IG 2024 Review

What is IG?

IG is a large Forex and CFD Broker with a worldwide presence and powerful trading technology. Founded in 1974 as a pioneer company of its kind IG, formally known as IG Markets Ltd, IG has been at the industry forefront and actually built the concept of financial spread betting that introduced online deals as early as 1998.

Currently, the company features a global presence and provides trading solutions through offices in 13 countries located in the world’s key financial districts, which enables it to reach clients across the world. The broker is headquartered in London (UK) and includes operations in the USA, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, registered among European countries and Singapore.

What Type of Broker is IG?

Based on our Expert research, IG is a Forex and CFD broker offering flexible access to more than 17,000 global markets, with reliable execution. The broker has over 50 years of experience offering a truly market-leading service.

IG Pros and Cons

IG is one of the most trusted brokers and companies worldwide. It is listed on the Stock Exchange for extra transparency and is heavily regulated. IG trading conditions are excellent too, low costs for Forex, professional education section, selection of trading platforms, and research are very good.

For the Cons, there are some limitations in product offering, trading instruments are mainly Forex and CFDs, and there is no 24/7 customer support.

IG Features

IG is a highly regulated and reputable broker offering financial services worldwide. The brokerage provides a broad range of trading instruments, extensive educational materials, and more. Here are IG’s main features summarized in 10 key points, covering aspects like Regulation, available Account Types, Trading Platforms, and more.

Who is IG For?

According to our testing, IG is suitable for traders of all levels and from worldwide. It is a strong choice for those seeking a reliable broker with excellent offerings. In our opinion, IG is a good choice for:

• Beginners
• Advanced traders
• EMEA region traders
• Traders from Asia
• Traders from the US
• Australian traders
• International traders
• Top-Tier licenses
• Traders who prefer MT4
• Currency and CFD trading
• Variety of trading strategies
• Algorithmic or API traders
• Broad range of trading instruments
• Supportive customer support
• Excellent educational materials and research

IG Summary

Concluding the IG review, we admit a safe broker to trade with reliable trading solutions. IG provides expanded trading strategies and ways of dealing with markets and traders that gained a trustworthy and respected reputation.

Based on our findings, IG’s flexibility regarding platforms, currency pairs, and many provided solutions is another key advantage to its positive side. Additionally, the broker is regulated by a range of authorities, including Top-Tier regulators. IG offers competitive costs, a broad range of financial products, and excellent educational materials and research, suitable for traders of all skill levels.

55Brokers Professional Insights

IG stands out as indeed a leading Forex and CFD provider in the brokerage world, being one of the oldest Brokers in the Forex industry IG stands with a solid background, high capitalization, numerous top-tier licenses, and worldwide coverage, being a pioneer in trading technology, and the Broker who provides competitive trading conditions.

Offering a comprehensive suite of features for traders with a high level of security and trust there are numerous opportunities that might suit almost every trading taste. With a huge number of trading instruments available allowing good diversification also with competitive costs. Yet, some products, like Forex spreads, may come at a slightly higher cost than those offered by other brokers, which might be a consideration for those with smaller accounts.

Overall, IG is a match for traders either with experience and various trading strategies including intraday trading or maintaining swing strategies despite your preferred way of market analysis. The IG is also good for beginners, as we regard robust educational resources via IG Academy also deliver excellent research tools with market insights. However, good to note some of the advanced tools or features might require specific account types or come with additional fees, which could be a limitation, also we see conditions are indeed different based on the entity of IG you sign in.

Consider Trading with IG If:

Avoid Trading with IG If:

Regulation and Security Measures

Score – 4.7/5

IG Regulatory Overview

IG is regulated by numerous entities around the world and it all respectively operates under necessary financial licenses like FCA, ASIC, NFA, BaFin, etc. Also, the broker is listed on a Stock exchange which provides extra security.

While IG operates through an offshore entity as well, with regulatory standards and protections varying by entity, the broker remains highly reputable and secure.

How Safe is Trading with IG?

