IG Review
IG (also known as IG Group) is one of the oldest and most established online trading providers in the world. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the company has grown into a global financial services firm offering online trading and investment solutions to clients across multiple regions.
IG was originally created as a spread-betting company focused on gold prices but later expanded into a full-service online brokerage. Today, it provides traders with access to thousands of financial markets, including forex, stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, options, and cryptocurrencies through CFDs and other trading instruments.
The broker is widely recognized for its strong global presence and advanced trading technology. IG operates in multiple countries across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and North America, serving traders through a range of digital platforms and trading services.
Another key strength of IG is its broad selection of tradable instruments, with more than 17,000 financial markets available for trading. This extensive product range allows traders to diversify their portfolios and gain exposure to different asset classes from a single trading account.
The broker also offers several professional trading platforms, including its proprietary web-based platform, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) integration, and advanced tools such as ProRealTime. These platforms provide powerful charting features, automated trading capabilities, and advanced order management tools suitable for both beginners and professional traders.
In terms of credibility, IG is a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange and part of the FTSE 250 index, which adds transparency and regulatory oversight to its operations. The broker is regulated by several major financial authorities around the world, making it one of the most trusted brokers in the global trading industry
| Broker | IG |
| Min. Deposit | $250 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips |
| Commissions | None |
| Leverage | Up to 1:30 (Retail) |
| CFDs Available | 17,000+ |
| Trading Platforms | MT4 IG Platform ProRealTime |
| Regulation | 🇬🇧 FCA 🇦🇺 ASIC 🇺🇸 CFTC 🇺🇸 NFA 🇩🇪 BaFin |
| Account Segregation | Yes |
| Neg. Balance Protection | Yes |
| Investor Protection | Yes |
| IB Program | Yes |
IG Regulation & Safety
IG is widely regarded as one of the most regulated and trusted online trading providers in the financial industry. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, the company operates globally and is supervised by several top-tier financial regulators, which helps ensure transparency, financial stability, and protection for client funds.
Global Regulatory Licenses
IG operates through different subsidiaries that are regulated in multiple jurisdictions around the world. Some of the key regulatory authorities overseeing IG include:
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – United Kingdom
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – Australia
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and National Futures Association (NFA) – United States
Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) – Singapore
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) – United Arab Emirates
Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) – Switzerland
Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) – Germany
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) – South Africa
Having licenses from these authorities means IG must comply with strict financial rules regarding client fund protection, transparency, and operational conduct.
Client Fund Protection
IG implements several security measures to help protect traders’ funds and maintain regulatory compliance:
Segregated Client Accounts: Client funds are held separately from the company’s operational funds in regulated bank accounts.
Investor Compensation Schemes: For example, clients trading under the UK entity may be eligible for protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which can cover up to £85,000 if the broker becomes insolvent.
Strict Regulatory Compliance: Regulators like the FCA impose strict rules regarding how client money and assets must be handled
IG Trading Platforms
IG offers a wide range of advanced trading platforms designed for different types of traders, from beginners to professional investors. The broker provides both proprietary platforms and third-party trading software, giving traders flexible access to global financial markets across desktop, web, and mobile devices.
IG Web Trading Platform
The IG proprietary web platform is the broker’s main trading interface and is widely used for CFD trading, spread betting, and share dealing. It is browser-based, meaning traders can access it without downloading software.
Key features include:
Real-time market prices and advanced charts
Customizable watchlists and trading layouts
Integrated news, analysis, and economic calendar
Risk-management tools such as stop-loss and limit orders
Access to thousands of global markets
The platform is designed to be user-friendly and customizable, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced traders.
Mobile Trading App
IG also provides a mobile trading application for iOS and Android devices, allowing traders to manage positions and monitor markets on the go.
Mobile trading features include:
Advanced charting and technical indicators
Real-time price alerts and notifications
Order management and account monitoring
Access to research tools and market news
The mobile app closely mirrors the functionality of the web platform, allowing traders to seamlessly switch between devices.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
IG supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), one of the most popular trading platforms in the forex industry. MT4 is particularly popular among traders who use automated trading strategies and technical analysis tools.
