Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
Scope Markets
⭐ 3.3 / 5
IG vs Scope Markets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and Scope Markets across five core criteria: regulation, minimum deposit, spreads, platform choice, and overall user rating. IG wins on more criteria (4 categories vs 1), making it the stronger default for most traders. Both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
| IG | Scope Markets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 3.3 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, IFSC Belize, FSC Mauritius | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.0 pips (ECN) | Scope Markets |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4, MT5 | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2016 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Limassol, Cyprus | — |
Pros & cons compared
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)
Scope Markets pros
- ✓ CySEC licence plus multi-jurisdiction offshore coverage
- ✓ ECN pricing from 0.0 pips on raw accounts
- ✓ Broad multi-asset CFD catalogue
- ✓ Leverage up to 1:500 through offshore entities
- ✓ Established MT4 and MT5 setup
Cons
- ✗ High leverage runs through offshore entities with less recourse
- ✗ Mid-tier brand recognition
- ✗ EU clients capped at 1:30 leverage
Which one should you choose?
Choose Scope Markets if you want…
Emerging-market traders wanting a CySEC-backed, multi-licensed ECN broker with a broad CFD range.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or Scope Markets?
Based on five comparison criteria (regulation, deposit, spreads, platforms, overall rating), IG wins 4 categories. That makes it the stronger default choice — though both brokers remain reputable, independently tier-1 regulated options.
Is IG more regulated than Scope Markets?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. Scope Markets holds licenses from: CySEC, IFSC Belize, FSC Mauritius. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs Scope Markets?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Scope Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (ECN). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or Scope Markets?
IG: $0 (no minimum). Scope Markets: $100. IG has the lower entry barrier.
