Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IFC Markets vs GBE brokers, 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.
When comparing IFC Markets and GBE Brokers, several key factors differentiate these online trading platforms. IFC Markets, established in 2006, holds a Tier-2 license, indicating a trusted regulatory status within the industry. Despite lacking Tier-1 licenses, IFC Markets maintains a Trust Score of 73 out of 99, thanks to its singular Tier-2 accreditation. As neither a publicly traded company nor a bank, IFC Markets is independently operated, offering clients a moderate level of reassurance with an average risk rating from ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, GBE Brokers, founded in 2013, holds one coveted Tier-1 license, suggesting a higher level of regulatory compliance. Despite this, GBE Brokers has a slightly lower Trust Score of 71, which categorizes it similarly as an average risk investment option. Like IFC Markets, GBE Brokers is not publicly traded and operates independently from any banking institution. This comparison highlights that while GBE Brokers may offer a slight edge in licensing, both platforms sit within an average level of trust, providing reasonable safety for those looking to trade online.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2013 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing IFC Markets and GBE Brokers in terms of their commissions and fees, prospective traders may find both brokers competitive, albeit with some differences. IFC Markets offers an average spread of 1.44 on EUR/USD pairs, which is slightly above the industry average of 1.08, potentially making it less appealing to those seeking the lowest cost-per-trade. However, active traders might benefit from IFC’s new ECN account, which provides effective spreads of 1.1 pips, taking into consideration a 0.005% commission charged for both sides of a trade. Additionally, the absence of inactivity fees and the provision of active trader discounts further enhance IFC Markets' appeal.
In contrast, GBE Brokers lacks specific average spread data, which can make it challenging for traders to directly compare costs. Both IFC Markets and GBE Brokers receive a 4-star rating for their commissions and fees from various assessments, indicating that both offer satisfactory trade cost structures, though details from GBE Brokers are less clear-cut due to the absence of specific spread information.
Ranking-wise, according to ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets stands at #39 out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category, while GBE Brokers is slightly higher at #37. This positioning suggests that while both brokers are competitive, GBE Brokers may provide a marginal edge over IFC Markets regarding commission and fee satisfaction in a broader comparison.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $500 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.44 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.1 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the range of investments offered by IFC Markets and GBE Brokers, both platforms grant access to forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts, though they differ in specific offerings. IFC Markets stands out with an impressive 630 tradeable symbols, providing investors with a wealth of options. GBE Brokers, however, offers 500 symbols, focusing more on depth within its portfolio. Interestingly, when it comes to forex pairs, GBE Brokers leads with 71 pairs, surpassing IFC Markets' 49 pairs, catering to investors keen on forex diversity. Nonetheless, neither broker allows direct trading of exchange-listed U.S. securities, such as Apple shares, but IFC Markets does provide access to international stocks like Vodafone, while GBE Brokers does not.
Both brokers support copy trading, allowing investors to follow successful traders, a useful feature for beginners. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts will find that both platforms offer trading in cryptocurrency derivatives though neither supports buying actual cryptocurrencies. The investment range at both IFC Markets and GBE Brokers has garnered a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, according to ForexBrokers.com. In terms of ranking, IFC Markets slightly edges out GBE Brokers by securing 43rd place compared to GBE Brokers' 44th spot amongst 63 brokers. This places both brokers fairly close in terms of investment range, though their offerings cater to different investor needs.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 630 | 500 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 71 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| 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 IFC Markets to GBE brokers for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer comprehensive solutions for traders. Both IFC Markets and GBE brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, making it easy for beginners to practice without risking real money. While IFC Markets boasts a proprietary platform developed in-house, GBE brokers do not, although both offer popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. For those who prefer diversity in platforms, both brokers provide Windows-based desktop and web-based trading platforms, allowing for flexibility in how trades are conducted. Copy trading is also available through both brokers, though neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. Charting enthusiasts will appreciate access to 15 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from stock charts across both platforms.
