IC Markets
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Editorial independence
A hard wall separates the people who write our reviews from the people who manage commercial partnerships.
Independent research and testing
Every review and guide rests on verified research, hands-on testing and objective criteria. When two brokers offer near-identical services, the review reflects trading conditions, fees, execution and support, never which one pays a higher commission.
No paid influence
Advertisers cannot buy a favourable review, a higher rating or better placement. Even a broker spending heavily on ads cannot change its score; if testing finds execution delays or hidden fees, the review says so.
Compensation firewall
Writers, researchers and editors are paid fixed salaries based on the quality and accuracy of their work, never on affiliate conversions. A critical review that reduces sign-ups does not change anyone's pay.
Same standards for everyone
Comparisons and rankings use the same tests, criteria and 100-point scoring system for every broker, partner or not.
Transparency and affiliate relationships
Affiliate programmes fund our free content. We are open about them and never let them compromise our work.
Clear disclosure
Broker reviews state: "FX Recap may earn a commission if you open an account through our links. This compensation does not affect our editorial evaluation or ratings."
Editorial control of links
Affiliate links are placed on editorial judgement and reader value alone. The editorial team can add, change or remove any link without commercial sign-off, and removes them at once if a partner raises regulatory concerns.
Sponsored content labelling
Sponsored articles carry a visible header such as "Sponsored Content" or "Paid Partnership with [Partner]" and distinct styling.
Verified data
Statistics and comparison data come from verified third-party sources, our own testing or direct platform analysis. We never publish advertiser-supplied numbers without checking them.
Full details: affiliate disclosure.
Advertising content standards
Every ad must meet these standards, which protect readers from misleading claims and predatory tactics.
| Standard | What it requires | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Truthful claims | Accurate, verifiable claims; no get-rich-quick, guaranteed or risk-free promises | Not allowed: "Turn $500 into $50,000 in 30 days with zero risk!" |
| 2. Transparent pricing | All costs, fees, spreads and subscription terms disclosed; no misleading "free" offers | "Free signals" ads must show premium tiers, trial costs and minimum deposits |
| 3. Content matches destination | The ad matches its landing page; no bait-and-switch | An EUR/USD signals ad must lead to a forex signals service |
| 4. Risk disclosure | Leveraged and high-risk products carry a risk warning | "Trading forex and CFDs involves significant risk of loss. Only invest capital you can afford to lose." |
| 5. Data privacy | No sensitive financial data requests without HTTPS, consent and privacy notices; no targeting by financial hardship | No card or bank details on an ad landing page |
| 6. Regulatory compliance | Advertised services must comply with regulation in their target markets | Unregulated brokers and unlicensed advisers cannot advertise |
Ad placements we do not allow
Ads imitating navigation, download buttons, system dialogs, close buttons or editorial headers.
Heavy animation, rapid blinking, moving arrows, fake countdown timers or artificial urgency.
Ads placed under headings like "Expert Analysis" or "Editorial Recommendations".
Pop-ups, pop-unders, auto-playing video with sound, full-screen ads or forced redirects.
Ads that cover content, block scrolling or force interaction before you can read.
Our reader experience commitment
- A clear visual line between editorial content and advertising.
- Prominent labelling of sponsored content and affiliate relationships.
- Fast page loads with minimal interference from ads.
- Mobile-friendly ad formats that do not disrupt reading.
- Zero tolerance for malware, phishing or any security threat in ads.
Our rights and enforcement
Content approval
We may reject, change, pause or remove any ad, sponsored content or affiliate partnership at any time, without prior notice.
Quality standards
Ads that fail our accuracy, transparency or reader-protection standards are removed immediately, even mid-campaign.
Advertiser accountability
Advertisers carry full legal responsibility for their claims and regulatory obligations. Submitting an ad certifies that it is legally compliant.
Ending relationships
We may end any advertising, affiliate or sponsorship agreement over policy breaches, reader complaints or regulatory concerns.
Policy updates
We may update this policy from time to time. Continuing to advertise after an update means accepting the revised terms.
Detailed creative rules are in our advertising guidelines.
Our commitment to you
- Editorial integrity: commercial relationships never influence analysis, ratings or recommendations.
- Transparency: every affiliate relationship, sponsored post and ad partnership is disclosed.
- Reader protection: strict standards keep out misleading claims, predatory tactics and security threats.
- Free content: affiliate revenue funds research, testing and education that stay free.
- Monitoring: regular checks make sure advertisers keep meeting our standards.
- Your feedback: concerned about an ad or sponsored piece? Tell us; we investigate promptly.
The short version: partnerships pay the bills, but they never buy our opinion.