Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Fineco 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.
Fineco and IFC Markets offer distinct profiles for online brokerage services. Founded in 1999, Fineco stands out as a publicly traded entity that also functions as a bank. It boasts a high Trust Score of 94, placing it in the 'highly trusted' category, thanks to its two Tier-1 licenses. These licenses underline Fineco's commitment to providing a secure trading environment. In contrast, IFC Markets, established in 2006, is not publicly traded and does not have bank status. It holds a Trust Score of 73, categorizing it as having an average risk. IFC Markets possesses one Tier-2 license, indicating a trusted yet less stringent regulatory framework compared to Fineco.
For traders focused on regulatory credibility, Fineco presents a more established and trusted option with its higher number of Tier-1 licenses and its stock market presence. Meanwhile, IFC Markets provides a solid choice for those who may prefer a broker with a slightly different regulatory background. The difference in their Trust Scores and regulatory licenses offers potential clients clear indicators of the levels of safety and regulation to expect from each broker.
| Feature |
Fineco
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
Fineco and IFC Markets are two online brokers that offer varying commissions and fees. Fineco's fee structure is somewhat opaque due to the lack of published average spread data for forex and CFD trading. Despite listing a spread of 1 pip for EUR/USD, this spread is on the higher side compared to other forex brokers. Additionally, Fineco mentions a 0.8 pip spread, though it’s not clear if these are average values or for how long they might be applicable. However, Fineco does seem to offer more attractive spreads on its index CFDs. With a rating of 3.5 stars, Fineco ranks 51st out of 63 brokers for commissions and fees according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, IFC Markets provides more transparency in its fee structure. The average spread for EUR/USD trades stands at 1.44, which is slightly above the industry average of 1.08. Nonetheless, for active traders, the effective spreads are lower with IFC Markets' new ECN account, coming in at 1.1 pips. This decrease accounts for the 0.005% commission charged on both sides of a trade. The absence of inactivity fees coupled with active trader discounts adds further financial incentives for clients. IFC Markets earns a higher rating of 4 stars and is ranked 39th out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category, reflecting its relatively more competitive fee offerings.
| Feature |
Fineco
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Fineco and IFC Markets both provide forex trading as CFDs, making them viable options for currency traders. However, Fineco stands out by offering an extensive range of 9,770 tradeable symbols, compared to IFC Markets' 630. Specifically, Fineco provides access to 54 forex pairs while IFC Markets offers 49. When it comes to trading in U.S. exchange-listed securities like Apple shares, Fineco provides this opportunity, whereas IFC Markets does not. Both brokers, however, allow trading in international stocks such as Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange.
For investors interested in copy trading, IFC Markets is the better option, as Fineco does not currently support this feature. While neither brokerage offers the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, IFC Markets does provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives. Overall, based on ForexBrokers.com rankings, Fineco is highly regarded for its range of investments, earning a 4.5-star rating and ranking 16 out of 63 brokers, surpassing IFC Markets, which received a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 43rd.
| Feature |
Fineco
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 9770 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 54 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | No | 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.
Fineco and IFC Markets both provide traders with proprietary platforms developed in-house, along with Windows-based and web-based trading options. However, one key differentiator is IFC Markets' inclusion of the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which Fineco does not offer. IFC Markets also provides a free virtual demo account for simulated trading, allowing users to practice their strategies without financial risk, whereas Fineco does not offer this feature. Furthermore, IFC Markets supports copy trading, making it easier for newcomers to emulate successful trading strategies.
In terms of trading tools, IFC Markets offers more drawing tools, with 15 compared to Fineco's 7, and allows users to trade directly from a stock chart, a feature that Fineco lacks. When it comes to watch lists, IFC Markets offers seven columns or fields for customization, which is unspecified for Fineco. In overall ratings, both Fineco and IFC Markets receive four stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, according to ForexBrokers.com, Fineco is ranked #18 out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets holds the #36 spot, highlighting Fineco's slightly higher standing in the industry.
| Feature |
Fineco
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 37 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 7 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | N/A | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Fineco and IFC Markets offer mobile trading apps compatible with iPhone and Android devices, making it easy for traders to manage their investments on the go. When it comes to features, both brokers provide stock or forex price alerts and the ability to view multiple time frames on a chart. However, IFC Markets stands out by also allowing watchlist symbol syncing with a client's online account, while Fineco lacks this capability. Additionally, IFC Markets offers the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes, a feature not available with Fineco.
