FCA regulated online CFD brokerage house CMC Markets Institutional (LON:CMCX) has announced that it will be offering its eligible existing and new clients the opportunity to switch to its new CMC Pro account.
Following the recent announcement by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), retail clients will no longer be able to trade using current leverage levels.
This regulatory intervention is set to change the dynamics of the industry, with regulators setting margin limits for retail clients, not the providers.
In response to these changes, CMC Markets has created CMC Pro – a new account type that allows professional clients to continue trading at their current leverage levels.
In addition, CMC Pro clients will have their own account manager, priority access to new products and the ability to earn cash rebates and rewards. There will also be exclusive CMC Pro client events featuring guest speakers and charting analysis, and providing an opportunity for networking.
To be eligible, clients will have to demonstrate that they are capable of making their own investment decisions and understand the risks involved, in addition to meeting two of the three following criteria:
- They will need to have carried out transactions of a significant size on a relevant market (10 per quarter over the previous four quarters)
- They will need to have a financial instrument portfolio that exceeds €500,000
- They need to work, or have worked, in the financial sector for at least one year in a relevant professional position
David Fineberg
David Fineberg, Group Commercial Director at CMC Markets, commented:
Over the last 10 years we have seen tremendous changes in our industry, driven by technology and social media. It is right that regulators are now looking to protect less experienced and potentially vulnerable clients.
At CMC Markets we already cater for a professional client base, and we are continuously looking to innovate our service and offer ways to empower our clients and provide a premium experience.
He added:
We are seeing a change in consumer behaviour as clients are now demanding a personal, tailored service to suit their individual needs. We will continue to invest in our Next Generation trading platform to meet the requirements of our CMC Pro clients.