This IFS Markets review provides a detailed analysis of the broker’s regulatory compliance, trading conditions, and platform capabilities. Based in Australia, IFS Markets targets retail forex and CFD traders globally with competitive spreads, MT4/MT5 access, and high leverage options.

Regulation and Safety

IFS Markets operates under ASIC regulation:

• ASIC (Australia): Australian Financial Services Licence No. 323193

As an ASIC-authorised broker, IFS Markets must segregate client funds and comply with capital requirements. However, it does not offer FSCS-style compensation, and protections are limited to domestic enforcement mechanisms.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

IFS Markets follows a Straight Through Processing (STP) model:

• Execution: STP/NDD
• Platforms: MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
• Access: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, WebTrader
• FIX API: Available on request for institutional clients
• VPS: Available via third-party providers

Markets and Instruments

IFS Markets offers over 100 CFD instruments:

• Forex: 60+ currency pairs (majors, minors, exotics)
• Commodities: Precious metals, oil, agricultural
• Indices: Global stock indices
• Stocks: US and AU shares (CFDs)
• Cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, etc. (CFDs)

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

IFS Markets provides two main account types:

• Standard Account: Spreads from 1.3 pips, no commission
• Raw Account: Spreads from 0.0 pips, $7 per lot commission
• Leverage: Up to 1:500 (offshore), 1:30 (ASIC clients)
• Minimum deposit: $100
• Stop-out level: 50%

Funding and Base Currencies

IFS Markets supports a wide range of deposit/withdrawal methods:

• Methods: Credit/debit cards, bank wire, Neteller, Skrill, Sticpay, crypto
• Base currencies: USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, NZD, SGD
• Processing: Instant for most e-wallets, 2–3 days for bank transfers

Client Protections and Features

• Segregated accounts with top-tier Australian banks
• ASIC oversight, but no compensation scheme
• Biometric login and 2FA on client portal
• Negative balance protection not guaranteed
• Monthly account statements and audit trail

Institutional and Retail Offering

IFS Markets serves both retail and institutional traders:

• Retail: MT4/MT5 access, high leverage, low minimums
• Institutional: FIX API, white-label partnerships, and liquidity solutions

Pros and Cons

Pros

• ASIC regulation and segregated funds
• Access to MT4 and MT5 platforms
• Low minimum deposit ($100)
• STP execution with no dealing desk
• Supports crypto and e-wallet funding

Cons

• No FSCS-style compensation scheme
• Negative balance protection not explicitly stated
• Limited educational tools on the platform

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IFS Markets regulated?

Yes, IFS Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), under license number 323193.

Does IFS Markets offer ECN accounts?

Yes, the Raw Account offers ECN-style trading with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $7 commission per lot.

What is the minimum deposit?

The minimum deposit at IFS Markets is $100 for both account types.

Does IFS Markets support cryptocurrency trading?

Yes, clients can trade crypto CFDs including BTC, ETH, and XRP.

Can I use IFS Markets as an institutional client?

Yes, institutional services include FIX API, white-label partnerships, and liquidity provisioning.