatory oversight. While IC Markets is known for its ultra-low spreads and institutional-grade execution, Moneta Markets appeals to beginners with a simpler interface and lower minimum deposit. Below, we break down every aspect relevant to Mongolian traders, including compliance with the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) of Mongolia guidelines. Whether you trade forex, indices, or commodities, this guide helps you decide which broker aligns with your goals and local needs.
| 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 Mongolian traders, the trading cost difference between IC Markets and Moneta Markets is significant. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, providing extremely low costs for high-frequency traders. In contrast, Moneta Markets’ Standard account has spreads starting at 0.1 pips with no commission, but the average spread on major pairs like EUR/USD is higher – around 1.2 pips compared to IC Markets’ 0.6 pips. On a typical monthly volume of 50 lots, IC Markets can save Mongolian traders the equivalent of several million MNT in spread costs. Swap rates also favor IC Markets for most currency pairs. Both brokers offer competitive swap-free (Islamic) accounts, but IC Markets’ overall cost structure gives it a clear edge for cost-conscious Mongolian traders.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mongolia (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 | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets provides a wider selection of platforms, including the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, and a web trader. This variety is ideal for Mongolian traders who want advanced charting tools and automated trading via Expert Advisors. Moneta Markets offers only MT4 and MT5, which are sufficient for most retail traders, but lacks the multi-asset capability of cTrader. Both brokers have mobile apps for iOS and Android, but IC Markets’ cTrader app is particularly praised for its intuitive design and fast order execution. For Mongolian traders who rely on stable internet connections (increasingly common in cities), both platforms perform well, but IC Markets gives more flexibility for scaling up strategies.
| 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 |
Execution quality is a strength for IC Markets, which uses Equinix NY4 and LD4 data centers for ultra-low latency (average execution speed 40ms). This is ideal for Mongolian traders using scalping or high-frequency strategies. Moneta Markets also offers fast execution (around 60ms) through its own infrastructure, but does not guarantee no dealing desk (NDD) on all account types. IC Markets operates a true ECN/STP model with no requotes, while Moneta Markets may have occasional slippage during high volatility. For Mongolian traders seeking reliable execution, especially during major economic events affecting USD/MNT or other pairs, IC Markets is the superior choice.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Moneta Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulatory trust is vital for Mongolian traders. IC Markets is regulated by top-tier authorities: the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of Seychelles. Moneta Markets is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa and the FSA. Neither broker is directly supervised by the Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) of Mongolia, but they comply with international standards that ensure client fund segregation and negative balance protection. For Mongolian traders, IC Markets’ ASIC regulation provides a higher level of security and recourse. Moneta Markets’ regulation is adequate but less robust. Always verify the legal entity you are trading with when depositing via QPay or Bank Transfer.
| 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. |
Both brokers make it convenient for Mongolian traders to fund accounts using local options. IC Markets supports Bank Transfers (in MNT and USD), QPay instant payments, and USDT (Tether) deposits. The minimum deposit is $200 (roughly 680,000 MNT). Withdrawals are free via Bank Transfer (takes 3-5 business days) and USDT (instant). Moneta Markets also accepts Bank Transfers, QPay, and USDT, with a lower minimum deposit of $50 (170,000 MNT). Additionally, Moneta Markets offers e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller for faster withdrawals. For QPay users, both brokers process deposits within minutes. A key consideration: IC Markets charges no deposit fees, while Moneta Markets may have a small fee for certain methods. Mongolian traders should note that USDT deposits are processed via blockchain and require careful address verification. Overall, Moneta Markets is more accessible for beginners with smaller capital, while IC Markets suits those with larger deposits.
| 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 |
Islamic (swap-free) accounts are available from both IC Markets and Moneta Markets for Mongolian Muslim traders who wish to comply with Sharia law. IC Markets offers Islamic accounts on its Raw Spread and Standard accounts, but only after holding positions overnight for a specific period (usually 10 days) before swap-free applies. Moneta Markets provides immediate swap-free status on request with no hidden conditions. Both brokers do not charge any extra fees for Islamic accounts. For Mongolians who trade long-term positions, Moneta Markets' straightforward Islamic account may be more convenient, while IC Markets’ policy is still acceptable for shorter-term traders. Always confirm with customer support to ensure the account meets your religious requirements.
| 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 |
Customer support is available in English and Russian for both brokers, which is beneficial for Mongolian traders who may not be fluent in English. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support with a responsive team – average response time under 5 minutes. Moneta Markets provides 24/5 live chat and email support (closed weekends). For Mongolians trading during Asian hours, IC Markets’ round-the-clock support is a clear advantage. Moneta Markets’ support quality is decent but slower during peak times. Neither broker offers Mongolian-language support, so traders should be comfortable communicating in English or Russian. Both have extensive FAQs and knowledge bases.
| 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 comparing IC Markets and Moneta Markets for Mongolian traders, IC Markets emerges as the stronger choice for most emerging retail traders. Its combination of ultra-low spreads, superior execution speed, robust regulation (ASIC), and broader platform selection outweighs Moneta Markets’ lower minimum deposit and immediate Islamic account feature. The ability to fund via QPay and USDT, coupled with FRC Mongolia compliance awareness, makes IC Markets a reliable partner for trading forex, indices, and commodities. However, if you are just starting with a very small capital and value swap-free options or e-wallets, Moneta Markets remains a decent alternative. Ultimately, for long-term cost efficiency and professional-grade trading conditions, IC Markets is the recommended broker for Mongolia in 2025.