Is CMC Markets a Scam or Legit?

The FCA registration

Regulator	FCA
Licence number	173730 ✓
Registered entity	CMC Markets UK plc
Status	Authorised
Register	register.fca.org.uk
Years regulated	37+

What FCA regulation means for you

FCA-regulated brokers must keep client funds in accounts segregated from company funds, provide negative balance protection, and contribute to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers up to £85,000 per client if the broker becomes insolvent.

All regulatory licences

CMC Markets holds 5 regulatory licences across different jurisdictions. The entity that applies to your account depends on your country of residence.

Regulator	Licence	Entity	Max leverage
FCA	173730	CMC Markets UK plc	1:30 max
ASIC	238054	CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd	1:30 max
BaFin	154814	CMC Markets Germany GmbH	1:30 max
MAS	200605050E	CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd	1:20 max
IIROC	N/A	CMC Markets Canada Inc	1:30 max

How to verify CMC Markets yourself

Go to register.fca.org.uk. Enter the licence number 173730 or search by entity name CMC Markets UK plc. The result should show the entity name, authorisation status, and the specific regulated activities it is permitted to conduct.

This takes under a minute. If a broker cannot be found on the relevant regulator's register, that is a serious warning sign. All legitimate regulated brokers appear there.

Common complaints and what they mean

CMC complaints involve spread widening during off-peak hours, particularly on minor pairs. The £10/month inactivity fee after 12 months catches inactive accounts. No material issues with withdrawals.

None of these patterns indicate fraud. They are the normal complaints of a commercial brokerage enforcing its terms. Real forex scams operate without any regulatory licence, refuse all withdrawals, and disappear with client funds. That is not the profile of CMC Markets.

Red flags that would indicate a real scam

When researching any broker, watch for these genuine warning signs:

• No licence number listed, or a licence that cannot be found on the official register
• Pressure to deposit more money to unlock withdrawals
• Promises of guaranteed returns or "risk-free" trading
• Platform that only shows profits, never losses
• No physical address or contact information
• Licence from a regulator you have never heard of that has no official website

None of these apply to CMC Markets. Its FCA licence 173730 is publicly verifiable, it has disclosed offices in London, UK, and it has operated continuously since 1989.

Frequently asked questions

Is CMC Markets safe to deposit money with?

CMC Markets is FCA-regulated and client funds are held in segregated accounts. UK clients are also covered by the FSCS up to £85,000. This does not eliminate trading risk, but it protects funds from broker insolvency.

Why do people ask if CMC Markets is a scam?

Most forex scam searches come from traders who lost money trading. CFD trading is high-risk — 67% of CMC Markets retail clients lose money. Losing money on a legitimate platform does not make it a scam. Scams refuse all withdrawals and disappear. CMC Markets has processed billions in withdrawals over 37 years of operation.

Is CMC Markets regulated in my country?

CMC Markets holds licences covering 7 countries across 5 regulatory jurisdictions. The entity serving your account depends on your country. Check the full licence table above to find which entity applies to your region.

What happens to my money if CMC Markets goes bankrupt?

FCA-regulated brokers must hold client funds in segregated bank accounts entirely separate from company operating funds. UK clients also have FSCS protection up to £85,000.