Are you considering trading on the Forex market but unsure which broker to choose? You've probably heard of CMC Markets, but does it live up to expectations?

This article presents our comprehensive review of CMC Markets and explains why it is one of the top Forex and CFD brokers. We will closely examine their services and the features they offer.

So, if you're ready to trade currency, read on for our full review of the Forex and CFD broker CMC Markets!

CMC Markets Broker Overview

The British broker CMC boasts a significant "life experience" – the company began its operations in the financial markets in 1989.

Dynamic development has allowed CMC to gather clients worldwide (over 250,000 in 100 countries). The company has its representations in ten countries, covering all continents except Africa and South America.

CMC Markets is among the most significant market makers in the Forex market and has been repeatedly recognized with awards at prestigious contests.

CMC Markets Review Summary

Our review evaluates the broker CMC Markets on several vital parameters, including regulation, trading conditions, available platforms, analytical tools, educational materials, and customer service quality. Our broker evaluation methodology is based on an objective and comprehensive analysis, which allows us to give you the most complete picture of the broker.

We hope our review will help you make an informed decision about choosing a broker. Continue reading to learn more about CMC Markets.

The following organizations regulate CMC Markets' operations:

Legal Entity	Regulator	Review
CMC Markets UK plc CMC Markets UK plc	FCA FCA	CMC Markets UK review
CMC Markets Germany GmbH CMC Markets Germany GmbH	BaFin BaFin FMA FMA KNF KNF FSAN FSAN CNMV CNMV	CMC Markets EU review
CMC Markets Canada Inc CMC Markets Canada Inc	CIRO CIRO	CMC Markets CA review
CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd CMC Markets Asia Pacific Pty Ltd	ASIC ASIC	CMC Markets AU review
CMC Markets NZ Limited CMC Markets NZ Limited	NZ FMA NZ FMA	Current review
CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd CMC Markets Singapore Pte Ltd	MAS MAS	CMC Markets SG review
CMC Markets Middle East Ltd CMC Markets Middle East Ltd	DFSA DFSA	CMC Markets review

CMC Markets is regulated in many countries, including New Zealand, the UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, etc. This indicates that the company is subject to the laws of these countries and must adhere to strict standards concerning its clients.

CMC Markets strictly adheres to the Financial Markets Conduct Regulations (2014), ensuring the protection of retail client funds. All client money is held in separate bank accounts from the company's funds. This segregation is crucial to CMC Markets' compliance with the regulations set by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), under which it is regulated to provide derivative products (FSP41187). Such measures guarantee that the company does not use client funds for its own purposes, including not being lodged towards margins with hedging counterparties.

To maintain the integrity and safety of client funds, CMC Markets conducts daily reconciliations to ensure that the amounts in segregated bank accounts accurately represent retail client assets. This rigorous process and the company's policy of using its funds for hedging provide an added layer of security for clients' investments. The client funds are held across a range of central banks and regularly assessed against CMC Markets’ risk criteria to ensure stability and compliance.

In the unlikely event of CMC Markets' liquidation, the segregated nature of client funds ensures that they are returned to clients after deducting the necessary administrative costs. This practice protects the clients’ assets from being claimed by general creditors of CMC Markets, further safeguarding their investments. Regular internal audits and reviews are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements, adding an extra layer of trust and reliability for clients trading with CMC Markets.

The account opening process at CMC Markets involves registration, verification, and selecting account settings. Although the process can take 1-2 business days and requires providing quite extensive information, it remains standard compared to most brokers. The absence of minimum deposit requirements is a significant advantage.

Registration

To become a client of the broker and open a real or demo account, it is necessary to fill out a form on the company's website.

Click the "Create account" button and choose the type of account.

Next, enter your email, create a password, and choose a trading platform (CMC platform or MetaTrader 4).

After entering your phone number and verifying your email, you can register a trading account at CMC Markets. The broker offers to select:

• Country of residence;
• Instruments for trading;
• Account type;
• Account currency (NZD or USD).

