Spread betting firms slide on threat of new CFD rules

The threat of tough new Europe-wide regulations for ordinary investors buying contracts for difference (CFDs) — which Seán Quinn had used 10 years ago to secretly build a huge stake in Anglo Irish bank — has put the skids under leading spread-betting firms.

The threat of tough new Europe-wide regulations for ordinary investors buying contracts for difference (CFDs) — which Seán Quinn had used 10 years ago to secretly build a huge stake in Anglo Irish bank — has put the skids under leading spread-betting firms.

Shares in IG, CMC Markets, and Plus500 sank 14% or more after the EU’s securities watchdog said it may curb core parts of their market under sweeping new product powers from January.