Choose Axi if you want…
EU + APAC + MENA traders wanting tier-1 ECN execution without the Pepperstone/Pepperstone premium.
Axi
⭐ 4.4 / 5
VS
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
Axi vs CMC Markets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared Axi and CMC Markets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. The two brokers are evenly matched — your final choice depends on your specific trading style.
| Axi | CMC Markets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | ASIC, FCA, DFSA, FMA NZ, SVG FSA | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Elite) / 0.4 pips (Standard) | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | Axi |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Axi Mobile | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | Axi |
| Founded | 2007 | 1989 | — |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
Axi pros
- ✓ Founded 2007 — established Australian ECN broker
- ✓ ASIC + FCA + DFSA tier-1 regulation
- ✓ Elite account: 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot/side
- ✓ No minimum deposit on Standard account
- ✓ Native TradingView integration
Cons
- ✗ Smaller brand than Pepperstone / Pepperstone
- ✗ Limited proprietary platform — relies on third-party
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.4+ pips) competitive but not class-leading
CMC Markets pros
- ✓ Founded 1989 — among the oldest CFD brokers (LSE: CMCX)
- ✓ FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS — tier-1 regulators across major financial centres
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments — one of the broadest catalogues in retail CFDs
- ✓ Award-winning proprietary 'Next Generation' platform
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Cons
- ✗ Proprietary platform has a learning curve vs. MT4
- ✗ Spread on FX 'Standard' account (0.7 pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency CFD coverage
Which one should you choose?
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — Axi or CMC Markets?
Axi and CMC Markets are evenly matched on most measurable criteria. Your choice should depend on which specific features matter most — review the comparison table above and the "Pros & Cons" section.
Is Axi more regulated than CMC Markets?
Axi holds licenses from: ASIC, FCA, DFSA, FMA NZ, SVG FSA. CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at Axi vs CMC Markets?
Axi spreads start from 0.0 pips (Elite) / 0.4 pips (Standard). CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, Axi or CMC Markets?
Axi: $0 (no minimum). CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.