By the way, CMC Markets immediately provides access to a demo account. All data is sent to the broker by email.

To continue registration, you need to enter the following information:

• Surname;
• First name;
• Phone number;
• Date of birth;
• Nationality;
• Passport number and its expiration date;
• Identification number;
• Residential address;
• Employment status;
• Source of income;
• Annual income;
• Value of assets;
• Trading information (duration of deals, risk level, and trading experience).

On the last registration page, you need to familiarize yourself with and agree to the rules of the trading platform and all the risks of trading futures.

Verification

To be able to deposit and withdraw funds and trade on a real account, you need to verify your account by confirming your identity and address and uploading the corresponding documents.

The broker reviews your application to open an account within 1-2 business days.

Minimum Deposit

One of the advantages of working with CMC Markets is the absence of minimum deposit requirements. This means you can start trading without depositing large sums of money into your account.

CMC Markets offers only two types of accounts for trading CFD. Both accounts provide access to a wide range of trading instruments. A demo account is also available for those who want to practice before trading on a real account.

However, despite these offerings, there is a lack of account options that could satisfy the needs of different types of traders. There are no cent accounts, accounts with fixed spreads, Islamic accounts, or investment accounts such as PAMM accounts or copy trading of successful traders.

Trading Accounts

The broker provides the following trading conditions:

1. Standard CFD Account: Best for traders preferring no transaction fees, offering wider spreads but no commissions, ideal for less frequent trading and those who value transparent costs.

2. FX Active Account: Suitable for traders seeking tighter spreads and frequent trading, with spreads as low as 0.0 pips on major pairs and a commission rate of 0.0025% per transaction.

Demo Account

The CMC Markets demo account offers a unique opportunity for traders to familiarize themselves with the platform and test various trading strategies without the risk of losing real funds. This account provides virtual funds of $10,000, allowing traders to gain realistic experience trading CFDs on multiple markets, including indices, currency pairs, stocks, commodities, and treasuries.

The demo account at CMC Markets has no expiration date, so you can use it for as long as you need.

Order Execution

A dealing desk technology, which is 100% automated, is used. All operations proceed without any dealer intervention. It applies to all trading instruments – Forex, stocks, bonds, commodities. The trader can use the best offers for buying/selling an asset, selecting from 10 different offers on the price ladder.

Alpha

The "Alpha" service by CMC Markets represents a premium trading experience specifically designed for traders who seek more than just the standard offerings. This elite program is tailored to provide specialized services and exclusive benefits, ensuring a high-end trading environment.

Key Features of Alpha

• Premium support. Alpha members receive immediate access to their New Zealand-based account manager, ensuring personalized and prompt service. This level of dedicated support enhances the overall trading experience.
• Tailored services. The program offers access to one-to-one technical analysis sessions and a 24/7 global sales trading desk. This "follow the sun" approach ensures that Alpha members have continuous support, regardless of time or market conditions.
• VIP perks and experiences. Members can enjoy many VIP benefits, including fine dining experiences, exclusive networking events, and premium tickets to coveted sporting events. These perks are designed to provide an exclusive lifestyle experience alongside trading advantages.

To qualify for the Alpha service, traders must meet certain financial thresholds, as detailed in the table below:

Additionally, a minimum deposit of NZD 20,000 is required. It's important to note that these thresholds may vary depending on the instruments traded. The Alpha CFD service is reviewed monthly and is available by invitation only, underscoring its exclusivity and bespoke nature. Traders interested in joining Alpha or learning more about their eligibility are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with CMC Markets.

VPS

CMC Markets offers a Virtual Private Server (VPS) service, enhancing the MT4 trading experience for its clients. This powerful service mainly benefits traders who utilize automated algorithmic strategies, including expert advisors. The VPS hosting allows these strategies to run 24/7 on a virtual machine, ensuring uninterrupted operation. One of the key advantages of using a VPS is its ultra-low latency, significantly reducing the risk of system downtime due to connectivity issues.

