Quick Verdict — Hong Kong Traders
Best Overall
Axi & CMC Markets
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
CMC Markets
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Axi
Swap-free for Hong Kong Muslims
Best for Beginners
Axi
Better education & support
For traders in Hong Kong, selecting the right broker is crucial for navigating global markets. Axi and CMC Markets are both well-established international brokers, but they cater to different trading needs. This detailed comparison examines their regulatory standing, fee structures, trading platforms, and account offerings to help you decide which aligns best with your trading goals.
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Overall Scores Comparison

Axi
FCA · ASIC · DFSA
4.2
CompareBroker score
Winner
VS

CMC Markets
FCA · ASIC · MAS
4.2
CompareBroker score
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
Regulation
Safety, oversight
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
Education
Webinars, guides
💹
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | Axi | CMC Markets | Winner |
|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | CMC Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | CMC Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | CMC Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | CMC Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $0 | $0 | Tie |
📂
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | Axi | CMC Markets |
|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $0 | $0 |
⚖️
Leverage Comparison - Hong Kong Traders
| Entity / Asset | Axi | CMC Markets |
|---|
| Hong Kong (offshore) | Up to 1:1 | Up to 1:1 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Leverage Warning for Hong Kong Traders
Traders in Hong Kong typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
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Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | Axi | CMC Markets | Winner |
|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | Axi |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | Axi |
| Crypto CFDs | ✗ | 20+ | Axi |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | CMC Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
⚡
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | Axi | CMC Markets | Winner |
|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | CMC Markets |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | Axi |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
🛡️
Regulation & Safety for Hong Kong Traders
| Safety Factor | Axi | CMC Markets |
|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for Hong Kong traders may differ by entity.
💳
Deposits & Withdrawals for Hong Kong
| Payment Method | Axi | CMC Markets |
|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✗ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | Cards/e-wallets instant-few hours; bank wire up to 2 business days deposit, up to 5 days withdrawal; overall withdrawals processed within 48hrs | 5 business days |
☪️
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Hong Kong Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | Axi | CMC Markets |
|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
💬
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | Axi | CMC Markets | Winner |
|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | Axi |
| Mobile Feature | Axi | CMC Markets | Winner |
|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | Axi |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | Axi |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
📚
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | Axi | CMC Markets | Winner |
|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | Axi |
⭐
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
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Pros & Cons of Each Broker
Axi
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
CMC Markets
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
👤
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Hong Kong Guide
Choose Axi if you...
Are a beginner trader in Hong Kong
Want TradingView integration
Have less than $200 to start
Choose CMC Markets if you...
Are a beginner trader in Hong Kong
Are a scalper or EA trader
❓
FAQ - Axi vs CMC Markets in Hong Kong
Is Axi regulated in Hong Kong? +
Does CMC Markets offer MetaTrader 4? +
Which broker has lower trading costs for Hong Kong traders? +
Final Verdict - Hong Kong 2026
Axi & CMC Markets tied wins overall
After comparing 12 categories, Axi comes out ahead for most Hong Kong traders.
Risk Disclaimer: CFDs and forex trading involve significant risk of loss. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. All data verified as of July 2026.