IG Review 2026
IG is a London-listed multi-asset broker founded in 1974, with FCA, ASIC, BaFin, DFSA, MAS and FMA entities and a wide CFD and share-dealing menu beyond FX. US retail forex is offered through the group's separate tastyfx brand.
- 77 / 100
- Compliant
- United Kingdom
- ASIC
- CFTC/NFA
- DFSA
- FCA
- FMA New Zealand
- MAS
- BaFin
- Min. Deposit
- $0
- Max. leverage
- 1:30 retail (UK/AU)
- Spread From
- 0.6 pip
- Commission
- $0
- Trading platforms
- IG trading platform, web/mobile apps, MT4 in selected regions.
Key features
- Publicly listed parent on the London Stock Exchange
- Broad share, index, commodity and FX/CFD menu
- FCA FRN 195355 and ASIC AFSL 515106 on the Australian site
- Retail leverage capped under UK and Australian CFD rules
Regional coverage
Strongest for UK, EU (via IG Europe GmbH), Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and DIFC residents where an IG-regulated entity accepts them. South African accounts were closed in 2025. Not a global high-leverage MT4 brand.
Investor protection
UK clients of IG Markets Limited may access FSCS protection where eligible. ASIC clients follow Australian retail CFD rules. Protection is entity-specific.
Licenses and Legal Entities
Match the legal entity and license number below against the account agreement before you deposit.
FMA New Zealand · License No. FSP684191
IG Australia Pty Ltd · New Zealand
Trading conditions
- Min. Deposit
- $0
- Spread From
- 0.6 pip Standard
- Commission
- $0
- Max. leverage
- 1:30 retail (UK/AU)
- Islamic
- Not confirmed
- Trading platforms
- IG trading platform, web/mobile apps, MT4 in selected regions.
Spreads shown are minimum values from the lowest-spread account type. Actual spreads vary by account, instrument, and market conditions. Islamic (swap-free) account availability may depend on your region and entity. Always verify directly with the broker.
8-pillar score
Weighted /100
Pros
- Holds at least one tier-1 licence (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CFTC/NFA or FMA).
- Multiple legal entities are documented, so you can match the company in the client agreement.
- Published minimum deposit is $0, which is usable for a small live test.
Cons
- Islamic / swap-free availability is not confirmed on this page.
- Retail leverage is capped near 1:30 on the UK/EU/AU-style entities listed here.
Usually not for
- Traders who require a confirmed swap-free account before opening.
- Traders who will only execute from TradingView.
How do I choose a licensed forex broker?
Choose the entity licensed where you live — FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia) or DFSA (Dubai/Gulf) — and match its license number to the client agreement before you deposit.
Detailed explanation
A brand is not a license. Compensation, leverage caps and complaints follow the company that opens the account. CySEC covers the EEA (Cyprus ICF). FCA sits under UK rules and the FSCS. ASIC serves Australian retail clients. DFSA serves the DIFC. Offshore entities such as FSA Seychelles or FSC Belize sit outside those schemes.
Example
A UK account under an FCA-authorised company can use the Financial Ombudsman and, if the firm fails, the FSCS (up to £85,000). The same brand’s Seychelles entity would not.
Common mistake
Treating a CySEC, FCA or ASIC logo on a landing page as proof that your account is covered. Many groups onboard international clients through an offshore company. If the agreement names that company, the EU, UK or Australian compensation scheme does not apply.
Professional tip
Search the official register by license number, not only by brand. Confirm the status is authorised or active, that forex or CFDs are listed, and that the legal name matches the agreement before the first deposit.