CMC Markets vs Pepperstone: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare CMC Markets and Pepperstone — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Pepperstone edges ahead (4.3/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaCMC MarketsPepperstone
Overall score 4.0 4.3
Regulation & safety 4.0 4.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.0
Platform & assets 4.5 4.5
User support 4.0 4.0
Trust score80/10087/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsProprietary web platform (Next Generation), MetaTrader 4, TradingView (integrated), Mobile appMetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView (integrated)
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedSpread & commission model varies per account type — details not yet verified
Pros & cons
- Public company (LSE FTSE 250, since 1989) regulated by the FCA + Bermuda Monetary Authority
- Highly regarded Next Generation platform + MT4 + TradingView integration
- Broad coverage: forex/share/index CFDs, spread betting, and share dealing
- Historical note: ASIC once ordered retail-client remediation over margin-netting breaches
- Focus on leveraged CFD/spread betting products — high-risk
- Not the choice for those chasing the cheapest cost/raw ECN
- Well-documented multi-jurisdiction regulation (ASIC, FCA, BaFin, CySEC, DFSA, SCB) with no negative regulator action found
- Full platform selection: MT4, MT5, cTrader, and integrated TradingView
- Known for a low-cost focus & fast execution — popular for scalping/algo trading
- Forex/CFD focus — not for those seeking real stocks or long-term investing
- Private company (not public), financial transparency more limited than listed brokers
- Leveraged trading remains high-risk even with a solid broker
Regulation at a glance
CMC Markets
Regulated by the FCA in the UK; holds an additional license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250).
Pepperstone
Well-documented, layered regulation: ASIC (Australia) license since February 2013, FCA (UK) since 2015, BaFin (Germany) and CySEC (Cyprus) since around 2020, DFSA (UAE), and SCB (Bahamas). One of the brokers with the most documented regulatory footprint in this directory.