IG Review 2026: The Global Leader in CFD and Forex Trading

IG Group is consistently ranked as one of the world’s premier destinations for leveraged trading, offering exceptional access to global markets through CFDs and Spread Betting. Established in 1974, IG possesses one of the longest and most reputable operating histories in the financial sector, cementing its status as a market leader. This comprehensive IG review 2026 dissects every aspect of the broker’s offering, focusing on safety, trading conditions, platform technology, and overall value proposition for both retail and professional traders worldwide.

IG Group Overview: A Pioneer in Global Trading

As a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IGG) and a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, IG operates with a level of transparency and capital strength unmatched by most competitors. Starting as the world’s first spread betting firm, IG has evolved into a multi-asset brokerage powerhouse, offering a vast selection of instruments from Forex to interest rates.

Our analysis confirms that IG excels across almost every key performance indicator. Its strong, multi-jurisdictional regulatory framework provides maximum assurance for traders, while its proprietary trading platform—complemented by ProRealTime and MT4—caters to all trader types. While the minimum spreads are not the absolute lowest in the industry, the total trading cost, combined with execution quality and security, provides exceptional value.

IG Broker Judge Expert Ratings

BrokerJudge evaluates brokers based on a rigorous methodology focused on five core pillars of trading excellence. IG’s high score of 9.6 reflects its leadership in regulation, platform quality, and range of offerings.

Category	Score (Out of 10)	Notes
Safety & Regulation	10.0	Tier-1 global licensing (FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CFTC/NFA). Publicly listed.
Fees & Spreads	9.0	Competitive spreads from 0.6 pips, but higher than some deep-discount brokers.
Trading Platforms	9.8	Proprietary platform is industry-leading, plus MT4 and ProRealTime.
Instruments Offered	10.0	Vast range: 17,000+ markets, including Forex, shares, indices, and unique instruments.
Deposits & Withdrawals	9.5	Fast processing, multiple free methods, including PayPal.
Customer Support & Education	9.9	24/5 professional support and best-in-class educational resources (IG Academy).

Safety and Regulation: Is IG Safe or a Scam?

The question, “Is IG safe?” is easily answered: IG is considered one of the safest forex brokers globally. Its regulatory pedigree and corporate structure offer maximum protection for retail investors. Being a publicly traded company subjects IG to stringent financial reporting and corporate governance requirements that far exceed standard brokerage regulations.

Multi-Tier Global Regulation

IG holds licenses with virtually every major Tier-1 financial authority in the world. This multi-jurisdictional approach ensures client protection regardless of the geographic location of the trader. Key regulatory bodies include:

• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): United Kingdom (License No. 195355)
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): Australia
• Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin): Germany
• Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): Singapore
• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) / National Futures Association (NFA): United States (via IG US)
• Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA): South Africa
• Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA): Switzerland

These licenses enforce strict operational capital requirements, regular audits, and robust internal controls, making the risk of IG being a scam or dishonest entity negligible.

Client Fund Protection

IG adheres to standard regulatory requirements for safeguarding client assets:

• Segregated Accounts: Client funds are kept separate from the company’s operating capital in Tier-1 banks.
• Investor Compensation Schemes: In jurisdictions like the UK, retail clients are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000, should the firm become insolvent.
• Negative Balance Protection: Retail traders are protected against losses exceeding their deposited funds, a crucial safety feature mandated by ESMA and similar global regulators.

This dedication to compliance and security establishes IG as the benchmark for institutional-grade reliability in the retail forex broker review space.

Account Types and Leverage

IG offers several tailored account structures designed to fit different market needs and regulatory constraints. All accounts provide access to the broker’s proprietary platforms and educational resources.

1. CFD Account (Standard)

This is the main account for most international retail traders. It provides access to all asset classes via CFDs. The pricing model is spread-only for Forex and Indices, with commissions reserved for share CFDs.

• Minimum Deposit: $0 (for bank transfers); $250 (for card/e-wallets)
• Spreads: From 0.6 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD.
• Execution: Market Maker model, though IG is known for high-quality, reliable execution.

