Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
SquaredFinancial
⭐ 3.5 / 5
IG vs SquaredFinancial — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and SquaredFinancial 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 | SquaredFinancial | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 3.5 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, FSA Seychelles | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $250 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.0 pips (ECN) | SquaredFinancial |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | 1:30 (EU) / 1:500 | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4, MT5 | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2005 | — |
| 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)
SquaredFinancial pros
- ✓ Operating since 2005 with a CySEC licence
- ✓ ECN pricing from 0.0 pips on raw accounts
- ✓ Multi-asset CFD range across FX, indices, commodities and shares
- ✓ Offshore entity offers leverage up to 1:500
- ✓ Established MT4 and MT5 infrastructure
Cons
- ✗ Higher $250 minimum deposit than many rivals
- ✗ Lower retail brand awareness
- ✗ EU clients capped at 1:30 leverage
Which one should you choose?
Choose SquaredFinancial if you want…
Traders wanting an established, long-running CySEC ECN broker with a broad multi-asset CFD range.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or SquaredFinancial?
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 SquaredFinancial?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. SquaredFinancial holds licenses from: CySEC, FSA Seychelles. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs SquaredFinancial?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). SquaredFinancial spreads start from 0.0 pips (ECN). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or SquaredFinancial?
IG: $0 (no minimum). SquaredFinancial: $250. IG has the lower entry barrier.
