CMC Markets (founded 1989) and IG (founded 1974) are two of the longest-established providers here, both part of publicly listed groups and both regulated by the FCA in the UK and BaFin in Germany. CMC runs its own Next Generation platform plus MT4; IG runs its own platform plus MT4 and ProRealTime. Neither is universally "better": IG adds ProRealTime and has the longer history; CMC's Next Generation is well-regarded for charting. The right one depends on the platform you want and the entity that serves your country.
Broker comparison
CMC Markets vs IG: an honest side-by-side comparison
By Spreadwise Editorial Team · Last updated 23 June 2026
CMC Markets vs IG: the verified facts
| Broker | Regulation | Platforms | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMC Markets Est. 1989 | FCABaFin | Next Generation · MT4 | |
| IG Est. 1974 | FCABaFin | IG platform · MT4 · ProRealTime |
Only fields we can verify (regulation, platforms, founding year) are shown.
How do they compare on the facts?
On the publicly verifiable facts, CMC Markets and IG are unusually close: both founded in the 1970s–1980s, both part of publicly listed groups with audited accounts and market-disclosure obligations, and both regulated by the FCA (UK) and BaFin (Germany) through separate entities. IG, founded in 1974, is the older of the two; CMC, founded in 1989, is also a long-standing name. The table below shows only fields we can verify from each broker's regulatory disclosures — we publish no spreads, minimum deposits or star ratings until a hands-on review.
The clearest practical difference is the platform line-up. Both offer a strong proprietary platform — CMC's Next Generation and IG's own platform — plus MetaTrader 4 for traders who run MT4 expert advisors. IG additionally offers ProRealTime for advanced charting and semi-automated strategies, which CMC does not. If ProRealTime matters to you, that points to IG; if you prefer CMC's Next Generation charting, that points to CMC. Neither offers MetaTrader 5 or cTrader.
Which suits whom?
Neither broker is 'better' in the abstract — they are closely matched. A trader who wants ProRealTime, or simply the longest track record available, leans IG. A trader who prefers CMC's Next Generation platform and charting leans CMC Markets. Both are publicly listed, both are FCA- and BaFin-regulated, and both apply the ESMA 30:1 retail leverage cap, negative-balance protection and the bonus ban through their EU/UK entities.
The deciding checks are the same: confirm the exact entity that serves your country on its regulator's register (the FCA or BaFin for both), and compare the all-in cost — spread plus any commission plus overnight financing — on the current pricing page for that entity. Because these two are so close on the verifiable facts, the choice often comes down to which platform you prefer and the costs that apply to the instruments you actually trade. We do not rank either broker higher for any commercial relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Which broker is better, CMC Markets or IG?
Neither is universally better — they are closely matched, both publicly listed and both FCA- and BaFin-regulated. IG has the longer history and adds ProRealTime; CMC's Next Generation platform is well-regarded for charting. The choice often comes down to platform preference and the costs on the instruments you trade. Verify the entity serving your country before depositing.
Do CMC Markets and IG support MetaTrader?
Both offer MetaTrader 4 alongside their own platforms, but neither offers MetaTrader 5 or cTrader. IG also offers ProRealTime. If you rely on an MT4 expert advisor, either works; for MT5 or cTrader, look elsewhere.
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