2. Spread Betting Account

Available primarily in the UK and Ireland, spread betting offers tax advantages (no capital gains tax or stamp duty in the UK/Ireland) over traditional CFD trading. The underlying trading mechanism is functionally identical to the CFD account.

3. DMA Account (Direct Market Access)

The DMA account is targeted at experienced traders and high-volume clients who demand institutional-level pricing and transparency. This account uses an ECN/STP-like model, routing orders directly to Tier-1 liquidity providers.

• Pricing: Raw, tighter spreads (as low as 0.1 pips) plus a variable commission structure based on volume.
• Target User: Professional traders, institutional clients, and active scalpers.

Leverage Limits

Maximum leverage at IG depends entirely on the regulatory branch under which the trader is registered. Strict regulations (EU/UK/Australia) cap leverage, while international entities may offer more flexibility:

• FCA/ESMA (Europe/UK): 1:30 for major Forex pairs.
• ASIC (Australia): 1:30 for major Forex pairs.
• Other jurisdictions (e.g., FSCA, MAS, International): Up to 1:200 for major Forex pairs.

Fees, Spreads, and Commission Structure

Understanding IG’s trading fees requires looking at three core components: spreads, commissions, and non-trading fees. IG generally operates on a spread-only model for its most popular assets, which can be advantageous for lower-volume traders.

Forex Spreads

IG’s spreads are competitive for a market maker of its calibre. For the standard CFD account, the typical minimum spread on EUR/USD is 0.6 pips, averaging around 0.8 pips during high liquidity hours. While some ECN brokers offer raw spreads of 0.0 pips plus commission, IG’s 0.6 pips represents a strong offering when factoring in their superior execution and regulatory security.

Commission Structure

• Forex & Indices: Zero commission (fee is built into the spread).
• Share CFDs: Commissions apply. For example, US share CFDs start from $0.02 per share (minimum $15 commission per side) for non-DMA accounts, reducing significantly for professional and high-volume traders.

Non-Trading Fees

The broker maintains a clear and transparent fee structure, but traders should be aware of two key non-trading charges:

1. Inactivity Fee: A fee of £12 (or currency equivalent) is charged monthly if an account remains inactive (no open trades or deposits/withdrawals) for 24 months or more. This is a standard practice across many top-tier brokers.
2. Withdrawal Fee: IG generally does not charge fees for withdrawals via bank transfer or credit/debit cards, although specific card providers may impose their own charges.
3. Overnight Financing (Swap Fees): Standard swap fees apply for positions held open past 5 pm New York time. These fees reflect the interest rate differential between the two currencies in the pair.

Overall, IG’s fee structure is transparent and fair, prioritizing all-in spread pricing for retail traders while offering lower commission-based pricing through its DMA account for active professionals.

Trading Platforms and Technology

IG offers one of the most diverse and powerful selections of trading platforms, catering to sophisticated automated traders, casual investors, and everything in between.

1. IG Trading Platform (Web & Mobile)

IG’s proprietary platform is its crown jewel. It is highly advanced, exceptionally user-friendly, and consistently wins awards for its design and functionality. It features:

• Advanced Charting: Robust, HTML5-based charting with 30+ technical indicators and 10+ drawing tools.
• Customization: Fully customizable layouts and workspaces.
• Market Depth and Execution: Access to guaranteed stops, price alerts, and detailed market information.
• Mobile App: The IG mobile app is highly rated, providing full functionality and robust order management on iOS and Android.

2. MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

For traders loyal to the standard industry benchmark, IG offers MT4 compatibility. This is crucial for traders who rely on custom indicators, expert advisors (EAs/Robots), and specific algorithmic strategies. IG’s MT4 offering integrates seamlessly with its high-quality pricing feed.

3. ProRealTime (PRT)

ProRealTime is an advanced third-party charting and trading software known for its high-level technical analysis tools and automated trading capabilities. IG integrates PRT, allowing advanced traders to utilize its unique algorithmic creation language. Access to PRT is free for clients who execute at least four trades per month; otherwise, a subscription fee may apply.

