IC Markets vs FBS: 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.

FBS operates through entities that include Tradestone Ltd, authorised by CySEC under licence number 331/17; FBS Trading (Seychelles) Ltd, regulated by the Seychelles FSA under licence number SD066; and FBS Markets Inc, supervised by the financial regulator in Belize. The entity available to each client depends on the country of residence and the website used during registration.

The CySEC entity represents the strongest regulatory framework within the group for eligible clients, while international services are often provided through Seychelles or Belize entities. These entities may offer more flexible leverage or promotions, but investor protection, complaint procedures and compensation arrangements may not match those available under the European entity.

Before opening an FBS account or relying on promotional offers, traders should verify the legal company name and licence number in the client agreement. This is particularly important for beginners, who should not confuse easy funding or attractive promotions with the regulatory protection that actually applies to their account and funds.

FBS states that client funds are held separately from company operating funds and that negative balance protection is available under the conditions of the relevant account and legal entity. The broker also uses Margin Call and Stop Out levels to manage margin exposure when an account’s available equity falls during market movements.

Margin Call and Stop Out mechanisms do not guarantee client funds or prevent trading losses. Fund protection, complaint procedures and regulatory safeguards may differ between Tradestone Ltd under CySEC and the international entities in Seychelles or Belize. Traders should review the legal company, withdrawal policy and account conditions before depositing.