Two brokers are measured on regulation, pricing, and platform depth. This matchup tests whether a higher editorial score translates into real-world advantages for different trader needs.
IC Markets edges ADS Securities on the editorial score. The higher category scores across trust regulation, fees spreads, platforms tools, and customer support underpin the lead.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ADS Securities if…
Choose ADS Securities if you value a proprietary platform and GCC equity access.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you want DMA access via IRESS and a lower minimum deposit.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets holds ASIC and CySEC with FSCA oversight.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.1/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $2,000 | $200▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ADS Securities | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: ADS Securities rates 3.8/5 and IC Markets rates 4.1/5. IC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
IC Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with ADS Securities's 0.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
IC Markets has $200, while ADS Securities requires at least $2000. This makes IC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ADS Securities and IC Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
IC Markets stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ADS Securities lists maximum leverage of 200:1, while IC Markets lists up to 5:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
IC Markets charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for ADS Securities are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
ADS Securities supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. ADS Securities has exclusive access to Proprietary Web/Mobile. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView.
Neither ADS Securities nor IC Markets is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
IC Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
IC Markets supports active trading with DMA-ready IRESS access.
IC Markets is more beginner-friendly due to the lower minimum deposit.
IC Markets provides broader access to more exchanges.
IC Markets offers lower trading costs with transparent pricing.
The two are equally matched for long-term investing.
| N/A |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSRA FCA | FSCA ASIC CySEC |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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