4. L2 Dealer

This specialist platform is designed for professional traders utilizing the Direct Market Access (DMA) account. L2 Dealer provides direct access to order books and deep liquidity pools, ensuring superior control over execution, particularly for share CFDs and institutional-level forex trading.

Deposits and Withdrawals

IG maintains high standards for transaction security and efficiency, offering multiple convenient methods for funding and withdrawing capital.

Deposit Methods

Funding an IG account is typically instant or very fast, depending on the method:

• Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/Mastercard): Instant processing. Minimum deposit of $250 typically applies.
• PayPal: Instant processing in regions where available.
• Bank Transfer: Processing time is 1–3 business days. No minimum deposit required for wire transfers, making it suitable for low-balance traders, although the platform recommends starting with $250.

Withdrawal Methods and Speed

Withdrawals are processed rapidly by IG’s internal team, usually within one business day. The time it takes for funds to reach the client depends on the receiving bank/processor:

• Bank Transfer: 2–5 business days. This is the primary and most secure withdrawal method.
• Credit/Debit Cards: 2–5 business days.
• PayPal: Generally faster, often 1–2 business days.

IG does not charge a withdrawal fee, reinforcing its commitment to transparent trading costs.

Trading Instruments: Global Market Access

One of IG’s strongest features is its unparalleled breadth of market coverage, offering access to over 17,000 global markets. This extensive portfolio ensures that traders, including those interested in forex trading in India or any other global region, can find opportunities beyond standard currency pairs.

Forex and Currency Pairs

IG offers 80+ currency pairs, ranging from major pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD) and minors to a deep selection of exotic pairs, allowing for extensive news trading and diversification strategies.

CFDs on Indices and Commodities

Traders can access CFDs on all major global indices (S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX) and a vast array of commodities, including precious metals (Gold, Silver), energy products (Oil, Natural Gas), and soft commodities.

Shares, Cryptocurrencies, and More

• Shares/Equities: Access to thousands of global stocks via CFDs or Direct Market Access.
• Cryptocurrencies: CFDs on popular digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and more. Note: Crypto CFDs are unavailable to retail traders in the UK due to FCA restrictions.
• Bonds and Interest Rates: A unique offering that allows speculation on government bonds and interbank interest rates.

User Experience, Support, and Education

The quality of a broker is often measured by the support and resources provided to its clients. IG sets a high bar in both areas.

Customer Support

IG offers professional, multilingual customer support 24 hours a day, five days a week. Support channels include telephone, email, and live chat. Due to its large global structure, IG’s support staff are highly knowledgeable and capable of handling complex trading and technical inquiries.

Educational Resources (IG Academy)

IG Academy is widely regarded as one of the best educational platforms offered by a broker. It provides structured courses, webinars, seminars, and daily market analysis, catering to beginner, intermediate, and advanced traders. This extensive education offered is crucial for traders looking to improve their knowledge and strategies.

Platform Features for Advanced Trading

IG’s infrastructure is optimized for performance, benefiting strategies such as scalping and high-frequency trading. The support for EAs/Robots via MT4 and the presence of ProRealTime for sophisticated technical analysis demonstrate the broker’s commitment to advanced users. Furthermore, IG permits both hedging and news trading without restriction.

The IG Retail Investor Loss Disclosure

Like all regulated brokers, IG is required to disclose the percentage of retail investor accounts that lose money when trading CFDs. IG’s disclosed figure (approximately 72%) is consistently at the lower end of the industry average (which often sits between 74% and 80%). This suggests that while CFD trading is inherently high-risk, IG’s client base may be better educated or utilize superior risk management tools provided by the platform.

Pros and Cons Summary

IG Advantages (Pros)

• Superior Regulation: Licensed by nearly all Tier-1 global authorities (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.).
• Industry-Leading Platforms: Excellent proprietary platform, MT4, and ProRealTime integration.
• Vast Product Range: Over 17,000 tradable markets, offering more diversification than most competitors.
• Exceptional Education: IG Academy is a comprehensive resource for all skill levels.
• Fast Execution: Known for reliable, high-speed trade execution.
• No Minimum Deposit: Accessibility for new traders (via bank transfer).

