Two brokers with contrasting footprints clash over regulation, pricing, and platform depth. The match-up pits a global, regulation-rich model against a domestically focused offering.
CMC Markets outpaces TPFx on the editorial score and compliance reach, with top-tier regulators, negative balance protection, investor compensation, and a larger instrument universe.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want top-tier regulation and very broad instrument coverage. You also gain negative balance protection and investor compensation scheme coverage.
Choose TPFx if…
Choose TPFx if you value domestic Indonesian access and no inactivity fee. You also access MT5 alongside a proprietary platform.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
CMC Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.70 pips vs 1.50 pips for TPFx, reducing trading costs.
| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 3.7/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5▲ | 3.7 / 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 | TPFx |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| 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 | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Fail |
CMC Markets rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 for TPFx. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
CMC Markets starts from 0.7 pips, tighter than TPFx's 1.5 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while TPFx requires at least $60. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC, DFSA), providing stronger investor protections. TPFx 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 lists maximum leverage of 30:1, while TPFx lists up to 100:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while TPFx supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4. TPFx has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
CMC Markets wins safety and regulation with multiple top-tier licenses and investor protection.
CMC Markets suits active traders with advanced charting and broad instrument access.
TPFx is better suited for scalpers: raw/ECN spreads available.
CMC Markets provides a strong proprietary platform alongside MT4 access.
CMC Markets offers a $0 minimum deposit and solid fund protection.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.4 / 5▲ | 3.7 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5▲ | 3.7 / 5 |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 3.7 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 1989 | 2010 |
|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Jakarta, Indonesia |
|---|
| Min Deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $60 |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0.7 pips▼ lower | 1.5 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
|---|
| Max Leverage | 30:1▲ higher | 100:1 |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | £10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA BaFin | BAPPEBTI OJK |
|---|
| Platforms | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| 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
BAPPEBTI-licensed and OJK-registered, full Indonesian regulatory compliance
OJK registration no. S-130/PM.02/2025 is publicly verifiable
Supports MetaTrader 5 alongside proprietary platform
Local Indonesian bank transfer funding with IDR accounts
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Cons
Inactivity fee after 12 months
No raw spread account option
Cons
Only available to Indonesian residents, no international clients
Higher minimum deposit than some domestic peers
Narrow product range limited to forex and commodity futures
No top-tier regulatory licence
No negative balance protection
No investor compensation scheme
Limited charting capabilities
Support available in limited languages
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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