Choose Fortrade if you want…
Beginners who want a multi-regulated broker with a simple, well-supported proprietary platform.
Fortrade
⭐ 4.1 / 5
VS
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
Fortrade vs IG — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared Fortrade and IG across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (5 categories vs 0), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| Fortrade | IG | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.1 / 5 | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC, FSC Belarus | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | IG |
| Min. deposit | $100 | $0 (no minimum) | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.7 pips (Standard) | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | IG |
| Max. leverage | 1:30 (EU) / 1:200 | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | — |
| Platforms | Fortrader, MT4 | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 2013 | 1974 | — |
| HQ | London, UK | London, United Kingdom | — |
Pros & cons compared
Fortrade pros
- ✓ FCA + ASIC + CySEC multi-tier regulation
- ✓ Beginner-friendly proprietary Fortrader platform
- ✓ Strong, responsive customer support
- ✓ Negative balance protection for retail clients
Cons
- ✗ Spreads wider than raw-ECN brokers
- ✗ Predominantly market-maker (dealing-desk) execution
- ✗ No MT5 and a comparatively small instrument range
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 — Fortrade or IG?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 5 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is Fortrade more regulated than IG?
Fortrade holds licenses from: FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), CySEC, FSC Belarus. 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 Fortrade vs IG?
Fortrade spreads start from 0.7 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, Fortrade or IG?
Fortrade: $100. IG: $0 (no minimum). IG has the lower entry barrier.
