CMC Markets has moved into the 2027 financial year with a stronger earnings outlook and a clearer strategic emphasis on business-to-business distribution, giving the group a more diversified platform for growth across institutional and retail markets.
The UK trading platform reported preliminary full-year results for the period ended 31 March 2026 that showed continued progress from its institutional-first strategy. Net operating income rose 15% year on year to £392.6 million, while statutory profit before tax increased 20% to £101.3 million. Excluding the exceptional market conditions seen during the Covid period, the company described this as its strongest operational performance since the 2021 financial year.
The more important development is the change in expectations for the year ending March 2027. CMC Markets had previously guided for net operating income of between £460 million and £480 million, but has since lifted that forecast to at least £550 million. The company also forecast annual core profit of £250 million. That upgrade places the focus on execution, particularly in the group’s higher-margin B2B segment, where demand from banks, brokers, fintechs and other financial institutions has become a more central part of the business model.
CMC’s B2B growth reflects years of investment in trading infrastructure, technology and API connectivity. Rather than relying only on its direct retail brand, the company is increasingly using partnerships to distribute its platforms and services through third-party financial institutions. This gives the group access to client bases and markets that would be harder or more expensive to reach through traditional marketing-led expansion.
One example highlighted by the company is its neobank API partnership, where account openings increased by 2,400% in less than a year. Around 70% of those new accounts came from markets where CMC previously had no meaningful presence. That points to a route for geographic expansion that does not depend solely on building local brand awareness or physical market presence. It also reduces some of the timing risk usually attached to entering new regions, as distribution can be supported by existing partner relationships.
The strategy also has implications for the group’s retail ambitions. CMC is using revenue generated from its wholesale business to support renewed investment in direct-to-consumer activity. That creates a useful capital allocation dynamic, with institutional growth helping to fund retail expansion while reducing reliance on expensive digital customer acquisition. In practical terms, the company is positioning its B2B operations not only as a profit centre, but also as a funding engine for broader platform growth.
CMC Markets plc (LON:CMCX) is a UK-based financial services company that offers online trading in shares, spread betting, contracts for difference and foreign exchange across world markets.
