IG Forex Broker has been a dominant force in online trading since 1974. With over 50 years of market experience and a FTSE 250 listing, this broker serves more than 400,000 traders worldwide. But does longevity automatically mean reliability?
This comprehensive review examines every aspect of IG’s offering in 2026. We’ll analyze their regulation, trading conditions, platforms, and fees to determine if they deserve their reputation as the world’s No.1 CFD provider.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring forex trading or a professional seeking advanced tools, this IG review provides the insights you need. Let’s dive into what makes IG tick.
Is IG Safe and Legit? (Regulation Check)
Regulation is the cornerstone of any trustworthy broker. IG.com excels in this department with licenses from the world’s most stringent financial authorities.
The broker holds authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, widely considered the gold standard in financial regulation. Additionally, IG operates under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa.
Your funds receive multiple layers of protection. IG segregates client money from company funds, ensuring your capital remains untouched even in unlikely bankruptcy scenarios. The broker also provides negative balance protection, meaning you can never lose more than your deposited amount.
With 18 offices globally and public listing on the London Stock Exchange, IG demonstrates transparency rarely seen in the industry. Their 50-year track record speaks volumes about their commitment to trader security and regulatory compliance.
IG Account Types
IG Broker offers diverse account options tailored to different trading styles and experience levels. However, each account type comes with specific features designed to maximize your trading potential.
Standard CFD Account: The most popular choice for retail traders. This account provides access to over 17,000 markets with competitive spreads starting from 0.1 points. You’ll enjoy commission-free trading on forex and indices, making it ideal for day traders and swing traders alike.
Spread Betting Account (UK Only): Tax-free trading exclusively for UK residents. Spread betting allows you to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. All profits remain tax-free under current UK law, though tax treatment depends on individual circumstances.
IG Professional Account: Designed for experienced traders who meet specific criteria. Professional accounts offer higher leverage ratios and reduced regulatory restrictions. To qualify, you need substantial trading volume, a large portfolio, or professional finance experience.
Islamic Account: Swap-free trading that complies with Sharia law. These accounts eliminate overnight financing charges, making them suitable for Muslim traders. IG ensures full compliance with Islamic finance principles while maintaining competitive trading conditions.Open Trading Account
Trading Instruments Offered
IG’s market selection stands out as one of the industry’s most comprehensive. With over 17,000 tradeable instruments, you’ll find opportunities across every major asset class.
Forex Trading: Trade 80+ currency pairs with ultra-tight spreads. Major pairs like EUR/USD start from just 0.1 points, while rich pairs offer higher volatility for adventurous traders. IG provides 24/5 forex trading with instant execution and no dealing desk intervention.
Indices and Stocks: Access 80+ global indices including the US 500, FTSE 100, and DAX 40. Stock CFDs cover 13,000+ international shares with extended trading hours. You can trade Apple, Tesla, and Amazon outside regular market hours, capturing opportunities others miss.
Commodities and Cryptocurrencies: Diversify with precious metals, energies, and agricultural products. Gold spreads start from 0.3 points, while oil trading offers both Brent and WTI contracts. Cryptocurrency CFDs include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major digital assets with competitive weekend spreads.
Unique Markets: IG offers exclusive sector-based markets and thematic indices. Trade cannabis stocks, esports companies, or clean energy sectors through specialized baskets. These unique instruments provide exposure to emerging trends without picking individual winners.
IG Trading Platforms
Platform quality can make or break your trading experience. IG delivers multiple options catering to different skill levels and trading styles.
IG WebTrader: The flagship platform combines power with simplicity. Built in-house, this web-based solution offers advanced charting, one-click trading, and customizable layouts. Therefore, platform loads instantly without downloads, working seamlessly across all devices.
Key features include 17 drawing tools, 30+ technical indicators, and real-time news integration. The platform’s speed impresses even during volatile markets, with order execution typically under 0.1 seconds.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4): The industry standard for algorithmic trading. IG’s MT4 integration provides access to thousands of Expert Advisors and custom indicators. Perfect for traders who rely on automated strategies or prefer MT4’s familiar interface.
Mobile Trading Apps: Trade on-the-go with award-winning mobile applications. Available for iOS and Android, these apps mirror desktop functionality while optimizing for touchscreen use. Push notifications keep you informed of price movements, while biometric security protects your account.
ProRealTime and TradingView: Professional-grade charting for technical analysis enthusiasts. ProRealTime offers advanced backtesting capabilities and automated trading systems. TradingView integration brings social trading features and cloud-based chart storage to IG’s ecosystem.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Understanding trading costs is crucial for profitability. IG Broker maintains competitive pricing across all asset classes, though some fees vary by region and account type.
Forex Spreads: Major pairs enjoy industry-leading spreads. EUR/USD typically trades at 0.6 points, while GBP/USD averages 0.9 points. These spreads remain stable during normal market conditions, widening only during major news events.
