CMC Markets is a London-listed CFD and spread-betting broker founded in 1989 and one of the most respected names in online trading. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (CMCX) and regulated by the FCA, ASIC, and others, CMC offers more than 12,000 instruments — forex, indices, commodities, shares, treasuries, and crypto CFDs — through its award-winning Next Generation platform, MetaTrader 4, and TradingView. It is known for tight spreads, deep market coverage, and best-in-class charting and analytics.
About CMC Markets
Founded by Peter Cruddas, CMC Markets has grown over three decades into a global, publicly listed broker with a strong reputation for technology and product breadth. Its proprietary Next Generation platform is frequently recognised for its charting, order types, and risk-management tools, while UK clients can also trade via tax-efficient spread betting. Regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and other authorities, CMC combines the transparency of a listed company with one of the widest instrument ranges in the industry.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom |
| Listed | LSE: CMCX |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), ASIC (AU) + others |
| Instruments | 12,000+ |
| Markets | Forex, indices, commodities, shares, treasuries, crypto CFDs |
| Platforms | Next Generation, MetaTrader 4, TradingView |
| UK extra | Tax-efficient spread betting |
Key Features
Next Generation Platform
CMC's proprietary Next Generation platform is consistently praised for its advanced charting, pattern-recognition tools, granular order types, and risk management, giving active traders a professional-grade environment without third-party software.
12,000+ Instruments
With over 12,000 tradable instruments spanning forex, indices, shares, commodities, treasuries, and crypto CFDs, CMC offers one of the widest market ranges available, supporting diversified and cross-asset strategies.
Listed & Regulated
As an LSE-listed company regulated by the FCA and ASIC, CMC offers the transparency and oversight that come with a publicly traded, well-capitalised broker — a meaningful trust factor for serious traders.
Fee Structure
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Forex & indices | Competitive spreads, no commission |
| Shares CFDs | Commission-based |
| Spread betting (UK) | Spread-based, tax-efficient |
| Deposits | Free (most methods) |
| Inactivity fee | May apply after long dormancy |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 12,000+ instruments — exceptional breadth
- Award-winning Next Generation platform
- LSE-listed and FCA/ASIC regulated
- Tight spreads and advanced charting
- Tax-efficient spread betting for UK clients
Cons
- CFDs are leveraged — high risk of loss
- Not available to US retail clients
- Platform depth can overwhelm beginners
- Crypto offered as CFDs only, region-limited
Summary
CMC Markets is a top-tier, LSE-listed broker that pairs an award-winning proprietary platform with one of the widest instrument ranges in the industry. Its FCA and ASIC regulation, tight spreads, and advanced charting make it ideal for serious CFD and spread-betting traders who value breadth and technology. Beginners may find the platform deep, and US retail clients aren't served, but for everyone else CMC is a benchmark. CFDs carry significant leverage risk.