Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of ACY Securities vs IFC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
ACY Securities and IFC Markets, both established brokers in the online trading space, differ in terms of their founding years and regulatory standings. ACY Securities was established in 2011, while IFC Markets began operations in 2006. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank, but their regulatory frameworks set them apart significantly. ACY Securities holds a Tier-1 license, signaling a high level of trust, whereas IFC Markets holds a Tier-2 license. This distinction is reflected in their Trust Score ratings from ForexBrokers.com, with ACY Securities earning a score of 75, indicating an average risk, and IFC Markets slightly trailing with a score of 73.
For traders considering these platforms, the regulatory standing of each broker is an important factor. ACY Securities' Tier-1 license offers a sense of security and trust, while IFC Markets, with its Tier-2 license, also maintains a level of trustworthiness but does not reach the same tier of assurance. The Trust Scores, comparative licenses, and years of foundation provide valuable insights for potential clients assessing the reliability and regulatory compliance of each broker in the competitive field of online trading.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2011 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
ACY Securities and IFC Markets offer distinct options for traders concerning commissions and fees. ACY Securities stands out for its diverse account types catering to both low-deposit and commission-based traders. While its Standard account features slightly higher prices compared to industry averages, the ProZero account provides marginally better effective spreads. Notably, ACY Securities presents competitive advantages for Australian residents with reduced all-in costs.
ACY Securities features multiple account types requiring varying minimum deposits, spreads, and commissions. The commission-free Standard account demands a mere $50 deposit but has wider spreads averaging 1.2 pips for EUR/USD compared to its commission-based ProZero and Bespoke accounts, where spreads drop to 0.25 pips. While ProZero has a $200 minimum deposit and a $6 per round turn (RT) commission, Bespoke requires $10,000 with a $5 per RT fee. For Australians, the ProZero commission narrows to $3 per RT. Positioned higher by ForexBrokers.com, ACY Securities is rated 4.5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #21 out of 62 brokers.
On the other hand, IFC Markets does not provide average spread data which limits direct comparisons. Rated at 4 stars for its commissions and fees, IFC Markets occupies the #39 spot in ForexBrokers.com’s rankings out of 62 brokers. This places it slightly behind ACY Securities in terms of rated value and rank in the fees and commissions category.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.85 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
ACY Securities and IFC Markets both provide forex trading via CFDs or spot contracts, catering to traders interested in currency pairs. ACY Securities stands out with 2,200 tradeable symbols, which is significantly higher than IFC Markets' 630 symbols. Forex enthusiasts will also find more options with ACY Securities, offering 66 tradeable forex pairs compared to IFC Markets’ 49. However, when it comes to exchange-traded securities on international platforms, IFC Markets has an edge, allowing clients to invest in companies like Vodafone listed on the London Stock Exchange, whereas ACY Securities does not offer this option.
Both ACY Securities and IFC Markets support copy trading, providing automated strategies to their clients. When it comes to cryptocurrency, neither broker offers actual cryptocurrency purchases, but both facilitate buying cryptocurrency derivatives. In terms of investment range, ACY Securities holds a better position, rated 4 stars against IFC Markets' 3.5 stars. Furthermore, ACY Securities is ranked #30 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets is slightly lower at #43. This comparison highlights ACY Securities’ broader range of investment options and its higher standing in industry rankings.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 2200 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing ACY Securities and IFC Markets, both brokers offer solid choices for trading platforms and tools. Each provides simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice without financial risk. Additionally, both ACY Securities and IFC Markets have developed their own proprietary trading platforms and offer Windows-based desktop and web-based platforms for seamless access. They also support popular platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). Traders interested in copy trading will find options available at both brokers, though neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. For those who value charting, each offers the ability to trade directly from stock charts, with 15 drawing tools available, and supports watch lists with 7 customizable columns.