IG is a fully legit broker and is considered one of the highest secure Brokers. IG company units are regulated by the authorities in a number of countries and are listed on a Stock Exchange, which gives not only an extra layer of trust but ensures in strong establishment basis.

Clients’ funds are held in segregated accounts, which adds a layer of security. Additionally, IG offers negative balance protection in certain regions, ensuring that traders cannot lose more than their account balance in volatile markets.

However,  the broker operates in various regions under different entities with varying levels of regulatory oversight. For maximum safety, we recommend opening accounts with IG’s well-regulated entities to benefit from the highest levels of protection.

Consistency and Clarity

IG is widely recognized for its reliability in the Forex trading industry, with over 50 years of experience and a strong track record for stability, making IG one of the most suitable Brokers for long-term investment or trading. The broker’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including heavy regulation by almost all Top-Tier Regulations like the UK, Australia, Europe, and other major markets, contributes to its trustworthy reputation.

IG provides consistent access to various financial markets, ensuring that traders can depend on its services for timely order execution and up-to-date market information with platforms designed to deliver high performance, supporting seamless trading experiences even during periods of high market volatility

Trader reviews of IG are generally favorable and positive, with many users highlighting the broker’s extensive range of markets, competitive fees, and advanced trading tools. However, some clients have also reported negative experiences, particularly related to withdrawal delays and occasional refusals, which can be a source of frustration but mainly faced on the international branch.

Account Types and Benefits

Score – 4.5/5

Which Account Types Are Available with IG?

IG offers Leveraged and Non-Leveraged (Investments) Account types including Spread Betting, CFD, Share Dealing, Stock and Shares ISA, IG Smart Portfolio, and IG Smart ISA Portfolio Accounts.

The broker also offers Demo Accounts, allowing beginners to practice trading with virtual funds in real market conditions before committing to real capital. However, IG does not offer MAM or PAMM accounts as part of its standard services, also trading account conditions and availability vary based on particular entity conditions.

Leveraged Account

IG offers Leveraged Accounts through Spread Betting and CFD trading. Spread betting, available in the UK, allows traders to speculate on price movements without actually owning the underlying asset, and with potential profits being tax-free in the UK.

Similarly, CFDs are available globally and allow traders to profit from rising and falling markets by speculating on the price difference between the opening and closing positions.

While there is no minimum deposit requirement, the broker suggests a minimum deposit of around $250 for effective margin management, especially when using leverage. Spread fees at IG depend on the market and trading conditions. For major Forex pairs, spreads can be as low as 0.6 pips, while indices and commodities might have slightly higher spreads.

Non-Leveraged Account

The broker offers several Non-Leveraged or Investment Account types, suitable for those looking to invest in different assets without using leverage. The Share Dealing account allows users to buy and hold individual shares, ETFs, and other securities from global markets, enabling long-term wealth building. UK investors can benefit from the Stocks and Shares ISA, a tax-efficient account where they can invest up to a set limit each year without paying capital gains tax on profits.

For those traders seeking a hands-off approach, IG provides the IG Smart Portfolio, a managed portfolio option that aligns investments with the client’s risk tolerance and financial goals, using a diversified selection of ETFs.

The IG Smart ISA Portfolio combines the tax efficiency of an ISA with the professionally managed strategy of the IG Smart Portfolio, making it a tax-free way to grow wealth over the long term.

Regions Where IG is Restricted

IG does not provide services in certain regions due to regulatory limitations and local laws. The broker does not accept clients from the following regions:

– United States (except for Forex trading through IG US)

– Canada

– Japan

– North Korea

– Iran

– Syria

– Russia

– Iraq

– Afghanistan

– Yemen

– Cuba

– Myanmar

– Sudan

– Libya

– Zimbabwe

Cost Structure and Fees

Score – 4.4/5

IG Brokerage Fees

IG overall offers competitive fees which can vary depending on the specific asset, account type, and region. For Forex and CFD trading, the broker typically charges through spreads, with spreads on major currency pairs starting as low as 0.6 pips.

