CMC Markets vs Saxo Bank: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare CMC Markets and Saxo Bank — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Saxo Bank edges ahead (4.1/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.
Side-by-side comparison
CriteriaCMC MarketsSaxo Bank
Overall score 4.0 4.1
Regulation & safety 4.0 4.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.5
User support 4.0 4.0
Trust score80/10085/100
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 appSaxoTraderGO (web/mobile), SaxoTraderPRO (desktop), API
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — details not yet verifiedTiered structure based on volume/account tier (Classic/Platinum/VIP) — tends toward premium, not the cheapest; exact figures 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
- Fully licensed bank (Danish FSA) — prudential oversight + multi-jurisdiction regulation
- Very broad instrument coverage (forex, stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds) in one account
- Professional-grade, well-regarded SaxoTraderGO/PRO platform
- Fee structure tends toward premium (not the cheapest), better suited to medium-to-high volume
- Minimum deposit & tiers can feel high for small-capital beginners
- Leveraged products remain high-risk
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).
Saxo Bank
A fully licensed bank supervised by the Danish FSA (Finanstilsynet), with entities regulated by the FCA (UK), FINMA (Switzerland), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), and others. Its 'bank' status adds a layer of prudential oversight.