This CMC Markets review explores the broker’s regulatory coverage, trading platforms, asset selection, and client protections. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, CMC Markets is a globally recognized CFD and spread betting broker with strong regulatory credentials and institutional-grade technology. The firm offers low spreads, proprietary trading tools, and advanced analytics through its award-winning Next Generation platform and MT4.

Regulation and Safety

CMC Markets is regulated in multiple Tier-1 jurisdictions:

• UK – Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – License No. 173730
• Germany – BaFin
• Australia – ASIC – AFSL No. 238054
• Canada – IIROC (via CMC Markets Canada Inc.)
• Singapore – MAS
• New Zealand – FMA

All retail clients benefit from:

• Negative balance protection
• Client fund segregation at Tier-1 banks
• FSCS protection up to £85,000 (UK)
• Audited financials and public company status on LSE

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

CMC Markets operates a hybrid Market Maker/STP model with deep liquidity aggregation. Execution speed is typically below 30ms. Clients can choose from:

• Next Generation Platform: Proprietary platform with over 115 technical indicators, 70+ chart patterns, and advanced risk management
• MetaTrader 4 (MT4): For forex trading with Expert Advisor (EA) support
• Web, desktop, and mobile access with full functionality

Pro clients can request Direct Market Access (DMA) on certain instruments. FIX API is available for institutional accounts.

Markets and Instruments

CMC Markets offers over 12,000 instruments, including:

• Forex – 330+ pairs including majors, minors, exotics
• Indices – 80+ global benchmarks including US30, GER40, UK100
• Commodities – Gold, silver, oil, copper, softs
• Shares – 9,000+ global equities from 23 countries
• ETFs – 1,000+ exchange-traded funds
• Cryptocurrencies – 20+ crypto CFDs including BTC, ETH, ADA
• Treasuries – Gilts, Bunds, and T-Notes

All assets are offered as CFDs or spread bets (UK only).

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

CMC Markets provides a single account structure with institutional-grade pricing:

• Spread Betting Account: UK clients only, tax-free profits
• CFD Account: Available globally, commission-based on shares

Trading conditions include:

• Spreads from 0.7 pips on EUR/USD, 0.3 pts on major indices
• Leverage up to 1:30 (retail), 1:500 (professional/wholesale)
• Stop-out level: 50%
• Minimum deposit: No fixed minimum

Funding and Base Currencies

CMC Markets supports fast, secure funding methods:

• Bank transfer, credit/debit cards
• Base currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, CAD, SGD, NZD

Deposits are instant via cards. Withdrawals are processed within 1–2 business days. No deposit fees; withdrawal charges depend on method and region.

Client Protections and Features

CMC Markets emphasizes transparency and investor safety:

• Negative balance protection for all retail clients
• FSCS protection (UK) and segregated client funds
• Two-step login and biometric authentication
• Publicly listed with full financial disclosures

Additional features include advanced order types, price alerts, and a comprehensive education hub.

Institutional and Retail Offering

CMC Markets serves both retail and institutional clients:

• Retail: Next Generation platform, MT4, spread betting
• Professional: Higher leverage, reduced margin, cash rebates
• Institutional: FIX API, white-label, Prime Derivatives trading desk

CMC Connect offers liquidity, clearing, and custom institutional solutions to brokers and hedge funds.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Regulated by multiple Tier-1 regulators
• Access to over 12,000 tradable instruments
• Proprietary Next Generation platform with rich tools
• FIX API and DMA access for professionals
• No minimum deposit requirement

Cons

• No MT5 platform support
• High CFD share commissions for low-volume traders
• Cryptocurrency trading not available in some regions
• Limited support for eWallet funding

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CMC Markets regulated?

Yes, CMC Markets is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, IIROC, and FMA.

What platforms does CMC Markets offer?

CMC Markets offers its proprietary Next Generation platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4).

What is the minimum deposit at CMC Markets?

There is no fixed minimum deposit to open a CMC Markets account.

Can I trade crypto with CMC Markets?

Yes, CMC offers 20+ cryptocurrency CFDs, although availability depends on your region.

Does CMC Markets offer institutional services?

Yes, CMC Connect provides institutional trading solutions including liquidity and FIX API access.