For share trading through its Share Dealing account, IG applies a commission-based fee structure for UK traders, with fees as low as £3 per trade. Additionally, the broker charges overnight financing fees for leveraged positions held overnight, which vary by market. For non-leveraged accounts, such as the Stocks and Shares ISA and IG Smart Portfolio, management fees are charged based on the total assets under management, typically 0.5%.

IG also offers transparency with minimal hidden fees, though users may encounter some additional charges, such as for inactivity on certain account types or international money transfers. These fees are outlined clearly to help traders manage costs effectively.

• IG Spreads

IG offers competitive floating spreads across various asset classes, with spreads starting from as low as 0.6 pips for major Forex pairs, such as EUR/USD, during standard market conditions. For indices, such as the FTSE 100, spreads can be as low as 1 pip, while commodities like gold have spreads starting around 0.3 pips.

Spreads may vary based on market volatility, trading hours, and account type, with tighter spreads often available for high-volume or professional accounts.

• IG Commissions

IG applies commissions for certain asset classes, especially for share trading through its Share Dealing account. In the UK, traders can benefit from lower commissions, with fees as low as £3 per trade, while standard rates apply to less active accounts. For US shares, IG offers commission-free trading under specific conditions, although occasional fees may apply for international shares.

The broker’s CFD and spread betting accounts have no commission fees, as costs are typically built into the spreads. This structure provides flexibility for users, allowing them to manage their costs based on their trading frequency and the markets they trade.

• IG Rollover/Swaps

IG charges rollover or swap fees on leveraged positions held overnight, applicable to products like Forex and CFDs. These fees, also known as overnight charges, are calculated based on the position size, the underlying asset, and the interbank interest rates.

How Competitive Are IG Fees?

IG’s fees are highly competitive in the Forex trading market, appealing to many traders. The broker provides tight spreads for Forex and CFD trading, starting at 0.6 pips on major currency pairs, with no additional commissions on most products. For share trading, IG’s commission structure is attractive too, especially for UK traders who enjoy fees of as little as £3 per trade.

Moreover, the broker offers commission-free trading on U.S. shares under certain conditions, which further enhances its cost appeal. Compared to other brokers, IG’s fee structure is designed to keep costs low, making it a cost-effective choice for traders across different financial markets and different skills.

IG Additional Fees

In addition to its primary trading fees, IG has a few additional charges that clients should be aware of. One of these is the inactivity fee, which applies to accounts that have been inactive for about 24 months, costing around $12 or £12 every month until trading activity resumes.

The broker generally does not charge withdrawal fees, however, international bank transfers may incur charges based on the bank’s policies. Another possible fee is the overnight cost, applied to leveraged positions held overnight, which varies depending on the asset and market conditions.

Trading Platforms and Tools

Score – 4.6/5

IG provides trading experience through its IG Web Trading, MetaTrader 4, TradingView, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer trading platforms, offering intuitive design, advanced charting tools, and a wide selection of technical indicators, ideal for both beginners and experienced traders.

Mobile traders can use the broker’s highly rated apps available for iOS and Android, ensuring seamless access to markets on the go.

IG Web Platform

IG proprietary platform is a web-based trading software that doesn’t require a download, along with trading applications optimized for most smartphones and tablets. The platform features include direct market access throughout its NDD connectivity, APIs, and the possibility to transform it into a Specialist platform with flexible access and professional resources.

Also, IG is integrated with TradingView, another web-based platform that offers over 20 chart types, more than 110 drawing tools, and 400+ indicators to support a wide range of trading strategies. Traders can track upcoming events, view earnings reports, and access detailed financial statements for stocks. Additionally, the platform provides access to a wealth of trading ideas, educational content, and custom strategies shared by both users and brokers.

ProRealTime is an online software for technical analysis and trading, integrated with the IG trading platform. It includes powerful charting with over 100 indicators, real-time data, and access to ProScreener, which helps traders scan for opportunities based on custom criteria.

IG L2 Dealer, on the other hand, is tailored for direct market access (DMA) trading, providing a robust interface for trading stocks and Forex with full market depth.

