CMC Markets has announced the addition of two new distinct products to its platform for retail traders. The FTSE 250 broker now offers grey market pre IPO trading alongside Spectre, a zero leverage account.
Pre IPO Trading
The pre IPO grey offering allows clients to take long or short positions in private companies before they list, typically ahead of an initial public offering and trading takes place through spread betting or contracts for difference (CFDs).
CMC chose SpaceX to debut the service, a move designed to capitalise on strong retail demand for high-profile, closely watched private companies.
The mechanism avoids friction during the transition to public markets, with grey market positions rolling into standard listed share trades once a company officially lists, allowing clients to retain full control without being forced to close positions early.
The broker noted that the launch directly answers growing demand for event-driven trading opportunities ahead of official listings.
Spectre Zero Leverage Accounts
The rollout of Spectre targets investors focused on structural efficiency, having originally been restricted to professional clients before CMC opened access to retail traders following strong demand from its waiting list.
Spectre operates as a zero leverage spread betting account for long positions, removing leverage to eliminate the overnight financing costs that typically erode returns over time.
The account retains the core benefits of the UK spread betting framework, with traders using their own capital while remaining exempt from capital gains tax and stamp duty.
Chief Executive Lord Peter Cruddas noted that Spectre addresses a specific need for simpler, cost-effective trading without daily financing fees.
Platform Options
CMC is building out its platform to capture two opposite ends of the retail market.
Instead of relying solely on traditional leveraged trading, the broker can now host high-risk pre-IPO speculation and low-cost, long-term investing.
The strategy focuses entirely on client retention. By offering both products, CMC keeps volatile momentum chasers and tax-conscious investors within its own ecosystem rather than losing them to niche competitors.
