IC Markets vs XM Group: A Complete Comparison for Liechtenstein Traders (2026)
Which broker is better for Liechtenstein traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Liechtenstein traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2026 face a tough choice between IC Markets and XM Group. Both are globally recognized, but they cater to different trading styles and experience levels. IC Markets is known for its institutional-grade liquidity, ultra-low spreads (from 0.0 pips), and raw execution, making it a top pick for scalpers and algorithmic traders. XM Group, on the other hand, offers a more balanced approach with zero-commission accounts, generous leverage (up to 1:888), and a comprehensive education hub. For Liechtenstein residents, both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, ensuring smooth deposits and withdrawals. The local financial regulator does not impose specific forex trading restrictions, so traders can freely choose either broker. This comparison will help you decide based on your specific needs—whether you prioritize low costs, user experience, or regulatory safety.
| Instrument | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | XM Group |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | XM Group |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | XM Group |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | XM Group |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 | IC Markets |
| Inactivity fee | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
For Liechtenstein traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, with a commission of $7 per lot round turn. This is ideal for high-volume traders who execute dozens of trades daily. XM Group's Ultra Low account starts at 0.6 pips with no commission, which is cheaper for smaller volumes. However, XM Group's standard account has spreads from 1.0 pips. Over 100 lots per month, IC Markets saves you approximately $200 in spread costs compared to XM Group. Both brokers have no hidden fees, but IC Markets charges a small withdrawal fee for certain methods, while XM Group offers free withdrawals. Consider your monthly trading volume to determine which is more cost-effective.
| Account Type | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| VPS trading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Liechtenstein (offshore) | Up to 1:500 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| 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 | XM Group | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | XM Group |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Options | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Futures | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fixed spreads | ✗ | ✗ |
| Variable spreads | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers provide MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the industry standard for retail traders. IC Markets also offers cTrader, a platform favored for its advanced order types and depth of market, which appeals to Liechtenstein scalpers. XM Group adds its proprietary XM WebTrader, which is accessible without downloads. For mobile traders, both have robust apps. IC Markets supports automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs) with low latency, while XM Group offers a more intuitive interface for manual traders. Liechtenstein traders who need fast execution and advanced charting will prefer IC Markets; those who want simplicity and reliability will choose XM Group.
| Factor | IC Markets | XM Group | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | XM Group |
| 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 Equinix NY4 data centers for ultra-low latency execution, with an average speed of 40ms. This is ideal for scalpers and EA traders in Liechtenstein. XM Group also offers fast execution (average 50ms) but uses a dealing desk model for certain account types, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. IC Markets is No Dealing Desk (NDD) with direct market access, ensuring no conflict of interest. For Liechtenstein traders who prioritize speed and transparency, IC Markets is the better choice.
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Reg number | #335692 | #443670 |
| Verify registration | Verify ↗ | Verify ↗ |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is key for Liechtenstein traders. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles. XM Group is regulated by CySEC, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize. While neither is regulated by the local financial regulator in Liechtenstein, both comply with EU standards under MiFID II (via CySEC). This means client funds are segregated, and negative balance protection is offered. For Liechtenstein traders, CySEC regulation provides a strong safety net, as it aligns with EU investor compensation schemes. Always verify the specific entity you open an account with—IC Markets' CySEC entity is recommended for EU residents.
| Payment Method | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Visa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days |
| Min withdrawal | $50 | $50 |
Liechtenstein traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both brokers. IC Markets has a minimum deposit of $200 (or equivalent), while XM Group offers a lower $5 minimum, making it more accessible. Deposits are instant at both brokers, with no fees. Withdrawals: IC Markets processes within 1-2 business days for bank transfers and instantly for e-wallets, but charges a $3 fee for Skrill/Neteller. XM Group offers free withdrawals for all methods, processed within 24 hours. USDT (Tether) is supported via TRC20 network at both brokers, with no additional fees. For large deposits, Bank Transfer is cost-effective; for frequent small deposits, XM Group's lower minimum and free withdrawals are advantageous. Always verify the exact processing times via your broker's client portal.
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | XM Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Both IC Markets and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Liechtenstein Muslim traders who wish to comply with Sharia law. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) with no additional charges. XM Group requires a request via live chat or email, and approval is granted within 24 hours. Neither broker charges a maintenance fee for holding an Islamic account. However, XM Group may limit certain instruments (e.g., cryptocurrencies) on swap-free accounts. For Liechtenstein traders, both options are reliable, but IC Markets offers instant access without needing to request approval.
| Support Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | 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 |
Customer support is available 24/5 at both brokers via live chat, email, and phone. IC Markets offers support in English and German, which is beneficial for Liechtenstein traders. XM Group provides multilingual support in over 20 languages, including German. Response times are under 30 seconds for live chat at both. XM Group also offers a comprehensive FAQ section and educational webinars. For Liechtenstein traders, XM Group's support is slightly more accessible due to its broader language options.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | XM Group | 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 | XM Group | 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 a scalper or high-frequency trader needing spreads from 0.0 pips
- Use Expert Advisors (EAs) and require low-latency execution
- Prefer cTrader over MetaTrader for advanced order types
- Trade high volumes (over 10 lots per month) to offset commission costs
Choose XM Group if you...
- Are a beginner or casual trader who wants zero-commission accounts
- Need a low minimum deposit ($5) to start trading
- Prefer free withdrawals and no deposit fees
- Value educational resources and multilingual support in German
For Liechtenstein traders, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on your trading style. IC Markets is the winner for active traders who prioritize low spreads, fast execution, and advanced platforms like cTrader. Its support for local payment methods (Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, USDT) and regulation under CySEC make it a safe choice. XM Group, on the other hand, is ideal for beginners or those who trade lower volumes, thanks to its $5 minimum deposit, free withdrawals, and user-friendly interface. Both brokers are compliant with the local financial regulator's standards. If you trade frequently, IC Markets will save you money; if you value simplicity and low entry barriers, XM Group is your best bet. Ultimately, both are excellent options for Liechtenstein residents in 2026.