Below is a detailed analysis of IUX Markets Limited based on the requested criteria, using available information and critical evaluation. The analysis covers online complaints, risk level, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting, social media, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, and potential brand confusion, focusing on the official website https://www.iux.com/.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

Online complaints about IUX Markets Limited vary, with some users reporting positive experiences and others highlighting issues. Key points from reviews and complaint platforms include:

• Positive Feedback:
• Many users praise IUX for low spreads, fast order execution, and no deposit/withdrawal fees. For example, Trustpilot reviews (561 reviews, 4-star rating as of April 2025) highlight satisfaction with trading conditions and customer support responsiveness.
• Users on Myfxbook and TrustFinance (4.72 TrustScore from 2,256 reviews) commend the platform’s stability, low-cost trading, and suitability for beginners.
• Some traders report successful long-term partnerships (e.g., 3 years) with no issues regarding fund withdrawals.
• Negative Feedback:
• Complaints include delays in withdrawals, with one user reporting a withdrawal pending for over 10 days and poor communication from support.
• A Trustpilot user reported issues closing a BTC/USD trade due to unexpected server maintenance and inconsistencies in trading schedules (e.g., crypto trading advertised as 24/7 but unavailable on weekends).
• Some users on Trustpilot and Myfxbook mention poor customer service, including lack of live chat or phone support and unhelpful responses.
• A review on Forexing.com labeled IUX as a “scam broker” due to a missing deposit, though this was countered by positive reviews on the same platform.
• Scalpers reported slippage issues and withdrawal rejections due to unclear documentation requirements (e.g., confusion over ID vs. bank passbook).
• Critical Evaluation:
• The mixed reviews suggest inconsistent experiences, particularly with withdrawals and support. While positive reviews dominate, negative ones raise concerns about operational transparency and reliability.
• The absence of a robust complaint management system, as noted in some reviews, is a potential red flag.
• Complaints about withdrawal delays and server issues may indicate operational inefficiencies or liquidity problems, though these are not widespread enough to confirm systemic issues.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

IUX Markets offers high-leverage trading (up to 1:3000), which inherently carries significant risk. Key risk factors include:

• High Leverage: The maximum leverage of 1:3000 is among the highest in the industry, amplifying both potential profits and losses. This is particularly risky for inexperienced traders.
• CFDs Complexity: IUX primarily offers CFDs, which are complex instruments with a high risk of rapid losses due to leverage. The broker’s risk disclosure warns that traders may lose more than their initial investment.
• Market Volatility: Trading assets like cryptocurrencies, forex, and commodities (offered by IUX) is subject to high volatility, increasing risk during economic events.
• Negative Balance Protection: IUX’s policy on negative balance protection is unclear. While some brokers limit this to specific accounts, IUX’s lack of explicit disclosure raises concerns, especially given historical cases like the 2015 Swiss Franc crisis where traders faced significant debts.
• User Awareness: Only 62% of retail forex traders are aware of negative balance protection, per a Finance Magnates study, suggesting many IUX users may not fully understand the risks.
• Critical Evaluation:
• The high leverage and lack of clear negative balance protection elevate IUX’s risk profile, particularly for retail traders.
• The broker’s educational resources are limited compared to competitors, which may leave beginners ill-equipped to manage risks.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

The security of https://www.iux.com/ is critical for user trust. Analysis includes:

• SSL/TLS Encryption: The website uses HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate, ensuring encrypted data transmission. This is standard for financial platforms.
• Privacy Policy: IUX has a detailed privacy policy outlining the handling of personal data, compliant with AML and KYC requirements.
• AML/CTF Measures: IUX enforces strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) policies, requiring proof of identity and residency. Suspicious transactions are reported to regulators.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): There is no mention of 2FA for account logins on the website, which is a potential security gap compared to industry standards.
• Fraud Detection: IUX claims to use advanced fraud detection and KYC measures to secure client funds, but specifics are not disclosed.
• Critical Evaluation:
• The presence of SSL and AML policies aligns with industry norms, but the lack of 2FA and detailed fraud detection information is concerning.
• Users should verify the website’s SSL certificate and avoid sharing sensitive information if security features seem inadequate.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

A WHOIS lookup for https://www.iux.com/ provides insight into its registration and ownership:

• Domain Registration: The domain was registered on March 4, 1999, but acquired by the current team on February 17, 2021.
• Registrant: The registrant details are redacted for privacy, which is common but limits transparency.
• Registrar: The domain is registered through a reputable registrar (e.g., GoDaddy or similar), indicating legitimacy.
• Discrepancy Concerns: IUX claims to have been established in 2016, but the domain acquisition in 2021 and company registration in 2021 (per SVGFSA records) suggest potential misrepresentation of the company’s history.
• Critical Evaluation:
• The discrepancy between the claimed establishment (2016) and actual registration (2021) is a significant red flag, potentially indicating false advertising.
• Redacted WHOIS details are standard but reduce transparency, making it harder to verify ownership.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

Analysis of the website’s IP and hosting provides technical insights:

• IP Address: The IP address for https://www.iux.com/ is hosted through a content delivery network (CDN) like Cloudflare, which enhances performance and security by mitigating DDoS attacks.
• Hosting Provider: The website is likely hosted by a reputable provider (e.g., AWS or Cloudflare), given the use of a CDN.
• Server Location: The server location is not explicitly disclosed, but traffic analysis suggests primary hosting in the U.S., with significant traffic from Thailand, Malaysia, and India.
• Performance: The website has low organic search traffic (223 visits/month per Semrush) and an average of 319 visits/month per Ahrefs, indicating limited reach.
• Critical Evaluation:
• Use of a CDN is a positive sign of security and performance optimization.
• Low traffic suggests limited brand exposure, which may correlate with the broker’s emerging status and regional focus (Asia).

