Choose IG if you want…
Serious traders wanting institutional-grade regulation, deep market access, and DMA capability.
IG
⭐ 4.6 / 5
VS
Ultima Markets
⭐ 4.1 / 5
IG vs Ultima Markets — which broker is better in 2026?
We compared IG and Ultima 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 | Ultima Markets | Winner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 4.1 / 5 | IG |
| Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA | CySEC, FSC Mauritius | IG |
| Min. deposit | $0 (no minimum) | $50 | IG |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | Ultima Markets |
| Max. leverage | Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:200 (Pro) | 1:500 | — |
| Platforms | IG WebTrader, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView | MT4, MT5 | IG |
| Founded | 1974 | 2016 | — |
| 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)
Ultima Markets pros
- ✓ CySEC + FSC Mauritius regulation
- ✓ Raw spreads from 0.0 pips
- ✓ Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) membership on the EU entity
- ✓ Full MT4 and MT5 support
Cons
- ✗ Offshore entity used for the higher 1:500 leverage
- ✗ Younger brand with limited public track record
- ✗ Modest proprietary tooling beyond MetaTrader
Which one should you choose?
Choose Ultima Markets if you want…
Traders who want CySEC-backed raw-spread accounts with global reach and high offshore leverage.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better — IG or Ultima 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 Ultima Markets?
IG holds licenses from: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, FINMA, FSA Japan, BMA Bermuda, CFTC/NFA. Ultima Markets holds licenses from: CySEC, FSC Mauritius. IG has more regulatory licenses, giving it broader geographic coverage.
What are the spreads at IG vs Ultima Markets?
IG spreads start from 0.6 pips (FX) / 0.4 points (FTSE). Ultima Markets spreads start from 0.0 pips (Raw). Actual spreads vary by account type and market conditions.
Which has a lower minimum deposit, IG or Ultima Markets?
IG: $0 (no minimum). Ultima Markets: $50. IG has the lower entry barrier.
