IG has positioned itself as a top-tier online broker platform globally, thanks to its user-friendly trading platform, a wide array of markets available for trading, and a comprehensive selection of financial instruments. The broker also benefits from seamless third-party software integrations and top-notch research and educational resources. Read further for a comprehensive IG review.
With over 50 years in the financial services industry as a publicly traded entity, IG is renowned for its outstanding customer service and robust regulatory compliance. This makes it an ideal option for both novice and seasoned traders interested in trading forex, stocks, ETFs, and beyond.
Introduction to IG Markets Review
IG Group Holdings plc, or IG Group, is an online trading company you can invest in on the London Stock Exchange, listed as (LSE: IGG).
Founded in 1974 by Stuart Wheeler in the UK, IG Group began as the first spread betting firm, allowing people to bet on gold prices without actually purchasing the gold. It was originally called the IG Index.
Today, the company boasts around 360,000 active users across 19 countries. It provides a vast array of assets to trade, such as currencies, commodities, stocks, and ETFs, making it popular among traders and investors worldwide.
IG Group holds licenses in over 12 countries, including major markets like the UK, US, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. Known for being well-regulated with a strong reputation, it stands as the largest CFD (contracts for difference) provider globally by revenue.
In the United States, IG operates through its branch called tastyfx, which facilitates forex trading. Tastyfx charges no commissions and features a 0.8 pip spread on over 80 currency pairs, with a low 2% margin requirement. Additionally, it offers an easy-to-use trading platform, educational resources, and quick customer support.
IG Quick Verdict by ForexInfoHub Experts
| Category | Rating | ForexInfoHub Expert Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation & Safety | (4.8 / 5) | Publicly listed broker with strong Tier-1 regulatory coverage globally |
| Trading Platforms | (4.6 / 5) | Powerful proprietary platform plus MT4 and ProRealTime integration |
| Fees & Pricing | (4.1 / 5) | Competitive spreads but not always lowest vs raw-spread ECN brokers |
| Education & Learning Tools | (4.3 / 5) | Strong educational ecosystem suitable for beginners and intermediate traders |
| Research Tools | (4.7 / 5) | Industry-leading in-house research, analytics, and market intelligence tools |
| Copy & Social Trading | (3.2 / 5) | Limited native copy trading options compared to social trading focused brokers |
| Overall FOREXINFOHUB Rating | (4.5 / 5) | Premium, well-regulated global broker with strong research and platform ecosystem |
Pros and Cons of Using IG Markets
Pros of Trading with IG
- IG provides a variety of trading options: You can trade not just forex but also stocks, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and indices.
- Offers various financial products: Its products include ETFs, CFDs, futures, and options.
- Top-notch platforms: IG’s website and mobile app are praised for being easy to use and highly effective, often ranked among the best.
- No required minimum deposit: IG doesn’t ask for a minimum deposit unless you’re in the U.S., where you need at least $250.
- Regulated public company: IG is on the London Stock Exchange with a market value of GBP 3.5 billion. It follows FCA rules in the U.K., and its U.S. arm, known as tastyfx since July 2024, is registered with the CFTC and is an NFA member. IG is licensed in more than a dozen countries.
Cons of Trading with IG
- IG doesn’t have a copy trading feature: Right now, IG doesn’t provide the option for automated copy trading. This is something many beginner traders and new investors like because it lets them follow and replicate the trades of more experienced traders automatically.
- MetaTrader 5 isn’t available: IG allows the use of ProRealTime and MetaTrader 4 for trading activities, but customers can’t use MetaTrader 5 yet. This is the latest version of the trading platform that some users might be interested in, but IG hasn’t made it available at this time.
IG Regulation and Security
IG sets itself apart from other online brokerage platforms by being publicly traded and holding licenses in more than a dozen countries, which shows how serious they are about following regulations.
IG Group is authorized and regulated to offer various financial trading services in places like Bermuda, the U.K., the U.S., the E.U., Switzerland, Dubai, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the U.K., IG operates through two companies: IG Markets Limited (IGM) and IG Index Limited (IGI), both of which are regulated by the FCA. These companies can act as either principals or agents and handle orders for derivatives and securities.
Thanks to the FCA’s rules on client money, user funds are kept separate from the company’s funds, providing extra security for IG users. IG Markets can also provide discretionary management services to both retail and professional clients in the U.K.
In Europe, IG operates through its German subsidiary, IG Europe GmbH (IGE), which is licensed by BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank, allowing it to serve customers in the European Union.
In the U.S., IG US LLC (IG US) is registered as a retail foreign exchange dealer (RFED) and an introducing broker (IB) with the CFTC and is a member of the NFA. Through its U.S. subsidiary tastyfx, IG U.S. provides forex trading services to residents, except those in Arizona and Ohio.
