cmc-markets-reviewCMC Markets is a broker with a long tradition in the CDFs (contract for difference) market. We believe that this is currently one of the best available forex brokers in the world.

Similar to other brokers, CMC received several critics and even negative reviews in the past, mainly in their first years. However, when compared to other brokers, CMC proves to be one of the safest brokers in the CDFs market.

CMC Markets is a well-established and regulated UK online brokerage firm, listed on the London Stock Exchange and the FTSE SmallCap index. CMC offers its services to retail traders and institutional clients such as banks, brokers, hedge funds, and trading desks, so it’s one of the best choices in the industry.

In this review, we are going to give you the most valuable information about CMC Markets. So keep reading to know more about it.

Regulations

CMC Markets PLC is registered in England and Wales under company number 05145017. This broker is also the owner of CMC Markets UK PLC and CMC Spreadbet PLC, which are dully authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK under license numbers 173730 and 170627, respectively. The FCA is a world-class regulator and CMC Markets is fully compliant with the regulations and laws stipulated in this regard.

Customer funds remain completely segregated from the company’s funds in the account held at Natwest, Barclays, and Lloyds in the UK, Ulster Bank in Ireland, Deutsche Bank in Germany, and Barclays in France. Additionally, client funds, which are authorized and regulated by the FCA in the UK, are further protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for an amount up to £85,000, which provides comprehensive coverage for most retail traders.

Leverage Options

CMC Market has a leverage of up to 1:500, similar to other forex brokers in the industry. But this mainly depends on the regulation area users are at:

  • EU and UK users have a maximum leverage of 30:1.
  • Australian traders have top leverage of 500:1.
  • Canadian-based clients have leverage of up to 100:1.
  • Singaporean customers have a maximum leverage of 20:1.
  • CMC Markets Professional accounts are given the option of maximum leverage of 500:1.

Trading Commissions and Fees

CMC Markets earns its revenue from spreads, commissions, or both, depending on the asset being traded. The spreads on Forex CFDs start at 0.7 pips. There is also an inactivity fee of £10 each month the account remains inactive.

CMC Markets is very transparent about all transactions involved, and there are no hidden commissions.

Deposit Conditions

When it comes to deposits and withdrawals, CMC Markets only offers credit/debit cards and bank transfer options. This is the only weakness in CMC Markets’ operational structure and, while it is not an impediment for most of the traders, it would have been nicer to have more available options.

The withdrawal method, similar to other regulated brokers, must be the same payment method used to fund the account. Since the options are limited to traditional, old school methods, no additional information is given. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, but third-party bank charges may apply.

Account Types

CMC Markets offers four different account types depending on the type of trader. There is no minimum deposit requirement, which is excellent news since traders may deposit as much as they like.

Spread Betting: This is a popular option among UK-based traders, which allows for tax-free trading. International traders do not qualify for this kind of account.

CFD Trading: This is the most popular account at CMC Markets. The average clients might likely deposit their funds, manage their portfolios, and expand their investments in this type of account, which is intended for all types of traders.

CMC Pro: This account allows retail traders to have the same advantages institutional clients do. It offers better trading conditions that include a greater leverage option.

CMC Corporate: This account is thought for institutional clients, and it offers a wide range of services including gray and white label solutions, API Direct, FX Prime, and Prime Derivatives. This account clearly reflects the 30 years of experience of this broker, mainly because of the advantages of its native platform, without disregarding the MT4 / MT5 software.

Customer Support

CMC offers 24/5 customer support, meaning it is not available on weekends. There are several channels users can use for support such as the FAQ section, live chat, phone calls, and emails.

CMC Markets states that 98% of calls are answered in less than 20 seconds. Having said that, it is worth mentioning CMC Markets was awarded for having the “Best Phone & Email Customer Service” in 2019 for Investment Trends UK Leverage Trading Report.

Tools for Trading

CMC Markets has its own native trading platform which has many unique features and is completely customizable —so users can create the trading terminal that suits them the best. It also allows for fully automated trading solutions. In general, this platform is superior when compared with most of the providers in the retail trading market. It is available in a web and a mobile version.

Those who are used to the MT4 trading platform should fear not as CMC Markets also offers the MT4 platform, which is still the most popular trading platform amid forex traders.

Traders who do not have a customized trading strategy are encouraged to use CMC Markets’ remote platform because it is easy to use and offers a wide range of options and solutions to its users.

Education and Informational Resources

CMC Market has a wide variety of educational resources available for its users. There is plenty of information about the Forex market aimed at traders, both beginners and professionals, which allows them to get more involved in the forex market.

Amongst the available resources, clients can access webinars, live classes, and even blogs and articles for more in-depth information about the forex market.

Pro’s

  • Good customer support
  • One of the safest forex brokers
  • Strict regulation
  • Trustworthy forex broker
  • Award-winner platform
  • Opening a new account does not require any deposits
  • Solid native trading platform
  • A demo account is available
  • Low forex fees
  • Transparency and no hidden commissions

 Con’s

  • Does not offer any special bonuses
  • Monthly inactivity fee
  • Limited security features
  • Limited deposit and withdrawal options
  • High stock CFD fees