CMC Marketsvs
RoboForexStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits CMC Markets, a regulated CFD specialist, against RoboForex with real stocks and a broad instrument universe. The tension revolves around ownership, regulation levels, and global access.
Our Verdict
CMC Markets winsby 0.2 pts
CMC Markets leads on regulatory depth and exchange access, reflected in the higher editorial score. RoboForex, however, offers real stock ownership and broader instrument counts.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Real stock ownership with dividends vs CFDs only.
- 2CMC gains access to 20 exchanges vs RoboForex's 10.
- 3Top-tier regulation plus compensation scheme favors CMC; RoboForex relies on IFSC without compensation.
Who should choose CMC Markets vs RoboForex?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose CMC Markets if…
Choose CMC Markets if you want FCA/ASIC regulation and access to 20 stock exchanges via CFDs.
Choose RoboForex if…
Choose RoboForex if you want real stock ownership with dividends and a broad 12,000+ instrument universe.
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 has top-tier regulators and a formal compensation scheme.
Best for active traders
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
CMC Markets vs RoboForex: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 3.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum▼ lower | $10 |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $20/lot |
CMC Markets vs RoboForex 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 RoboForex: 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
RoboForex
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | CMC Markets | RoboForex |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| 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 | Fail |
CMC Markets vs RoboForex: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: CMC Markets rates 4/5 and RoboForex rates 3.8/5. 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.
RoboForex 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 RoboForex requires at least $10. This makes CMC Markets more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
CMC Markets holds top-tier regulation (DFSA, FMA, FCA), providing stronger investor protections. RoboForex 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.
For beginners, two factors stand out: CMC Markets has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
CMC Markets lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while RoboForex lists up to 20:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
RoboForex 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 RoboForex supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. CMC Markets has exclusive access to ProRealTime. RoboForex has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5.
Neither CMC Markets nor RoboForex 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.