Main Insights from Testing

We found that the web platforms provide charting capabilities with technical indicators and multiple trading tools, allowing for detailed market analysis. Execution speed on the platforms is reliable, and the customizable layout allows traders to tailor their workspace to their preferences. Overall, the IG web platforms stand out for their accessibility, robust functionality, and the seamless experience they offer across devices.

IG Desktop MetaTrader 4 Platform

IG’s Desktop MT4 platform offers a powerful and customizable trading environment ideal for more experienced traders. The platform is well-known for its extensive charting capabilities, good analysis tools, and a wide range of technical indicators, making it a popular choice among Forex and CFD traders. MT4 supports automated trading through EAs, allowing traders to implement algorithmic strategies with ease.

IG MobileTrader App

IG integrates its platform feature into a great Mobile Application where both Android and iOS devices are supported.

Mobile IG trading is almost as powerful as its regular version, so whether you want to check real-time feeds, copy other traders, or perform any research it is all available. As well, trading apps enable spread bets and CFDs as a simplified process, which provides a great benefit to the trader and a leverage advantage.

Main Insights from Testing

IG’s mobile app reveals a smooth and responsive experience with a well-organized performance that makes trading on the go easy and efficient. The app provides good charting features, including several technical indicators, allowing for in-depth analysis directly from a mobile device. Traders can execute trades, set alerts, and manage their accounts seamlessly, with fast execution speeds that mirror the performance of IG’s desktop platform.

Trading Instruments

Score – 4.8/5

What Can You Trade on IG’s Platform?

IG offers over 17,000 markets for online trading including currency pairs, commodities, indices, stocks, futures, options, financial spread betting, and more, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios across global markets. And, of course, the broker features IG Cryptocurrencies trading through CFD bases as well for pairs on popular Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and many more.

This broad selection makes IG a versatile choice for traders seeking various opportunities across different financial markets.

Main Insights from Exploring IG’s Tradable Assets

IG’s range of tradable assets reveals a robust and diverse marketplace that appeals to traders at all experience levels. The platform offers an expansive selection across global markets, from traditional assets to emerging categories, enabling clients to implement a variety of strategies and adapt to changing market conditions.

This versatility allows IG’s customers to build well-rounded portfolios, and pursue opportunities aligned with their individual trading goals.

Leverage Options at IG

IG offers leverage across many of its tradable assets, allowing clients to control larger positions with a smaller amount of capital. Leverage levels vary by asset class and are subject to regulatory restrictions depending on the trader’s location and entity of IG you trade through. While leverage can amplify potential profits, it also increases the risk of losses, making it vital for traders to understand its impact fully. See some of our findings below:

• European resident traders are allowed to use a maximum leverage of 1:30.
• Australian clients can use a maximum leverage of 1:30 too.
• Other entities may see a significant increase up to 1:200 on Forex instruments.

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

Score – 4.2/5

Deposit Options at IG

IG provides convenient deposit options to accommodate different preferences and regions; however, we recommend checking regulatory requirements to confirm whether a particular method is available. The main methods supported for account funding include:

• Credit/Debit cards
• Bank Wire
• FPS Hong Kong Dollars

IG Minimum Deposit

IG does not typically require a minimum deposit for most account types, which allows traders to start with an amount that suits their budget and trading goals.

However, some payment methods may have minimum transaction limits set by the provider, and the platform may recommend an initial deposit amount to cover potential margin requirements for leveraged trades.

Withdrawal Options at IG

IG offers a few withdrawal options, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and some electronic wallets. While the broker does not charge withdrawal fees, processing times may vary, with bank transfers taking a few business days and card withdrawals generally being quicker.

Customer Support and Responsiveness

Score – 4.6/5

Testing IG’s Customer Support

According to our findings, IG provides good and responsive customer service offering multiple communication channels, including live chat, phone support, and email, ensuring users can reach assistance quickly.

The support team is available 24/5, with helpful and knowledgeable representatives who provide clear answers to both technical and account-related queries.

