ED
Reviewed byEditorial Team
Analyst • March 2026IG
IG is one of the world's largest and most established financial derivatives brokers, founded in London in 1974. Publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, IG offers over 17,000 markets including forex, indices, shares, ETFs, commodities, options, and futures — all under FCA, ASIC, and many other tier-1 regulatory licences.
Available in United States•Regulated by FCA
Editor Rating
4.6 / 5
Calculated from 7+ safety & service metrics
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links. This does not affect our ratings or reviews.
Minimum Deposit
The smallest amount you need to deposit to start trading.
—
EUR/USD spread
The typical difference between the Buy and Sell price for EUR/USD.
0.6
pipsMax Leverage
Leverage allows you to control a large position with a small amount of money. High leverage increases both potential profit and risk.
1:30
Instruments
The total number of tradable assets available on this platform.
17000+
Pros
- 17,000+ markets — unmatched breadth of coverage
- FCA, ASIC, and many other tier-1 licences
- Publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange
- Excellent proprietary platform with ProRealTime and L2 Dealer options
- UK spread betting, ISA, and SIPP accounts available
Cons
- Forex spreads (0.6 pips) wider than dedicated ECN brokers
- 0.5% currency conversion charge on cross-currency trades
- Not the cheapest option for pure forex trading
- US access limited to forex only
Who is it for?
IG is the benchmark for product breadth and regulatory trust — the go-to choice for UK traders and anyone seeking maximum market coverage.
Beginner-friendlyPro Platform
Is IG Safe?
Regulator
FCA
License Holder
IG Markets Ltd
Investor Protection: Up to £85,000
Financial Services Compensation Scheme — covers eligible retail clients if the broker fails.
Safety Score
95/ 5
Editorial Summary
IG is one of the safest brokers in the world. Publicly listed, FCA-regulated, with tier-1 licences across five continents, strong client fund protections, and a 50-year track record make it an industry standard for regulatory trust.
Client Fund Protection
Protection Snapshot
Client Fund SegregationYes
Negative Balance ProtectionYes (where required by regulation)
Compensation SchemeYes
Client funds are held in segregated accounts at Tier-1 banks. IG is publicly listed and independently audited. FSCS compensation available for UK clients.
Limitations
US clients can only trade forex. Crypto offerings vary by region.
Regulatory Oversight
Regulatory Coverage
Tier-1 & Recognized RegulatorsFCA, ASIC, CFTC/NFA, BaFin, MAS, JFSA
Coverage ScopeGlobal
Enforcement HistoryNo material public enforcement actions identified
Editorial Summary
IG sets the industry standard for regulatory trust. Publicly listed, multi-jurisdiction tier-1 regulated, and with a half-century track record, IG is as safe as any retail broker can be.
Safety Score
Our proprietary safety score based on regulation, track record, and banking background.
—
Founded
Years in business is a key indicator of stability.
1974
Company Facts
Headquarters
—
Founded
1974
Publicly Listed
Yes
Bank-backed
No
License Summary
| Regulator | Legal Entity | License |
|---|---|---|
| FCA | IG Markets Ltd | Authorized 195355 |
| BaFin | IG Europe GmbH | Authorized — |
| ASIC | IG Markets Limited | Authorized 220440 |
| MAS | IG Asia Pte Ltd | Authorized — |
IG Fees and Spreads
Compare brokersCosts at a glance
IG uses a spread-only model for forex and CFDs. Share CFDs and real share dealing carry commission. Spreads are competitive at 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. Real share dealing from £3–10 per trade.
EUR/USD typical spread
The typical spread observed during peak trading hours for the EU/US session.
0.6 pips
Crypto costs
Our assessment of crypto trading costs relative to the industry average (spread + commission).
Average
Commissions
Disclosed
Varies by instrument
Non-trading fees
Includes fees for withdrawals, inactivity, and currency conversion.
Low
Real trading costs may vary depending on liquidity, volatility, and account structure.
Fee breakdown
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Trading | |
| Spreads | Forex: spread-only, EUR/USD from 0.6 pips. Indices: from 0.4 pips on the UK100. Shares CFD: 0.10% per side. Real share dealing: from £3 per trade online. |
| Commissions | Forex and index CFDs: commission-free (spread only). Share CFDs: 0.10% per side (min charge varies). Real shares: £3–10 per trade. Options available with variable pricing. |
| Execution notes | Market maker for CFDs. Direct market access (DMA) available for shares and some index products. |
| Non-trading | |
| Withdrawal fees | Free for debit card and bank transfer. Credit card withdrawals may incur a fee. |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month after 24 months of no trading activity. The 24-month threshold is among the most generous in the industry. |
| Currency conversion | IG applies a currency conversion charge of 0.5% when trading instruments in a currency different from the account base currency. |
Example trade cost: Forex: ~$6 per 1-lot EUR/USD. Share CFD: 0.1% per side. UK share: £3–8 commission per trade.
