CMC Marketsvs
FBSStock Broker Comparison
This comparison maps CMC Markets and FBS across exchange access, regulation, and platform tools. The tension lies between safety and accessibility for stock CFDs.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsClear Winner
CMC Markets clearly edges FBS on editorial score due to stronger regulation and broader exchange access.
CMC Markets
4.0/5
FBS
3.3/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: CMC Markets offers 20 exchanges, FBS only 3.
- 2Regulation: CMC is top-tier; FBS is offshore-regulated.
- 3Compensation/Protections: CMC has compensation scheme and negative balance protection; FBS lacks both.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs FBS?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want access to stock CFDs across 20 exchanges. CMC also offers a Next Generation platform with a stock screener and Reuters news. It operates under top-tier regulation with a compensation scheme.
Choose FBS if…
Choose FBS if you prefer a $1 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 with EA support. It operates under offshore regulation and offers 24/7 multilingual support.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
CMC Markets is under top-tier regulation and has a compensation scheme.
Best for active traders
Recommended
CMC Markets vs FBS: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.3/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $1 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
CMC Markets vs FBS Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10,000+ share CFDs across UK, US, European, Asian, and Australian exchanges
- Next Generation platform with stock screener, pattern recognition, and Reuters news
- LSE-listed company, strong financial transparency and FCA/ASIC regulation
- Short selling on shares available, go long or short on 10,000+ equities
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership, ISA wrapper, or dividend reinvestment
CMC Markets vs FBS: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
4
CMC Markets
criteria wins
0
FBS
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
CMC Markets vs FBS: Frequently Asked Questions
CMC Markets rates 4/5 versus 3.3/5 for FBS. CMC Markets edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FBS lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with CMC Markets's 0.7. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, while FBS requires at least $1. 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. FBS 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 20:1, while FBS lists up to 3000:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
FBS charges $20 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for CMC Markets are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
CMC Markets supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while FBS supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile. FBS has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor FBS is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
CMC Markets scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
