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
Fortrade
⭐ 4.1 / 5
CMC Markets vs Fortrade — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Fortrade across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC Markets wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| CMC Markets | Fortrade | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.1 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC, FSC Belarus | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.7 pips (Standard) | Tie |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | 1:30 (EU) / 1:200 | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | Fortrader, MT4 | CMC Markets |
| Founded | 1989 | 2013 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | London, UK | — |
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
Fortrade pros
- ✓ FCA + ASIC + CySEC multi-tier regulation
- ✓ Beginner-friendly proprietary Fortrader platform
- ✓ Strong, responsive customer support
- ✓ Negative balance protection for retail clients
Cons
- ✗ Spreads wider than raw-ECN brokers
- ✗ Predominantly market-maker (dealing-desk) execution
- ✗ No MT5 and a comparatively small instrument range
Which one should you choose?
Choose Fortrade if you want…
Beginners who want a multi-regulated broker with a simple, well-supported proprietary platform.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Fortrade?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), CMC Markets wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is CMC Markets more regulated than Fortrade?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Fortrade holds licenses from: FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC, FSC Belarus. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Fortrade?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Fortrade spreads start from 0.7 pips (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Fortrade?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Fortrade: $100. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
