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
HYCM
⭐ 4.3 / 5
CMC Markets vs HYCM — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and HYCM 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 | HYCM | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA Cayman | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.2 pips (Raw) / 1.2 pips (Classic) | HYCM |
| 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, HYCM Trader | Tie |
| Founded | 1989 | 1977 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | London, UK / Limassol, Cyprus | — |
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
HYCM pros
- ✓ Founded 1977 — among the oldest retail FX brokers globally
- ✓ FCA + CySEC + DFSA + CIMA tier-1 + tier-2 regulation
- ✓ Part of Henyep Group — diversified $1bn+ financial conglomerate
- ✓ Strong MENA + EU presence with Arabic support
- ✓ Raw account: 0.2 pips + $4/lot round-turn
Cons
- ✗ Smaller scale than Exness / XM / Pepperstone
- ✗ Classic account spreads (1.2+ pips) wider than ECN brokers
- ✗ Limited cTrader option — MT4/MT5 only
Which one should you choose?
Choose HYCM if you want…
MENA + EU traders wanting an established multi-jurisdictional broker with Henyep Group balance-sheet backing.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or HYCM?
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 HYCM?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. HYCM holds licenses from: FCA, CySEC, DFSA, CIMA Cayman. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs HYCM?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). HYCM spreads start from 0.2 pips (Raw) / 1.2 pips (Classic). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or HYCM?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). HYCM: $100. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
