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
SquaredFinancial
⭐ 3.5 / 5
CMC Markets vs SquaredFinancial — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared CMC Markets and SquaredFinancial 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 | SquaredFinancial | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | ⭐ 3.5 / 5 | CMC Markets |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland | CySEC, FSA Seychelles | CMC Markets |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $250 | CMC Markets |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Next Generation) | 0.0 pips (ECN) | SquaredFinancial |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (Professional) | 1:30 (EU) / 1:500 | — |
| Platforms | CMC Next Generation, MT4, CMC Mobile | MT4, MT5 | CMC Markets |
| Founded | 1989 | 2005 | — |
| 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
SquaredFinancial pros
- ✓ Operating since 2005 with a CySEC licence
- ✓ ECN pricing from 0.0 pips on raw accounts
- ✓ Multi-asset CFD range across FX, indices, commodities and shares
- ✓ Offshore entity offers leverage up to 1:500
- ✓ Established MT4 and MT5 infrastructure
Cons
- ✗ Higher $250 minimum deposit than many rivals
- ✗ Lower retail brand awareness
- ✗ EU clients capped at 1:30 leverage
Which one should you choose?
Choose SquaredFinancial if you want…
Traders wanting an established, long-running CySEC ECN broker with a broad multi-asset CFD range.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — CMC Markets or SquaredFinancial?
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 SquaredFinancial?
CMC Markets holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FMA NZ, IIROC, MA Poland. SquaredFinancial 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 SquaredFinancial?
CMC Markets spreads start from 0.7 pips (Next Generation). SquaredFinancial 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 SquaredFinancial?
CMC Markets: $0 (no minimum). SquaredFinancial: $250. CMC Markets has the lower entry barrier.