Fees & Cost Assessment
Is this broker cheap, average, or expensive? Our editorial assessment normalizes costs across account types to give you a clear answer.
Cost Score
78/ 5
Editorial Summary
IG is not the cheapest for pure forex trading — raw ECN brokers offer tighter spreads — but the overall value proposition across the full product range is strong. For multi-asset traders, IG's pricing is reasonable.
Trading Cost Implications
Cost Snapshot
Spread CompetitivenessCompetitive
Commission StructureVariable
Execution ModelHybrid
Editorial Explanation
EUR/USD all-in cost of approximately $6 per lot. Not the cheapest for forex-only traders, but competitive across the broader product range.
Limitations
Pure forex traders can find tighter spreads at ECN-specialist brokers.
Non-Trading Cost Considerations
Cost Snapshot
Withdrawal FeesNone
Inactivity FeesApplies
FX Conversion FeesApplies
Editorial Explanation
Low non-trading costs overall. The 24-month inactivity threshold and free withdrawals make IG an excellent option even for occasional traders.
Limitations
0.5% FX conversion charge applies when trading cross-currency instruments.
IG
Ready to get started?
IG Platforms and Tools
Markets & Instruments
Forex
Offered80 pairs
Stocks
Offered13,000 instruments
Crypto
Offered
ETFs
Offered
CFDs
Offered
17000+ instruments available across all markets
How to Deposit and Withdraw at IG
IG Account Types
IG Review
Editor Rating Breakdown
Overall
4.6
out of 5.0
Verdict
Excellent
Safety & Regulation
5.0Fees & Costs
4.0Markets & Instruments
5.0Platforms & Tools
4.8Account Opening
4.3Deposits & Withdrawals
4.3Customer Support
4.5IG is the benchmark for regulated multi-asset trading. Its market selection of 17,000+ instruments is unmatched among CFD and spread betting providers, regulation spans tier-1 authorities across five continents, and the IG platform is genuinely excellent for both beginners and professionals. ProRealTime and L2 Dealer extend the offering for advanced users. The main disadvantages are slightly wider forex spreads compared to raw ECN brokers, and a foreign currency conversion charge. For UK traders in particular — with access to ISA accounts, share dealing, and spread betting — IG is the most comprehensive single-broker solution available.
IG
Ready to get started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. IG is regulated by the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, the CFTC and NFA in the US (forex only), BaFin in Germany, MAS in Singapore, JFSA in Japan, FSCA in South Africa, and several other authorities. IG Group Holdings plc is also publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation when you click on links. This does not affect our ratings or reviews.
Minimum Deposit
The smallest amount you need to deposit to start trading.
—
EUR/USD spread
The typical difference between the Buy and Sell price for EUR/USD.
0.6
pipsMax Leverage
Leverage allows you to control a large position with a small amount of money. High leverage increases both potential profit and risk.
1:30
Instruments
The total number of tradable assets available on this platform.
17000+
Pros
- 17,000+ markets — unmatched breadth of coverage
- FCA, ASIC, and many other tier-1 licences
- Publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange
- Excellent proprietary platform with ProRealTime and L2 Dealer options
- UK spread betting, ISA, and SIPP accounts available
Cons
- Forex spreads (0.6 pips) wider than dedicated ECN brokers
- 0.5% currency conversion charge on cross-currency trades
- Not the cheapest option for pure forex trading
- US access limited to forex only
Who is it for?
IG is the benchmark for product breadth and regulatory trust — the go-to choice for UK traders and anyone seeking maximum market coverage.
Beginner-friendlyPro Platform
Is IG Safe?
Regulator
FCA
License Holder
IG Markets Ltd
Investor Protection: Up to £85,000
Financial Services Compensation Scheme — covers eligible retail clients if the broker fails.
Safety Score
95/ 5
Editorial Summary
IG is one of the safest brokers in the world. Publicly listed, FCA-regulated, with tier-1 licences across five continents, strong client fund protections, and a 50-year track record make it an industry standard for regulatory trust.
Client Fund Protection
Protection Snapshot
Client Fund SegregationYes
Negative Balance ProtectionYes (where required by regulation)
Compensation SchemeYes
Client funds are held in segregated accounts at Tier-1 banks. IG is publicly listed and independently audited. FSCS compensation available for UK clients.
Limitations
US clients can only trade forex. Crypto offerings vary by region.
Regulatory Oversight
Regulatory Coverage
Tier-1 & Recognized RegulatorsFCA, ASIC, CFTC/NFA, BaFin, MAS, JFSA
Coverage ScopeGlobal
Enforcement HistoryNo material public enforcement actions identified
Editorial Summary
IG sets the industry standard for regulatory trust. Publicly listed, multi-jurisdiction tier-1 regulated, and with a half-century track record, IG is as safe as any retail broker can be.
