IG

IG, founded on 7 September 2017, is a UK-based online trading provider headquartered at Cannon Bridge House, 25 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2YA. The company employs 38 staff and operates as a market maker and derivatives broker. Despite its relatively recent founding, IG has grown to serve retail and institutional clients globally, leveraging a strong regulatory framework.

IG is owned by IG Group Holdings plc, a FTSE 250 company with a longer history in the industry. The brand is recognised for its comprehensive market access and robust trading infrastructure.

IG holds eight regulatory licenses from major financial authorities, making it one of the most regulated brokers in the industry. The licenses include:

• ASIC (Australia) – Market Making License no. 515106
• FCA (United Kingdom) – Market Making License no. 195355 and Derivatives Trading License no. 114059
• FSA (Japan) – Market Making License no. 関東財務局長（金商）第255号
• BaFin (Germany) – Forex Trading License no. 10148759
• FMA (New Zealand) – Derivatives Trading License no. 684191
• DFSA (Dubai) – Derivatives Trading License no. F001780
• MAS (Singapore) – Derivatives Trading License (number not publicly disclosed)

This multi-jurisdictional oversight means IG must comply with strict capital adequacy, client money segregation, and reporting requirements in each region.

IG offers two main account types: Standard and DMA (Direct Market Access). The Standard account has no minimum deposit requirement and provides maximum leverage of 1:200. Minimum spreads start at 0.6 pips for EURUSD and 0.3 pips for Gold.

There is no commission on Standard trades. The DMA account also has no minimum deposit and the same leverage, but spreads are tighter (EURUSD from 0.142 pips) with no commission specified. Both accounts allow trading in forex, precious metals, and CFDs on indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Leverage is capped at different levels depending on the client’s jurisdiction due to regulatory limits. For example, FCA clients are subject to ESMA leverage restrictions, while offshore clients may access higher leverage.

IG provides several trading platforms to suit different user preferences. The proprietary web platform offers charting tools, risk management features, and one-click trading. For advanced traders, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is available, along with L2 Dealer for professional-grade market depth. Mobile apps for iOS and Android ensure trading on the go.

The broker lists over 17,000 tradable instruments across asset classes, including major and minor currency pairs, spot gold and silver, CFDs on global indices (e.g., FTSE 100, S&P 500), and popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Stock CFDs are also available, covering thousands of companies from major exchanges.

IG does not publicly disclose its deposit and withdrawal methods, but clients typically use bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets depending on their region. The company states it offers multilingual customer support via telephone, email, live chat, and social media.

The broker emphasises educational resources, including webinars, trading guides, and market analysis, to help traders improve their skills. Client funds are held in segregated accounts where required by regulation.

IG is suitable for both new and experienced traders looking for a well-regulated broker with a vast range of markets. The Standard account appeals to retail traders wanting low entry barriers, while the DMA account caters to professionals seeking tighter spreads. The multi-platform support and extensive regulatory oversight make IG a strong choice for traders who prioritise safety and transparency.

However, users who rely heavily on customer service for complex issues (e.g., ISA transfers) may encounter delays, as reflected in some user feedback. IG is best suited for those who can navigate standard procedures independently and value security over instant support.