CMC Markets vs. IG Markets
IG Markets and CMC Markets share many similarities in their core trading environment. IG Markets remains the leading CFD broker, writes new CFDs if demand exists, and is a liquidity provider for smaller brokers. Traders get the proprietary web-based trading platform, ProRealTime, MT4, and L2 Dealer. IG Markets upgrades the core MT4 with 18 add-ons plus the Autochartist plugin, creating a superior MT4 trading experience.
CMC Markets also features a cutting-edge proprietary web-based trading platform. It includes an automated pattern recognition scanner, a price projection box, and detailed trade analytics. It supports algorithmic trading via the core MT4, where IG Markets also offers API trading.
I have conducted an in-depth review of IG Markets and CMC Markets to determine which one presents the better overall choice and which traders will benefit the most at either broker.
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- CMC Markets vs. IG Markets - Verdict
Features and Platforms
| Features & Platforms | CMC Markets (visit site) | IG Markets (visit site) |
 |  | |
| Headquarter: | UK | UK |
Established : | 1989 | 1974 |
Retail Loss Rate: | 73.00% | 68.00% |
Regulation: | ||
Minimum Deposit: | $0 | $250 |
Demo Account: | ||
Managed Account: | ||
Islamic Account: | ||
Inactivity Fee | $15 monthly after 12 months | £12 monthly after 24 months |
Deposit Fee: | Third-party | Third-party |
Withdrawal Fee | Third-Party | Third-Party |
Funding Methods: | 4 | 4 |
MT4: | ||
MT5: | ||
cTrader: | ||
Proprietary Platform: | ||
Automated Trading: | ||
Social / Copy Trading: | ||
MT4/MT5 Add-ons: | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss: | ||
Negative Balance Protection: | ||
Bonuses and Promotions: | ||
Unique Feature One: | Outstanding asset selection | API Trading |
Unique Feature Two: | In-depth educational content | MT4 plugins + Autochartist |
Broker Offers: |
Noteworthy:
Both brokers offer beginner traders high-quality educational content and in-house market research. The similarities extend to the lack of funding methods at both UK publicly listed brokers.
Available Markets
| Available Markets | CMC Markets | IG Markets |
| Currency Pairs: | ||
Cryptocurrency Pairs: | ||
Commodities and Metals: | ||
Indices: | ||
Equities: | ||
Bonds: | ||
ETFs: | ||
Options, Futures, and Synthetics: | ||
Maximum Retail Leverage: | 1:30 | 1:200 |
Maximum Pro Leverage: | 1:500 | 1:200 |
The overall asset selection at IG Markets remains broader, but CMC Markets features industry-leading Forex exposure with 330+ currency pairs. It also takes a minor edge in cryptocurrencies, but neither broker serves the sector well. IG Markets and CMC Markets offer in-depth cross-asset exposure, catering to retail and professional traders alike.
Typical Spreads and Fees
| Typical Spreads & Fees | CMC Markets | IG Markets |
Minimum Raw Spreads: | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Minimum Standard Spreads: | 0.7 pips | 0.6 pips |
Minimum Commission for Forex: | Commission-free | Commission-free |
Commission for CFDs/DMA: | 0.10% or $0.02/share (US) | 0.10% or $0.02/share (US) |
Commission Rebates: | Yes | Yes |
Execution Type: | Market Maker | Market Maker/ECN |
Both brokers present a commission-free Forex pricing environment, where IG Markets has a minor edge while the commission-based equity cost structure remains identical. Traders get deep liquidity at both brokers, who maintain institutional services. High-volume traders benefit from rebate programs available at IG Markets and CMC Markets.
Security and Trust
CMC Markets
| Country of the Regulator | Name of the Regulator | License Number |
UK | Financial Conduct Authority | FCA Registration Number 173730 and 170627 |
Germany | Federal Financial Supervisory Authority | HRB 154814 |
IG Markets
| Country of the Regulator | Name of the Regulator | License Number |
UK | Financial Conduct Authority | FCA Reference Number 195355 |
Cyprus | Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission | License Number 378/19 |
Germany | Federal Financial Supervisory Authority | BaFin ID Number 10148759 |
Switzerland | Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority | Confirmed, but no regulatory license number |
Dubai | Dubai Financial Services Authority | DFSA Reference Number F001780 |
South Africa | Financial Sector Conduct Authority | FSP Number 41393 |
Singapore | Monetary Authority of Singapore | Confirmed, but no regulatory license number |
Japan | Japanese Financial Services Agency | Unconfirmed |
Australia | Australian Securities & Investments Commission | AFSL Number 220440, AFSL Number 515106 |
New Zealand | Financial Markets Authority | FSP18923 |
IG Markets and CMC Markets segregate client deposits from corporate funds and offer negative balance protection. They are both publicly listed companies, FTSE 250 constituents, and offer equally secure and trustworthy trading environments with clean track records.
CMC Markets vs IG Markets – Verdict
CMC Markets
| Pros | Cons |
| Cutting-edge proprietary trading platform for manual traders | Low leverage for retail traders |
| Excellent asset selection and leading Forex broker with 330+ currency pairs | Limited deposit and withdrawal methods |
| In-depth educational platform for beginner traders and quality research | |
| Publicly listed company with a clean track record and decades of experience |
IG Markets
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent choice of trading platforms and superior asset selection | Limited deposit and withdrawal methods |
| Competitive trading costs with a volume-based cash rebate program | Higher minimum deposit requirement, but within a reasonable demand |
| Outstanding trading environment for algorithmic trading, including API support | |
| Comprehensive educational tools for beginner traders |
Traders will get a cutting-edge trading environment at both brokers. IG Markets maintains an overall edge in trading costs, asset selection, and support for algorithmic trading solutions via its superb choice of trading platforms. CMC Markets excels with its market-leading Forex selection.
FAQs
Which broker is better than IG?
IG Markets presents an overall high-quality trading environment with which most brokers cannot compete.
Is CMC Markets a good broker?
CMC Markets is a good broker and offers an industry-leading trading environment, especially for Forex traders.
Is IG a good broker?
IG Markets ranks among the most competitive brokers industry-wide, with few competitors able to match its products and services.
Is CMC Markets a market maker?
CMC Markets offers a market maker execution model.