CMC Markets launches multi-asset platform combining investing and derivatives

CMC Markets has launched a multi-asset platform that allows retail clients to hold equity investments and trade derivatives within a single account, broadening its product line beyond its core derivatives business into the commission-free investing market.

The FTSE 250 broker (LSE: CMCX) said the new platform provides access to more than 12,000 global shares and exchange traded funds (ETFs) with no trading commission and no platform or holding fees. A 0.5% foreign exchange conversion fee may apply for international transactions. Contracts for difference (CFDs) and options across a range of global markets remain available through the same account alongside the new investing capability.

Alongside the platform launch, CMC Markets announced that it is cutting commissions to zero on UK and European share CFDs, excluding Greece. The firm said the move is intended to give clients greater flexibility to switch between outright equity positions and leveraged products without additional cost friction.

The launch effectively closes the chapter on CMC Invest as a standalone product in the UK. Introduced in October 2022 as an investing sub-brand, CMC Invest was designed to diversify the group away from CFDs by offering commission-free access to US and UK-listed shares, ETFs and investment trusts through a separate platform with a distinct identity.

Vaughn Affonso, Co-Head of Dealing at CMC Markets, said that removing commission on UK and European CFD shares is aimed at improving trading efficiency. He noted that, at a time of increased investor interest and rotation from US markets into the UK and Europe, the change offers a cost-effective way for clients to access new opportunities and manage capital more dynamically.

Chris Cheverall, Head of UK at CMC Markets, said that offering investing and trading side by side is intended to make it easier for clients to select the approach that suits them. He highlighted that clients might wish to own shares in companies such as Nvidia as part of a long-term strategy, or trade the same markets more actively using leverage, and can now do both via a single CMC Markets platform.

Monday’s launch represents the first stage of a longer product vision CMC Markets outlined in November, when the company described a three-phase plan culminating in a "Super App" designed to unify traditional and decentralised finance on a single platform. Following the announcement, CMC Markets shares fell more than 2% to around 330 pence at the London open.