IG is an FCA-regulated, London-listed broker trading since 1974, which makes it one of the oldest in the industry. It offers more than 15,000 markets across forex, shares, indices, options and ETFs, with spreads from 0.6 points. Platforms include the IG app, MT4, ProRealTime and TradingView, plus UK and Ireland spread betting.
FCA-Regulated, LSE-Listed
15,000+ Markets
Spreads from 0.6 Pips
5+ Platforms
IG at a Glance — Broker Profile & Stats
Who is IG?
Quick answer: IG (IG Group) is a global, LSE-listed broker founded in London in 1974 and regulated by the FCA, ASIC, MAS and others. One of the world's largest CFD, forex and spread-betting providers, it offers 15,000+ markets with spreads from 0.6 across MT4, ProRealTime and TradingView.
- Regulation: FCA (UK), ASIC, MAS, FINMA, BaFin, FSCA, CFTC/NFA (US)
- Markets: 15,000+ across all asset classes
- Platforms: IG web/app, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView
What Traders Say on Trustpilot
- 👍 “Pro client for the past 10 years”
- 👍 “Full-featured trading platform”
- 👎 “Difficult transfer-out process”
Regulation & Protection
- FCA (UK) — plus ASIC, MAS, FINMA, BaFin, FSCA
- US forex via a CFTC/NFA-regulated entity
- FSCS protection for eligible UK clients
- Segregated client funds; negative balance protection (retail)
15,000+ Markets
- Forex — 80+ pairs
- Shares — thousands of global stocks
- Indices, Commodities, Bonds, ETFs
- Options & (region-dependent) crypto
Platforms
- IG platform & app — award-winning
- MetaTrader 4 & ProRealTime
- L2 Dealer (DMA) & TradingView
- API/FIX for advanced users
Education & Extras
- IG Academy — courses & webinars
- Daily analysis & market insights
- Spread betting (tax-free in UK/IE) & DMA
- Demo account with virtual funds
Top IG Alternatives
CMC Markets
Saxo
Pepperstone
eToro
Another LSE-listed broker we have reviewed is Plus500, and London-based alternatives include LMAX and ICM Capital.
IG Account Types
CFD Account
- Trade 15,000+ markets on margin
- Go long or short
- Best for: active traders worldwide
Spread Betting (UK/IE)
- Tax-free profits in the UK/Ireland*
- No commission, spread-only
- Best for: UK/IE traders
Share Dealing / Investing
- Buy real shares & ETFs (where offered)
- ISAs/SIPPs in the UK
- Best for: longer-term investors
Demo Account
- Practice with virtual funds
- Test platforms & strategies
- Best for: trying IG risk-free
Platforms & Tools
IG Platform & App
MetaTrader 4
ProRealTime & L2 Dealer
TradingView & API
Commissions & Trading Costs
Spreads & Leverage
- Forex spreads: EUR/USD from 0.6 pips
- Indices & commodities — competitive spreads
- Leverage: 1:30 retail (FCA/ASIC); higher for professional clients
Commissions
- FX/indices: spread-only (no commission)
- Share CFDs & share dealing: commission applies
- Overnight funding on leveraged positions
Funding & Fees
- Card, bank transfer & PayPal (region-dependent)
- Segregated client funds
- Possible inactivity fee after 24 months
Availability & Restrictions
Where IG Is Available
- US clients: served by IG’s CFTC/NFA entity — forex only (no CFDs)
- Not offered where local law prohibits, or in sanctioned jurisdictions
- Products vary by region (e.g. spread betting is UK/IE only)
Video Guides & Reviews
Watch Before You Trade
Pros and Cons of IG
- FCA-regulated & LSE-listed (founded 1974)
- Multi-regulated: ASIC, MAS, FINMA, BaFin, FSCA
- 15,000+ markets across all asset classes
- Spreads from 0.6 pips (EUR/USD)
- 5+ platforms: IG, MT4, ProRealTime, TradingView, L2
- IG Academy education & daily analysis
- 3.7/5 Trustpilot from 10,000+ reviews
- Retail leverage capped at 1:30 (FCA/ASIC)
- Commissions on shares/share CFDs
- Inactivity fee after 24 months
- US offering is forex-only
- Not the cheapest for high-leverage scalping
IG Costs by Account Type
IG offers CFD, spread betting (UK/IE) and share-dealing accounts, plus a free demo. FX is spread-only; shares carry commission. Confirm current rates for your region.
| Account | Cost | Markets | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFD | Spread + comm. | 15,000+ | Active traders |
| Spread Betting | Spread-only | 15,000+ | UK/IE (tax-free*) |
| Share Dealing | Commission | Stocks/ETFs | Investors |
IG vs CMC Markets vs Saxo vs Pepperstone
| Metric | IG | CMC | Saxo | Pepperstone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Markets | 15,000+ | 12,000+ | 70,000+ | 1,200+ |
| Regulator | FCA + | FCA + | FCA/Bank | FCA/ASIC |
| EUR/USD from | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.0+comm |
| Trustpilot | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Figures/ratings change — verify on each broker’s site.
IG Review 2026: Is It Worth It?
IG review 2026 — short answer: yes for most serious traders and investors. IG is one of the most trusted brokers in the world — FCA-regulated, LSE-listed, founded in 1974 — with 15,000+ markets, five-plus platforms (including MT4, ProRealTime and TradingView) and competitive spreads from 0.6 pips.
Who it’s best for
- Traders who prioritise tier-1 regulation and stability
- Multi-asset traders wanting huge market choice
- UK/IE traders who want tax-free spread betting
- Beginners (IG Academy) and pros (DMA, API)
Who should look elsewhere
- US traders wanting CFDs (IG US is forex-only)
- High-leverage scalpers (retail capped at 1:30)
- Cost-minimisers chasing raw 0.0 + tiny commission
Final word: If trust, market range and platform quality matter most, IG is a benchmark choice. Just remember CFDs are leveraged and most retail accounts lose money — manage risk and start on a demo.
Why Choose IG as Your Trading Broker?
IG (IG Group) is a global broker founded in 1974, headquartered in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is regulated by the FCA and a string of tier-1 authorities worldwide (ASIC, MAS, FINMA, BaFin, FSCA, CFTC/NFA), and offers more than 15,000 markets across forex, shares, indices, commodities, options, ETFs and bonds.
What stands out
- Trust. 50 years, FCA regulation and an LSE listing.
- Choice. 15,000+ markets and tax-free spread betting (UK/IE).
- Platforms. IG’s own platform plus MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer and TradingView.
- Education. IG Academy and daily market analysis.
What to keep in mind
As a regulated broker, IG caps retail leverage at 1:30 (FCA/ASIC), charges commission on shares, and may apply an inactivity fee. Its US offering is forex-only. CFDs are leveraged products and a majority of retail accounts lose money — start on a demo and manage risk.
Frequently Asked Questions