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Plus500 vs IG vs CMC Markets

Choose up to four firms. We compare what matters when things go wrong: licences, compensation, legal protections, track record, then platforms and products.

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FirmPlus500IGCMC Markets
Protection Score 82 90 82
Licence statusEU/EEA licenceEU/EEA licenceEU/EEA licence
European licencesFCA CySEC Finantsinspektsioon FCA BaFin FINMA FCA BaFin
Other licencesASIC FMA NZ FSCA MAS DFSA (Dubai) SCB ASIC MAS FSA Japan DFSA (Dubai) FMA NZ ASIC MAS FMA NZ CIRO
Compensation via EU/UK/CH entity
FCA: Up to £85,000 per person per firm for investments
CySEC: 90% of the covered claim, capped at €20,000 per investor
Finantsinspektsioon: At least €20,000 per investor (EU minimum under the Investor Compensation Schemes Directive 97/9/EC; schemes may cover 90% of the claim).
FCA: Up to £85,000 per person per firm for investments
BaFin: 90% of the claim, up to €20,000 per investor (investment firms)
FINMA: Securities are separated from the bank's own assets; cash is covered by deposit protection
FCA: Up to £85,000 per person per firm for investments
BaFin: 90% of the claim, up to €20,000 per investor (investment firms)
Negative balance protection (retail)Yes, by law via EU/UK entityYes, by law via EU/UK entityYes, by law via EU/UK entity
Headquarters Israel United Kingdom United Kingdom
Founded200819741989
TypeForex & CFD brokersForex & CFD brokersForex & CFD brokers
Listed / bankListed groupListed group, Banking licenceListed group
PlatformsOwn platformOwn platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, TradingViewOwn platform, MetaTrader 4, TradingView
ProductsCFDs, Futures, StocksForex, CFDs, Spread betting, Stocks, Options, FuturesForex, CFDs, Spread betting, Stocks
FeaturesProfessional accountsProfessional accounts, Direct market accessProfessional accounts
Full profileFull profileFull profile

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