IC Markets vs Exness 2026: In-Depth Comparison for Japan Traders

When comparing trading costs for Japan traders, IC Markets offers lower spreads on its Raw Spread account (from 0.0 pips) with a $3.50 commission per lot round turn. Exness' Zero account starts from 0.1 pips with a $3.50 commission, making IC Markets slightly cheaper for high-volume scalpers. On standard accounts, Exness spreads average 0.3 pips (no commission), while IC Markets' Standard account has spreads from 0.6 pips (no commission). For Japan traders trading 10+ lots daily, IC Markets' raw spreads save more; for smaller volumes, Exness' commission-free standard account may be more cost-effective. Both brokers offer competitive costs in USD-denominated accounts.

Both IC Markets and Exness offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are widely used by Japan traders for their advanced charting, automated trading, and fast execution. IC Markets also provides cTrader for ECN trading with Level II pricing, ideal for scalpers. Exness offers a proprietary web platform and mobile app with social trading features, but lacks cTrader. For Japan traders who prioritize algorithmic trading and raw spreads, IC Markets' cTrader is a plus. Exness' platforms are more beginner-friendly with integrated risk management tools. Both support Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4/MT5.

IC Markets is known for its ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms and no requotes, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center. Exness offers execution speeds under 100ms with 99.9% order execution without requotes. For Japan traders using scalping or EAs, IC Markets' faster execution is a clear advantage. Exness still provides reliable execution, but IC Markets is the better choice for latency-sensitive strategies. Both brokers have 0% requotes on market orders.

Neither IC Markets nor Exness is regulated by the local financial regulator (JFSA), but both hold licenses from reputable authorities. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). Exness is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles and CySEC. For Japan traders, this means no local investor protection (e.g., compensation fund), so due diligence is essential. Both brokers segregate client funds and offer negative balance protection. IC Markets' ASIC regulation is stronger, while Exness' FSA license allows higher leverage. Always check the broker's terms for Japanese residents before opening an account.

Japan traders can deposit and withdraw using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and Exness. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 via bank transfer (free) and $50 for e-wallets/USDT; withdrawals are free and processed within 24 hours. Exness has a lower minimum deposit of $10 via all methods, with instant processing for e-wallets and USDT. Both brokers support USD accounts, and deposits are fee-free. For Japan traders, Skrill and Neteller are popular for quick funding, while USDT offers crypto convenience. Bank transfers may take 1-3 business days. Exness' lower minimum makes it more accessible for beginners, while IC Markets' higher threshold suits serious traders.

Both IC Markets and Exness offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Japan traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader) with no swap charges, but they are not available for certain commodities or indices. Exness offers Islamic accounts on all forex pairs with no swap fees, and they can be activated instantly via a support request. For Japan Muslim traders, Exness' policy is more flexible, while IC Markets' Islamic accounts are still competitive. Both brokers require that Islamic accounts are not used for hedging or arbitrage to maintain compliance.

Both brokers offer 24/7 customer support in English, but neither provides dedicated Japanese-language support. IC Markets offers live chat, email, and phone support with fast response times (under 1 minute on chat). Exness also has 24/7 live chat and email support, with phone support in multiple languages. For Japan traders, language may be a barrier; however, both brokers have extensive FAQ sections and video tutorials. IC Markets' support is slightly more responsive, while Exness offers more self-service tools.