As per our IG Review, it also has a negative balance protection feature, which means customers can’t lose more than what they put into their leveraged trading accounts. However, this feature isn’t available for tastyfx customers in the U.S.
ForexInfoHub Expert View on IG
From a regulatory and operational stability perspective, IG ranks among the most established brokers in the global retail trading industry. Its public listing on the London Stock Exchange adds an additional layer of transparency that many privately held brokers cannot match.
Where IG truly differentiates itself is through its in-house research ecosystem. The broker provides professional-grade market insights, trading signals, and economic analysis that appeal strongly to research-driven traders and long-term market participants.
However, IG is not positioned as a social or copy trading focused broker. Traders looking primarily for automated social trading ecosystems may find better alternatives elsewhere. Overall, IG fits best in the premium multi-asset broker category rather than ultra-low-cost execution-only broker models.
Trading Platforms on IG Markets
IG provides a range of trading platforms for both desktop and mobile, making it suitable for everyone from newbies to seasoned pros.
New traders will find IG’s trading dashboards user-friendly, along with essential risk management tools like stop-loss limits and price alerts.
On the flip side, experienced traders can take advantage of a diverse selection of assets and investment options, plus advanced features like API connections to third-party charting tools such as ProRealTime or Bloomberg Terminal.
Desktop Trading Platform
If you’re a trader or investor who enjoys using a desktop for trading, you’ll appreciate what IG has to offer. Their main trading platform is web-based, making it super accessible. Plus, you can download MetaTrader 4 as a desktop app to tap into IG’s wider range of options.
Mobile Trading Platform
IG has a mobile trading app for both Android and iOS, making it super easy for anyone to trade forex and other assets while on the move. Plus, they’ve got a cool progressive web app that lets you trade on IG right from your mobile browser.
IG Commission and Fees
IG follows a transparent pricing model that varies slightly depending on the asset class and region. The broker typically earns through spreads for most CFD and forex products, while certain instruments like shares may involve commission-based pricing.
IG is not always the lowest-cost broker in the industry, particularly when compared to raw-spread ECN brokers. However, the broker compensates with strong execution quality, deep liquidity access, and institutional-grade trading infrastructure.
IG Pricing Structure Overview
| Fee Type | IG Policy | ForexInfoHub Cost View |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Usually No Fixed Minimum (Region Dependent) | Flexible Entry Level |
| Trading Commission | Spread Based (Most CFDs & Forex) | Simple and Transparent |
| Forex Trading Fees | Spread From ~0.6 Pips | Competitive |
| Share CFD Fees | Commission May Apply | Slightly Higher vs ECN Competitors |
| Account Maintenance Fee | None | Cost Efficient |
| Inactivity Fee | Charged After Inactivity Period | Industry Standard |
| Deposit Fees | Usually Free | Competitive |
| Withdrawal Fees | Usually Free | Competitive |
| Overnight / Swap Fee | Applies On Overnight Positions | Standard Industry Practice |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss Fee | Extra Cost (Region Dependent) | Risk Protection Cost |
IG Tradable Instruments
IG offers one of the widest multi-asset trading selections among retail brokers. The broker focuses heavily on providing access to global financial markets across both CFD and direct market trading environments.
Forex
IG offers access to a wide range of major, minor, and exotic currency pairs. Traders can access deep liquidity pools and competitive spreads across global forex markets.
Indices
The broker provides access to major global indices including US, European, and Asian benchmark indices through CFDs and spread betting (region dependent).
Shares
IG provides thousands of global shares across major exchanges. In certain regions, traders can access direct share dealing alongside CFD trading.
Commodities
Includes precious metals, energy markets, and agricultural commodities, allowing traders to diversify across traditional macroeconomic assets.
Cryptocurrencies
Crypto CFDs are available in supported regions, allowing traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
Options and Futures
IG also offers options trading and futures exposure through specialized platform integrations and region-specific services.
IG Education and Learning Resources
IG Academy offers a fantastic range of educational tools for anyone looking to dive into the financial markets. With online courses and live webinars, users can expand their knowledge and skills.
What’s cool is that the IG Academy caters not just to newbies but also has advanced resources for seasoned traders looking to sharpen their skills.
Plus, IG has created a vibrant community where users can connect and share insights in the community forums.
Customer Service on IG Markets
IG prioritizes customer service. Their help and support center has answers for just about any questions you might have about the platform, the tools, or the markets available.
They also offer round-the-clock support through a phone hotline from Monday to Friday, plus help via WhatsApp, live chat, email, and a special customer service account on X (formerly Twitter).
