IG Group Holdings plc, commonly referred to as IG, was founded in 1974 by Stuart Wheeler as the worlds first spread betting firm. The company is headquartered in London, UK, and operates in 19 countries with a significant presence across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. IG is a publicly traded company, listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IGG, and boasts a market capitalization of approximately £3.5 billion.
Throughout its history, IG has established itself as a leading global brokerage, initially gaining recognition for introducing spread betting to retail investors. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings to include contracts for difference (CFDs), forex trading, and various financial instruments, catering to both retail and institutional clients. With over 360,000 active users, IG provides a comprehensive trading experience supported by advanced trading platforms and a diverse range of financial products.
As a pioneer in the online trading space, IG has achieved significant milestones, including the acquisition of Tastytrade in 2021, which enabled the company to broaden its service offerings in the U.S. market. Today, IG operates as a multi-asset broker, providing access to forex, stocks, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies through its innovative trading platforms.
IG is regulated by several top-tier authorities, ensuring a high level of security and trust for its clients. The primary regulators overseeing IG include:
IG's regulatory licenses cover a wide range of services, including forex trading, spread betting, and CFDs. The company adheres to strict guidelines to protect client funds, including the requirement to maintain client money in segregated accounts. This means that client funds are kept separate from the companys operational funds, providing an added layer of security.
Additionally, IG participates in investor compensation schemes such as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK, which protects client funds up to £85,000 in the event of the broker's insolvency. To ensure compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations, IG implements robust verification processes for all clients.
IG offers a vast array of trading products, providing access to over 17,000 markets globally. The broker specializes in:
IG continuously updates its product offerings, adding new instruments to meet the evolving needs of traders. The broker provides both retail and institutional trading services, with a focus on delivering a user-friendly experience and comprehensive market access.
IG offers a variety of trading platforms tailored to different trader needs. The primary platforms include:
IGs mobile trading app is available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing traders to manage their accounts and execute trades on the go. The app includes features such as advanced charting, price alerts, and market news.
IG provides several account types to cater to various trading styles and preferences:
The leverage offered by IG varies by asset class, with a maximum of 1:30 for retail clients in the UK and EU. The broker also charges overnight financing costs for positions held overnight, which vary depending on the asset class.
IG supports a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, making it easy for clients to manage their funds. Accepted methods include:
There are no fees for deposits or withdrawals, making it a cost-effective choice for traders. The minimum deposit requirement varies by account type, with a standard minimum of $250 for card payments. Withdrawals can be processed via bank transfer, credit/debit card, and e-wallets, with typical processing times of 2-5 business days.
IG places a strong emphasis on customer support, offering multiple channels for assistance:
The broker supports multiple languages, ensuring that clients from diverse backgrounds can receive assistance. IG also boasts a comprehensive educational program through the IG Academy, which offers free online courses, webinars, and tutorials designed for traders of all skill levels. Additionally, IG provides market analysis services, including daily updates and research reports.
IG operates in a wide range of markets, providing services to clients in various regions. The broker has offices in major financial hubs, including London, Sydney, Tokyo, and Singapore. However, IG does not accept clients from certain countries, including the United States (except through its Tastytrade subsidiary), Canada, Japan, and several others due to regulatory restrictions.
In summary, IG is a highly reputable broker that offers a comprehensive suite of trading products and services, backed by robust regulatory oversight and a commitment to client security. With its extensive range of educational resources and advanced trading platforms, IG is well-suited for both novice and experienced traders looking to navigate the financial markets confidently.
FX2958852652
Hong Kong
As a user of the IG Forex trading platform for ten years, my honest evaluation can be summarized as follows. The IG platform is regulated by strict authorities such as the UK FCA and the Australian ASIC. It has a well-established fund segregation system and high security. I have been using it for a long time without encountering any financial risks. The platform covers a wide range of products including Forex, stock indices, and commodities, meeting diverse investment needs. The trading system is stable, with better slippage control than most platforms. In particular, the professional tools and market analysis resources are significantly helpful for experienced traders. In the "Swiss Franc Black Swan" event in 2015, IG prioritized managing its own risks, resulting in significant losses due to delayed customer stop-loss orders. Although it was compliant, it exposed conflicts of interest and caused a trust crisis. IG is suitable for long-term investors who prioritize compliance and security, especially for users familiar with the international market. However, it may pose obstacles for high-frequency traders or retail traders who rely on MT4, due to technical issues and high costs. Over the past ten years, its core advantages have remained unchanged, but it is necessary to be cautious of risk management deficiencies in extreme market conditions and consider the cost of use for users.
37130
04-08
FX3418453235
Indonesia
I cannot withdraw funds. Rp 42,000,000 is forfeited. When I wanted to withdraw, there were many reasons given.
Exposure
02-15
Nicolas Navarro
Argentina
A broker that meets all the requirements to be one of the best
Positive
06-07