Safety Score
Our proprietary safety score based on regulation, track record, and banking background.
—
Founded
Years in business is a key indicator of stability.
1974
Company Facts
Headquarters
—
Founded
1974
Publicly Listed
Yes
Bank-backed
No
License Summary
| Regulator | Legal Entity | License |
|---|---|---|
| FCA | IG Markets Ltd | Authorized 195355 |
| BaFin | IG Europe GmbH | Authorized — |
| ASIC | IG Markets Limited | Authorized 220440 |
| MAS | IG Asia Pte Ltd | Authorized — |
IG Fees and Spreads
Compare brokersCosts at a glance
IG uses a spread-only model for forex and CFDs. Share CFDs and real share dealing carry commission. Spreads are competitive at 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. Real share dealing from £3–10 per trade.
EUR/USD typical spread
The typical spread observed during peak trading hours for the EU/US session.
0.6 pips
Crypto costs
Our assessment of crypto trading costs relative to the industry average (spread + commission).
Average
Commissions
Disclosed
Varies by instrument
Non-trading fees
Includes fees for withdrawals, inactivity, and currency conversion.
Low
Real trading costs may vary depending on liquidity, volatility, and account structure.
Fee breakdown
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Trading | |
| Spreads | Forex: spread-only, EUR/USD from 0.6 pips. Indices: from 0.4 pips on the UK100. Shares CFD: 0.10% per side. Real share dealing: from £3 per trade online. |
| Commissions | Forex and index CFDs: commission-free (spread only). Share CFDs: 0.10% per side (min charge varies). Real shares: £3–10 per trade. Options available with variable pricing. |
| Execution notes | Market maker for CFDs. Direct market access (DMA) available for shares and some index products. |
| Non-trading | |
| Withdrawal fees | Free for debit card and bank transfer. Credit card withdrawals may incur a fee. |
| Inactivity fee | £12/month after 24 months of no trading activity. The 24-month threshold is among the most generous in the industry. |
| Currency conversion | IG applies a currency conversion charge of 0.5% when trading instruments in a currency different from the account base currency. |
Example trade cost: Forex: ~$6 per 1-lot EUR/USD. Share CFD: 0.1% per side. UK share: £3–8 commission per trade.
Fees & Cost Assessment
Is this broker cheap, average, or expensive? Our editorial assessment normalizes costs across account types to give you a clear answer.
Cost Score
78/ 5
Editorial Summary
IG is not the cheapest for pure forex trading — raw ECN brokers offer tighter spreads — but the overall value proposition across the full product range is strong. For multi-asset traders, IG's pricing is reasonable.
Trading Cost Implications
Cost Snapshot
Spread CompetitivenessCompetitive
Commission StructureVariable
Execution ModelHybrid
Editorial Explanation
EUR/USD all-in cost of approximately $6 per lot. Not the cheapest for forex-only traders, but competitive across the broader product range.
Limitations
Pure forex traders can find tighter spreads at ECN-specialist brokers.
Non-Trading Cost Considerations
Cost Snapshot
Withdrawal FeesNone
Inactivity FeesApplies
FX Conversion FeesApplies
Editorial Explanation
Low non-trading costs overall. The 24-month inactivity threshold and free withdrawals make IG an excellent option even for occasional traders.
Limitations
0.5% FX conversion charge applies when trading cross-currency instruments.
IG
Ready to get started?
IG Platforms and Tools
Markets & Instruments
Forex
Offered80 pairs
Stocks
Offered13,000 instruments
Crypto
Offered
ETFs
Offered
CFDs
Offered
17000+ instruments available across all markets
How to Deposit and Withdraw at IG
IG Account Types
IG Review
Editor Rating Breakdown
Overall
4.6
out of 5.0
Verdict
Excellent
Safety & Regulation
5.0Fees & Costs
4.0Markets & Instruments
5.0Platforms & Tools
4.8Account Opening
4.3Deposits & Withdrawals
4.3Customer Support
4.5IG is the benchmark for regulated multi-asset trading. Its market selection of 17,000+ instruments is unmatched among CFD and spread betting providers, regulation spans tier-1 authorities across five continents, and the IG platform is genuinely excellent for both beginners and professionals. ProRealTime and L2 Dealer extend the offering for advanced users. The main disadvantages are slightly wider forex spreads compared to raw ECN brokers, and a foreign currency conversion charge. For UK traders in particular — with access to ISA accounts, share dealing, and spread betting — IG is the most comprehensive single-broker solution available.
IG
Ready to get started?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. IG is regulated by the FCA in the UK, ASIC in Australia, the CFTC and NFA in the US (forex only), BaFin in Germany, MAS in Singapore, JFSA in Japan, FSCA in South Africa, and several other authorities. IG Group Holdings plc is also publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money.