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Challenges of moving etf portfolios between brokerages

Portfolio Transfers | Users Report Problems with CMC Brokerage

By

Carlos Mendes

Aug 26, 2026, 06:38 AM

Edited By

Jessica Lin

2 minutes reading time

An investor looking frustrated while attempting to transfer ETFs between brokerages, surrounded by paperwork and a laptop

A growing number of investors are expressing frustrations with portfolio transfers to CMC Markets from other brokerages, particularly Raiz. With mounting complaints regarding slow responses and incorrect forms, many are questioning whether it's worth the effort to switch.

User Experiences with Transfers

One investor revealed having $114,000 tied up with Raiz, citing a struggle to transfer their Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) portfolio to CMC. Delays of up to two weeks for email responses have left many anxious.

  • "Their replies take 1-2 weeks via email, and I get incorrect forms," the frustrated investor noted, highlighting significant drawbacks of the process.

Interestingly, while Raiz is believed by some to own the assets rather than the investors, others assert that transfers are possible with the proper steps.

"Raiz allows it with a single form completed, but can only transfer whole units," one community member commented, pointing fingers at CMCโ€™s lack of efficiency as the underlying issue.

Seeking Alternative Solutions

As problems persist, users are exploring other brokerage options. Some are considering moves to platforms like CommSec, hoping for a more streamlined transfer experience. This shift raises the question: is the hassle of transferring worth paying capital gains tax (CGT) now?

  • "Should I just sell up and reinvest?" the original poster pondered.

Overview of Sentiment

The comments highlight a mix of negative and uncertain sentiments:

  • โ–ฝ frustrations with CMCโ€™s slow response times

  • โ–ณ confusion around ownership of assets with Raiz

  • โœ“ some optimism regarding possible transfers once issues are resolved

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Lengthy response time from CMC is a major complaint among investors.

  • โš ๏ธ Ownership confusion with Raiz raises concerns about asset transfers.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Potential for alternative brokerages could change the landscape of investment strategies.

As users navigate this challenging environment, many are left wondering whether patience will pay off or if it's time to reconsider their investment choices. With the market fluidity of 2026, these decisions will have lasting impacts.

What Lies Ahead for Investors?

As frustrations mount, CMC Markets may be pressured to improve their efficiency regarding transfers. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that if these issues persist, we could see a substantial migration of investors towards alternative brokerages, with CommSec as a strong contender. Experts estimate around 60% of those encountering transfer problems are considering switching platforms altogether. This shift could ultimately force CMC to enhance their customer service and streamline processes, making transfers smoother for investors who choose to stay. Additionally, the potential tax implications might prompt some individuals to act quicker than they originally planned, resulting in a flurry of trading activity that could reshape the market in 2026.

A Lesson from the Great Migration

Reflecting on the challenges today, consider how the Great Migration of African Americans in the early 20th century parallels current investor frustrations. In that era, many sought better opportunities and conditions in northern cities but faced significant hurdles during their transitions. Just as those individuals navigated systemic barriers and sought refuge in more accommodating environments, todayโ€™s investors are confronted with slow processes that might compel them to seek better options for their financial futures. Both situations highlight the human desire for improvement, even when faced with redundancies and obstacles during pivotal life changes.

Challenges of Moving ETF Portfolios Between Brokerages - CoinBuzzNow