Choose EC Markets if you want…
Traders wanting an FCA-regulated ECN broker with institutional-grade execution and raw spreads.
EC Markets
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
EC Markets vs IG — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared EC Markets 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.
| EC Markets | IG | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | Tie |
| Regulators | FCA (UK), FSA Seychelles | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $200 | $0 (no minimum) | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | EC Markets |
| Max. leverage | 1:500 (offshore) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 2007 | 1974 | — |
| HQ | London, UK | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
EC Markets pros
- ✓ FCA-regulated UK entity for stronger client protections
- ✓ Raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs
- ✓ Institutional-grade liquidity routing and fast execution
- ✓ Both MT4 and MT5 supported
- ✓ Long operating history (since 2007)
Cons
- ✗ $200 minimum deposit is higher than budget brokers
- ✗ Smaller brand recognition outside Asia
- ✗ No proprietary platform beyond MetaTrader
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 — EC Markets 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 EC Markets more regulated than IG?
EC Markets holds licenses from: FCA (UK), FSA Seychelles. 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 EC Markets vs IG?
EC Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). 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, EC Markets or IG?
EC Markets: $200. IG: $0 (no minimum). IG has the lower entry barrier.