Additionally, the broker provides an extensive help center with a range of FAQs and guides empowering users to find solutions independently. Overall, IG’s customer support is efficient and professional, offering peace of mind to traders who may need assistance at any point during their trading experience.

Contacts IG

To contact IG, traders can use the following phone number: +44 (20) 7633 5430. You can also reach them via email at [email protected] for assistance.

Additionally, IG offers customer support through their official WhatsApp channel, which you can access by scanning the QR code available on their website. The WhatsApp support service is available from 8 am to 5 pm (GMT+8), Monday to Friday.

Research and Education

Score – 5/5

Research Tools IG

IG provides excellent research tools alongside its comprehensive platform features. You may choose between the research materials provided by the IG team, or also get to know premium research from third-party providers including Real Vision Research.

• You will find streaming News, Economic Calendars, and video content that is smartly organized according to the category you need, of course, across numerous instruments or asset classes.

Also, there are integrated trading signals, AutoTrading capabilities, and numerous signals providers which exclusively available for IG Traders. IG also runs its Blog featuring news releases and deeper analytics outlooks.

Education

Another great point of IG as a customer-friendly broker is its professional Interactive education which is performed via IG Academy and offers Free trading courses, webinars, and numerous materials. Its truly comprehensive educational materials enhance trading potential and allow traders to improve their skills supporting them in the first steps.

• Actually, IG Academy is one of the important cores in its global offering as also being one of the biggest worldwide companies it invests heavily in the education of the traders and those who are interested in it. IG organizes regularly Live Seminars with leading experts in the industry and engages with multiple quizzes and interactive exercises so traders get a great education.

Is IG a good broker for beginners?

Yes, IG is a good broker for beginners due to its user-friendly platforms, comprehensive educational resources, and strong customer support. The broker offers a range of tools, including webinars, tutorials, and trading guides, to help beginners understand the basics of trading.

Additionally, the broker provides a demo account, allowing beginners to practice and develop their strategies without risking real money.

Portfolio and Investment Opportunities

Score – 4.5/5

Investment Options IG

While IG is mainly a Forex and CFD broker, the broker provides IG Smart Portfolios, which are professionally managed portfolios designed for investors looking for a more hands-off approach. These portfolios allow customers to invest in a range of asset classes, such as stocks and bonds, based on their risk preferences and investment goals.

IG offers Share Dealing accounts for direct investments in stocks, as well as Stocks and Shares ISAs and IG Smart ISA Portfolios, enabling tax-efficient investments.

Moreover, IG’s Copy Trading feature enables traders to automatically replicate the trades of experienced strategy providers, making it an accessible and convenient investment option. Yet, MAM and PAMM accounts considered as investment options are not available at IG.

Account Opening

Score – 5/5

How to open IG Demo Account?

Opening an IG demo account is a straightforward process that allows new traders to practice without risking real money:

1. Visit the IG website and click on “Demo account”.
2. Fill out the registration form. You may also need to create a username and password.
3. Select the type of account you want to open and the amount of virtual money you would like to trade with.
4. After filling out the necessary information, click the submit button.
5. Once registered, you will be directed to download the trading platform, or you can access it directly through the browser.

How to open IG Live account?

Opening an account with IG is quite easy. You should follow the opening account or sign-in page and proceed with the guided steps:

1. Select and Click on the IG Create live account page.
2. Fill in your registration personal data (Name, email, phone number, etc.).
3. Confirm your account through a link received in your email (at this stage you will gain access to Demo Trading already).
4. Verify your identity and submit documentation for review (may include residential proof, ID, etc.).
5. Complete the quiz to confirm your trading experience and qualifications.
6. Once your account is activated, follow with the money deposit.

Additional Tools and Features

Score – 4.4/5

In addition to the core features IG offers available on trading platforms and on IG Website which we find as excellent organized and provided, the broker provides several additional tools and features to enhance the trading experience of the users.