IG Disadvantages (Cons)

• Higher Minimum Spreads: Standard spreads (0.6 pips) are slightly higher than some deep-discount ECN brokers.
• Complex Fee Structure: Commissions apply to shares, and the DMA account has volume-based tiers, which can be confusing for beginners.
• Inactivity Fee: A fee is charged after 24 months of dormancy.
• Restricted Leverage: Retail leverage is capped at 1:30 in major regulatory regions.

IG Review: Final Expert Verdict

IG is not merely a broker; it is a globally recognized financial institution. Our extensive forex broker review concludes that IG is ideally suited for traders who prioritize security, advanced platform technology, and broad market access over the lowest possible spreads. The broker’s 50-year operating history, public listing, and iron-clad regulation make it the gold standard for traders asking, “Is this broker scam or legit?”.

While high-volume scalpers might find slightly lower raw spreads elsewhere, the combination of IG’s guaranteed stops, powerful proprietary platform, and commitment to client fund safety justifies its competitive pricing. IG is highly recommended for serious intermediate to advanced traders, or beginners looking to start with a broker they can trust implicitly and grow with over the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is IG Group regulated and trustworthy?

Yes. IG is one of the most heavily regulated brokers globally, holding licenses from the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), BaFin (Germany), and the CFTC/NFA (US). It is a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), providing maximum financial transparency and security. It is highly trustworthy.

Q2: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IG?

There is technically no minimum deposit requirement if funding via bank wire transfer. However, if depositing via credit/debit card or PayPal, the minimum amount required is typically $250 (or currency equivalent).

Q3: What are the typical spreads and trading fees at IG?

IG primarily uses a spread-only model for Forex and Index CFDs. Typical minimum spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD start from 0.6 pips. Commissions are only charged for trading Stock CFDs and for clients using the DMA (Direct Market Access) account.

Q4: Does IG offer the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform?

Yes, IG supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), allowing traders to utilize Expert Advisors (EAs/Robots) and custom indicators. They also offer their award-winning proprietary platform and ProRealTime.

Q5: Is IG suitable for scalping and news trading?

Yes. IG permits both scalping and news trading. The broker’s reliable execution and low latency infrastructure are suitable for these high-speed trading strategies.

Q6: What is the maximum leverage available at IG?

Leverage depends on the trader’s location and regulatory jurisdiction. For clients registered under FCA or ASIC, maximum leverage is capped at 1:30. For clients registered under certain international IG entities, leverage can be offered up to 1:200.

Q7: Does IG charge an inactivity fee?

Yes. IG charges an inactivity fee of £12 per month if no trading activity (open trades, deposits, or withdrawals) has occurred on the account for a period of 24 months or more.

Q8: Does IG offer copy trading or MAM/PAMM accounts?

IG does not offer dedicated MAM or PAMM accounts for retail clients, nor a comprehensive social copy trading network. However, some automated signal trading functionality is available through the integrated ProRealTime platform.

Q9: What types of account types does IG offer?

IG offers a CFD Account (Standard), a Spread Betting Account (UK/Ireland), and a DMA (Direct Market Access) Account, which requires higher capitalization and offers commission-based raw spreads. Professional accounts are also available for qualifying traders.

Q10: Are Cryptocurrencies available for trading at IG?

Yes, IG offers CFDs on several major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Note that due to regulatory prohibitions, these instruments are not available to retail clients in the United Kingdom.

Q11: How long do withdrawals take at IG?

IG typically processes withdrawal requests internally within one business day. The time it takes for funds to reflect in your bank or card account is generally 2–5 business days.

Q12: What is IG Academy?

IG Academy is IG’s comprehensive, high-quality educational resource center offering structured courses, webinars, and articles to help traders of all experience levels master the markets.