AlgoVerdict

IC Markets (IC Trading) vs. RoboForex — Broker Comparison for EAs

IC Trading vs. RoboForex — Straight Answer

Anyone shopping for an Expert Advisor broker runs into these two names fast. IC Trading (the international entity of the IC Markets group) is our benchmark for latency-sensitive scalpers and multi-EA portfolios: Equinix NY4 hosting, raw spreads from 0.0 pips, a free VPS and explicitly unrestricted EA/scalping/hedging policy. RoboForex, by contrast, stands out with an extremely low entry barrier (from 10 USD), high leverage and — on the Prime account — the lowest per-side commission in this comparison (~1 USD/lot/side). In short: for raw execution quality and infrastructure, IC Trading leads; for cheap micro accounts, high leverage and low commission, RoboForex is the more flexible pick. The table below shows both profiles side by side.

Execution & Infrastructure

For EAs it is not the advertised spread that matters but execution quality. IC Trading hosts in the Equinix NY4 data centre with deep liquidity — the gold standard for low latency and consistent fills, especially when scalping. RoboForex delivers solid ECN/Prime execution but communicates its server infrastructure less transparently. In our ranking, IC Trading leads on execution (score 5.0 vs. RoboForex).

Costs: Raw Spread + Commission

The only meaningful comparison figure is the all-in cost base.

On paper RoboForex Prime therefore has the lower per-side commission. If you count every pip and fire many round turns, weigh that against IC Trading's demonstrably stronger execution — the full breakdown is in our spread comparison.

EA, Scalping & Hedging Policy

Both brokers allow EAs, scalping and hedging without restriction — no dealbreaker on either side. IC Trading documents this especially explicitly, which matters for multi-EA portfolios holding opposing positions on the same symbol.

Regulation & Leverage

This is where the profiles diverge most:

RoboForex is the offshore-flexible house with higher leverage and a lower entry barrier; IC Trading offers the overall more strongly regulated setup with ASIC/CySEC behind it. If you prioritise Tier-1 regulation, price that in deliberately.

Platforms & VPS

RoboForex lowers the VPS bar substantially (good for small accounts), while IC Trading adds cTrader as a second ECN platform. More in our VPS comparison and the VPS guide.

Verdict: Who Wins?

Both also feature in our overall ranking Best Broker for EA / Algo Trading. Details in the individual reviews: IC Trading and RoboForex.

Side-by-Side Comparison

BrokerTypeRegulationLeverageMin. depositRatingVisit
IC TradingIC TradingPartnerECN / Raw SpreadASIC, CySEC, FSA1:1000 · EU/CySEC: 1:300 USD4.6Visit
RoboForexRoboForexPartnerECN / STP / Market MakerFSC Belize1:2000 · 1:500 · 1:30010 USD4.2Visit

Frequently asked questions

Is IC Trading the same as IC Markets?

IC Trading is the international entity of the IC Markets group (outside Australia/EU). The execution and account logic mirrors the familiar IC Markets model; what matters most is the regulatory entity and the resulting leverage.

Which broker is cheaper for EAs?

Per side, RoboForex Prime has the lower commission (~1 USD/lot/side). Factoring in execution quality and slippage, IC Trading can deliver lower real costs despite a higher commission — depending on strategy and frequency.

Which broker offers higher leverage?

RoboForex (up to 1:2000 on Pro/ProCent) is clearly above IC Trading (up to 1:1000 via the Seychelles entity). EU clients are capped at 1:30 with both.

Do both allow scalping and hedging?

Yes, both allow EAs, scalping and hedging without restriction. Still, verify the specific account terms in each review before going live.

Which of the two suits a start with little capital?

RoboForex sets the lower bar: a 10 USD minimum deposit plus a ProCent account where you can forward-test EAs on cent lots under live conditions. Its free VPS kicks in at 300 USD equity and 3 lots per month. IC Trading's minimum is nominally 0 USD, practically around 200 USD, and its free VPS only from roughly 5,000 USD volume.

How is your money protected at each broker?

IC Trading is regulated by ASIC, CySEC and the Seychelles FSA; EU clients are usually onboarded through the CySEC entity with European deposit protection, while the 1:1000 flagship sits offshore. RoboForex holds an FSC Belize licence with no state compensation fund, segregates client money and adds Financial Commission cover of up to 20,000 EUR per case plus 2.5M EUR civil liability insurance.

For which types of EA does the execution gap actually matter?

Mainly for latency-sensitive scalpers and HFT-style systems: IC Trading hosts in Equinix NY4 and scores 5.0 for execution in our review. RoboForex states no comparable Tier-1 presence and communicates its server infrastructure far less transparently; instead it has its execution audited monthly via Verify My Trade. For classic trend-following or rule-based EAs the difference barely shows in day-to-day operation.

How much should the platform line-up weigh in your decision?

A lot, if your algo does not run on MetaTrader. IC Trading offers MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, and on cTrader the commission drops to 3.00 instead of 3.50 USD per lot per side. RoboForex covers MT4, MT5, R StocksTrader and R WebTrader but no cTrader, so cAlgo strategies are off the table there.