IC Markets vs RoboForex (2026): Best Broker for Norwegian Traders

For Norwegian traders, trading costs are typically calculated in USD, so the spread difference becomes significant when converting NOK. IC Markets' Raw Spread account offers EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips with a $6 round-turn commission per lot. On a 10-lot day, this costs $60 regardless of spread volatility. RoboForex's Pro account offers spreads from 0.5 pips with no commission, which costs $50 per 10 lots at 0.5 pips. But real spreads on RoboForex often widen to 1.0–1.2 pips during Oslo market hours, pushing the cost to $100–$120. IC Markets also exposes all spread components transparently, while RoboForex's standard accounts include hidden markups. For a Norwegian trader executing 50 lots per month, IC Markets saves roughly $150–$250 in spread costs compared to RoboForex, even after paying commission.

Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the platforms most Norwegian traders already know. IC Markets also provides cTrader, which is a major advantage because it offers depth-of-market, advanced order types, and speed of execution that many Norwegian day traders prefer. RoboForex lacks cTrader, but its proprietary R StocksTrader platform gives access to global equities and allows trading from one terminal. For Norwegian traders who favor algorithmic trading, IC Markets has better API options and historical tick data. RoboForex shines in copy trading with its CopyFX system, allowing you to follow Norwegian or global strategy providers. If you want a pure forex/CFD trading experience with superior execution, IC Markets is better; if you want combined forex and stock access with social trading, RoboForex is more convenient.

IC Markets executes trades with sub-40ms average order execution speed through Equinix NY4 data centers, making it ideal for Norwegian scalpers who need fast fills during the London session. It uses direct market access with depth-of-market and no dealing desk intervention. RoboForex offers more moderate execution speeds, averaging 500–700ms, and its liquidity providers can requote during high-impact news events. This difference is critical for Norwegian traders who trade USD/NOK or EUR/USD during the European open when volatility is high. IC Markets is the clear winner for execution reliability.

IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), the FCA (UK), and the Seychelles FSA. RoboForex is regulated by the FSC in Belize and holds a European license via RoboForex (CY) Ltd, regulated by CySEC in Cyprus. Neither broker holds a license from Finanstilsynet, Norway's local financial regulator. This means Norwegian traders are not covered by Norway's investor compensation fund, and no Norwegian ombudsman can handle disputes. However, IC Markets' FCA regulation provides strong segregation of client funds and strict financial reporting. RoboForex's CySEC entity offers negative balance protection for retail clients, but the CySEC entity has higher margins and more limited products. Most Norwegians trade via the offshore entities, so you should always verify which entity your account is under and ensure it follows client money segregation rules.

Norwegian traders can fund both brokers using Bank Transfer (SEPA or international), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT TRC20. Bank Transfer is the most common for larger deposits, but Norwegian banks may charge NOK 50–150 per international transfer. Skrill and Neteller support instant deposits and withdrawals with small fees; both brokers treat them as e-wallets, so withdrawals are processed within 24 hours. USDT TRC20 is convenient for Norwegian crypto users, with very low network fees and near-instant settlement. IC Markets does not charge fees on deposits, but withdrawals over $100 per month are free; under that, a $10 fee applies. RoboForex charges a 2% commission on Skrill and Neteller deposits and a 0.5% fee on USDT TRC20 withdrawals. For Norwegians, the best strategy is to use Bank Transfer for large account funding and Skrill or USDT TRC20 for daily profit withdrawals to minimise fees.

Both IC Markets and RoboForex offer Islamic swap-free accounts that comply with Sharia law for Norwegian Muslim traders. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on both Standard and Raw Spread accounts, requiring a minimum deposit of $200 and ensuring no interest is charged overnight. After 12 days, a small fixed administration fee is charged on long-held positions. RoboForex offers swap-free conditions on all account types without a minimum deposit, but applies a booking fee of up to $6 per lot per night after a holding period. For Norwegian Muslim traders who swing trade, IC Markets' fee structure is more predictable and transparent. For day traders who close positions daily, both are acceptable, but always confirm with the broker's Islamic account department that your specific account type qualifies.

IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual live chat, email, and phone support. Norwegian traders usually get responses in under two minutes on live chat, and tickets are resolved within 24 hours. RoboForex also provides 24/7 chat and email support, but response times can be slower during peak hours, and some Norwegian users report having to repeat issues across departments. Neither broker offers Norwegian-language support, so you will communicate in English. IC Markets is generally better for urgent execution-related queries, while RoboForex is acceptable for account verification and platform questions.