Despite these similarities, IFC Markets has a slight edge with a proprietary platform on offer, which could be a draw for traders looking for a unique trading experience. Interestingly, both brokers are evenly matched in terms of performance rating, each receiving four out of five stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, in the competitive space of 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets ranks at #36, ahead of GBE brokers, which sits at #57. This ranking might influence traders who weigh peer evaluations heavily in their decision-making. Overall, both IFC Markets and GBE brokers provide solid platform options, yet their differences could sway a trader's choice depending on personal preference and priorities in platform features.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| 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 it comes to mobile trading apps, both IFC Markets and GBE brokers offer a comprehensive experience for iPhone and Android users. They provide essential features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, and viewing various time frames for charting. Users can enjoy real-time quotes through personalized watchlists, although IFC Markets has a slight edge with watchlist symbol syncing, ensuring consistency between mobile and online accounts. Both platforms are equipped with 30 technical studies to aid in chart analysis, and they also automatically save chart drawings to streamline the trading experience.
In terms of user feedback, both IFC Markets and GBE brokers score a solid four stars out of five for their mobile trading apps. However, when ranked by ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets holds a slightly higher position at #52 compared to GBE brokers at #57 out of 63 brokers. This reflects a marginal preference for IFC Markets in the mobile trading realm. Whether prioritizing consistent watchlists or fairly rated user experiences, both brokers provide viable options for traders on the go.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| 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.
Both IFC Markets and GBE Brokers provide daily market commentary, allowing traders to stay informed on market movements. Neither broker, however, offers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg or Reuters. Additionally, both platforms lack technical analysis and fundamental research tools from renowned companies such as Autochartist and Trading Central. Despite this, both brokers have sentiment-based trading tools to show traders the ratio of long and short positions across various instruments, which can be a valuable resource for decision-making.
When it comes to additional resources, both IFC Markets and GBE Brokers miss the mark by not incorporating research from TipRanks or tools from Acuity Trading. Yet, they each provide an economic calendar, helping traders track global news events impacting economies. IFC Markets ranks slightly higher in research with a 3.5-star rating compared to GBE Brokers' 3-star rating. In a ranking of 63 brokers for research, IFC Markets stands at #40, whereas GBE Brokers is positioned at #62, demonstrating a marginal edge for IFC Markets in this area. Overall, while both brokers deliver some essential tools, they have room for improvement to satisfy traders seeking comprehensive market research.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | 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 available to beginners, IFC Markets stands out compared to GBE Brokers. IFC Markets provides a rich selection of educational material, including more than ten articles, videos, and other content focused on forex and CFDs. They also offer a series of beginner-friendly videos tailored to new traders, as well as a set of advanced educational videos for those with more experience. Additionally, IFC Markets furnishes users with an investor dictionary containing over 50 investing terms, making it a solid choice for those eager to understand and engage with trading concepts.
On the other hand, GBE Brokers falls short in these areas, offering fewer educational resources for beginners. They do not meet the benchmark of providing ten educational pieces primarily focused on forex or CFDs, nor do they offer ten beginner or advanced educational videos. Furthermore, GBE Brokers lack an investor dictionary featuring definitions for key investing terms. While both brokers do not host monthly educational webinars or have searchable archives of past webinars, IFC Markets is rated slightly higher for education with a 3.5-star rating compared to GBE's 3-star rating. According to ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets is ranked 30th out of 63 brokers, while GBE Brokers sits at 63rd in the Education category.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
GBE brokers
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IFC Markets is better than GBE brokers. IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45, while GBE brokers finished with an overall rank of #57.
IFC Markets is a well-established broker that has been in operation for 17 years. Forex traders at IFC Markets gain access to multiple trading platforms, a growing range of tradeable markets, and a balanced offering of research and educational content. However, IFC Markets’ Trust Score suffers due to the broker’s limited range of regulatory licenses.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
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GBE brokers
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 71 |
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Both IFC Markets and GBE brokers allow users to trade cryptocurrency derivatives but do not offer the ability to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
Comparing online brokers, IFC Markets and GBE Brokers, you'll find that while both offer Visa/Mastercard and bank wires for depositing and withdrawing funds, GBE Brokers additionally provides ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, and Skrill options, which IFC Markets does not.
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 | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
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| Regulation | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 73 | 71 | |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2013 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 630 | 500 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 71 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.44 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.1 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $500 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| 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 | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Major Forex Pairs | IFC Markets | GBE brokers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 71 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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