CMC Markets Moves Toward Physical Bullion Market, Seeks Regulatory Approval in Singapore

CMC Markets is seeking expanded regulatory permissions in Singapore as it prepares to enter the physical precious metals market, signaling a potential shift beyond its traditional derivatives-focused offering.

Expanding Into Physical Bullion

The firm is pursuing approval under Singapore’s Precious Stones and Precious Metals Act, which would allow it to operate as a regulated dealer in physical bullion. This move would introduce a new business line covering the purchase, sale, and custody of physical gold and other precious metals.

Currently, CMC Markets offers cash equities and over-the-counter derivatives in Singapore. Regulatory approval would enable the company to integrate physical bullion into client strategies, including potential use in margin and collateral structures, subject to compliance requirements.

Senior Regulatory Role Advertised

As part of the initiative, CMC Markets has advertised a senior Singapore-based role responsible for securing regulatory approval and overseeing operations under the precious metals framework. The position includes supervision of:

• Physical gold transactions
• Gold-backed financing arrangements
• Client funding processes
• Anti-money laundering (AML) controls
• Regulatory liaison and reporting
• Pricing governance and trade oversight

This suggests a structured, compliance-driven approach to entering the bullion market.

Market Context: Volatility and Safe-Haven Demand

The move comes amid sustained volatility in precious metals markets. Gold prices have been influenced by shifting interest rate expectations, central bank buying, geopolitical developments, and currency fluctuations. During periods of market stress, safe-haven demand tends to rise, while leveraged derivatives activity can amplify short-term price swings.

Industry data indicates that gold continues to account for a substantial share of over-the-counter trading turnover, underscoring its central role in global financial markets.

2026 Gold Outlook: Divergent Forecasts

Forecasts for gold prices in 2026 reflect broad uncertainty. Some major financial institutions project year-end targets above $6,000 per ounce, citing continued central bank accumulation and strong investor demand for hard assets. Others anticipate more moderate gains or even limited downside, highlighting the complexity of macroeconomic drivers.

These contrasting outlooks illustrate both gold’s perceived resilience as a store of value and the potential for continued short-term volatility—conditions that may support strategic expansion by firms like CMC Markets into the physical precious metals space.

Related Read: CMC Markets Strengthens Australian Presence Through Expanded Westpac Partnership

In a separate strategic development, CMC Markets has deepened its footprint in Australia by expanding its partnership with Westpac. The move reinforces the broker’s distribution network and institutional relationships in the region, highlighting its broader growth strategy across key international markets.