Brokers Profile
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/26/2026

IC Markets vs KGI Securities: Which Broker Wins in 2026?

IC Markets and KGI Securities cater to very different types of traders — one built for active forex and CFD traders, the other for cost-conscious beginners entering stocks and forex. Here's how they stack up head-to-head across fees, regulation, platforms, and more.

OVERALL WINNER
IM

IC Markets

3.9 / 5Score: 2 / 4

Deep-discount raw spreads and lightning-fast execution built for serious, high-volume forex and CFD traders.

Min deposit
$200
Max leverage
1:500
Spread from
0 pips
Regulators
ASIC, CySEC
KS

KGI Securities

3.3 / 5Score: 2 / 4

A zero-minimum-deposit gateway into stocks and forex backed by nearly four decades of Asian financial market experience.

Min deposit
$0
Max leverage
1:5
Spread from
0 pips
Regulators
FSC, MAS
Overall Winner
IC Markets
Best for Beginners
KGI Securities
Lowest Fees
IC Markets
Top Regulation
IC Markets

Side-by-side comparison

Core features compared head-to-head.

Feature
IM
IC Markets
KS
KGI Securities
Overview
Rating3.9 / 53.3 / 5
Founded20071988
HeadquartersSydney, AustraliaTaipei, Taiwan
RegulationASIC, CySECFSC, MAS
Fees & Limits
Min Deposit$200$0
Spreads From0 pips0 pips
Commission$3.5/lot$0.08/lot
Max Leverage1:5001:5
Platforms & Markets
Trading PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary MobileProprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets OfferedForex, Cfd, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, CommoditiesStocks, Etf, Indices, Forex

Trading & non-trading fees

Min Deposit

IC Markets

$200

KGI Securities

$0

Spreads From

IC Markets

0 pips

KGI Securities

0 pips

Commission

IC Markets

$3.5/lot

KGI Securities

$0.08/lot

Deposit Fees

IC Markets

None

KGI Securities

None

Withdrawal Fees

IC Markets

None

KGI Securities

None

Pros & cons

IM

IC Markets

Pros

  • Higher overall rating on our proprietary scoring system (3.9/5)
  • Ultra-tight raw spreads from 0 pips ideal for scalpers and algo traders
  • Access to significantly higher leverage of up to 1:500
  • Broader market coverage across six asset classes
  • Support for four separate trading platforms including TradingView
  • Strong tier-1 regulatory oversight from ASIC and CySEC
  • No hidden deposit or withdrawal charges

Cons

  • Higher minimum deposit of $200 compared to KGI Securities's $0 entry point
  • Per-lot commission structure can add up for very high-volume traders
  • High leverage of 1:500 carries elevated risk for inexperienced traders
  • May feel overwhelming for absolute beginners due to platform complexity
KS

KGI Securities

Pros

  • No minimum deposit makes it highly accessible for new traders
  • Long-standing market presence since 1988
  • Very low per-lot commission of $0.08
  • No deposit or withdrawal fees
  • Straightforward proprietary web and mobile platforms
  • Regulatory oversight from FSC and MAS

Cons

  • Lower overall rating on our proprietary scoring system (3.3/5)
  • Maximum leverage capped at just 1:5, limiting capital efficiency
  • No access to MT4, MT5, or TradingView platforms
  • Narrower market selection with only four asset classes
  • Regulation is limited to FSC and MAS rather than broader tier-1 bodies like ASIC or CySEC

Our expert verdict

Editor's verdict

Overall winner IC Markets
Lowest fees IC Markets
Best regulation IC Markets
Better for beginners KGI Securities

IC Markets is our recommended pick, scoring 3.9/5 versus KGI Securities's 3.3/5 on our independent rating system, thanks to tighter spreads, stronger tier-1 regulation, and a wider platform and market selection. KGI Securities still holds appeal for beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit, but IC Markets delivers the stronger overall package for most traders.

Regulation & Safety

IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, two of the most respected tier-1 regulatory bodies globally, known for enforcing strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation rules. This gives IC Markets a strong safety profile for traders who prioritize regulatory rigor.

KGI Securities operates under FSC and MAS oversight, which provide credible regional regulation but are typically viewed as less stringent than ASIC or CySEC. Both brokers maintain no deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a positive shared trait.

For traders who place regulatory strength at the top of their checklist, IC Markets holds a clear advantage in this category.

Fees, Spreads & Commissions

Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, putting them on paper parity for headline pricing. The real difference emerges in commission structure: IC Markets charges $3.5 per lot, typical of a raw-spread ECN-style model favored by active forex traders.

KGI Securities charges a much lower $0.08 per lot, which can work out cheaper for traders focused on stocks and lower-frequency trading rather than high-volume forex scalping.

Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome consistency across both platforms. Ultimately, the cheaper option depends heavily on your trading volume and preferred asset class.

Minimum Deposit & Accessibility

KGI Securities requires no minimum deposit at all, making it one of the most accessible entry points for beginner traders or those wanting to test the waters with minimal capital commitment.

IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit, which is still reasonable by industry standards but represents a real barrier compared to KGI Securities's $0 threshold.

Traders with limited starting capital may lean toward KGI Securities purely on accessibility grounds, even though IC Markets offers a stronger overall package.

Trading Platforms & Tools

IC Markets offers a significantly broader platform ecosystem, supporting MT4, MT5, TradingView, and a proprietary mobile app. This gives traders flexibility for automated strategies, advanced charting, and third-party indicator integration.

KGI Securities relies on its proprietary web platform and mobile app only, which is functional but lacks the depth and customization that MT4/MT5 or TradingView users expect.

For traders who value platform choice and advanced technical tools, IC Markets is the clear winner in this category.

Market Access & Leverage

IC Markets covers six asset classes — forex, CFDs, crypto, stocks, indices, and commodities — offering considerably broader diversification opportunities. It also supports leverage up to 1:500, appealing to experienced traders seeking capital efficiency.

KGI Securities covers four asset classes — stocks, ETFs, indices, and forex — with leverage capped at a conservative 1:5. This lower ceiling reduces risk exposure but also limits potential returns on margin trades.

Risk-tolerant traders wanting broader market access will favor IC Markets, while conservative investors may appreciate KGI Securities's built-in leverage restraint.

Our Verdict

IC Markets is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.9/5 versus KGI Securities's 3.3/5 on our independent rating system. It wins on regulation strength, platform variety, market breadth, and leverage flexibility.

KGI Securities remains a solid, low-barrier option for beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and long-established 1988 heritage in Taipei, Taiwan.

For the majority of active traders seeking a well-rounded, competitively priced broker, IC Markets offers the stronger overall package in 2026.

Verdict summary

The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.

Editor's verdict

IC Markets wins overall

IC Markets edges out KGI Securities overall based on our expert rating score.

IM

Highest Rated

IC Markets

3.9 / 5 / 5

Visit IC Markets

Category winners

  • Overall winner

    Based on overall expert rating (3.9/5).

    IC Markets
  • Better for beginners

    Stronger onboarding and educational resources.

    KGI Securities
  • Lower trading costs

    More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.

    IC Markets
  • Stronger regulation

    Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.

    IC Markets

Frequently asked questions

Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

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