IG Group vs CMC Markets 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IG Group suits traders who value more instruments (17,000 vs 12,000). CMC Markets suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads.
Head to head
| IG Group | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 195355 | FCA 173730 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | None |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 0.5 pips |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 12,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $12/mo after 2mo | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 1974 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | London, UK |
Regulation: IG Group vs CMC Markets
IG Group is regulated by FCA under licence 195355 (IG Markets Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA under licence 173730 (CMC Markets UK plc). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. CMC Markets's EUR/USD spread is 0.5 pips. CMC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months without trading. CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IG Group and CMC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of None. CMC Markets requires None. Both require the same initial deposit.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both IG Group and CMC Markets support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. CMC Markets's tighter spreads (0.5 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. IG Group offers more instruments (17,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IG Group vs CMC Markets
Choose IG Group if you want more instruments (17,000 vs 12,000). The FCA licence (195355) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose CMC Markets if you want tighter spreads. The FCA licence (173730) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
IG Group vs CMC Markets: which is better?
IG Group is better for more instruments (17,000 vs 12,000). CMC Markets is better for tighter spreads. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IG Group or CMC Markets safer?
Both IG Group (FCA 195355) and CMC Markets (FCA 173730) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IG Group and CMC Markets?
IG Group minimum deposit: None. CMC Markets minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IG Group and CMC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.