CMC Markets

⭐ 4.5 / 5

IG

⭐ 4.6 / 5

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

Q: Is CMC Markets more regulated than IG?

CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA.

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

CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE).

We compared CMC Markets and IG across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG 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	IG	Winner
Rating	⭐ 4.5 / 5	⭐ 4.6 / 5	IG
Regulators	FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland	FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA	IG
Min. deposit	$0 (no minimum)	$0 (no minimum)	Tie
Spreads from	0.7 pips (Next Generation)	0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE)	IG
Max. leverage	Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional)	Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro)	—
Platforms	CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile	IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView	IG
Founded	1989	1974	—
HQ	London, United Kingdom	London, United Kingdom	—

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

IG pros

✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)

Cons

✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)

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 IG if you want…

Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better — CMC Markets or IG?

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

CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.

What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs IG?

CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.

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

CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). IG: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.