IC Markets' keyword advertising management policy (especially for paid search advertising - PPC) for its partners (Affiliates/IBs) is very strict to protect the brand and prevent internal competition. Below are the details of these policies:
1. Core regulations on keyword bidding (Brand Bidding)
Absolute prohibition of original keywords: Partners are not allowed to use brand-identifying keywords such as "IC Markets", "IC Markets Global", "IC Markets EU" or any misspelled variations of these words to run PPC ads.

Direct competition is prohibited: Partners are not allowed to advertise on search engines or any websites where IC Markets is running its own advertising campaigns.

Mandatory Use of Negative Keywords: The platform requires and recommends that partners add the IC Markets brand name to the list of negative keywords when running "Generic Search" campaigns to ensure that partner ads are not inadvertently displayed when users search for the platform's name.

2. Regulations by Keyword Category
Brand Keywords: Completely prohibited. Examples include search queries such as: [IC Markets], "IC Markets login". It is recommended to include this group in the Negative Keywords list to protect your budget.

Brand Keywords + (TM+): Restricted. Examples include "IC Markets review", "IC Markets spread". Bidding on these combined keywords is usually only permitted with prior written approval from the platform's Marketing department.

Generic Keywords: Allowed. Examples include "Best ECN Broker", "Low spread forex". IC Markets encourages partners to focus on technical characteristics, such as Raw Spread accounts, when using this keyword group.

Competitor Keywords: Sensitive. Examples include "Exness review," "XM vs IC Markets." Partners may use this keyword group but must ensure that the information provided for comparison is completely truthful and fair.

3. Consequences of Keyword Policy Violations IC Markets applies a "zero tolerance" policy for violations of keyword bidding regulations, considering this to be unfair competition.
If a violation is detected, the exchange reserves the right to immediately terminate the partner agreement and cancel and reclaim all accumulated commission fees.