Regulators
FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland
Min. deposit
$0 (no minimum)
Spread from
0.7 pips (Next Generation)
Max. leverage
Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional)
Platforms
CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile
Founded
1989 · London, United Kingdom
CMC Markets review summary
CMC Markets is a UK CFD broker founded in 1989 — making it one of the oldest in the industry — and is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange under ticker CMCX. Its FCA-led regulatory profile, combined with ASIC, BaFin, MAS, and other tier-1 licenses, places it firmly in the same league as IG and Swissquote for institutional-grade compliance.
The flagship product is the Next Generation trading platform — a proprietary, browser-based system with 115+ technical indicators, advanced order types, and one of the deepest instrument lists in retail (12,000+ CFDs across FX, equities, indices, commodities, treasuries, and crypto). For traders who want exposure to obscure stocks (Asian small-caps, frontier-market equities) or treasury CFDs, CMC has the broadest coverage of any retail broker.
The Standard FX spread (0.7 pips on EUR/USD) is competitive but not ECN-tight. For pure FX scalping, Pepperstone or Pepperstone are tighter. For everything else, CMC is in the top tier.
Account types
| Account | Min. deposit | Spreads | Notes |
|---|
| CFD Account | $0 | From 0.7 pips | Standard retail |
| Professional | $0 | From 0.5 pips | Qualifying clients only |
Regulation
- CMC Markets UK plc — FCA 173730
- CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd — ASIC 238054
- CMC Markets Germany GmbH — BaFin 154814
- CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd — MAS CMS100025
- CMC Markets NZ Ltd — FMA 41187
- CMC Markets Canada Inc. — IIROC
Bottom line
CMC Markets scores 4.5/5. Best for multi-asset discretionary traders who value regulatory robustness and platform depth. Pure FX scalpers will find tighter spreads elsewhere.
CMC Markets — Frequently Asked Questions
Is CMC Markets regulated and safe?
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland, holds client funds in segregated accounts and operates under active financial-services licenses. Verify each license number on the regulator's official website before depositing.
Is CMC Markets legit or a scam?
CMC Markets is a legitimate, regulated broker — not a scam. It operates under oversight from FCA, ASIC, BaFin, which require segregated client funds and regular audits. Always confirm the specific entity and license that will hold your account, and avoid clone sites using a similar name.
What is the minimum deposit at CMC Markets?
The minimum deposit at CMC Markets is $0 (no minimum). Standard accounts accept this minimum; premium or professional tiers may require more.
How do I withdraw money from CMC Markets?
Withdrawals from CMC Markets are returned to your original funding method — card, bank transfer, e-wallet or crypto, depending on how you deposited. E-wallets and crypto are usually fastest; bank transfers take longest. Processing times and limits are set by CMC Markets, so check its funding page for current details.
What fees and commissions does CMC Markets charge?
CMC Markets's main cost is the spread, starting from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Raw/ECN accounts add a per-lot commission in exchange for a tighter spread. Also factor in overnight swap fees and any inactivity fee. Compare the all-in cost (spread + commission), not just the headline spread.
What are the typical spreads at CMC Markets?
Spreads at CMC Markets start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation), varying by account type, instrument, time of day and market volatility. Raw/ECN accounts add a commission on top of the tighter spread.
What account types does CMC Markets offer?
CMC Markets typically offers a standard (commission-free, slightly wider spread) account and a raw/ECN (tight spread plus commission) account, with a swap-free Islamic option where available. The minimum to open is $0 (no minimum), and platforms include CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile.
What trading platforms does CMC Markets offer?
CMC Markets supports: CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile. MT4/MT5 are the industry standards; cTrader suits ECN execution; proprietary platforms add broker-specific tools but less third-party compatibility.
What is the maximum leverage at CMC Markets?
Maximum leverage at CMC Markets is Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional). EU/UK retail clients are capped at 1:30 on major FX by ESMA rules regardless of broker policy; professional and offshore-entity clients can access higher leverage subject to qualification.
Does CMC Markets offer a demo account?
Yes — CMC Markets offers a free demo account with virtual funds, so you can test the platform and practise a strategy on live prices before depositing real money.
Who is CMC Markets best suited for?
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
