Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5.0)

CMC Markets is a top-tier UK-based forex, CFD, and spread betting broker with a legacy dating back to 1989. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: CMCX), it offers over 12,000 tradable instruments, award-winning platforms, and institutional-grade pricing for retail clients. Known for its Next Generation platform, zero minimum deposit, and tight spreads, this CMC Markets review breaks down the platform’s strengths, costs, and suitability for various trader types.

Key Features

CMC Markets combines depth of markets, robust trading tools, and top-tier regulation for a professional-grade experience.

• Platforms:
  • Next Generation platform – proprietary, web-based, advanced charting
  • MetaTrader 4 (MT4) – for forex traders and algo strategies
• Markets Offered:
  • Forex, indices, shares, ETFs, treasuries, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and options
  • Over 12,000 instruments available across asset classes
• Account Types:
  • Spread Betting (UK only), CFD trading, Corporate, and Pro Accounts
• Execution Model:
  • Market-maker with no dealing desk intervention for CFDs
• Leverage:
  • Up to 1:30 for retail clients (FCA rules)
  • Up to 1:500 for professional clients

Regulation and Security

CMC Markets is one of the most heavily regulated brokers globally, offering strong client protection.

• FCA regulated (UK) – FRN 173730
• Other licences:
  • ASIC (Australia), MAS (Singapore), FMA (New Zealand), BaFin (Germany)
• Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) – ticker symbol: CMCX
• Client Funds:
  • Fully segregated, held in top-tier banks
• Investor Compensation:
  • Covered by the FSCS up to £85,000 (UK)
• Negative Balance Protection: For all retail clients

Pricing and Costs

CMC Markets is renowned for its competitive pricing model, especially on major forex pairs and indices.

• Spreads:
  • EUR/USD from 0.7 pips, GBP/USD from 0.9 pips
  • UK 100 index from 1.0 point, Gold from 0.3 points
• Commissions:
  • CFD shares: 0.1% (UK), $0.02/share (US)
  • Forex and indices: Spread-only
• Minimum Deposit:
  • No minimum required
• Deposit & Withdrawal Fees:
  • No fees for most methods (bank transfer, card, PayPal)
• Inactivity Fee:
  • £10/month after 12 months of inactivity

Educational Resources and Customer Support

CMC Markets offers exceptional education and market insights, catering to all experience levels.

• Education:
  • Webinars, platform tutorials, trading strategy guides, and videos
• Market Analysis:
  • Daily insights, CMC TV, professional research, and client sentiment tools
• Tools:
  • Pattern recognition, economic calendar, price projection tools
• Support:
  • 24/5 multilingual customer support
  • Fast response via phone, live chat, and email

Risk Management Tools

CMC’s platform includes comprehensive risk controls and position management features.

• Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders (GSLOs)
• Partial closeouts, margin calculators, and position size tools
• Trailing stops and advanced order types
• Leverage protection for retail clients

Pros and Cons

Pros

• FCA-regulated and LSE-listed – very high trust rating
• Extensive market access (12,000+ instruments)
• Advanced proprietary trading platform (Next Generation)
• Low spreads with no minimum deposit
• Top-tier research, education, and trading tools

Cons

• No support for crypto deposits or wallet transfers
• Inactivity fee after 12 months
• MT5 not supported (only MT4 and proprietary platform)
• Shares CFD commission can be costly for active stock traders

Conclusion: Is CMC Markets the Right Choice?

CMC Markets is one of the most reputable and well-rounded brokers globally, especially for UK and European clients. With FCA regulation, thousands of markets, tight spreads, and an award-winning trading platform, it’s ideal for serious retail traders, professionals, and institutions. While it lacks crypto funding and MT5, it excels in transparency, platform depth, and reliability.