FAB Securities
IC Markets
FAB Securities vs IC Markets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
FAB Securities and IC Markets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. FAB Securities, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is regulated by SCA and offers spreads starting from 1.5 pips with a minimum deposit of $2000. IC Markets, established in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $200 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to FAB Securities's 7.1/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, FAB Securities holds its own with more research tools, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
IC Markets scores 8.8/10 overall vs 7.1/10 for FAB Securities — a 1.7-point difference.
- 💵
IC Markets requires just $200 to start, while FAB Securities needs $2000 — IC Markets is 10x more accessible.
- 🛡️
IC Markets holds Tier 1 regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSA) offering stronger investor protection than FAB Securities's Tier 2 status.
- 📈
IC Markets offers 2,200+ instruments vs 800+ at FAB Securities — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
FAB Securities runs on FAB Trading Platform, Mobile App, while IC Markets uses MT4, MT5, cTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: IC Markets scores 9.5 vs 5.5 for FAB Securities — a 4.0-point difference.
Our Verdict
FAB Securities
Score: 7.1/10 · Wins 1 categories- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer FAB Securities's trading environment overall
IC Markets
Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 4 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
IC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 7.1/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. IC Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while FAB Securities fights back with more research tools.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, IC Markets comes out ahead with a 8.8/10 overall rating, winning 4 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 9.5/10. IC Markets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. FAB Securities is not without merit — it scores 7.1/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (8.5/10), winning 1 category. Traders who value more research tools may find FAB Securities the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full IC Markets review and FAB Securities review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
IC Markets wins by 4.0 points
IC Markets wins by 2.0 points
IC Markets wins by 0.5 points
FAB Securities wins by 0.5 points
IC Markets wins by 1.0 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.1/10 | 8.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $2000 | $200 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:10 | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | 1.5 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | FAB Trading Platform, Mobile App | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Regulation | SCA | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1985 ✓ | 2007 |
| Markets | 800+ | 2,200+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 5.5/10 for FAB Securities. FAB Securities offers spreads starting from 1.5 pips, while IC Markets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at FAB Securities is $2000, compared to $200 at IC Markets. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for FAB Securities. FAB Securities provides FAB Trading Platform, Mobile App, while IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. FAB Securities is regulated by SCA (Tier 2), while IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Tier 1). FAB Securities scores 8.5/10 and IC Markets scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, FAB Securities leads with 7/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. FAB Securities and IC Markets both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
FAB Securities offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone, Branch and scores 8/10, while IC Markets provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
FAB Securities scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while IC Markets scores 8.5/10. FAB Securities accepts Bank Transfer, FAB Account Transfer, and IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. FAB Securities requires a minimum deposit of $2000 versus $200 for IC Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose FAB Securities if you...
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer FAB Securities's trading environment overall
Choose IC Markets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FAB Securities better than IC Markets?
IC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.1/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, FAB Securities is stronger in more research tools. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, FAB Securities or IC Markets?
IC Markets scores higher for trading costs. FAB Securities offers spreads from 1.5 pips with a $2000 minimum deposit, while IC Markets starts from 0.0 pips with $200 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is FAB Securities safe to trade with?
FAB Securities is regulated by SCA and scores 8.5/10 for regulation. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, FAB Securities or IC Markets?
IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms. FAB Securities offers FAB Trading Platform, Mobile App, while IC Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for FAB Securities vs IC Markets?
FAB Securities requires a minimum deposit of $2000, while IC Markets requires $200. IC Markets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.