Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
Skilling
⭐ 4.3 / 5
IG vs Skilling — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and Skilling 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 | Skilling | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, FSA Seychelles | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $100 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.1 pips (Premium) / 0.7 pips (Standard) | Skilling |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:500 (offshore) | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4, cTrader, Skilling Trader, TradingView | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2016 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Limassol, Cyprus / Malta | — |
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)
Skilling pros
- ✓ CySEC regulation + FSA Seychelles for offshore clients
- ✓ Premium account: 0.1 pips + $3.50/lot/side
- ✓ Native cTrader + TradingView integration
- ✓ Skilling Trader proprietary platform — best-in-class mobile UX
- ✓ 1,200+ instruments across all major asset classes
Cons
- ✗ Newer brand (founded 2016) — shorter operating history
- ✗ $100 minimum deposit higher than budget brokers
- ✗ Limited educational content vs. XM / eToro
Which one should you choose?
Choose Skilling if you want…
EU + MENA mobile-first traders wanting modern proprietary platforms with cTrader + TradingView execution options.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or Skilling?
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 Skilling?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. Skilling holds licenses from: CySEC, FSA Seychelles. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs Skilling?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Skilling spreads start from 0.1 pips (Premium) / 0.7 pips (Standard). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or Skilling?
IG: $0 (no minimum). Skilling: $100. IG has the lower entry barrier.
