Broker review

IG review 2026: fees, platforms and regulation

IG was founded in London in 1974 as the world's first spread betting firm. It offers spread betting and CFDs in the UK through three FCA-regulated companies, with its own platform alongside MT4 and ProRealTime.

Figures last verified 3 Nov 2026 Checked against IG's own website and legal documents

Visit IG

We may earn a commission if you open an account through this link. It never affects our scores. Affiliate disclosure. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

Key facts

Item

Founded

1974, London

Parent

IG Group Holdings plc (listed in London)

Minimum deposit

No minimum by bank transfer at IG International; $50 by card

Accounts (UK)

Spread betting, CFD trading, share dealing and more

Platforms (UK)

IG web platform and app, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer

Max retail leverage

30:1 on major FX in the UK and Australia (3.33% margin); 1:200 on EUR/USD at IG International (Bermuda)

Clients

IG Group states it serves over 1.3 million customers worldwide

Fees and spreads

Standard IG forex pricing is spread-only, with EUR/USD from 0.6 pips on both spread bets and CFDs. IG's published average spreads date from 2020 and 2021, so check the live spread in the platform. Currency conversion costs 0.8% on UK spread bets and CFDs.

Account

EUR/USD spread

Commission

Spread bet / CFD

From 0.6 pips

None (cost is in the spread)

Forex Direct (DMA)

Market spread

Variable commission; check IG's charges page

Platforms

UK clients can use the IG web platform and app, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer. IG International also lists TradingView and MT5; check availability for your account.

Regulation and legal entities

IG also names regulated companies in Germany (BaFin), Switzerland (FINMA), South Africa (FSCA) and Singapore (MAS). UK spread betting is provided by IG Index Ltd.

Company

Regulator

Licence

IG Markets Ltd

FCA (UK)

FRN 195355

IG Index Ltd

FCA (UK)

FRN 114059

IG Trading and Investments Ltd

FCA (UK)

FRN 944492

IG Australia Pty Ltd

ASIC (Australia)

AFSL 515106

IG Limited

DFSA (Dubai)

F001780

IG International Ltd

Bermuda Monetary Authority

See IG's site

Strengths

✓Three FCA-regulated UK companies, with spread betting.

✓A track record since 1974 and a London-listed parent.

✓Wide platform choice, including ProRealTime and L2 Dealer.

✓No UK inactivity fee and free card and bank deposits and withdrawals.

Things to check

✕Published averages are old. Check current EUR/USD spreads in the platform.

✕Conversion fees. 0.8% on UK spread bets and CFDs.

✕Swap-free accounts. We could not confirm availability on IG's site.

Who it may suit

UK traders who want an FCA-regulated broker with spread betting, and traders who value a long-established, listed provider over the lowest raw pricing.

Read how we score brokers, check the legal entity you would join, and compare terms side by side on our compare page.

Sources

Compare IG head to head:Pepperstone vs IG and IG vs eToro.

Researched by the Forex Awards research desk

Terms change often and can differ by country. Always confirm the figures for your entity on the broker's site before opening an account. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

IG review 2026: fees, platforms and regulation

Key facts

Fees and spreads

Platforms

Regulation and legal entities

Things to check

Who it may suit

Sources

More broker reviews

Compare IG head to head