Stock CFD Commissions: Commission structure depends on your trading location. US stocks incur $0.02 per share with a $10 minimum, while UK shares charge 0.1% with a £8 minimum. High-volume traders benefit from reduced rates through IG’s tiered pricing system.
Overnight Financing: Holding positions overnight incurs financing charges. Rates vary based on the underlying asset and current interest rates. Forex positions typically charge 2.5% above the relevant benchmark rate, while indices may offer more favorable terms.
Additional Fees: Inactivity fees apply after 24 months of dormancy. The broker charges $12 monthly for inactive accounts, though this fee never exceeds your account balance. Deposits remain free, while some withdrawal methods may incur processing charges.
Leverage & Margin Requirements
Leverage amplifies both profits and losses. IG’s leverage limits comply with regional regulations while offering flexibility where permitted.
Regional Leverage Limits: European traders face ESMA restrictions. Major forex pairs offer 30:1 leverage, while stocks provide 5:1. Professional accounts bypass these limits, accessing leverage up to 200:1 on certain instruments.
US traders encounter different restrictions. Forex leverage caps at 50:1 for majors and 20:1 for minors. Other regions like Asia and Africa enjoy more liberal leverage policies, though IG promotes responsible trading regardless of location.
Risk Management Features: IG implements robust risk controls. Margin calls trigger at 75% margin level, while automatic position closure occurs at 50%. These safeguards protect traders from excessive losses while maintaining trading flexibility.
Guaranteed stop losses provide absolute protection. For a small premium, these orders ensure position closure at your specified price regardless of market gaps or volatility.
IG Research, Tools & Education
Knowledge separates successful traders from the rest. IG invests heavily in educational resources and market analysis tools.
Daily Market Analysis: Expert insights delivered every trading day. IG’s team of analysts provides morning briefings, technical analysis, and fundamental research. Their Reuters news feed ensures you never miss market-moving events.
Educational Resources: Comprehensive learning paths for all skill levels. Beginners access step-by-step courses covering trading basics, while advanced traders explore complex strategies. Interactive quizzes reinforce learning, and progress tracking keeps you motivated.
Trading Tools: Sentiment indicators reveal market positioning. See whether traders are long or short on any instrument, helping identify potential reversals. The economic calendar highlights upcoming events with expected impact levels.
Autochartist integration identifies trading opportunities automatically. This pattern recognition tool scans markets 24/7, alerting you to emerging technical setups matching your criteria.
IG Broker VS Others
| Broker | Regulation | Min Deposit | Trading Platforms | Spreads | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CFTC | $250 | IG Platform, MT4, L2 Dealer | From 0.6 pips | Advanced traders & global markets |
| OANDA | CFTC, NFA, FCA, ASIC | $0 | OANDA Trade, MT4 | From 0.8 pips | Low-budget and beginner traders |
| Forex.com | CFTC, NFA, FCA, ASIC | $100 | MT4, MT5, Web Trader | From 0.7 pips | U.S. traders & research-focused traders |
| XM | ASIC, CySEC, IFSC | $5 | MT4, MT5 | From 0.6 pips | Low-cost trading & small accounts |
| FXTM | FSC, CySEC, FCA | $10 | MT4, MT5 | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | ECN & fast execution traders |
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Final Verdict – Is IG Forex Broker Legit It?
IG stands as a titan in online trading for good reason. Their unmatched regulation, extensive market coverage, and professional-grade platforms justify their industry-leading position.
For beginners, IG offers exceptional educational resources and intuitive platforms. The ability to start with small positions and access guaranteed stop losses provides a safety net while learning.
Professional traders benefit from competitive pricing, advanced tools, and reliable execution. The professional account option unlocks higher leverage for those who qualify, while API access enables sophisticated trading strategies.
The main drawbacks include higher fees in certain regions and the absence of MetaTrader 5. Some traders may find the 24-month inactivity fee restrictive, though active traders won’t encounter this issue.
IG excels for traders who value security, variety, and quality over rock-bottom pricing. While not the cheapest option available, their comprehensive offering justifies the cost for serious traders seeking a reliable long-term partner.
Our verdict: IG deserves its reputation as a top-tier broker. With 50 years of experience, robust regulation, and continuous innovation, they remain a safe choice for traders worldwide. Whether you’re starting your trading journey or seeking a professional-grade platform, IG delivers on all fronts. Trade forex with xm broker.
IG Broker: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly regulated: FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CFTC
- Ultra-low spreads starting from 0.6 pips
- Wide range of instruments (Forex, stocks, indices, crypto)
- Fast execution and strong liquidity
- Responsive and intuitive IG trading platform
- Great educational tools and market research
- Supports MT4, MT5 & advanced L2 Dealer
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit ($250)
- Some products limited in certain regions
- Beginners may find platform advanced
- Cryptocurrency availability depends on location
