Higher Rated
CMC Markets
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
When comparing CMC Markets and FBS, the key difference lies in their target trader profiles and leverage offerings. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, CMC Markets appeals to traders looking for a well-regulated broker with a strong presence in the UK and a comprehensive range of over 10,000 instruments. In contrast, FBS, established in 2009 and based in Cyprus, is popular among traders in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, offering high leverage up to 1:3000 and a low minimum deposit, suitable for those seeking flexible trading conditions and various account types. While CMC Markets is ideal for traders prioritising regulatory assurance and a robust trading platform, FBS caters to those looking for high leverage and lower entry barriers.
CMC Markets
FBS
| CMC Markets | FBS | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.0/5 ✓ | 3.9/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $1 |
| Spread from | 0.7 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:3000 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS | CySEC, ASIC, FSCA |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile |
CMC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 4.0/5 vs 3.9/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, FBS offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowCMC Markets
WinnerFBS
CMC Markets
FBS
Lower feesCMC Markets is a well-established broker, founded in 1989 and headquartered in London, UK. It is regulated by highly respected authorities including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). These regulatory bodies ensure that CMC Markets adheres to stringent financial standards, providing a high level of safety for client funds. The broker also incorporates fund protection schemes such as segregated client accounts, ensuring that client funds are kept separate from company resources.
FBS, established in 2009 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ASIC, and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa. While these regulatory bodies provide a reasonable level of oversight, FBS does not have the same level of regulatory coverage as CMC Markets. FBS offers fund protection through segregated accounts, but potential clients should note that it is not available in the EU, UK, or US, which might affect fund safety perceptions in these regions.
CMC Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.7 pips with zero commissions across its range of markets including forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This makes it an attractive option for traders looking to minimise trading costs. However, they impose an inactivity fee after 12 months of non-use. The broker demands no minimum deposit, which lowers the entry barrier for new traders.
FBS provides spreads starting as low as 0 pips, particularly for their ECN accounts, but standard account spreads can be wider. They also charge zero commissions, although the minimum deposit starts at $1, which is significantly lower than many other brokers, offering greater accessibility. Despite offering high leverage up to 1:3000, which can be appealing for traders looking to maximise potential returns, it also increases risk. Overnight fees and bonus conditions may also impact overall trading costs.
CMC Markets offers its award-winning Next Generation platform, providing advanced charting tools and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, they offer MT4, catering to traders who prefer the familiarity of the MetaTrader suite. FBS provides both MT4 and MT5, along with a proprietary mobile platform, offering versatility for traders who require flexible trading solutions. While CMC’s proprietary platform is noted for its intuitiveness, FBS’s MT5 platform supports more sophisticated trading strategies.
For beginners, FBS is the better choice due to its low minimum deposit and high leverage. Professionals might prefer CMC Markets for its regulatory strength and advanced trading tools. On fees, both brokers have competitive offerings, but FBS edges out with lower starting spreads.
CMC Markets
4.0/5
Choose CMC Markets if you want…
FBS
3.9/5
Choose FBS if you want…
CMC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. CMC Markets holds a 4.0/5 rating vs FBS's 3.9/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
CMC Markets offers spreads from 0.7 pips, while FBS starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
CMC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0. FBS requires $1.
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA, ASIC, MAS, while FBS holds licences from CySEC, ASIC, FSCA.
CMC Markets supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4. FBS supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across 345 brokers
58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.