In terms of ratings, both ACY Securities and IFC Markets are rated 4 out of 5 stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, there are some differences in their rankings: ACY Securities stands at #41 while IFC Markets is slightly ahead at #36, according to ForexBrokers.com. While both brokers offer comprehensive tools and platforms to meet most traders' needs, this slight variation in ranking reflects nuances in customer satisfaction or specific tool functionality, making it essential for traders to consider individual preferences when making a decision between the two.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of ACY Securities and IFC Markets, both offer a comprehensive suite of features compatible with iPhone and Android devices. Users can enjoy stock and forex price alerts and access up to 30 technical studies for chart analysis on both platforms. Both apps support drawing trendlines, saving annotations automatically, and viewing charts across multiple time frames. Additionally, ACY Securities and IFC Markets provide the capability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, a distinctive feature is IFC Markets' ability to sync watchlist symbols with its online account, which ACY Securities does not offer.
Despite both platforms boasting similar features, there are differences in their market rankings and ratings. ACY Securities holds a 4-star rating and ranks 40th out of 62 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category according to ForexBrokers.com. Conversely, IFC Markets also holds a 4-star rating but ranks slightly lower at 52nd place. This might indicate a more favorable reception towards ACY Securities among mobile trading app users. Overall, both brokers deliver strong mobile trading solutions, but ACY Securities appears to have a slight edge in user preference and ranking.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
ACY Securities and IFC Markets both provide valuable tools for market research, making them competitive options for traders seeking insights. Both platforms offer daily market commentary, which can help traders stay informed on the latest market trends. They also provide an economic calendar, which is essential for tracking significant global news events that can affect trading decisions. However, neither broker offers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg or Reuters, nor do they provide technical analysis tools from companies like Autochartist or Trading Central. Additionally, both platforms lack market research offerings from TipRanks and Acuity Trading.
Despite these similarities, IFC Markets offers a unique sentiment-based trading tool that displays the ratio of long or short positions across currency pairs, providing an extra layer of insight for traders. In terms of overall research ratings, both ACY Securities and IFC Markets are rated 3.5 out of 5 stars. However, IFC Markets has a slight edge, ranking 40th out of 62 brokers for research according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to ACY Securities, which ranks 44th. This slight difference may influence traders looking for a broker that offers a bit more in the way of research tools and features.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for newbies, ACY Securities and IFC Markets both deliver more than the minimum threshold of 10 educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs, including articles, videos, and webinars. For those interested in live sessions, ACY Securities holds an advantage by offering monthly online webinars, a feature not available with IFC Markets. ACY also provides a searchable archive of these recorded sessions, making it easier for users to revisit and learn at their own pace, while IFC Markets lacks this facility.
Both brokers shine in providing a collection of beginner educational videos, each offering over 10 resources specifically crafted for novice traders. However, for those seeking advanced material, IFC Markets edges out ACY Securities by offering a collection of videos directed towards experienced traders. Additionally, IFC Markets provides an investor dictionary featuring over 50 investing terms—an aspect that ACY Securities does not offer. Ultimately, both brokers are rated 3.5 stars for their educational offerings, yet IFC Markets enjoys a higher ranking in the Education category from ForexBrokers.com, standing at 30 out of 62, compared to ACY Securities' rank of 43.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that ACY Securities is better than IFC Markets. ACY Securities finished with an overall rank of #42, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
ACY Securities is a MetaTrader-only broker with a reasonable range of markets and a balanced account offering. The broker’s research and educational content, however, could be greatly improved upon.
| Feature |
ACY Securities
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 73 |
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Both ACY Securities and IFC Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they do provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Comparing online brokers, ACY Securities supports ACH or SEPA transfers and Skrill for deposits and withdrawals, unlike IFC Markets, while both platforms offer bank wires and Visa or Mastercard, but neither accepts PayPal.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ACY Securities Review |
| Broker Screenshots | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 75 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2011 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 2200 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 66 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.85 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | No | Yes |
| Funding | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Research | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | ACY Securities Review |
| Overall | ACY Securities | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 75 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | ACY Securities Review |
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