Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
STARTRADER
⭐ 4.3 / 5
IG vs STARTRADER — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and STARTRADER 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 | STARTRADER | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $50 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | STARTRADER |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | 1:1000 | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4, MT5 | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2019 | — |
| HQ | London, United Kingdom | Port Louis, Mauritius | — |
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)
STARTRADER pros
- ✓ Raw spreads from 0.0 pips on the ECN account
- ✓ High 1:1000 leverage on the offshore entity
- ✓ Fast onboarding and same-day funding/withdrawals
- ✓ Full MT4 and MT5 support across desktop, web and mobile
Cons
- ✗ Offshore-focused regulation (no tier-1 EU/UK licence)
- ✗ Newer brand with a shorter track record (since 2019)
- ✗ Limited proprietary tools beyond the MetaTrader suite
Which one should you choose?
Choose STARTRADER if you want…
Offshore and emerging-market traders who want raw spreads, high leverage and fast funding on MT4/MT5.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or STARTRADER?
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 STARTRADER?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. STARTRADER holds licenses from: FSCA (South Africa), FSC Mauritius. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs STARTRADER?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). STARTRADER spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or STARTRADER?
IG: $0 (no minimum). STARTRADER: $50. IG has the lower entry barrier.
