Two brokers clash over global equity access and regulation, testing whether higher scores or broader instruments win the day.
IC Markets outpaces TMGM on editorial score (4.1 vs 3.8). Its stronger Trust & Regulation (4.6 vs 4.3) reinforces the edge.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose IC Markets if…
Choose IC Markets if you value commission transparent stock pricing and strong regulation.
Choose TMGM if…
Choose TMGM if you want real equities via IRESS and a broader instrument universe.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC with higher Trust & Regulation scores.
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 | $100▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $7/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | IC Markets | TMGM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: IC Markets rates 4.1/5 and TMGM rates 3.8/5. 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.
Both IC Markets and TMGM start from the same spread of 0. For stock trading, also compare per-trade or per-share commissions to determine the total cost per transaction.
TMGM has $100, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes TMGM more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both IC Markets and TMGM 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.
For beginners, two factors stand out: TMGM requires a lower minimum deposit ($100), lowering the barrier to entry, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
IC Markets lists maximum leverage of 5:1, while TMGM lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Both IC Markets and TMGM charge the same commission of $7 per trade on applicable accounts. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
IC Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while TMGM supports IRESS, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. IC Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and TradingView. TMGM has exclusive access to IRESS.
Neither IC Markets nor TMGM 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.
TMGM offers 10,000+ instruments and DMA access via IRESS for active traders.
TMGM has a lower minimum deposit, making it more accessible for new investors.
TMGM offers 15 exchanges and Level II depth through IRESS.
IC Markets offers commission transparent pricing at USD 0.02 per US stock, lowering per-trade costs.
TMGM provides real equities via IRESS, supporting long term ownership options.
| 0.7 pips |
| 0.7 pips |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardCrypto |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferCredit cardCrypto |
|---|
| 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 | ASIC FSCA CySEC | ASIC VFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | IRESS MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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