The VPS subscription is an exclusive, complimentary service provided to CMC Markets clients, underlining the broker's commitment to offering value-added services. To qualify for a free Beeks VPS account, clients must trade at least 15 standard lots per calendar month. This requirement aligns the service with active traders who can benefit most from the continuous operation and stability that VPS hosting provides.

To apply for the VPS service, clients must first open a CFD account with CMC Markets specifically for MT4 trading. Following account creation, the next step involves contacting the customer support team at support@cmcmarkets.co.nz. Once the application is processed and approved, clients will receive their login details from Beeks, allowing them to start using the VPS service. This streamlined process ensures that traders can quickly and easily access the benefits of VPS hosting, enhancing their trading capabilities on the MT4 platform.

CMC Markets does not charge fees for depositing or withdrawing funds. As for trading commissions, the broker only earns from spreads and swaps. However, there is an inactivity fee for dormant trading accounts.

Spreads and Swaps

The primary source of income for CMC Markets is spreads and swaps. The broker offers competitive spreads starting from 0.7 pips for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD and AUD/USD. Swaps also vary depending on the currency pair and the direction of the position (long or short).

Commission per lot

CMC Markets implements a commission structure for its FX Active account, charging a fee for each lot traded. Specifically, the broker levies a cost of $2.5 per transaction on the FX Active account. This rate is considered low compared to average commissions charged by other Forex brokers in the market.

Inactivity Fee

It's important to note that CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee. This monthly charge of $15 (NZD or USD) is levied on a client's trading account if there is no Forex market activity for 12 months. The fee is charged monthly until the client begins trading, closes the trading account, or the account balance runs out.

Rebates

You can expect to receive rebates (cashback) from CMC Markets if you're an active trader.

Your total monthly CFD trading volume on Forex must be at least $50 million to qualify for rebates. When you reach this level, you receive either $5, $7, or $10, depending on the level achieved, for each $1 million of your trading volume, starting from the first trade in the month. You also receive a discount on swaps.

At CMC Markets, we recognize the availability of various methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, the absence of broker commissions, and reasonable processing times for transactions.

Deposit Methods

The following options are available for account funding:

Payment System	Currencies	Deposit Fee	Operation Limit
PayPal	USDNZD	1%	—
Bank Transfer	USDNZD		—
Credit and Debit Cards	USDNZD	1.5%	—
POLi	NZD	0%	from 100 to 50000 USDfrom 100 to 50000 EURfrom 100 to 50000 GBP

CMC Markets does not charge a deposit fee. However, there may be a fee from the payment system, which we have considered in the table above.

Withdrawal Methods

At CMC Markets, the following withdrawal methods are available:

Payment System	Currencies	Withdrawal Fee	Operation Limit
Bank Transfer	USDNZD	0%	—
Credit and Debit Cards	USDNZD	0%	—

The broker does not charge a fee for withdrawals. However, there may be a commission from the receiving bank.

The broker processes withdrawal requests within one business day. Withdrawals to credit cards and PayPal take 1-2 days, while bank transfers can take up to 5 days.

CMC Markets offers various CFD trading instruments for different financial markets.

What markets are available?

Margin Requirements

Margin requirements refer to the percentage of the total value of a trader's position in their account as collateral to open and maintain a position. At CMC Markets, margin requirements vary depending on the trading asset.

The broker offers two trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 and its proprietary CMC Markets platform. Both platforms are feature-rich and provide numerous tools for analysis and trading. However, some traders may find the CMC Markets platform complex for beginners.

MetaTrader 4

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is one of the world's most popular trading platforms available to CMC Markets clients. MT4 is known for its reliability, powerful analytical tools, and flexibility.

The platform provides a wide range of features, including one-click trading, many technical indicators, charting tools, and the capability for automated trading using expert advisors.

MT4 also offers a comprehensive environment for developing and testing your own trading strategies and indicators with the integrated MQL4 programming language.

The platform is available in various formats, including desktop applications, a web version, and mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing traders to monitor the market and trade anytime and anywhere.

