IC Markets
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
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.
Deep-discount raw spreads and lightning-fast execution built for serious, high-volume forex and CFD traders.
A zero-minimum-deposit gateway into stocks and forex backed by nearly four decades of Asian financial market experience.
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | IM IC Markets | KS KGI Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 |
| Founded | 2007 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC | FSC, MAS |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3.5/lot | $0.08/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:5 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Stocks, Etf, Indices, Forex |
IC Markets
$200
KGI Securities
$0
IC Markets
0 pips
KGI Securities
0 pips
IC Markets
$3.5/lot
KGI Securities
$0.08/lot
IC Markets
None
KGI Securities
None
IC Markets
None
KGI Securities
None
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
IC Markets edges out KGI Securities overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
IC Markets
3.9 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.9/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
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.