Choose Axi if you want…
EU + APAC + MENA traders wanting tier-1 ECN execution without the Pepperstone/Pepperstone premium.
Axi
⭐ 4.4 / 5
VS
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
Axi vs IG — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared Axi and IG across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (3 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| Axi | IG | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.4 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | ASIC, FCA, DFSA, FMA NZ, SVG FSA | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $0 (no minimum) | Tie |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Elite) / 0.4 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | Axi |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Axi Mobile | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 2007 | 1974 | — |
| HQ | Sydney, Australia | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
Axi pros
- ✓ Founded 2007 — established Australian ECN broker
- ✓ ASIC + FCA + DFSA tier-1 regulation
- ✓ Elite account: 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot/side
- ✓ No minimum deposit on Standard account
- ✓ Native TradingView integration
Cons
- ✗ Smaller brand than Pepperstone / Pepperstone
- ✗ Limited proprietary platform — relies on third-party
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.4+ pips) competitive but not class-leading
IG pros
- ✓ Founded 1974 — oldest CFD/spread-bet broker (LSE: IGG)
- ✓ Nine tier-1 regulators across UK, US, EU, APAC, Africa
- ✓ 17,000+ instruments — broadest in retail FX/CFD industry
- ✓ L2 Dealer DMA + ProRealTime for advanced traders
- ✓ Direct US CFTC/NFA regulation (one of few non-US brokers)
Cons
- ✗ Spreads on Standard account (0.6 pips FX) not the absolute tightest
- ✗ Proprietary platform learning curve
- ✗ EU leverage 1:30 (ESMA)
Which one should you choose?
Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — Axi or IG?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 3 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is Axi more regulated than IG?
Axi holds licenses from: ASIC, FCA, DFSA, FMA NZ, SVG FSA. IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at Axi vs IG?
Axi spreads start from 0.0 pips (Elite) / 0.4 pips (Standard). IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, Axi or IG?
Axi: $0 (no minimum). IG: $0 (no minimum). Both require the same minimum.
