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
Skilling
⭐ 4.3 / 5
CMC Markets vs Skilling — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and Skilling across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. CMC 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 | Skilling | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CySEC, FSA Seychelles | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.1 pips (Premium) / 0.7 pips (Standard) | Skilling |
| 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, cTrader, Skilling Trader, TradingView | Skilling |
| Founded | 1989 | 2016 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Limassol, Cyprus / Malta | — |
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
Skilling pros
- ✓ CySEC regulation + FSA Seychelles for offshore clients
- ✓ Premium account: 0.1 pips + $3.50/lot/side
- ✓ Native cTrader + TradingView integration
- ✓ Skilling Trader proprietary platform — best-in-class mobile UX
- ✓ 1,200+ instruments across all major asset classes
Cons
- ✗ Newer brand (founded 2016) — shorter operating history
- ✗ $100 minimum deposit higher than budget brokers
- ✗ Limited educational content vs. XM / eToro
Which one should you choose?
Choose Skilling if you want…
EU + MENA mobile-first traders wanting modern proprietary platforms with cTrader + TradingView execution options.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or Skilling?
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 Skilling?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. Skilling holds licenses from: CySEC, FSA Seychelles. CMC Markets has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at CMC Markets vs Skilling?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). Skilling spreads start from 0.1 pips (Premium) / 0.7 pips (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, CMC Markets or Skilling?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). Skilling: $100. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