Key features include:
Automated trading using Expert Advisors (EAs)
Custom indicators and scripts
Advanced charting tools
Support for algorithmic trading strategies
MT4 is especially suitable for traders who rely on technical analysis or automated trading systems.
ProRealTime Platform
IG also integrates ProRealTime, a powerful platform designed for advanced technical analysis and algorithmic trading.
Important features include:
Advanced charting and analysis tools
Automated trading strategy development
Backtesting using historical market data
Ability to place orders directly from charts
This platform is commonly used by professional traders who rely on detailed technical analysis.
L2 Dealer (Direct Market Access)
For professional traders, IG offers the L2 Dealer platform, which provides direct market access (DMA) to exchange order books.
Key features include:
Direct market access to stock exchanges
Level 2 order book data
Advanced trading and monitoring tools
This platform is mainly used by institutional and high-volume traders who need deeper market insight.
TradingView Integration
IG also integrates with TradingView, allowing traders to connect their IG accounts and execute trades directly from TradingView charts while using its advanced technical analysis tools
IG Account Types
IG offers several account types designed for different trading and investment needs, ranging from leveraged trading accounts to long-term investment accounts. These accounts allow traders and investors to access thousands of global markets while choosing the level of leverage and ownership they prefer.
1. CFD Trading Account
The CFD (Contract for Difference) trading account is the most commonly used account type for traders on IG. It allows users to speculate on the price movements of financial assets such as forex, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset.
Key features:
Access to 17,000+ global markets
Ability to go long or short on assets
Use of leverage and margin trading
Tight spreads and advanced trading platforms
Available on the IG platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
This account is suitable for active traders and short-term traders who want to trade market volatility.
2. Spread Betting Account
The spread betting account is primarily available to traders in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It works similarly to CFD trading but has a different tax treatment in certain jurisdictions.
Key features:
Trade on price movements without owning the asset
Ability to go long or short
Tax-free profits in the UK (depending on individual circumstances)
Access to thousands of markets including forex, indices, and commodities
Spread betting is particularly popular among UK traders because of its tax efficiency and leveraged trading structure.
3. Share Dealing Account
The share dealing account allows traders to invest directly in real shares and ETFs rather than trading derivatives.
Key features:
Buy and sell actual company shares and ETFs
Earn potential dividends from investments
Designed for long-term investors
No leverage, meaning traders fully own the assets
This account type is ideal for investors who prefer traditional stock investing instead of CFD trading.
4. ISA Share Dealing Account (UK)
IG also offers a Stocks and Shares ISA account for UK residents. This account provides tax-efficient investing options under UK tax regulations.
Key features:
Tax-efficient investment account
Invest in shares and ETFs
Annual contribution limits set by UK tax rules
This account is designed for long-term investors who want tax advantages on their investments.
5. IG Smart Portfolios
IG also provides Smart Portfolios, which are professionally managed investment portfolios designed for long-term passive investing.
Key features:
Diversified portfolio across global assets
Managed by financial professionals
Designed for passive long-term investors
This option is ideal for investors who prefer automated portfolio management rather than active trading.
6. Demo Account
IG also offers a free demo account that allows traders to practice trading using virtual funds before opening a live account.
Key features:
Virtual trading environment
Access to trading platforms and tools
No financial risk while learning
IG Fees, Spreads & Commissions
IG offers a transparent pricing structure where trading costs mainly come from spreads, commissions on certain instruments, and overnight financing fees for leveraged positions. The exact trading costs depend on the asset class and account type used by the trader.
Spreads
For most CFD markets, IG charges traders through the spread, which is the difference between the buy and sell price of an asset. This spread includes the broker’s trading cost.
