CMC Markets vs FBS 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

CMC 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.

Fees & Spreads

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.

Trading Platforms

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.

Who Should Choose CMC Markets?

• Traders seeking comprehensive regulation and strong fund protection schemes.
• Individuals interested in trading a wide range of instruments, including over 10,000 CFDs.
• Traders who prefer a zero minimum deposit policy.
• Investors looking for an advanced proprietary trading platform.

Who Should Choose FBS?

• Traders seeking low entry barriers with minimum deposits starting at $1.
• Individuals looking for high leverage options up to 1:3000.
• Traders interested in bonus and cashback programmes to enhance their trading capital.
• Investors who prefer the flexibility of using both MT4 and MT5 platforms.

Our Verdict

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.