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 IC Markets 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. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at tier-1 banks and the broker operates under active financial-services licenses. Verify each license number on the regulator's official website before opening an account.
What is the minimum deposit at IG?
The minimum deposit at IG is $0 (no minimum). Most account types accept this minimum; premium tiers may require higher deposits — see the account-types table above.
What are the typical spreads at IG?
Spreads at IG start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Actual spreads vary by account type, instrument, time of day, and market volatility. Raw/ECN accounts add a per-lot commission on top of the tighter spread.
What trading platforms does IG offer?
IG supports: IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView. MT4 / MT5 are the industry standards; cTrader is preferred for ECN execution; proprietary platforms offer broker-specific tools but less third-party compatibility.
What is the maximum leverage at IG?
Maximum leverage at IG: Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro). EU retail clients are capped at 1:30 by ESMA rules regardless of broker policy. Professional clients and offshore-entity clients can access higher leverage subject to qualification.
Who is IG best suited for?
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.