In the competitive world of online trading, selecting the right broker can significantly impact your success. Forex.com and CM Trading both offer global access to forex and CFDs, but they serve distinctly different types of traders. Forex.com is a highly regulated broker backed by a publicly listed U.S. parent company, while CM Trading targets the African and Middle Eastern retail market with accessible trading solutions. Here’s a deep dive into how they compare in 2025.
Broker Review Contents
Broker background
Forex.com was founded in 2001 and operates under the StoneX Group, listed on NASDAQ. With strong regulatory compliance and institutional-grade platforms, it’s a global leader in forex trading.
CM Trading was launched in 2012 and is based in South Africa. It primarily serves clients across Africa and the MENA region, offering high leverage and simple account options.
| Feature | Forex.com | CM Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | USA | South Africa |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, NFA, IIROC, CySEC | FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Seychelles) |
| Parent Company | StoneX Group (NASDAQ: SNEX) | CM Trading Ltd. |
| Core Market | Global | Africa and MENA |
Regulation and trust
Forex.com is regulated by tier-1 bodies such as the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CFTC/NFA (USA), IIROC (Canada), and CySEC (EU), offering strong investor protection.
CM Trading is regulated by the FSCA in South Africa and FSA in Seychelles. These regulatory bodies are considered medium to light-tier, offering more flexibility but less protection.
Forex.com offers greater peace of mind for serious traders who prioritize safety, while CM Trading caters to traders in emerging markets with fewer restrictions.
Platform offerings
Forex.com provides:
- MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
- WebTrader
- Advanced Trading Platform (desktop)
- TradingView integration
- Mobile app for iOS/Android
CM Trading provides:
- MetaTrader 4
- CopyKat (social trading platform)
- Sirix WebTrader
- CM Trading Mobile App
Forex.com delivers a wider range of platforms and advanced analytics tools. CM Trading focuses on simplicity and social trading through its CopyKat feature.
Market instruments
| Asset Type | Forex.com | CM Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 80+ | 50+ |
| Indices | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Limited (Bitcoin, Ethereum) |
| Stock CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| ETFs | Yes | No |
| Futures | No | No |
Forex.com offers a broader range of instruments, including crypto pairs and ETFs. CM Trading has a more limited offering suitable for basic traders.
Account types and deposits
Forex.com accounts:
- Standard
- Commission
- DMA (Direct Market Access)
- Islamic (swap-free)
CM Trading accounts:
- Bronze (basic)
- Silver
- Gold
- Premium
- Islamic (swap-free)
Minimum deposit:
- Forex.com: $100
- CM Trading: $100 (Bronze), higher for premium tiers
CM Trading provides tiered accounts with different benefits, while Forex.com focuses on transparent, professional-grade setups.
Spreads and commissions
Forex.com:
- Standard account: spreads from 1.0 pip
- Commission account: 0.2 pip + $5/lot
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Inactivity fee after 12 months
CM Trading:
- Spreads from 1.5 pips (variable by account)
- No commission on basic accounts
- Charges on wire transfers and inactivity
Forex.com is better suited for high-volume or professional traders. CM Trading’s pricing is designed to attract new or intermediate users in developing markets.
Leverage and margin
| Region | Forex.com | CM Trading |
|---|---|---|
| UK/EU Retail | Up to 1:30 | Up to 1:30 |
| USA | Up to 1:50 | Not available |
| Global (Pro) | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:500 |
CM Trading offers more aggressive leverage for offshore clients, while Forex.com adheres to strict regulatory caps, making it ideal for long-term portfolio protection.
Tools and education
Forex.com includes:
- Autochartist
- Trading Central
- Strategy optimizer
- Webinars and eBooks
- TradingView integration
CM Trading includes:
- CopyKat social trading platform
- Daily market news
- Free webinars and video tutorials
- Trading signals via WhatsApp
Forex.com offers more sophisticated trading tools and integrations. CM Trading emphasizes accessible learning and beginner-friendly signals.
Mobile experience
Forex.com provides a full-featured mobile app that syncs with its desktop and web platforms, including real-time alerts and advanced charting.
CM Trading’s mobile app is clean and easy to use but lacks the depth of analytics and order management found in Forex.com’s app.
Customer support
Forex.com:
- 24/5 support via chat, email, and phone
- Knowledge base and tutorials
- Global support network
CM Trading:
- 24/5 multilingual support
- Personal account managers
- WhatsApp and social media support
CM Trading provides stronger localized support in Africa and MENA, while Forex.com delivers broader, institutional-level support worldwide.
Summary comparison table
| Feature | Forex.com | CM Trading |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Tier-1 global | Medium-tier regional |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView | MT4, Sirix, CopyKat |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $100 (Bronze) |
| Leverage (Max) | Up to 1:200 | Up to 1:500 |
| Market Range | Extensive | Moderate |
| Account Flexibility | Standard to DMA | Tiered (Bronze to Premium) |
| Tools & Education | Advanced and integrated | Beginner-focused |
| Mobile Trading | Robust and detailed | Basic but functional |
| Best for Beginners | Yes | Yes |
| Best for Pros | Yes (DMA access) | Yes (Premium/Gold tiers) |
Who should choose Forex.com?
Forex.com is a better fit for:
- Traders in regulated markets (US, UK, Australia)
- Professionals seeking DMA access and powerful tools
- Users needing advanced analytics, integration, and institutional stability
Who should choose CM Trading?
CM Trading is better for:
- Beginners in Africa and the Middle East
- Traders who want social copy trading via CopyKat
- Users looking for high leverage and personal account management
