CM Trading Review 2026
Regulated broker with real licence numbers.
CM Trading is a regulated CFD broker founded in 2012. It holds a FSCA licence under number 38782.
The basics
CM Trading was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is privately owned. The broker offers CFDs on 300 instruments across forex, indices, commodities, and crypto. All positions are contracts for difference — there is no real asset ownership.
MetaTrader is available on all account types. Copy trading lets you replicate the positions of other traders automatically.
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Instruments | 300+ |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| MetaTrader | Yes — MT4 and MT5 |
| Copy trading | Yes |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only |
Is CM Trading safe?
The Seychelles FSA is an offshore regulator. It requires broker registration and basic conduct rules, but does not offer the same client protections as the FCA, CySEC, or ASIC. There is no compensation scheme and leverage limits are not imposed.
| Regulator | Licence | Entity |
|---|---|---|
| FSCA | 38782 ✓ | Global Capital Pty Ltd |
| FSA | SD053 ✓ | CM Trading Ltd |
You can verify the FSCA licence at brokerforexreviews.com. The registration shows the entity name, authorisation status, and full permissions list. It takes under a minute.
CM Trading spreads
These are the typical spreads on CM Trading's standard account. Spreads vary by market conditions and account type. ECN or raw-spread accounts offer lower spreads in exchange for a per-trade commission.
| EUR/USD | 1.8 pips pips |
| GBP/USD | 2.1 pips pips |
| USD/JPY | 1.9 pips pips |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 33c/oz |
| S&P 500 | 0.6pt |
CM Trading's EUR/USD spread of 1.8 pips pips is wider than ECN-first brokers but typical for a commission-free account.
CM Trading withdrawal fee and processing time
Fee: None. CM Trading does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees. Your payment provider may apply their own transfer fees.
Processing time: 1 to 3 business days. E-wallet and card withdrawals are typically faster than bank wire transfers.
Withdrawal requests must pass identity verification before processing. If your account is not yet fully verified (proof of identity and address submitted), expect additional delays. Verified accounts follow the standard processing times above.
CM Trading minimum deposit by entity
The minimum deposit depends on which CM Trading entity serves your country. Offshore entities often allow lower minimums but with less regulatory protection.
| Entity | Regulator | Min deposit | Max leverage (forex) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Capital Pty Ltd | FSCA 38782 | $250 | 1:400 |
| CM Trading Ltd | FSA SD053 | $250 | 1:500 |
CM Trading vs TurboForex
| CM Trading | TurboForex | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FSCA 38782 | FSA SD031 |
| Min deposit | $250 | $250 |
| EUR/USD spread | 1.8 pips pips | 1.5 pips |
| MetaTrader | Yes | Yes |
| Instruments | 300+ | 300+ |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal fee | None | Varies |
Both brokers are regulated and legitimate. CM Trading suits traders who value copy trading and social features. TurboForex is better for traders who prioritise tighter spreads.
Regulation — the numbers that matter
| FSCA | 38782 — Global Capital Pty Ltd |
| FSA | SD053 — CM Trading Ltd |
Leverage for retail clients in the EU and UK is capped at 1:400 on major forex pairs under ESMA rules. The offshore entity offers up to 1:500, but with lighter regulatory protection.
Pros and Cons
What works
- FSCA regulated
- MetaTrader 4 and 5 available
- Copy trading available
What does not work
- No tier-1 regulator (FCA/ASIC/CySEC) — offshore entity only
- No real stock ownership — CFDs only
- Inactivity fee: $10/month after 3 months
- Higher minimum deposit of $250
The verdict
CM Trading is a legitimate, regulated broker. The FSCA licence number 38782 is verifiable on the public register. It is best suited for social and copy traders. Rating: 4.0 out of 5.
Alternatives to CM Trading
If CM Trading does not fit your needs, these regulated alternatives are worth comparing:
Frequently asked questions
Is CM Trading safe?
The Seychelles FSA is an offshore regulator. CM Trading holds FSCA licence 38782, which is publicly verifiable on the official register.
What is the CM Trading minimum deposit?
The minimum deposit is $250. This applies to the main regulated entity. Some offshore entities may differ. See the entity table above for full breakdown.
What is the CM Trading EUR/USD spread?
The EUR/USD spread on CM Trading standard accounts is typically 1.8 pips pips. Spreads vary with market conditions. ECN or raw accounts offer lower spreads with a per-trade commission instead.
How long does CM Trading take to process withdrawals?
1 to 3 business days. E-wallet and card withdrawals are typically faster than bank wire transfers.
Does CM Trading charge withdrawal fees?
None. CM Trading does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees. Your payment provider may apply their own transfer fees.
Does CM Trading have MetaTrader?
Yes. CM Trading supports both MT4 and MT5 on all account types. This allows automated trading, custom indicators, and expert advisors.