Thadeus Geodfrey and finance are inseparable. He is a versatile expert with a strong cryptocurrency and market analysis background. Thadeus provides a unique blend of technical and strategic insights as a seasoned financial writer. His overarching probe and attention to detail inspire the InvestingGuide community. He guides you through the continuously evolving market landscape to build solid investments or make successful trades.
Fact checked
Advertising Disclosure
We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services, which helps to maintain our site. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn’t influence our assessment of those products.
CMC Markets opened its doors to traders in 1989. It has since remained one of the most established names in spread betting and CFD trading. Today, this CMC Markets review looks at what the broker offers, how safe it is to use, and who is likely to get the most value from its platform.
In This Guide
Our Opinion about CMC Markets
After trading with CMC Markets, I found it earns its reputation through consistency. With over 13,000 tradeable instruments, spanning forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, and more, I had plenty of room to trade my way.
Choosing between the Next Generation platform, TradingView, and MT4 felt genuinely useful. The charting depth stood out most, together with over 80 indicators, plus a mobile app that feels like a real extension of the desktop.
I also like that spread betting sits alongside CFDs, letting UK traders sidestep capital gains tax. For long-term investing, holding global shares, funds, and ETFs through a Stocks & Shares ISA, GIA, or SIPP felt like a bonus.
CMC Markets 2026
✔Established 1989
✔Over 13,000 instruments
Is CMC Markets Safe & Regulated?
Our methodology
One of the commonly asked questions by new traders before using CMC Markets is: Is CMC Markets safe? On every measure that matters, yes. CMC Markets UK PLC operates under the regulations of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 173730. This means client deposits sit in segregated accounts away from the company’s own money.
Additionally, retail clients get negative balance protection. And if the firm were ever unable to return client assets in the event of bankruptcy, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) would step in to cover eligible UK clients up to £85,000 each.
Overall, CMC Markets has a public listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) as part of the FTSE 250. This means its finances are open to scrutiny in a way many private brokers cannot match.
Beyond the FCA, CMC Markets operates under other global authorities, which adds further weight to its safety credentials. These include:
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- Canadian Investment Regulatory Organisation (CIRO)
- Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
- Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand (FMA)
- German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin)
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
Fees & Charges
There is no set minimum deposit requirement to get started. The CMC Markets commission you pay depends on how you trade. For instance, forex and index positions are priced into the spread. Share CFDs carry a separate dealing charge.
Here is how the main costs break down.
| Broker Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Min Deposit Requirement | £0 |
| Commissions/Spreads | From 0.5 pips on major currency pairs. 0% commission on UK and European share CFDs. US share & ETF CFDs from $10 |
| Deposits/Withdrawals | Free |
| Inactivity Fee | £10 monthly fee after 12 months of no activity |
CMC Markets Assets
Here’s an overview of available assets for UK traders:
Currencies
300+ currency pairs
Shares
11,000+ shares from over 20 countries
ETFs
1,000+
Commodities
100+ commodities, including gold, silver, crude oil and natural gas
Indices
100+ index CFDs
Rates & Bonds
50+ government bond and interest-rate instruments
Cryptocurrencies
5+ from Bitcoin and Ethereum to TRON and NEO
Who is CMC Markets right for?
From my experience and CMC Markets reviews from users, the broker suits both new and expert traders. If you already know the basics of forex or CFD trading, the extra tools and charts will feel like a bonus. UK residents who want to spread bet without paying capital gains tax will also find real value here.
For new traders, I encourage you to spend time in the free demo account first. The CMC trading platform takes a little getting used to, and that early practice pays off. Active traders benefit the most in the long run. The Price+ scheme lowers costs as your monthly trading volume grows, rewarding those who trade often.
