Two regulation-forward brokers go head to head on pricing, platforms, and client protections, highlighting contrasting strengths of CMC Markets and Fusion Markets.
CMC Markets edges Fusion Markets on the editorial score, backed by FCA regulation, LSE listing, investor compensation scheme coverage, and broader regulatory oversight; Fusion Markets does not offer an investor compensation scheme.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want FCA regulation and investor compensation coverage.
Choose Fusion Markets if…
Choose Fusion Markets if you want ultra-low commissions and no inactivity fee with MT4, MT5, or cTrader.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Fusion Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.70 pips for CMC Markets, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.2/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 4.2 / 5 |
Pros
FCA-regulated, LSE-listed
Excellent proprietary platform
MT4 also available
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | CMC Markets | Fusion Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Fail |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Pass |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | Fail |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4.5/5 and Fusion Markets rates 4.2/5. CMC Markets has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Fusion Markets starts from 0 pips, tighter than CMC Markets's 0.7 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Neither CMC Markets nor Fusion Markets requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both CMC Markets and Fusion Markets hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while Fusion Markets lists up to 500:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Fusion Markets charges $4.5 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Fusion Markets supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. Fusion Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5.
CMC Markets wins safety and regulation with FCA oversight, LSE listing, and investor compensation coverage.
Fusion Markets wins for active traders with 500:1 leverage, ultra-low commissions, and no inactivity fee.
Fusion Markets is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available, tighter spreads from 0.00 pips.
Fusion Markets wins for platform choice with MT4, MT5, and cTrader support.
CMC Markets wins for beginners with strong regulation and investor protection.
CMC Markets wins instrument variety with 12,000 instruments versus 250.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.5 / 5▲ |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 3.9 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.8 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1989 | 2017 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Melbourne, Australia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | $4.5/lot |
|---|
| N/A | 0.45 pips |
| Max Leverage | 30:1 | 500:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | ASIC VFSC |
|---|
| Platforms | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | cTrader MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
Among the lowest ECN commissions globally at $4.50/lot round-turn
No minimum deposit and no inactivity fee
Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader
ASIC regulated with strong Australian broker infrastructure
ETF CFDs available at the same ultra-low commission rate
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Cons
Inactivity fee after 12 months
No raw spread account option
Cons
Smaller, newer broker (est. 2017) with limited global brand recognition
Limited research and educational content
VFSC license used for non-AU clients offers fewer protections
No investor compensation scheme
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
No 24/5 live chat
No phone support
Support available in limited languages
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.2 / 5
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