Typical forex spread conditions include:
Minimum spread: from around 0.6 pips on major currency pairs
Average spread: typically around 0.8 – 1.0 pips on EUR/USD during normal market conditions
Spreads are variable, meaning they may widen during high market volatility or low-liquidity periods such as major economic announcements.
Commission Structure
For many CFD markets such as forex, indices, and commodities, IG does not charge separate commissions because the cost is included in the spread.
However, commissions may apply to certain instruments:
Share CFDs: typically around 0.1% per trade depending on the exchange
DMA (Direct Market Access) accounts: commission-based pricing with spreads closer to raw market prices
This pricing model allows traders to choose between spread-based trading or commission-based execution depending on their trading style.
Overnight Financing (Swap Fees)
When traders hold leveraged CFD positions overnight, IG applies an overnight financing charge. This fee reflects the cost of maintaining a leveraged position and is calculated using market interest rates plus an administrative fee.
The swap charge can either be:
A cost (for most positions)
A small credit in certain cases depending on the interest rate differential
Deposit & Withdrawal Fees
IG generally does not charge internal fees for deposits or withdrawals, although some payment methods or banks may apply their own transaction charges.
Other Possible Fees
Traders may also encounter additional fees depending on their activity or services used:
Currency conversion fee: around 0.7%–0.8% when trading instruments in a different currency than the account base currency
Inactivity fee: approximately £12 per month after long periods of inactivity
Advanced platform subscription: ProRealTime charting may cost around $40 per month, though this can be refunded if minimum trading activity is met
These costs are typical for brokers offering advanced tools and multi-asset trading services
IG Education
IG is widely recognized for offering one of the most comprehensive educational programs among online brokers. Through its dedicated learning hub called IG Academy, the broker provides free training resources that help traders understand financial markets and develop effective trading strategies. These resources are designed for traders of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced market participants.
IG Academy
The IG Academy serves as the main educational platform where traders can access structured learning materials and training programs. It includes a variety of online courses, tutorials, and interactive lessons that guide users through different trading topics step by step.
Key features of IG Academy include:
Beginner-to-advanced online trading courses
Interactive lessons with videos, exercises, and quizzes
Structured modules covering trading basics and advanced strategies
Access through both web and mobile applications
These courses allow traders to learn at their own pace while building a solid understanding of trading concepts.
Trading Courses
IG offers comprehensive trading courses covering a wide range of financial topics. The courses are structured to gradually guide traders from basic market concepts to more advanced strategies.
Common topics include:
Introduction to financial markets
Forex and CFD trading fundamentals
Technical analysis and chart patterns
Risk management strategies
Trading psychology and planning
These courses combine theory with practical examples to help traders develop real trading skills.
Webinars & Live Training
IG regularly hosts live webinars and trading seminars led by experienced analysts and market experts. These sessions allow traders to learn about market trends, trading strategies, and economic events affecting global markets.
Webinars often include:
Market outlook and trading opportunities
Platform tutorials and strategy demonstrations
Technical and fundamental analysis
Interactive Q&A sessions with experts
Traders can also access recorded webinars if they miss the live sessions.
Educational Videos & Tutorials
IG provides a large collection of video tutorials and market guides explaining how trading works and how to use trading platforms effectively. These tutorials help traders learn topics such as market analysis, order execution, and trading strategies.
Many of these resources are available through:
IG Academy video library
Official YouTube tutorials
Educational articles and guides
Demo Account for Practice
IG also offers a free demo trading account that allows traders to practice trading in real market conditions using virtual funds. This helps traders test strategies and become familiar with trading platforms without risking real money.
IG Customer Support
IG provides comprehensive and accessible customer support, offering several communication channels to assist traders with account issues, technical problems, and trading inquiries. The broker’s support team is available across multiple regions and languages, helping clients receive assistance quickly.
Live Chat Support
IG offers live chat support, which is one of the fastest ways for traders to contact the support team. The live chat feature is accessible directly through the broker’s website and trading platforms.