CMC Markets

The CMC Markets platform boasts extensive capabilities and a high level of customization, for which international experts have repeatedly awarded it.

You can open tabs and windows, resize them, and customize the platform to your preferences.

Let's move on to the platform's capabilities.

1. The product library is conveniently categorized. Each list of CFD instruments can be filtered by popularity, country, category, subcategory, etc. This is useful for creating watchlists.

2. Watchlist – you can create as many based on your chosen criteria. Watchlists can be viewed as a classic table with charts or a quote panel.

3. You can create price alerts for any product.

4. You can choose a dark or light theme for the platform or change the menu layout.

The platform allows up to 4 charts to be displayed simultaneously. For analysis, there are many timeframes (1 second to 1 month) and chart types (Japanese candles, bars, Kagi, etc.).

The chart can be marked up with a multitude of tools. All lines, levels, angles, patterns, labels, etc., are available.

The broker is also generous with indicators. Some indicators overlay directly on the chart (moving averages and their derivatives) and classic oscillators.

The platform also offers analytical tools:

• News from Reuters;
• Economic calendar;
• Various insights;
• Chart forum;
• CMC TV;
• CMC Markets Blog;
• Pattern Scanner – a tool that automatically searches for and draws technical patterns on charts.

Everything needed for a successful CMC Markets trading platform – workspace customization, creating watchlists, charting with indicators, news on a neighboring tab, and analytical tools are available.

CMC Markets offers a broad array of analytical tools and high-quality information provision.

Traders are provided with information in the following areas:

• Expert commentary on financial markets;
• Commentary and forecasts for currency pairs;
• Technical analysis;
• Fundamental analysis.

The markets researched include Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada, and the UK.

The "Analytics" (News & Analysis) section on the website contains updates from Reuters, a weekly economic calendar, charts, exchange rates for currency pairs, and schedules for trading on Forex and stock exchanges.

Information on all CMC Markets company analysts is also available.

CMC Markets takes education seriously, and its training programs are among the best in the industry.

Forms of education include:

• Seminars,
• Webinars,
• Video conferences,
• Courses.

Leading company traders conduct classes and regularly feature world-renowned financial market experts.

Thematic sections and class schedules are published on the broker's website. Clients can choose the course and sign up through a feedback form. Most lectures and seminars are free for the company's clients.

CMC Markets has a solid technical support system in place. The company has opened 15 offices around the world. Local traders can seek help via local telephone numbers or through email.

CMC Markets' support operates 24/5 from Monday to Friday.

However, it should be noted that the broker's website lacks an online chat option, which could facilitate and expedite communication with support.

Below is the contact information for traders from New Zealand:

• Phone: 0800 26 26 27

• Email: support@cmcmarkets.co.nz

CMC Markets Pros and Cons

Advantages of CMC Markets

1. Regulation. CMC Markets is regulated by leading financial authorities, including the NZ FMA, ensuring the security of client funds.
2. Low trading fees. The broker offers competitive spreads and swaps and does not charge fees for deposits or withdrawals.
3. Wide range of markets and products. CMC Markets provides access to various trading instruments, including currency pairs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
4. Trading platforms. Access to the popular MetaTrader 4 and CMC Markets platforms, which offer flexible settings and an intuitive interface.
5. Analytics. The broker offers extensive analytical materials, including news from Reuters, an economic calendar, and technical analysis.
6. Education. CMC Markets offers comprehensive educational materials, including webinars, seminars, and courses.

Disadvantages of CMC Markets

1. Limited account options. The broker offers a limited number of account types, which may not meet the needs of all traders.
2. Inactivity fee. The broker charges a monthly fee if an account remains inactive for 12 months.
3. No online chat. While support is available 24/5, the lack of an online chat option may hinder instant communication with support.

Conclusion

CMC Markets NZ has been a reliable CFD and Forex broker in the business for a long time. Top-tier financial authorities regulate the company, offers an excellent trading platform, and has low commission fees.

We believe it is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced traders. CMC Markets is a good option if you seek a trustworthy and reputable broker with extensive experience.