Regulators
FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA
Min. deposit
$0 (no minimum)
Spread from
0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE)
Max. leverage
Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro)
Platforms
IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView
Founded
1974 · London, United Kingdom
IG review summary
IG Group is the oldest CFD/spread-betting broker in the world, founded in London in 1974 (originally as IG Index for spread-betting on gold). It is publicly listed on the LSE under ticker IGG and serves over 400,000 clients across nine major regulatory jurisdictions, including the UK (FCA), US (CFTC/NFA), Australia (ASIC), and Germany (BaFin).
What sets IG apart is breadth and credibility: 17,000+ instruments, direct market access (DMA) via L2 Dealer, professional charting via ProRealTime, MT4 support, and one of only a handful of CFD brokers with direct US regulation.
Spreads on Standard accounts (0.6 pips EUR/USD) are competitive but not ECN-tight; IG’s value is in execution quality, balance sheet strength (£1.5bn+ regulatory capital), and the breadth of products. For a UK or EU trader with serious capital, IG is the “default safe choice” in CFDs.
- IG WebTrader — flagship proprietary platform, browser + mobile
- L2 Dealer — direct market access, level-2 order book
- ProRealTime — professional charting + algorithmic trading
- MT4 — for traders who require Metatrader compatibility
- TradingView — native integration
Regulation
- IG Markets Limited — FCA 195355 (UK)
- IG Markets Ltd — ASIC 220440 (Australia)
- IG Europe GmbH — BaFin 148759 (Germany)
- IG Asia Pte Ltd — MAS CMS100071
- IG Markets South Africa Ltd — FSCA 41393
- IG Markets Inc. — CFTC/NFA 0509630 (USA)
- IG Bank SA — FINMA (Switzerland)
- IG Securities — FSA Japan (Tokyo)
- IG Bermuda Ltd — BMA
Bottom line
IG scores 4.6/5. The institutional regulatory profile and product depth make it the strongest “blue-chip” choice in retail CFDs. Pure scalpers / cost-focused traders should consider Pepperstone or Pepperstone instead.
IG — Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG regulated and safe?
IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA, holds client funds in segregated accounts and operates under active financial-services licenses. Verify each license number on the regulator's official website before depositing.
Is IG legit or a scam?
IG is a legitimate, regulated broker — not a scam. It operates under oversight from FCA, ASIC, BaFin, which require segregated client funds and regular audits. Always confirm the specific entity and license that will hold your account, and avoid clone sites using a similar name.
What is the minimum deposit at IG?
The minimum deposit at IG is $0 (no minimum). Standard accounts accept this minimum; premium or professional tiers may require more.
How do I withdraw money from IG?
Withdrawals from IG are returned to your original funding method — card, bank transfer, e-wallet or crypto, depending on how you deposited. E-wallets and crypto are usually fastest; bank transfers take longest. Processing times and limits are set by IG, so check its funding page for current details.
What fees and commissions does IG charge?
IG's main cost is the spread, starting from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Raw/ECN accounts add a per-lot commission in exchange for a tighter spread. Also factor in overnight swap fees and any inactivity fee. Compare the all-in cost (spread + commission), not just the headline spread.
What are the typical spreads at IG?
Spreads at IG start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE), varying by account type, instrument, time of day and market volatility. Raw/ECN accounts add a commission on top of the tighter spread.
What account types does IG offer?
IG typically offers a standard (commission-free, slightly wider spread) account and a raw/ECN (tight spread plus commission) account, with a swap-free Islamic option where available. The minimum to open is $0 (no minimum), and platforms include IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime.
What trading platforms does IG offer?
IG supports: IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView. MT4/MT5 are the industry standards; cTrader suits ECN execution; proprietary platforms add broker-specific tools but less third-party compatibility.
What is the maximum leverage at IG?
Maximum leverage at IG is Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro). EU/UK retail clients are capped at 1:30 on major FX by ESMA rules regardless of broker policy; professional and offshore-entity clients can access higher leverage subject to qualification.
Does IG offer a demo account?
Yes — IG offers a free demo account with virtual funds, so you can test the platform and practise a strategy on live prices before depositing real money.
Who is IG best suited for?
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
