CMC Marketsvs
DerivCrypto Exchange Comparison
Two CFD specialists clash over crypto coverage and regulation. CMC Markets emphasizes a crypto CFD range on its Next Generation platform, while Deriv highlights low entry costs and multi-asset flexibility.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsClear Winner
CMC Markets tops the editorial score over Deriv, thanks to stronger regulation and a broader crypto CFD range.
CMC Markets
4.1/5
Deriv
3.4/5
Key Differences
- 1CMC holds top-tier FCA/ASIC regulation; Deriv does not.
- 2CMC lists 100 coins; Deriv lists 5.
- 3CMC offers compensation scheme; Deriv does not.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs Deriv?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want strong FCA/ASIC regulation and access to 100 crypto CFDs.
Choose Deriv if…
Choose Deriv if you want a low $5 minimum deposit and MT5 plus DXtrade access.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
Recommended
CMC Markets wins for security due to top-tier regulation and negative balance protection.
Best for low fees
Recommended
CMC Markets vs Deriv: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  CMC Markets |  Deriv |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 3.4/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $5 |
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0.5 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
CMC Markets vs Deriv Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100+ crypto CFDs, one of the widest selections among FCA-regulated brokers
- Next Generation platform with 115+ indicators and client sentiment data
- LSE-listed company with FCA and ASIC regulation
- Competitive variable spreads vs other regulated market-maker crypto offerings
Cons
- CFDs only, no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain activity
CMC Markets vs Deriv: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
3
CMC Markets
criteria wins
0
Deriv
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Deriv |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Fail |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
CMC Markets vs Deriv: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets rates 4.1/5 versus 3.4/5 for Deriv. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both exchanges meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Deriv lists a lower spread from 0.5, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while Deriv requires at least $5. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (DFSA, FMA, FCA), providing stronger investor protections. Deriv may be regulated but does not hold top-tier status in our data. Verify regulatory status on each regulator's public register before depositing funds.
CMC Markets stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
CMC Markets offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Deriv's 2:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Deriv supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, DXtrade. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4. Deriv has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and DXtrade.
