IG Review 2026
Regulated by ASIC, DFSA, FCA, FSCA
IG has operated since 1974 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It offers more than 17,000 tradeable markets across asset classes. This breadth is one of the widest available to…
Flexible leverage to suit a range of trading styles, subject to your regulatory jurisdiction.
Tight, competitive spreads on major instruments during normal market liquidity.
A low barrier to entry for opening a live trading account.
Rated AAA overall, with average execution around 70 ms.
Rating Index
Trading Environment
- Avg. Execution
- 70 ms
- Platforms
- MT4, Proprietary Platform
- Demo Account
- Available
- Regulation
- ASIC, DFSA, FCA, FSCA
Pros
- Over 50 years of operating history
- Publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IGG), part of the FTSE 250
- Access to over 17,000 financial markets across asset classes
- Comprehensive educational resources via the IG Academy
- Its platform stays stable even during volatile market events
- Strong track record of regulatory compliance across multiple major jurisdictions
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit requirement than many competing brokers
- Maximum leverage is lower under European regulatory guidelines
- Wide asset selection can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners....
Overview
A UK-based broker founded in 1974, IG allows clients worldwide to trade Forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, crypto, and gold.
Our assessment awarded IG an Editorial Score of 9.2 out of 10. This places it among the stronger brokers we’ve reviewed, reflecting its robust regulatory profile, competitive trading conditions, and comprehensive platform options.
Regulation & Safety
IG is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, FSCA, and DFSA. It adheres to strict rules for capital adequacy, conduct, and client money, set by each of these licensing bodies.
Client funds are kept in segregated accounts, separate from IG’s operating capital. This is a standard investor protection practice, required by all the mentioned regulators. Retail clients also receive negative balance protection, meaning they won’t lose more money than they’ve deposited.
Trading Platforms
IG supports both MT4 and its own proprietary platform. Traders can choose between manual discretionary trading, algorithmic/EA automation, or chart-first workflows.
Both platforms are accessible on desktop, web browsers, and mobile apps. So, you can monitor and trade from your IG account on nearly any device.
Fees & Spreads
IG’s spreads start at 0.6 pips, varying with account type and market liquidity. An initial deposit of $250 is required to open an account. Leverage options go up to 1:200 where regulations allow.
Traders should be aware that higher leverage increases both potential profits and losses, making careful position sizing and risk management essential.
Account Types
IG offers several account types, designed for varying experience levels and trading styles. They typically vary in their spread/commission structure and minimum deposit requirements.
Opening an account with IG involves a standard identity verification process. This aligns with the anti-money-laundering rules set by its regulators.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Funding methods at IG include bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and selected e-wallets. Processing times depend on the chosen method, currency, and geographic region.
It is advisable to verify current deposit and withdrawal processing times and any related fees directly with IG before funding an account, as payment provider terms may change..
Customer Support
IG offers customer support through live chat, email, and phone, with language support available in its key operating regions.
Support availability, including response times and operating hours, can vary by region and contact method. Live chat is often the quickest option for urgent inquiries regarding accounts or the trading platform.
Education & Research
IG offers educational materials designed to help traders develop their market understanding. These resources include written guides and video content.
While these materials are beneficial for developing foundational knowledge, more experienced traders might find third-party research and their own strategy development more aligned with their needs.
Who Is It Best For?
Given its regulatory standing, platform options, and fee structure, IG is a suitable choice for traders seeking a user-friendly experience and demo account functionality.
Traders prioritizing other factors, such as the lowest possible costs or specific trading platforms not offered by IG, may benefit from comparing IG with other brokers on our Best Forex Brokers and Best MT4 Brokers lists..
Final Verdict
IG has operated since 1974 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It offers more than 17,000 tradeable markets across asset classes. This breadth is one of the widest available to retail clients.
The IG Academy provides substantial educational content, plus strong in-house research and market analysis. Its platform also stays stable, even during volatile periods.
But this wide market access does come with a trade-off. A higher minimum deposit and lower maximum leverage than some other brokers listed here. These factors are a result of stricter retail protections from its main UK/EU regulation. Traders who prioritize institutional-grade market access over the absolute lowest fees will likely find IG a strong match.