IC Markets vs FP Markets: Complete Comparison for Kuwait Traders (2026)

For Kuwait traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those trading multiple lots. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3.50 commission per lot (round turn). FP Markets’ Raw account also starts from 0.0 pips but charges $3 per side ($6 round turn). On a standard EUR/USD trade of 1 lot, IC Markets costs around $3.50 total, while FP Markets costs $6—a 42% difference. For a Kuwait trader executing 10 lots per month, that’s $35 vs $60. FP Markets’ Standard account (no commission, spreads from 1.0 pips) may appeal to beginners who trade smaller volumes. However, IC Markets consistently provides lower effective spreads for active Kuwait traders, particularly on major forex pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.

Both brokers offer the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, which are widely used by Kuwait traders for their advanced charting, automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and custom indicators. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a modern platform with a clean interface and depth of market, ideal for Kuwait scalpers who need fast order execution. FP Markets goes a step further by offering IRESS, a professional-grade platform used by institutional traders, which includes advanced risk management tools and direct market access (DMA). For Kuwait traders who trade on the go, both brokers have mobile apps for iOS and Android. FP Markets’ platform variety gives it an edge for traders who want more than just MT4/MT5, while IC Markets’ cTrader is perfect for those prioritising speed and simplicity.

Execution quality is vital for Kuwait traders, especially scalpers and day traders. IC Markets uses Equinix NY4 data centers and offers execution speeds under 40 milliseconds on its Raw Spread account, with no requotes or dealing desk intervention. FP Markets also offers fast execution (under 50 milliseconds) with its Raw account, but IC Markets’ lower latency and tighter spreads give it a clear advantage for high-frequency trading. Both brokers offer ECN execution, meaning orders are filled directly from liquidity providers. For Kuwait traders trading during Asian or European sessions, IC Markets’ execution is more consistent.

Regulation is a key concern for Kuwait traders, as the local financial regulator does not directly oversee international brokers. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles. FP Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. Both brokers segregate client funds in top-tier banks and offer negative balance protection. For Kuwait traders, this means your funds are held in separate accounts and cannot be used for operational expenses. While neither broker is licensed by the Kuwait capital markets authority, their international licenses provide a strong layer of security. Always verify the entity you open an account with—ASIC-regulated entities offer the highest level of protection for Kuwait traders.

Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Kuwait traders at both IC Markets and FP Markets. Both brokers accept Bank Transfer (local KWD transfers converted to USD), Skrill, Neteller, and USDT (Tether). IC Markets has a minimum deposit of $200, while FP Markets requires only $100, making FP Markets more accessible for beginners. Deposits via Skrill and Neteller are processed instantly, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. USDT deposits are credited within minutes, which is ideal for Kuwait traders who use cryptocurrency. Withdrawals are processed within 1-3 business days for both brokers, with no fees charged by the broker (your bank may apply conversion fees). FP Markets offers slightly faster withdrawal processing for e-wallets (within 24 hours). Both brokers allow you to withdraw via the same method used for deposit, up to the deposited amount, which simplifies compliance for Kuwait traders.

Kuwait is a Muslim-majority country, and both IC Markets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types—Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader—with no swap charges on overnight positions. FP Markets also offers swap-free accounts on its Standard and Raw accounts. To open an Islamic account, Kuwait traders simply need to request it after registration; no additional documents are required. Both brokers waive swap fees on all instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. However, positions held for more than 30 consecutive days may incur a small administrative fee. For Kuwait traders who hold positions overnight, Islamic accounts are essential to avoid interest charges, and both brokers handle this well.

Customer support is available 24/5 for both brokers, with IC Markets offering live chat, email, and phone support in English and Arabic. FP Markets provides similar channels but also has a dedicated Arabic-speaking team during Kuwait business hours (Sunday to Thursday). IC Markets’ response time is slightly faster (under 30 seconds for live chat), while FP Markets’ email responses average 2-4 hours. For Kuwait traders who prefer Arabic support, FP Markets has a slight edge, but both brokers are responsive and helpful.