Charting capabilities differ significantly between the two, as IFC Markets offers 30 technical studies and the ability to draw and automatically save trendlines on charts. In contrast, Fineco provides only 6 technical studies and does not support drawing or auto-saving chart annotations. Despite these differences, both platforms receive a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars for their mobile trading apps. According to ForexBrokers.com, Fineco ranks #42, slightly ahead of IFC Markets at #52 among 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category.
| Feature |
Fineco
|
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 | 6 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing the market research offerings of Fineco and IFC Markets, several notable differences arise. First, IFC Markets provides daily market commentary, which may be appealing for traders seeking regular updates and insights. Fineco, in contrast, stands out with forex news sourced from top-tier entities like Bloomberg and Reuters, providing users with high-quality information. Both brokers feature economic calendars, aiding traders in staying informed about global economic events. However, neither Fineco nor IFC Markets offers technical analysis tools from companies like Autochartist or Trading Central, and neither provides market research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading.
In terms of sentiment tools, only IFC Markets offers a platform that shows the ratio of long or short positions across various instruments. Fineco does not offer such a tool but remains competitive in the market research domain due to its use of top-grade news sources. When rated for their research capabilities, Fineco achieves a rating of 4.0 stars out of five and ranks #33 among 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, IFC Markets earns a slightly lower rating of 3.5 stars and ranks #40, making Fineco a slightly more attractive option for those placing a high value on research resources.
| Feature |
Fineco
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | 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 comparing the educational resources for beginners between Fineco and IFC Markets, there are noticeable differences tailored to varying needs. Fineco provides online webinars at least once a month, ideal for interactive learners who prefer real-time engagement. Additionally, Fineco offers a collection of beginner-specific educational videos that breaks complex trading topics into easily digestible content. It also supports new traders with an investor dictionary covering over 50 essential investing terms. However, Fineco lacks a substantial library of educational articles or archived webinars focused specifically on forex or CFDs.
On the other hand, IFC Markets excels in providing a comprehensive library of educational materials, including over ten informative pieces centered on forex and CFDs, making it suitable for those who like to dive deep into these subjects. IFC Markets also offers a wide range of advanced trading videos, perfect for traders who wish to elevate their expertise beyond the basics. While it does not conduct regular live webinars like Fineco, IFC ensures beginners have access to fundamental educational videos and a useful investor dictionary. Overall, each broker brings unique educational strengths to the table, with Fineco earning a slightly higher rating for its focused beginner resources, despite IFC Markets’ higher overall ranking by ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Fineco
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Fineco is better than IFC Markets. Fineco finished with an overall rank of #25, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
FinecoBank is a trusted multi-asset broker offering forex and CFDs across its brands regulated in the U.K. and Italy. However, unless you visit a physical branch as a citizen of the EU – or you are a resident of Italy or the U.K. – you will not be permitted to open an online account with FinecoBank.
| Feature |
Fineco
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 73 |
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When comparing Fineco and IFC Markets for cryptocurrency trading, neither platform allows the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, but IFC Markets does provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives, unlike Fineco.
When comparing online brokers Fineco and IFC Markets, Fineco supports ACH and SEPA transfers as well as bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, while IFC Markets offers bank wires and the use of Visa or Mastercard, but neither broker provides options for PayPal or Skrill transactions.
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 | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Fineco Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 94 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Fineco | 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) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Fineco | 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 | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 9770 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 54 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | No | 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 | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | No | Yes |
| Funding | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | No | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | N/A | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 37 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 7 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | No | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 6 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Fineco | 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 | Fineco Review |
| Overall | Fineco | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Fineco Review |
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