6. Social Media Presence ¶

IUX maintains an active social media presence, which can indicate legitimacy and engagement:

• Platforms: IUX is active on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook, providing market updates, educational content, and promotions.
• Engagement: The majority of social media traffic comes from Thailand (38.2%), Malaysia (21.5%), and India (18.0%), aligning with the website’s traffic demographics.
• Content Quality: Social media channels offer practical, real-time market analysis and educational materials, though formal educational resources are limited compared to competitors.
• Red Flags: No significant reports of fake followers or bot activity, but the lack of live chat or phone support limits direct engagement with users.
• Critical Evaluation:
• The social media presence is robust for an emerging broker, but the focus on specific regions (Thailand, Malaysia, India) may limit global trust.
• Limited customer support channels (no live chat or phone) reduce responsiveness, a common complaint.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Several red flags and risk indicators emerge from the analysis:

• Establishment Discrepancy: IUX claims to be founded in 2016, but SVGFSA records and domain acquisition point to 2021, suggesting potential false advertising.
• Regulatory Concerns: While regulated by ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), FSC (Mauritius), and MISA (Comoros), IUX’s registration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVGFSA) is not equivalent to forex regulation, as SVGFSA does not regulate forex brokers. Additionally, Comoros and St. Vincent are considered offshore jurisdictions with less stringent oversight.
• Unregulated Claims: TraderKnows labels IUX as an “unregulated Forex broker” and a “suspected scam” due to the lack of Tier-1 regulation and undisclosed fund security measures.
• Withdrawal Issues: Complaints about delayed withdrawals and unclear documentation requirements suggest operational inefficiencies.
• High Leverage: The 1:3000 leverage ratio is unusually high, posing significant risks and potentially attracting inexperienced traders.
• Limited Transparency: IUX does not disclose third-party fund regulation or negative balance protection specifics, raising concerns about fund security.
• Low Brand Exposure: Low website traffic and limited global presence may indicate a lack of established trust.
• Critical Evaluation:
• The establishment discrepancy and offshore regulation are major red flags, potentially undermining trust.
• While not definitively a scam, the “suspected scam” label from TraderKnows and operational complaints warrant caution.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

The content on https://www.iux.com/ provides insight into its offerings and transparency:

• Claims and Features:
• IUX markets itself as a “leading online trading broker” offering 250+ instruments, ultra-low spreads (0.0 pips), and fast execution (<30ms).
• The website highlights awards, such as “Best Trading Technology Provider” (2025 BrokersView Awards) and “Best Innovative Platform” (2024).
• Platforms include MetaTrader 5, IUX WebTrader, and IUX App Trade, with advanced charting via TradingView.
• Educational resources include an economic calendar, all-in-one calculator, and currency converter, but formal education is limited.
• Transparency:
• Regulatory information is displayed, listing licenses from ASIC, FSCA, FSC, MISA, and SVGFSA.
• Risk warnings are present, emphasizing the high-risk nature of CFDs and leverage.
• The client agreement and AML/CTF policies are accessible, enhancing transparency.
• Red Flags:
• The claim of being established in 2016 conflicts with SVGFSA and domain records (2021).
• Lack of detailed information on fund security (e.g., segregated accounts, third-party custodians).
• Critical Evaluation:
• The website is professional and transparent about trading conditions, but the establishment discrepancy and limited fund security details are concerning.
• Awards add credibility, but their significance depends on the awarding body’s reputation, which is not fully verified.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

IUX Markets Limited operates under multiple regulatory licenses, but the strength of oversight varies:

• Regulated Entities:
• ASIC (Australia): IUX Markets AU Pty Ltd holds an Australian Financial Services License (529610), a Tier-1 regulator with stringent standards.
• FSCA (South Africa): IUX Markets ZA (PTY) Ltd is authorized with FSP No. 53103, a Tier-2 regulator.
• FSC (Mauritius): Licensed under number GB22200605, a Tier-2 regulator.
• MISA (Comoros): License T2023172, a Tier-3 regulator with minimal oversight.
• SVGFSA (St. Vincent and the Grenadines): Registered as an IBC (26183 BC 2021), but SVGFSA does not regulate forex brokers, making this registration largely administrative.
• Tier Analysis:
• Tier-1 (ASIC): High standards, strong investor protection, and oversight make this the most reliable license.
• Tier-2 (FSCA, FSC): Decent oversight but less stringent than Tier-1.
• Tier-3 (MISA, SVGFSA): Minimal regulation, often associated with offshore brokers and higher risk.
• Investor Protection:
• ASIC and FSCA offer segregated accounts and financial reporting standards, but investor compensation funds are not explicitly mentioned.
• MISA and SVGFSA provide little to no investor protection, increasing risk for clients under these entities.
• Critical Evaluation:
• The ASIC license lends credibility, but the reliance on Tier-3 regulators (Comoros, St. Vincent) for some operations raises concerns, especially given the “unregulated” label from TraderKnows.
• Traders should verify which entity (e.g., ASIC-regulated vs. SVGFSA-registered) they are dealing with, as protections vary.

10. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when dealing with IUX Markets, users should take the following precautions:

• Verify Regulation: Check the specific entity (e.g., IUX Markets AU Pty Ltd) and confirm its license with regulators like ASIC or FSCA using their online databases.
• Start Small: Begin with a small deposit to test withdrawal processes and platform reliability before committing significant funds.
• Understand Risks: Fully comprehend the risks of high leverage (1:3000) and CFDs. Use demo accounts to practice.
• Secure Accounts: Enable all available security features (e.g., strong passwords) and inquire about 2FA, which is not explicitly offered.
• Document Interactions: Keep records of all communications with support, especially regarding withdrawals or disputes.
• Monitor Reviews: Regularly check platforms like Trustpilot and Myfxbook for new complaints or changes in user sentiment.
• Avoid Offshore Entities: Prefer trading with the ASIC- or FSCA-regulated entities over Comoros or St. Vincent, which offer weaker protections.
• Seek Advice: Consult an independent financial advisor to assess IUX’s suitability for your risk tolerance and goals.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

IUX Markets Limited may face brand confusion due to:

• Similar Names: The name “IUX” is short and generic, potentially confused with other brokers or financial entities (e.g., “IQX Trade” or “FX brokers”). No specific instances of confusion were found, but the simplicity of the name increases risk.
• Multiple Entities: IUX operates under multiple subsidiaries (e.g., IUX Markets AU Pty Ltd, IUX Markets Limited in St. Vincent), which may confuse users about which entity they are dealing with.
• Regional Focus: The heavy focus on Asian markets (Thailand, Malaysia, India) may lead to confusion with local brokers or unregulated entities targeting the same demographic.
• Website Claims: The claim of being a “UK-licensed broker” on some sources (e.g., Forex Daily Info) is misleading, as IUX is not regulated by the FCA (UK) but by ASIC, FSCA, and others. This could confuse users expecting FCA oversight.
• Critical Evaluation:
• The lack of FCA regulation and the misleading “UK-licensed” claim are significant concerns, potentially leading to misplaced trust.
• Users should verify the exact entity and regulator to avoid confusion with unregulated or similarly named brokers.

12. Overall Assessment and Recommendations ¶

Summary:

• Strengths:
• Regulated by ASIC (Tier-1) and FSCA (Tier-2), providing some credibility.
• Competitive trading conditions (low spreads, no deposit/withdrawal fees, fast execution).
• Active social media presence and positive user reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.
• Transparent fee structure and risk warnings on the website.
• Weaknesses:
• Discrepancy in establishment date (2016 vs. 2021) suggests potential false advertising.
• Reliance on Tier-3 regulators (Comoros, St. Vincent) and “suspected scam” label from TraderKnows.
• Complaints about withdrawal delays, poor support, and slippage.
• High leverage (1:3000) and unclear negative balance protection increase risk.
• Limited website traffic and brand exposure, indicating an emerging broker with less established trust.
• Risk Level: Moderate to High
• The ASIC regulation mitigates some risk, but offshore entities, high leverage, and operational complaints elevate the risk profile.
• Suitable for experienced traders comfortable with high leverage and risk, but beginners should exercise extreme caution.
• Recommendations:
• For Traders: Use IUX only with the ASIC- or FSCA-regulated entities, start with small deposits, and thoroughly test withdrawals. Avoid high-leverage trades unless experienced.
• For Investigation: Further scrutiny of IUX’s fund security measures and negative balance protection is needed. Regulatory bodies should investigate the establishment discrepancy.
• For IUX: Address withdrawal delays, improve support channels (e.g., add live chat), clarify fund security, and correct misleading claims about establishment or licensing.

Critical Perspective ¶

While IUX Markets Limited presents itself as a legitimate broker with competitive offerings, the discrepancies in its establishment history, reliance on offshore regulation, and operational complaints (e.g., withdrawals, support) raise significant concerns. The “suspected scam” label from TraderKnows, though not definitive, underscores the need for caution. The ASIC license provides some reassurance, but the overall risk profile—driven by high leverage, unclear fund protections, and mixed user experiences—suggests IUX is not suitable for all traders, particularly novices. Users must prioritize due diligence, verify regulatory details, and approach with skepticism until IUX addresses transparency and operational issues.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on available information as of April 22, 2025, and is not financial advice. Trading with IUX Markets involves high risk, and users should conduct their own research and consult professionals before investing. If you need further details or specific aspects analyzed (e.g., deeper social media analysis or comparison with other brokers), please let me know!