You can get online support in several languages, making it easy for IG’s worldwide users to get the help they need.
IG Markets Review – Transparency
IG review is done to show how it shines when it comes to being open about its fees, making it super easy to see what you’ll be charged for trading various financial products on the platform.
They also include a risk disclaimer that points out the potential risks involved with trading CFDs and other assets. Plus, IG is upfront about how it generates revenue, which helps ease any worries that the broker might trade against its clients.
There’s even a section on their site that explains the company’s corporate structure and its standing with different regulators.
Overall, IG does a fantastic job of keeping both current and potential users informed, showing their dedication to top-notch customer service.
IG Review – Available Account Types
IG provides both personal and corporate accounts.
Personal accounts are designed for individual traders and investors who want a user-friendly online trading platform to handle their investments.
There’s also a professional version, the IG professional account, aimed at seasoned traders who need fewer protections and access to extra features.
On the corporate side, accounts are divided into institutional and retail corporate accounts. Institutional clients receive customized solutions that fit their specific requirements. While retail corporate account holders can trade under a corporate structure, even if they aren’t institutional clients.
IG Account Structure Overview
| Account Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Account | Beginner and Intermediate Traders | Full regulatory protections, negative balance protection (region dependent) |
| Professional Account | Experienced Traders | Higher leverage, advanced tools, reduced protections |
| Corporate Account | Business and Institutional Clients | Custom liquidity solutions, institutional tools |
IG also offers demo forex trading accounts allowing traders to practice trading strategies using virtual funds in real market conditions.
How to Open an Account with IG
IG provides a structured but user-friendly onboarding process designed to meet global regulatory requirements.
Step 1 — Online Registration
Visit the IG website and complete the initial registration form with basic personal details such as email, phone number, and country of residence.
Step 2 — Identity Verification
Traders must verify identity and address using government-issued ID and proof of residence documents to comply with regulatory requirements.
Step 3 — Trading Profile Setup
IG may ask additional questions about trading experience, financial knowledge, and investment objectives to ensure suitability compliance.
Step 4 — Account Funding
Once verified, traders can fund accounts using supported payment methods such as bank transfer, debit card, or region-supported digital payment methods.
Step 5 — Platform Access
After funding, traders gain full access to IG trading platforms and can begin trading immediately.
Who Should Choose IG?
Choosing IG depends largely on trading goals, strategy preferences, and experience level.
IG is Best Suited For:
- Traders who prioritize strong regulatory protection
- Research-driven traders who rely on market insights and analysis
- Multi-asset traders looking for global market access
- Intermediate to advanced traders seeking professional tools
- Long-term traders focused on macro and global markets
IG May Not Be Ideal For:
- Traders focused heavily on copy or social trading
- Ultra-low spread scalpers needing raw ECN pricing
- Traders looking for extremely high leverage environments
IG vs Other Brokers – ForexInfoHub Comparison
| Feature | IG | Pepperstone | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Research Driven Traders | Active Traders | Scalpers & Algo Traders | CFD Simplicity |
| Regulation Strength | Very Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong |
| Minimum Deposit | Low / Flexible | ~200 | ~200 | Low |
| Spread Type | Spread Based | Raw + Commission | Raw + Commission | Spread Based |
| Platforms | Proprietary, MT4, ProRealTime | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader | Proprietary |
| Copy Trading | Limited | Moderate | Moderate | Limited |
| Research Tools | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Basic |
| Execution Model | Market Maker / Hybrid | ECN Style | ECN Style | Market Maker |
Frequently Asked Questions – IG Broker Review
Q1. Is IG a safe broker to trade with?
IG is generally considered a highly trusted broker due to its public company status, multi-jurisdiction regulatory oversight, and long operating history since 1974.
Q2. What is the minimum deposit required to open an IG account?
In many regions, IG does not enforce a strict minimum deposit requirement, although recommended starting balances may vary depending on trading products.
Q3. Does IG charge commissions on forex trading?
Most retail forex trading costs are included within spreads. However, some products like share CFDs may involve commission-based pricing.
Q4. Is IG good for beginners?
Yes. IG provides strong educational resources, demo accounts, and user-friendly trading platforms suitable for beginner traders.
Final Verdict – Is IG Worth It?
IG is a top-notch online broker platform that is ideal for anyone interested in trading forex or other significant asset classes, no matter their level of expertise. With attractive spreads, a wide selection of tradable assets and investment options, comprehensive in-house research, and timely market updates, IG distinguishes itself as one of the premier online brokers available.
Having been a highly regulated financial services provider for over 50 years, IG has earned a solid reputation as a trustworthy online brokerage platform. It offers all the essential tools and resources needed for both individual and corporate investors to navigate the global markets effectively.