• Autochartist, an advanced charting tool, helps clients identify patterns and trends through automated technical analysis.
• For traders looking for deeper market insights, the platform offers Trading Signals, which provide buy and sell alerts based on technical indicators.
• Additionally, IG’s economic calendar allows traders to track key financial events that could impact markets, and its risk management tools, such as stop-loss and take-profit orders, help users manage their trades effectively. These tools, combined with the broker’s educational resources, provide a comprehensive suite of support for traders looking to enhance their strategies and manage risks more efficiently.

IG Compared to Other Brokers

IG is one of the most competitive brokers in the Forex market, offering a broad range of over 17,000 instruments and high-quality educational resources. Compared to its competitors, such as Deriv, which offers fewer instruments and lower regulatory coverage, IG stands out with Top-Tier regulations like FCA and ASIC, ensuring a high level of security for traders.

While AvaTrade and Pepperstone offer excellent educational materials and competitive fees, IG also provides diverse platform options like ProRealTime and L2 Dealer, making it appealing for advanced traders. On the other hand, Deriv, FP Markets, and IC Markets provide 24/7 customer support, which could be more attractive for traders requiring round-the-clock assistance.

Regarding spreads, IG offers an average spread of 1 pip which is competitive, yet Pepperstone and Deriv have slightly lower spreads, providing better value for cost-conscious traders. Overall, IG is a strong competitor with its vast array of trading instruments, solid regulatory standing, and educational resources, though some competitor brokers may offer slightly better fees, lower spreads, or more accessible customer support hours.

Parameter	IG	Deriv	AvaTrade	HFM	FP Markets	IC Markets	Pepperstone
Spread Based Account	Average 1 pip	Average 0.5 pips	Average 0.9 pips	Average 1 pip	From 1 pip	From 1 pip	Average 0.7
Commission Based Account	0.0 pips + £3	Zero Spread Account	For Professional Account only	0.0 pips + $3	0.0 pips + $3	0.0 pips + $3.50	0.0 pips + $3.50
Fees Ranking	Average	Low/ Average	Low	Low/ Average	Low/ Average	Low/ Average	Low
Trading Platforms	IG Web Platform, MT4, TradingView, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer	Deriv MT5, Deriv cTrader, Deriv X, Deriv Trader, Deriv Bot, Deriv GO, SmartTrader	MT4, MT5, WebTrader, AvaTrade App, AvaOptions, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade, AvaSocial, Capitalise.ai	MT4, MT5, HFM App	MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS, Proprietary Platform	MT4, MT5, cTrader	MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Asset Variety	17,000 instruments	200+ instruments	250+ instruments	500+ instruments	10,000+ instruments	1,000+ instruments	1,200+ instruments
Regulation	FCA, ASIC, BaFin, FINMA, MAS, DFSA, FSCA, JFSA, FMA, NFA, BMA	MFSA, Labuan FSA, BVI FSC, VFSC	Bank of Ireland, ASIC, JFSA, FSCA, CySEC, BVI FSC, FRSA, ISA	CySEC, FCA, DFSA, FSCA, FSA, CMA, FSC	ASIC, CySEC,  FSCA, CMA	ASIC, CySEC	ASIC, FCA, DFSA, SCB, CMA, CySEC, BaFIN
Customer Support	24/5	24/7	24/5 support	24/5 support	24/7 support	24/7 support	24/7 support
Educational Resources	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Minimum Deposit	$0	$5	$100	$0	$100	$200	$0

Full Review of Broker IG

In conclusion, IG stands out as a highly reputable broker with a broad selection of tradable assets, and solid regulatory standing across multiple Top-Tier financial authorities providing a high level of security and trust.

The broker offers a range of account types and also excels in providing diverse trading platforms like MT4, proprietary web trading platform, ProRealTime, and TradingView, along with strong educational resources and customer support.

While its spreads and commissions are competitive, some users may find better value with brokers offering lower spreads or commission fees.

Overall, IG is an ideal option for traders seeking a reliable, well-regulated broker with extensive trading tools, platforms, and educational resources. The broker’s commitment to transparency, security, and customer satisfaction strengthens its place as one of the leading brokers in the financial industry.