Key highlights include:
Real-time communication with support agents
Available 24 hours during trading days
Accessible through the Help & Support hub on desktop or mobile platforms
Live chat is typically recommended for urgent trading or technical issues.
Phone Support
IG also provides telephone support for traders who prefer direct communication. Phone numbers vary depending on the region where the trader is located.
Examples include:
UK client support: +44 800 409 6789
General enquiries switchboard: +44 (0)207 896 0011
Phone support is useful for complex account issues, technical troubleshooting, or urgent matters.
Email Support
Clients can contact IG’s support team via email for detailed queries or documentation-related issues.
Examples of support email addresses include:
[email protected] (UK support)
[email protected] (Australia support)
Email support is typically used for:
Account verification (KYC) inquiries
Withdrawal or payment issues
Complaint submissions or documentation requests
Messaging & Social Media Support
IG also provides additional messaging options, including:
WhatsApp support for quick communication
Social media support through platforms such as X (Twitter) via the IG customer support account
These channels provide convenient alternatives for traders who prefer mobile messaging or social platforms.
Help Center & Support Hub
IG maintains a detailed Help & Support Center where traders can find answers to common questions about trading platforms, account management, fees, and trading conditions.
Once logged into their account, traders can contact support directly through the Help & Support Hub inside the platform, which is often the quickest way to get assistance.
IG Pros & Cons
Pros
1. Strong Global Regulation
IG is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities, including the FCA, ASIC, and other regulators worldwide. This strong regulatory oversight helps ensure transparency and client fund protection.
2. Extensive Range of Tradable Markets
The platform provides access to thousands of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, options, and ETFs. This wide market selection allows traders to diversify their portfolios easily.
3. Advanced Trading Platforms and Tools
IG supports multiple trading platforms such as its proprietary platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, and TradingView integration, offering advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading, and detailed market analysis.
4. Industry-Leading Educational Resources
The broker provides high-quality educational materials through IG Academy, webinars, courses, and market analysis, making it suitable for beginner traders.
5. Competitive Spreads and Trading Costs
IG offers relatively competitive pricing with spreads starting around 0.6 pips on major forex pairs, along with commission-free trading on many CFD markets.
6. Long Industry Experience
Founded in 1974, IG has nearly five decades of experience in financial markets, making it one of the most established brokers globally.
Cons
1. Limited Platform Options Compared to Some Brokers
While IG supports MT4 and proprietary platforms, it currently does not offer MetaTrader 5, which some traders prefer for advanced trading features.
2. High Costs on Certain Instruments
Some markets, such as international shares, may involve additional currency conversion fees or commissions, which can increase trading costs.
3. Higher Minimum Deposit in Some Regions
Compared with some modern brokers, the required minimum deposit may be relatively higher depending on the region and account type.
4. CFD Trading Risk
Like other CFD brokers, IG offers leveraged trading, which can increase the risk of losses if markets move against a trader’s position.
5. Product Restrictions in Some Countries
Certain trading products such as crypto derivatives or spread betting may not be available in all regions due to regulatory restrictions.
IG Conclusion
IG is widely recognized as one of the most established and trusted online brokers in the global trading industry. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, the company has built a strong reputation by offering access to thousands of financial markets along with advanced trading platforms and professional trading tools.
One of IG’s biggest strengths is its strong regulatory framework and long industry experience, which adds credibility and security for traders. The broker is regulated by several top-tier financial authorities and is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange, providing additional transparency and financial stability.
IG also stands out for its wide range of tradable instruments and powerful trading platforms, including its proprietary platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, and TradingView integration. These platforms offer advanced charting, automated trading options, and detailed market analysis tools that can meet the needs of both beginner and professional traders.
Another key advantage is the broker’s strong educational ecosystem, which includes the IG Academy, webinars, market analysis, and demo accounts. These resources help traders build their knowledge and improve their trading strategies before entering live markets.
However, traders should also consider certain factors such as additional fees on some instruments and limited platform options compared with some competitors. As with any leveraged trading service, CFD trading also carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors.
