Quick Verdict — Japan Traders
Best Overall
IC Markets
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
FxPro
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for Japan Muslims
Best for Beginners
IC Markets
Better education & support
1:5000 vs 1:500
Max leverage
Head-to-head comparison
Japan traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2026 often compare IC Markets and FxPro. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 rating, is known for its ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and extensive platform support, making it a top choice for scalpers and algorithmic traders. FxPro, rated 4.1/5, offers a solid trading environment with a focus on user-friendly platforms and strong regulatory oversight from authorities like the FCA and CySEC. Both brokers accept Japan residents and support local payment methods including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. However, the Japanese yen (JPY) pairs and local trading conditions differ. This comparison highlights which broker better suits Japan retail traders, considering costs, regulation, and deposit options. Whether you trade USD/JPY or other pairs, understanding these differences is key to choosing the right broker for your strategy.
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Overall Scores Comparison

IC Markets
ASIC · CySEC · FSA
3.6
CompareBroker score
Winner
VS

FxPro
FCA · CySEC · FSCA
3.1
CompareBroker score
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
Regulation
Safety, oversight
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
Education
Webinars, guides
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Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FxPro |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FxPro |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FxPro |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FxPro |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | FxPro |
For Japan traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its True ECN account with a commission of $7 per lot round turn. In contrast, FxPro's spreads start from 0.6 pips on cTrader and 1.2 pips on MT4/MT5, with no commission on standard accounts. On a typical USD/JPY trade of 1 lot, IC Markets costs about $7 in commission, while FxPro's spread cost is roughly $6-$12 depending on the account. For high-volume Japan traders, IC Markets is cheaper due to tighter spreads, but FxPro may be better for those who prefer no-commission trading.
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Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
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Leverage Comparison - Japan Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|
| Japan (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Leverage Warning for Japan Traders
Traders in Japan typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
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Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | FxPro |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
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Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FxPro |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets offers ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40ms on its True ECN servers, ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders in Japan. FxPro’s execution averages 60ms on MT4/MT5 and 50ms on cTrader. Both use No Dealing Desk (NDD) models, but IC Markets has lower latency for Japan-based traders due to its servers in Tokyo and Hong Kong. This makes IC Markets better for Japan traders who require minimal slippage.
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Regulation & Safety for Japan Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets Global is not
FCA-authorised — the FCA has issued a public warning about this entity, and its clients do not have FOS or FSCS protection; verify the specific entity and licence before depositing. Neither broker is directly regulated by Japan's local financial regulator (JFSA), but they comply with international standards that protect client funds. , FSCS for
FxPro UK clients). IC Markets also offers negative balance protection.
Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for Japan traders may differ by entity.
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Deposits & Withdrawals for Japan
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | 1 business day |
Japan traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 via Skrill, Neteller, or USDT, with instant processing and no fees. Bank Transfer may take 1-3 days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and USDT, and 2-5 days for bank transfers. FxPro has a lower minimum deposit of $100 and supports the same methods. Skrill and Neteller deposits are instant, while USDT deposits are processed within minutes. Withdrawals at FxPro take 1-2 days for e-wallets and 3-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but FxPro may charge a withdrawal fee for certain methods.
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Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Japan Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FxPro |
|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and FxPro offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Japan Muslim traders. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader) with no swap fees on overnight positions. However, after 30 days, a small administrative fee may apply. FxPro offers Islamic accounts on MT4 and MT5 standard accounts, but not on cTrader. Swap-free status is available for an unlimited period, but FxPro may charge a one-time fee per lot for positions held longer than 10 days. Japan traders should check each broker's policy based on their trading style.
Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
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Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with Japanese language support available during business hours. FxPro provides 24/5 support via live chat, phone, and email, with Japanese-speaking agents. IC Markets’ 24/7 availability is a plus for Japan traders who trade during Asian hours. Response times are fast for both, but IC Markets edges ahead with round-the-clock assistance.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
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Education & Research Tools
| Resource | IC Markets | FxPro | Winner |
|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
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Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
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Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IC Markets
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-$200 min deposit
-No 24/7 support
FxPro
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
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Who Should Use Which Broker? - Japan Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Need ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips for high-volume trading of JPY pairs.
- Use Expert Advisors (EAs) or scalping strategies requiring fast execution.
- Prefer multiple platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader with full EA compatibility.
- Want 24/7 customer support in Japanese and instant deposits via Skrill, Neteller, or USDT.
Choose FxPro if you...
- Prefer a no-commission account with competitive spreads from 0.6 pips.
- Value FCA regulation for extra fund security and compensation scheme coverage.
- Trade manually on cTrader or FxPro Edge with a user-friendly interface.
- Have a smaller starting capital (minimum $100 deposit) and want to avoid complex commission structures.
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FAQ - IC Markets vs FxPro in Japan
Is IC Markets or FxPro better for Japan?
+Can Japan traders use both brokers legally?
+Which broker has lower spreads for Japan traders?
+How do Japan traders deposit at IC Markets and FxPro?
+Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for Japan?
+Final Verdict - Japan 2026
IC Markets wins overall
For Japan traders in 2026, IC Markets is the better choice overall due to its lower spreads, faster execution, and broader platform support. It excels for scalpers, EA users, and high-volume traders, especially on JPY pairs. FxPro is a solid alternative for those who prefer FCA regulation and no-commission accounts, but its higher spreads and slower execution make it less ideal for active traders. Both brokers accept Japan residents and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. However, IC Markets’ 24/7 support and lower trading costs give it a clear edge. If you prioritize cost and speed, choose IC Markets; if regulatory comfort is key, FxPro remains a reliable option.
Risk Disclaimer: CFDs and forex trading involve significant risk of loss. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. All data verified as of October 2026.