This IG review evaluates the broker’s regulatory structure, trading conditions, platform suite, and investor protections. IG is one of the largest and most reputable CFD providers globally, known for its multi-asset access, institutional-grade technology, and transparent pricing.

Regulation and Safety

IG Group is heavily regulated across major jurisdictions:

• FCA (UK): License No. 195355
• ASIC (Australia): License No. 220440
• NFA/CFTC (US): NFA ID 0509630 (IG US LLC)
• MAS (Singapore): License No. CMS1000469
• FSCA (South Africa): FSP No. 41393
• DFSA (Dubai): F004885
• FMA (New Zealand), JFSA (Japan), BaFin (Germany) – subsidiaries operate regionally

IG offers fund segregation, negative balance protection (retail clients), and is eligible for FSCS, AFCA, and ICF compensation where applicable.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

IG uses a hybrid Market Maker/STP model depending on asset and region:

• Execution: Market Maker for most CFD products; DMA available for shares and forex
• Platforms: IG proprietary web trader, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer
• Access: Desktop, mobile apps, browser-based
• FIX API: Available to institutional clients
• VPS: Available for MT4 via partners

Markets and Instruments

IG provides access to over 17,000 markets globally:

• Forex: 80+ currency pairs
• Indices: Global indices including FTSE, DAX, Dow Jones
• Commodities: Metals, energies, soft commodities
• Shares: 13,000+ equities from major global exchanges
• ETFs and Bonds: Wide CFD range
• Crypto: BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP (CFDs, not available to UK retail)
• Options and interest rates: via web-based platform

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

IG offers retail and professional account types:

• Spread betting and CFD accounts (UK/EU)
• DMA Forex Account: Raw spreads + commission
• Minimum deposit: $0 (bank wire), $250 (card)
• Spreads: From 0.6 pips on majors
• Leverage: Up to 1:30 (retail), up to 1:200 (pro)
• Stop-out level: 50%

Funding and Base Currencies

IG accepts a variety of currencies and funding methods:

• Methods: Bank wire, credit/debit card, PayPal (UK only)
• Base currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, SGD, JPY, CHF, more
• Processing: Instant for cards; 1–3 days for wire transfers

Client Protections and Features

• Negative balance protection (retail clients)
• FSCS/ICF/AFCA coverage depending on jurisdiction
• Segregated client funds and regular audits
• Biometric login and 2FA security
• Customisable trading alerts and sentiment indicators

Institutional and Retail Offering

• Retail: Spread betting, CFDs, MT4, advanced web platform
• Institutional: Prime brokerage, white-label, DMA, FIX API
• Professional: Higher leverage, priority execution, reduced margins

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Multi-jurisdictional regulation and FSCS/ICF protection
• Access to 17,000+ markets
• DMA and professional account options
• ProRealTime and advanced proprietary platforms
• Competitive spreads and zero minimum deposit via bank

Cons

• Crypto CFDs restricted in some regions (e.g., UK)
• Pro account requires eligibility criteria
• No MT5 support

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IG regulated?

Yes, IG is regulated by top-tier authorities including the FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSCA, DFSA, and NFA.

What platforms does IG offer?

IG offers MT4, a proprietary web trader, L2 Dealer, and ProRealTime.

Can I trade crypto with IG?

Yes, IG offers crypto CFDs, but access is restricted in certain jurisdictions like the UK for retail clients.

What is the minimum deposit at IG?

There is no minimum deposit for bank wires. Card deposits start from $250 or equivalent.

Does IG offer DMA and institutional trading?

Yes, DMA forex and equities are available along with FIX API and white-label solutions for institutions.