IC Markets vs JustMarkets: Which Broker Is Better?

IC Markets operates through regulated entities that include International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, authorised by ASIC under licence number 335692, and IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CySEC under licence number 362/18. International services are also provided through Raw Trading Ltd, regulated by the Seychelles FSA under licence number SD018, and IC Markets Global Ltd, regulated in the Bahamas.

The level of protection at IC Markets depends on the entity serving the client. An ASIC or CySEC account does not necessarily provide the same conditions and rights as an account opened with an international entity, and leverage, complaint procedures, negative-balance protection and available products may differ even when the client uses the same Raw Spread account or platform.

Before choosing IC Markets for scalping or algorithmic trading, traders should verify the legal company name and licence number shown during registration. Low spreads, liquidity and execution are important, but they do not determine which entity is responsible for client funds or what legal protection applies if a dispute or account problem occurs.

Regulated IC Markets entities hold eligible client funds in segregated accounts, separate from the capital used for the company’s operations, under the requirements of the relevant regulator. The broker also states that negative balance protection may apply to certain clients and entities under the conditions of the applicable account agreement.

Client-fund protection is not identical across the IC Markets group and may differ between the ASIC-regulated Australian entity, the CySEC-regulated European entity and international entities in Seychelles or the Bahamas. Traders should identify the legal company that will hold their funds before choosing a Raw Spread account or making a deposit.

JustMarkets emphasizes client protection features such as segregated accounts and negative balance protection in its official materials. Its trust profile is practical, though the strength of safeguards still depends on the operating entity.

JustMarkets states that client funds are held separately from the company’s operating funds. Negative balance protection is also available under the conditions of the relevant account and legal entity, helping prevent eligible clients from being required to cover a negative balance caused by exceptional market movements.

The legal strength of these safeguards is not identical for every JustMarkets client. Client-money rules, investor compensation arrangements and complaint procedures may differ between the CySEC-regulated entity and international entities regulated in Seychelles, Mauritius or the British Virgin Islands. Traders should confirm the legal company responsible for their account before depositing.