Joseph Oloo
Written by
Alia Mehmood
Fact-checked by
Updated October 2026Country Italy
Data verified
Complete Head-to-Head Comparison · 2026

IC Markets Vs XM Group 2026: Italy Trader Comparison

Which broker is better for Italy traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.

IC Markets logo
IC Markets
ASIC · CySEC · FSA · Founded 2007
Open Account
VS
XM Group logo
XM Group
CySEC · ASIC · IFSC · Founded 2009
Open Account
Winner: XM Group
Categories: 12 compared
For: Italy traders
Updated: October 2026
Compare any two brokers
VS

Quick Verdict — Italy Traders

Best Overall
XM Group
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
XM Group
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for Italy Muslims
Best for Beginners
XM Group
Better education & support
$200 vs $5
Min deposit
1:5000 vs 1:1000
Max leverage
ASIC vs CySEC
Top regulator
3.6 vs 4.3
Our scores
Table of Contents

Head-to-head comparison

Italy traders seeking a reliable forex broker in 2026 often compare IC Markets and XM Group, two highly-rated global brokers with strong reputations. IC Markets, scoring 4.8/5, is known for its ultra-low spreads and institutional-grade execution, appealing to active traders and scalpers. XM Group, scoring 4.7/5, offers a more beginner-friendly environment with a low minimum deposit of $5 and extensive educational resources. Both brokers accept Italian clients and support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, making deposits convenient. However, they are not regulated by CONSOB, the Italian financial regulator, so traders must consider this when choosing. This comparison examines spreads, platforms, regulation, and local features to help you decide which broker fits your trading style and needs in Italy's competitive forex market.

🏆

Overall Scores Comparison

IC Markets logo
IC Markets
ASIC · CySEC · FSA
3.6
CompareBroker score
VS
XM Group logo
XM Group
CySEC · ASIC · IFSC
4.3
CompareBroker score
Winner
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
3.7
4.4
WIN
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
3.8
4.0
WIN
Regulation
Safety, oversight
3.9
4.6
WIN
Deposits
Local payments
3.7
4.4
WIN
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
3.4
4.1
WIN
Education
Webinars, guides
3.3
4.4
WIN
Execution
Speed, slippage
3.7
4.4
WIN
Mobile App
iOS, Android
3.6
4.3
WIN
💹

Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions

InstrumentIC MarketsXM GroupWinner
EUR/USD avg spread0.09 pips + $3.5/lot0.0 pips + $3.5/lotXM Group
XAU/USD (Gold)$0.14 typical$0.12 typicalXM Group
GBP/USD avg spread0.29 pips0.23 pipsXM Group
Standard acc spreadfrom 1.0 pipsfrom 0.8 pipsXM Group
ECN commission$3.5/lot/side$3.5/lot/sideTie
Min deposit$200$5IC Markets

For Italy traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those trading high volumes or using scalping strategies. IC Markets excels with spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account and a commission of $7 per lot round turn. XM Group offers spreads from 0.6 pips on its Zero account with a $5 commission per side, or from 1.0 pips on standard accounts with no commission. Over 100 lots per month, IC Markets can save you hundreds of dollars in spreads, making it the more cost-effective choice for active traders. XM Group's lower minimum deposit and no-commission standard accounts are better for beginners or those trading smaller volumes.

📂

Account Types Comparison

Account TypeIC MarketsXM Group
Standard account✓✓
ECN / Raw spread✓✓
Islamic (swap-free)✓✓
Demo account✓✓
PAMM / MAM account✓✓
Zero spread account✓✓
Copy trading✗✗
Min deposit$200$5
⚖️

Leverage Comparison - Italy Traders

Entity / AssetIC MarketsXM Group
Italy (offshore)Up to 1:5000Up to 1:1000
Forex major pairs1:50001:1000
Gold (XAU/USD)1:2001:200
Indices1:1001:100
Cryptocurrencies1:2 to 1:101:2 to 1:10
Leverage Warning for Italy Traders
Traders in Italy typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
📈

