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 |
When comparing ACY Securities to IFC Markets in terms of commissions and fees, ACY Securities stands out with a more diverse range of account options catering to different trader needs. ACY Securities offers a Standard account with no commissions and an average spread of 1.2 pips on the EUR/USD, requiring a low minimum deposit of $50. For more competitive pricing, ACY's ProZero and Bespoke accounts offer lower spreads, dropping to an average of 0.25 pips, with commission rates ranging from $5 to $6 per round turn depending on the account and resident location. Australian traders benefit from even lower effective costs, as commissions on the ProZero account go down to $3 per round turn. ACY Securities is highly rated with a 4.5-star rating and ranks #21 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
IFC Markets offers a more straightforward fee structure but is less competitive in terms of spread with the average spread on EUR/USD at 1.44, higher than the industry average. However, for active traders, IFC Markets provides its ECN account with more favorable conditions—effective spreads are reduced to 1.1 pips after accounting for the 0.005% commission on each trade side. Advantages at IFC Markets include no inactivity fees and discounts for active traders. Even with these benefits, IFC Markets holds a slightly lower rating of 4 stars and a #39 ranking in the Commissions and Fees category among the same 63 brokers.
| 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 | 1.1 |
| 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 offer online trading platforms with forex trading available as CFDs or spot contracts. However, ACY Securities exceeds in variety with 2,200 tradeable symbols, including 66 forex pairs, compared to IFC Markets’ 630 symbols and 49 forex pairs. Neither broker offers direct purchasing of U.S. listed shares, but IFC Markets supports trading international exchange securities like Vodafone shares, a feature not available with ACY Securities. For those interested in cryptocurrency, both brokers provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual digital coins.
Both ACY Securities and IFC Markets support copy trading, catering to traders who prefer mirroring experienced investors' moves. Despite having similar offerings in some areas, ACY Securities receives a higher rating of 4 stars for its range of investments compared to IFC Markets’ 3.5 stars. Additionally, ACY Securities has a better industry ranking, placed at #30 compared to IFC Markets’ rank of #43 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. This suggests ACY Securities may offer broader options for diversified trading strategies.
| 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 to IFC Markets in terms of trading platforms and tools, both brokers present attractive options for online trading. ACY Securities and IFC Markets each offer a comprehensive range of features, including free virtual demo accounts for simulated trading. They both provide proprietary trading platforms developed in-house, alongside support for popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Additionally, their platforms are accessible via Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based browser versions, enhancing flexibility for traders. Both brokers also support copy trading, though neither offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. For those keen on detailed analysis, each broker provides 15 drawing tools for charting, and traders can directly execute trades from stock charts.
In terms of watchlist customization, ACY Securities and IFC Markets both accommodate seven columns, allowing traders to organize their data efficiently. Despite sharing a similar suite of tools and platforms, IFC Markets slightly edges out ACY Securities in rankings by ForexBrokers.com, securing the 36th position compared to ACY's 41st among 63 brokers. However, both are rated equally with four stars for their trading platforms and tools. This comparative analysis showcases that both brokers offer competitive and user-friendly platforms, making them strong contenders in the online trading sphere.
| 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.
Both ACY Securities and IFC Markets provide iPhone and Android apps, offering traders the flexibility to manage their investments on the go. For those interested in stock and forex market movements, both apps deliver price alerts, ensuring that users stay informed. When it comes to charting tools, each app is equipped with 30 technical studies and offers customizations such as drawing trendlines and viewing various time frames. Moreover, drawings are automatically saved, easing the process of technical analysis for users who frequently adapt their strategies.
Where the two differ noticeably is in watchlist syncing capabilities; IFC Markets allows its mobile app watchlists to sync with an online account, enabling seamless management across devices, while ACY Securities lacks this feature. In terms of app ratings, both brokers receive a respectable 4 out of 5 stars, yet when compared side-by-side in ForexBrokers.com's list of 63 brokers, ACY Securities ranks at #40, surpassing IFC Markets, which ranks at #52. Despite these differences, both platforms provide solid mobile trading solutions that cater to both new and seasoned traders.
| 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.
When exploring the market research features provided by ACY Securities and IFC Markets, both platforms offer daily market commentary to keep traders informed. ACY Securities and IFC Markets don't provide forex news from major sources like Bloomberg or Reuters, and neither offers tools from Autochartist or Trading Central, potentially limiting traders who rely on these for in-depth analysis. IFC Markets, however, stands out by offering a sentiment-based trading tool that showcases the market's long and short positions, a feature that is absent on ACY Securities.
Both brokers provide access to an economic calendar for tracking upcoming global financial events, which can be crucial for planning trades. Interestingly, neither platform integrates research tools from TipRanks or Acuity Trading into their offerings. Despite these similarities, IFC Markets holds a slightly better industry ranking than ACY Securities in the Research category, as rated by ForexBrokers.com, while both share a 3.5-star research rating out of five. These insights can help traders decide on a platform based on individual research needs and industry rankings.
| 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.
ACY Securities and IFC Markets both provide a range of educational resources aimed at helping beginners dive into the world of forex and CFDs. They each offer a minimum of 10 educational pieces, including articles, videos, and more. Where ACY Securities shines is in its offering of monthly online educational webinars, coupled with a searchable archive of past webinars, providing ample opportunity for beginners to learn at their own pace. They also have an array of beginner-friendly educational videos that simplify complex trading concepts.
In contrast, IFC Markets makes a strong case for itself with a broader range of advanced educational videos designed for those looking to deepen their trading expertise. While they don't offer monthly webinars or an archive of past sessions, they do provide a useful investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, valuable for beginners trying to grasp the lingo of the trading world. Despite these differences, both platforms are rated 3.5 stars for education, though IFC Markets secures a higher rank at #30 compared to ACY Securities' #43 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
| 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 63 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 #41, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
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 | 1.1 | |
| 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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