IG Markets Review 2026 — Is It Worth It?
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01 // Overview
IG Markets (formerly IG Index) is the grandfather of the UK spread betting and CFD industry. Founded in 1974 by Stuart Wheeler, it has grown from a gold-betting specialist into a global FTSE 250 powerhouse. For UK traders, IG is often the first and last broker they ever use. The reason for IG's dominance isn't just their age; it's their reach. They offer over 17,000 markets across every asset class imaginable — from major forex pairs to obscure small-cap UK stocks and even weekend markets on major indices. Regulation is the bedrock of the IG offering. They are a publicly-listed company on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: IGG) and are directly authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This provides a level of institutional security that smaller offshore brokers simply cannot match. If you are managing significant capital, IG's stability is a primary reason to choose them.
02 // Key Stats at a Glance
| Regulation | FCA (UK) + Global |
| Min Deposit | £0 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips |
| Platforms | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView |
| Execution | No Dealing Desk / ECN |
| Assets | Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities |
// What We Like
- Founded in 1974 (London)
- FCA regulated & FTSE 250 listed
- Massive range of 17,000+ markets
- Best-in-class proprietary platform
// What We Don't Like
- Share dealing fees can be higher
- Interface takes time to master
03 // Account Types
IG offers three primary account types for UK residents: 1. Spread Betting Account: The most popular choice for UK residents. All profits are currently tax-free (no Capital Gains Tax or Stamp Duty). You trade in "pounds per point." 2. CFD Trading Account: Used by those who want to hedge existing portfolios or offset losses for tax purposes. CFDs are subject to CGT but offer access to global markets with leverage. 3. Share Dealing & ISA: For long-term investors. You can own physical stocks and hold them in a tax-efficient ISA wrapper. Professional accounts are also available for those who meet the criteria (large portfolio, significant trading frequency, or professional background), offering higher leverage in exchange for lower regulatory protection.
04 // Platforms & Tools
IG's technology stack is split between proprietary brilliance and industry-standard integration: IG Web Platform: One of the best web-based platforms in the world. It is highly customizable, stable, and features integrated News from Reuters and analysis from Autochartist. L2 Dealer: A specialized platform for DMA (Direct Market Access) trading. It allows you to see the full market depth (Order Book) and trade directly into the exchange liquidity. MT4: For those who rely on Expert Advisors (EAs), IG provides a solid MT4 bridge, though their native platform offers better charting. ProRealTime: An advanced technical analysis platform that is free for IG clients who trade a minimum of 4 times per month. It features automated trading and deep historical data.
05 // Fees & Costs
IG is not the cheapest broker on the market (that title usually goes to raw-spread brokers like Pepperstone), but they are highly competitive. Spreads: Fixed spreads start at 0.6 pips on EURUSD and 1 point on the FTSE 100 and Wall Street. Overnight Funding: For spread betting and CFDs, you pay a financing charge for holding positions overnight. This is usually based on the relevant interbank rate plus a 2.5% admin fee. Inactivity Fees: If you don't trade for 2 years, a £12 monthly fee applies. Deposit/Withdrawal: Most methods are free, including fast bank transfers to UK accounts.
06 // Regulation & Safety
Directly Regulated
This broker is authorized and regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) in the UK.
IG is the gold standard for safety. - FCA Regulated (UK) - ASIC Regulated (Australia) - CFTC/NFA Regulated (USA via tastyfx) - Publicly Listed (FTSE 250) - Segregated Client Funds: All retail client money is held in separate bank accounts from the company's own capital. - FSCS Protection: UK clients are protected up to £85,000 per person if the firm fails.
Good Fit For
- Traders who want tax-free spread betting
- Large capital managers who value safety
- Traders who need a massive range of stocks (17k+)
- Users who want a high-quality web platform
Not A Good Fit
- Ultra-high frequency scalpers looking for 0.0 pip spreads
- Traders who prefer a very simple, eToro-style social interface
- US residents (must use tastyfx instead)
Who Should NOT Use IG Markets?
IG is not for the hobbyist who wants a 'gamified' trading experience. The platform is professional and requires a learning curve. If you are just starting with £50 and want to 'copy trade' others, eToro is a better starting point.
The Verdict
IG remains the undisputed leader for serious UK retail traders. Their combination of safety, market range, and platform stability is unrivaled. If you can only have one broker account, this should be it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG Markets safe?
Yes. IG is FCA regulated, FTSE 250 listed, and has a 50-year track record of reliability.
Is spread betting tax-free at IG?
Yes, for UK residents, spread betting profits are exempt from Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty.
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