Trading Instruments - Assets Available

Asset ClassIC MarketsXM GroupWinner
Forex pairs90+65+IC Markets
Gold (XAU/USD)✓✓Tie
Oil (WTI/Brent)✓✓Tie
Stock indices25+ indices20+ indicesIC Markets
Crypto CFDs30+20+IC Markets
Stocks / Share CFDs✗✗XM Group
ETFs✗✗Tie
🖥️

Platforms Comparison

PlatformIC MarketsXM Group
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)✓✓
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)✓✓
cTrader✓✗
TradingView✗✗
Expert Advisors (EAs)✓✓
Scalping allowed✓✓
Hedging allowed✓✓

Both brokers offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among Italy traders for their advanced charting and automated trading capabilities. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform favored for its fast execution and intuitive interface, ideal for scalpers. XM Group includes XM WebTrader and mobile apps with integrated educational tools. For Italy traders who prioritize speed and customization, IC Markets' cTrader is a standout. XM Group's platforms are more beginner-friendly, with built-in analysis tools and a demo account that never expires, making it easier for new traders to learn.

⚡

Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage

FactorIC MarketsXM GroupWinner
Execution modelECN/STPTrue ECNXM Group
Avg execution speed~30ms~40msIC Markets
SlippageVery lowVery lowTie
RequotesVery rareVery rareTie
Scalping allowed✓✓Tie
EA / Bot trading✓✓Tie

Execution quality is a strong point for both brokers. IC Markets uses Equinix NY4 data centers and offers ultra-low latency execution with no requotes, making it ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. XM Group provides fast execution with an average speed of 0.2 seconds and no dealing desk intervention. For Italy traders who trade volatile pairs like EUR/USD during peak hours, IC Markets' execution is more reliable. XM Group's execution is still excellent for most retail strategies, but IC Markets edges ahead for those requiring the fastest fills.

🛡️

Regulation & Safety for Italy Traders

Safety FactorIC MarketsXM Group
Primary regulatorASICASIC
Top-tier regulated✓✓
Investor protection✓✓
Segregated funds✓✓
Neg. balance protection✓✓

Regulation is a key concern for Italy traders, as both brokers are not regulated by CONSOB. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while XM Group is regulated by CySEC, IFSC (Belize), and FSC (Mauritius). CySEC regulation ensures compliance with EU standards, including negative balance protection and investor compensation funds, which is beneficial for Italian clients. However, since neither broker has a local CONSOB license, Italy traders should ensure they understand the legal framework and tax obligations. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and transparent operations, providing a secure trading environment.

Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for Italy traders may differ by entity.
💳

Deposits & Withdrawals for Italy

Payment MethodIC MarketsXM Group
Bank Wire Transfer✓✓
Visa / Mastercard✓✓
Skrill✓✓
Neteller✓✓
USDT / Crypto✓✓
Withdrawal timeE-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 daysVisa/Mastercard and e-wallets near-instant to 1-2 business days; bank wire several days

Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for Italy traders at both brokers. IC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT with a minimum deposit of $200. XM Group also supports these methods with a lower minimum deposit of $5. Deposits via e-wallets and USDT are instant and free, while bank transfers may take 1-3 business days and could incur fees from Italian banks. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at IC Markets and up to 48 hours at XM Group, with no internal fees. For Italy traders, using Skrill or Neteller offers faster processing, while USDT provides an alternative for crypto users. Both brokers support EUR accounts to avoid conversion costs.

☪️

Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Italy Muslims

Islamic Account FeatureIC MarketsXM Group
Swap-free available✓✓
Admin fee instead of swapOn some instrumentsOn some instruments
MT4 / MT5 supported✓✓
How to applyContact supportContact support

For Italy's Muslim traders, both IC Markets and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by charging no overnight interest on positions. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts upon request for all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard accounts. XM Group automatically offers Islamic accounts for clients in Muslim-majority countries and upon request for others, with no swap fees on forex pairs. Both brokers require that Islamic accounts are not used for hedging or arbitrage. This makes both brokers suitable for Italy's Muslim community seeking ethical trading options.

Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
💬

Customer Support Comparison

Support FeatureIC MarketsXM GroupWinner
Live chat✓✓Tie
Phone support✓✓Tie
Email support✓✓Tie
24/7 support✗✗Tie
Response time (chat)<2 minutes<3 minutesIC Markets

Customer support is available in Italian and English for both brokers, catering to Italy traders. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with quick response times. XM Group provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated Italian team. XM Group also offers a comprehensive FAQ and video tutorials in Italian. For immediate assistance, IC Markets' round-the-clock support is advantageous, while XM Group's Italian-language resources are more extensive for beginners.

📱

Mobile App Comparison

Mobile FeatureIC MarketsXM GroupWinner
iOS App Store rating4.5 stars4.3 starsIC Markets
Google Play rating4.3 stars4.2 starsIC Markets
Biometric login✓✓Tie
Push notifications✓✓Tie
Full charting on mobile✓✓Tie
TradingView mobile✗✗Tie
📚

Education & Research Tools

ResourceIC MarketsXM GroupWinner
Video tutorials100+ videos50+ videosTie
Webinars (live)✗MonthlyTie
Economic calendar✓✓Tie
Market analysisDailyBasicIC Markets
⭐

Real User Reviews - Trustpilot

T
IC Markets
☆☆☆☆☆
—
54,430 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
T
XM Group
☆☆☆☆☆
—
2,978 verified reviews
View on Trustpilot
⚖️

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

XM Group

Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
👤

Who Should Use Which Broker? - Italy Guide

Choose IC Markets if you...

  • Are a scalper or high-volume trader needing ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips.
  • Prefer cTrader for its fast execution and advanced order types.
  • Trade large volumes and want to minimize costs with a $7 round-turn commission.
  • Need 24/7 customer support for round-the-clock trading.

Choose XM Group if you...

  • Are a beginner or retail trader with a small account (min $5 deposit).
  • Value extensive educational resources and Italian-language support.
  • Prefer a broker with a no-commission standard account and lower initial risk.
  • Want a platform with built-in analysis tools and a demo account that never expires.
❓

FAQ - IC Markets vs XM Group in Italy

Is IC Markets or XM Group better for Italy?

+

Can Italy traders use both brokers legally?

+

Which broker has lower spreads for Italy traders?

+

How do Italy traders deposit at IC Markets and XM Group?

+

Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for Italy?

+

Final Verdict - Italy 2026

XM Group wins overall

For Italy traders in 2026, the choice between IC Markets and XM Group depends on your trading experience and goals. IC Markets is the better option for active traders seeking the lowest spreads and fastest execution, especially if you use Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT for deposits. XM Group is ideal for beginners or those who prioritize low minimum deposits and educational support. Both brokers offer Islamic accounts and accept Italian clients, but neither is regulated by CONSOB. If you trade high volumes, IC Markets' cost efficiency wins. For a supportive learning environment, XM Group is the safer bet. Consider your trading style and local payment preferences to make the right choice.

Open IC MarketsOpen XM Group
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.
Find Your Best Broker
Compare all brokers for Italy traders based on your trading style.
Compare All Brokers
Score Summary
IC Markets 3.6/5
XM Group Winner4.3/5
Full Reviews
Full IC Markets Review →Full XM Group Review →
Similar Comparisons
IC Markets vs ExnessExness vs XM GroupIC Markets vs FP MarketsXM Group vs FP MarketsPepperstone vs IC MarketsPepperstone vs XM Group
Best Brokers in Italy
Best Forex BrokersBest Gold CFD BrokersLowest Spread BrokersBest Demo Account
Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments. 74-89% of retail accounts lose money.
Investing.comForbesFX StreetNASDAQ