Choose CMC Markets if you want…
Discretionary traders wanting deep instrument coverage and a sophisticated proprietary platform from a publicly-listed UK broker.
CMC Markets
⭐ 4.5 / 5
VS
Equiti
⭐ 4.4 / 5
CMC Markets vs Equiti — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Equiti across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC Markets wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| CMC Markets | Equiti | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | DFSA, FCA, FSC Mauritius, JSC Jordan, FSA Seychelles, CMA Kenya | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $500 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.0 pips (Premier) / 1.0 pip (Standard) | Equiti |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | MT4, MT5, Equiti Mobile | Tie |
| Founded | 1989 | 2008 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Dubai, UAE / Amman, Jordan | — |
Pros & cons compared
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
Equiti pros
- ✓ DFSA (Dubai) primary regulator — true MENA-headquartered broker
- ✓ FCA + JSC Jordan + CMA Kenya — strong MENA-Africa coverage
- ✓ Founded by Iraqi-Jordanian financiers — genuine regional roots
- ✓ Premier account: 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot/side
- ✓ Islamic (swap-free) accounts default-available
Cons
- ✗ $500 minimum deposit — higher than budget MENA brokers
- ✗ Smaller scale than Exness/XM/Tickmill in retail volume
- ✗ Limited cryptocurrency offering
Which one should you choose?
Choose Equiti if you want…
Middle Eastern + North African + Levant traders wanting a genuinely MENA-headquartered broker with tier-1 DFSA + FCA regulation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Equiti?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), CMC Markets wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is CMC Markets more regulated than Equiti?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Equiti holds licenses from: DFSA, FCA, FSC Mauritius, JSC Jordan, FSA Seychelles, CMA Kenya. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Equiti?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Equiti spreads start from 0.0 pips (Premier) / 1.0 pip (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Equiti?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Equiti: $500. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
