IC Markets vs XM Group: Which Broker Is Better for Taiwan Traders in 2026?

When comparing trading costs for Taiwan traders, IC Markets offers a clear advantage with spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account, plus a commission of $3.50 per lot per side. This is ideal for high-volume traders who benefit from lower per-trade costs. XM Group’s standard account features spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, which is cheaper for small-volume traders. For a Taiwan trader executing 10 standard lots per month, IC Markets would cost approximately $70 in commissions versus $100 in spreads with XM Group, saving $30 monthly. However, XM Group’s Micro account allows trading with 0.01 lots, making it suitable for beginners. Both brokers offer competitive swap rates, but IC Markets’ lower spreads give it an edge for scalpers and day traders in Taiwan.

Both IC Markets and XM Group offer the industry-standard MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among Taiwan traders for their advanced charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and custom indicators. IC Markets also provides cTrader, a platform known for its intuitive interface and advanced order types, appealing to experienced traders. XM Group adds its proprietary XM WebTrader, which is browser-based and requires no download, ideal for beginners. For mobile trading, both brokers offer fully featured apps for iOS and Android. Taiwan traders who prioritize speed and customization may prefer IC Markets’ cTrader, while those seeking simplicity and accessibility will find XM Group’s options more suitable.

IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging 40 milliseconds, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and deep liquidity pools. This is ideal for Taiwan scalpers and high-frequency traders. XM Group offers execution speeds of around 100 milliseconds, which is still competitive but slower than IC Markets. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, ensuring no requotes. IC Markets provides direct market access (DMA) via its Raw Spread account, while XM Group uses a hybrid model. For Taiwan traders prioritizing speed, IC Markets is the clear winner, while XM Group offers reliable execution for standard trading.

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. XM Group is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, CySEC, and the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) in Belize. Neither broker is licensed by the local financial regulator in Taiwan, but they operate legally as international brokers. For Taiwan traders, this means their funds are held in segregated accounts with major banks, and negative balance protection is offered by XM Group under FCA rules. IC Markets provides client protection through ASIC’s strict capital requirements. Both brokers offer a secure trading environment, though Taiwan traders should verify tax obligations locally.

Taiwan traders can deposit and withdraw funds at both IC Markets and XM Group using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while XM Group requires only $5, making XM more accessible for beginners. Deposits are processed instantly for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. IC Markets charges no deposit fees, and XM Group also offers fee-free deposits. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at both brokers, with e-wallets being the fastest. Bank withdrawals may take 2-5 business days. IC Markets offers free withdrawals, while XM Group allows one free withdrawal per month, with additional withdrawals costing $5. For Taiwan traders using USDT, both brokers support Tether (USDT) deposits and withdrawals, providing a fast, low-cost option. Overall, XM Group’s lower minimum deposit and more flexible withdrawal policy may appeal to smaller traders, while IC Markets’ unlimited free withdrawals benefit high-volume traders.

Both IC Markets and XM Group offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Taiwan Muslim traders who wish to trade in accordance with Sharia law, which prohibits earning or paying interest. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard, with no swap charges on overnight positions. XM Group offers Islamic accounts on its Standard and Micro accounts, also with zero swap fees. However, XM Group reserves the right to charge a swap fee if positions are held for more than 30 days, while IC Markets does not have such a restriction. Taiwan traders should confirm eligibility and account terms with each broker. Both brokers require a declaration of faith or a request for the Islamic account option during registration.

IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with agents available in Chinese, which is beneficial for Taiwan traders. XM Group also provides 24/5 support (Monday to Friday) with live chat, email, and phone, and offers Chinese-speaking support. IC Markets’ 24/7 availability gives it an edge for traders who operate outside standard hours. Both brokers have extensive FAQs and educational resources on their websites, but XM Group’s support is slightly more responsive for beginner queries. Overall, IC Markets is better for round-the-clock assistance, while XM Group is adequate for standard trading hours.