CMC Markets

⭐ 4.5 / 5

IC Markets

⭐ 4.7 / 5

CMC Markets vs IC Markets — which broker is better in 2026?

Q: Is CMC Markets more regulated than IC Markets?

CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas.

Q: What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs IC Markets?

CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread).

We compared CMC Markets and IC Markets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IC Markets wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 2), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.

	CMC Markets	IC Markets	Winner
Rating	⭐ 4.5 / 5	⭐ 4.7 / 5	IC Markets
Regulators	FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland	ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas	CMC Markets
Min. deposit	$0 (no minimum)	$200	CMC Markets
Spreads from	0.7 pips (Next Generation)	0.0 pips (Raw Spread)	IC Markets
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, cTrader, TradingView	IC Markets
Founded	1989	2007	—
HQ	London, United Kingdom	Sydney, Australia	—

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

IC Markets pros

✓ Industry-leading raw spreads (0.0 pips on EUR/USD typical)
✓ Three platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader — one of few brokers offering cTrader
✓ Equinix NY4 server location — sub-millisecond execution for HFT/scalpers
✓ ASIC + CySEC dual-tier-1 regulation
✓ No restrictions on scalping, EAs, or hedging

Cons

✗ $200 minimum deposit — higher than budget brokers
✗ EU leverage capped at 1:30 retail (ESMA)
✗ Educational content thinner than XM / eToro

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.

Choose IC Markets if you want…

Active scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who prioritise execution quality and tight raw spreads.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better — CMC Markets or IC Markets?

Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IC 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 IC Markets?

CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. IC Markets holds licenses from: ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles, SCB Bahamas. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.

What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs IC Markets?

CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). IC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw Spread). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.

Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or IC Markets?

CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). IC Markets: $200. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.