IG Group vs CMC Markets 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at IG Group if you value more instruments (17,000 vs 12,000). CMC Markets plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads.
The two menus, side by side
| 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 |
The kitchen inspection: 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.
Ingredient costs and the bill
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.
The cover charge
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.
The verdict: IG Group vs CMC Markets
Book a table at IG Group if what you are after is more instruments (17,000 vs 12,000). Its FCA licence (195355) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with CMC Markets if you want tighter spreads. Its FCA licence (173730) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
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.