IG is one of the oldest names in retail trading. The group was founded in London in 1974, is listed on the London Stock Exchange through IG Group Holdings plc, and holds licences from most of the regulators that matter: the FCA, BaFin, FINMA, ASIC, MAS, the Japanese FSA and, through tastyfx, the CFTC and NFA. It also has one of the widest product shelves in the industry, with more than 17,000 markets. The detail international traders need to know is that the global ig.com/en site signs clients up with IG International Limited in Bermuda, not with the FCA-regulated UK company. Our verdict: a top-quality broker with deep markets and strong platforms, and a sound choice even via Bermuda, but UK and EU-level protection only applies if you open with the matching local entity.
IG at a glance
| Item | Details (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1974, London |
| Group | IG Group Holdings plc (London-listed) |
| International entity | IG International Limited, Bermuda Monetary Authority |
| UK entities | IG Markets Ltd (FRN 195355), IG Index Ltd (FRN 114059) |
| Minimum deposit | None by bank transfer; $50 by card (IG International) |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.6 points, no commission |
| Leverage on EUR/USD | Up to 1:200 (0.50% margin, IG International) |
| Markets | 17,000+, including 90+ forex pairs |
| Platforms | IG web and app, MT4, MT5, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView |
Regulation and safety
IG publishes a full list of its regulated companies on its group regulation page. Which one you deal with depends on where you live:
| Region | IG entity | Regulator | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | IG Markets Ltd / IG Index Ltd | FCA | Top-tier |
| European Union | IG Europe GmbH | BaFin and Bundesbank | Top-tier |
| Switzerland | IG Bank SA | FINMA | Top-tier |
| Australia / New Zealand | IG Markets Ltd | ASIC / FMA | Top-tier |
| Singapore | IG Asia Pte Ltd | MAS | Top-tier |
| Japan | IG Securities Ltd | FSA Japan | Top-tier |
| United States (forex) | tastyfx LLC | CFTC / NFA (ID 0509630) | Top-tier |
| UAE | IG Limited | DFSA | Onshore |
| South Africa | IG Markets South Africa Ltd | FSCA | Onshore |
| Rest of world | IG International Limited | Bermuda Monetary Authority | Not top-tier |
We confirmed that IG Markets Limited (FRN 195355) and IG Index Limited (FRN 114059) appear as authorised on the FCA’s published list of investment firms. IG’s own international comparison page is candid that non-UK and non-European entities do not carry UK or European client protections. Bermuda is a well-established financial centre and the BMA is a credible supervisor, but it is not in the same tier as the FCA or ASIC, and there is no equivalent of the UK’s FSCS compensation scheme for IG International clients. On the positive side, the parent is a listed company with audited accounts, which adds a layer of transparency that most offshore-led brands cannot match.
Fees and spreads
On forex CFDs IG is a spread-only broker: there is no separate commission, and the cost sits in the bid/ask spread. Overnight funding applies to positions held past the daily cut-off.
| Cost item | IG (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| EUR/USD minimum spread | 0.6 points |
| Forex CFD commission | None |
| Share CFD commission (IG UK) | 0.10% UK and EU shares; 2 cents per share US |
| Card deposits (IG International) | Debit free; credit card 1% (Visa) or 0.5% (Mastercard) |
| Bank transfer | Free from IG; your bank may charge |
| Guaranteed stops | Premium charged only if the stop is triggered |
Active traders can also qualify for volume-based rebates. New IG International clients are currently offered a welcome cashback of up to USD 2,500, based on notional volume traded in the first 30 days; smaller traders can receive up to USD 25 against trading fees. Check the current terms on the official site before relying on it.
Accounts and products
IG International offers a CFD account covering forex, indices, shares, commodities and more, along with options. Eligible professional clients can use Forex Direct, a DMA service with separate pricing. UK residents can choose between spread betting (IG Index), CFDs (IG Markets) and share dealing (IG Trading and Investments). IG lists more than 90 currency pairs, from majors to emerging-market crosses, plus 80+ indices, 13,000+ shares and 5,400+ ETFs. We could not confirm a dedicated Islamic (swap-free) account for international clients on IG’s site, so ask support if you need one.
Platforms and tools
Platform choice is one of IG’s strongest points. Its in-house web platform and mobile app are well designed and include advanced order types, alerts and integrated news. For other workflows you can use MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProRealTime for advanced charting and automated systems, L2 Dealer for DMA, and TradingView. The free demo account comes with USD 20,000 in virtual funds.
Deposits and withdrawals
IG International accepts debit and credit cards, bank transfers (in USD, HKD, EUR, GBP, AUD or SGD to separate account numbers), Wise, and HKD FPS. The minimum card payment is USD 50, and there is no minimum for bank transfers. Payments must come from an account in your own name, and IG normally returns funds the same way they arrived. Cash, cheques, prepaid and business cards are not accepted.
Who IG suits, and who should avoid it
Good fit: traders who want a long-established, listed broker with a huge market range, strong charting and a choice between proprietary and third-party platforms. It also suits UK, EU, Swiss, Australian, Singaporean and Japanese residents who can open with a top-tier local entity.
Think twice: if you need very high leverage, a confirmed Islamic account, or e-wallet funding such as Skrill or Neteller. International clients should be aware that the Bermuda entity does not offer UK or EU protection. CFDs are complex and leveraged; IG reports that 80% of retail client accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Final verdict
IG combines more than 50 years of history, top-tier licences across major markets and an exceptional range of products and platforms. Costs on major forex pairs are competitive for a spread-only broker. The main caveat is structural: outside its regulated home markets, your account sits with IG International in Bermuda. For most traders that is still a strong option, but check which entity your agreement names before funding.
Compare IG with the other top forex brokers, or read our XM review and AvaTrade review.
FAQ
Is IG regulated?
Yes. IG Group companies are regulated by the FCA, BaFin, FINMA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan and others. International clients who sign up on ig.com/en are served by IG International Limited, licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, which is not a top-tier regulator.
What is the minimum deposit at IG?
For IG International there is no minimum for bank transfers and a $50 minimum for card payments, as of November 2026.
What are IG’s forex spreads?
IG lists a minimum EUR/USD spread of 0.6 points on forex CFDs, with no separate commission. Spreads widen in volatile or illiquid conditions.
Which platforms does IG offer?
IG offers its own web platform and app, plus MT4, MT5, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer and TradingView.
Does IG have a demo account?
Yes. IG’s demo comes with $20,000 in virtual funds so you can practise before trading with real money.
Facts compiled on 8 November 2026 from the official website, regulator registers and independent reviews listed in the sources. Fees and conditions change; confirm on the official site before opening an account.
