Broker comparison
IG vs IC Markets
IG is a London-listed, FCA-regulated broker with spread betting; IC Markets is a raw-pricing broker with no FCA company.
Terms checked on 3 Nov 2026 against each broker's own website and legal documents
Founded
1974, London
2007, Sydney
Minimum deposit
No minimum by bank transfer at IG International; $50 by card
$0 on global Raw Spread, cTrader and Standard; $5,000 Raw Pro
Raw pricing
Forex Direct (DMA) with variable commission; check IG's charges page
From 0.0 pips (average EUR/USD 0.1) + $3.50 per side on MetaTrader; $3.00 per side on cTrader; $1.50 on Raw Pro
Spread-only pricing
Spread bets and CFDs from 0.6 pips, no commission
Standard from 0.8 pips, no commission
Platforms
IG platform and app, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer (UK)
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView (Raw Spread account)
Regulation
FCA (IG Markets Ltd FRN 195355, IG Index Ltd FRN 114059), ASIC (AFSL 515106), DFSA (F001780)
FSA Seychelles (SD018), CySEC (362/18), ASIC (AFSL 335692), SCB Bahamas (SIA-F214)
Maximum retail leverage
30:1 UK and Australia; 1:200 at IG International
1:30 EU retail; up to 1:5000 at Raw Trading Ltd (Seychelles)
FCA-authorised UK company
Yes (IG Markets Ltd, IG Index Ltd)
No FCA entity listed
Which to choose
IC Markets suits traders outside the UK who want raw spreads on MetaTrader, cTrader or TradingView. IG suits UK traders who want spread betting, ProRealTime and FCA protection.
UK residents cannot use an FCA-authorised IC Markets company.
Read the full IG review and IC Markets review.
How we chose. These shortlists use published terms only: costs, minimum deposit, platforms and the regulator of the entity you would join. We have not ranked brokers on scores, and the order is not a recommendation for your circumstances. Read our methodology and affiliate disclosure.
CFDs and leveraged forex are complex and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. Most retail accounts lose money. Only trade with money you can afford to lose.
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Written by the Forex Awards research desk
Guides are checked against current broker documents and regulator rules. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will re-check it.
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