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
Scope Markets
⭐ 3.3 / 5
CMC Markets vs Scope Markets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Scope Markets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC Markets wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| CMC Markets | Scope Markets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 3.3 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CySEC, IFSC Belize, FSC Mauritius | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.0 pips (ECN) | Scope Markets |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | MT4, MT5 | CMC Markets |
| Founded | 1989 | 2016 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | 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
Scope Markets pros
- ✓ CySEC licence plus multi-jurisdiction offshore coverage
- ✓ ECN pricing from 0.0 pips on raw accounts
- ✓ Broad multi-asset CFD catalogue
- ✓ Leverage up to 1:500 through offshore entities
- ✓ Established MT4 and MT5 setup
Cons
- ✗ High leverage runs through offshore entities with less recourse
- ✗ Mid-tier brand recognition
- ✗ EU clients capped at 1:30 leverage
Which one should you choose?
Choose Scope Markets if you want…
Emerging-market traders wanting a CySEC-backed, multi-licensed ECN broker with a broad CFD range.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Scope Markets?
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 Scope Markets?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Scope Markets holds licenses from: CySEC, IFSC Belize, FSC Mauritius. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Scope Markets?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Scope Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (ECN). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Scope Markets?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Scope Markets: $100. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
