IG Review 2027Core Trading Conditions and Fees

IG review 2027: the oldest name in online trading

IG has been in business since 1974, when Stuart Wheeler founded it in London as a way for ordinary investors to speculate on the price of gold. It invented financial spread betting, moved online early and has remained one of the largest retail trading firms in the world. Its parent company, IG Group, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 250 index, which means its accounts are audited and published. For traders who place a high value on longevity and transparency, IG is one of the strongest options in 2027.

Regulation across major markets

IG holds licences from a long list of top-tier regulators, including the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Switzerland's FINMA, Germany's BaFin, the Dubai Financial Services Authority and South Africa's FSCA. In the United States the group serves forex traders through tastyfx, which is registered with the CFTC and NFA. Client money is segregated, and UK clients are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme within its limits. Very few brokers can match this breadth.

An enormous range of markets

The group offers more than 17,000 markets. These include around 80 currency pairs, a large set of indices with extended and weekend trading hours, commodities, bonds, interest rates, options and thousands of shares and ETFs. UK clients can trade through spread bets or CFDs, and in several countries IG also offers real share dealing and investment accounts. The group has expanded through acquisition in recent years, buying the investment app Freetrade and the Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve.

Spreads and fees

IG is a spread-only broker for forex, with EUR/USD from 0.6 pips and typical spreads a little higher during normal hours. Share CFDs carry a commission. Costs are competitive without being the lowest available, and active traders can move to direct market access pricing through the Forex Direct service, where spreads are tighter and a volume-based commission applies. Guaranteed stop-loss orders are available for a premium that is charged only if the stop is triggered. An inactivity fee applies to accounts left dormant for two years.

Platforms

The broker's own web platform and mobile app are polished, fast and suitable for most traders, with integrated news, alerts and a wide choice of order types. MetaTrader 4 is supported for those who use expert advisors. ProRealTime adds advanced charting and automated trading, L2 Dealer provides direct market access for shares and forex, and accounts can be linked to TradingView. API access is available for developers.

Minimum deposit and leverage

There is no minimum for bank transfers, while card and PayPal deposits start at a modest amount that varies by region. Retail leverage follows local rules: 1:30 on major forex pairs in the UK, Europe and Australia, 1:50 in the United States, and up to 1:200 through the group's international entity. Professional clients who qualify can access higher limits at the cost of some protections.

Research and education

This is an area where IG stands out. The in-house analysts publish commentary throughout the day, and the platform integrates news feeds, an economic calendar and trading signals from third-party providers. IG Academy offers structured courses for beginners through to advanced traders, with live sessions and an app. Weekend trading on selected indices and currency pairs is another feature that few competitors provide.

Customer service

Support is available 24 hours a day from Saturday morning to Friday night by phone, chat and email. Opening an account is fully digital and normally quick. Larger clients are given access to premium services, including a dedicated account manager and invitations to events.

Advantages and drawbacks

• Track record: five decades in operation and a listed parent company.
• Regulation: authorised in the UK, EU, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland and elsewhere.
• Range: more than 17,000 markets with weekend trading.
• Tools: excellent proprietary platform, research and education.
• Cost for small traders: spreads are good but not the tightest, and share CFDs carry commission.
• MetaTrader support: limited to MT4, with a reduced product list on that platform.

Who should use IG?

IG is a strong all-round choice, particularly for traders who want many markets under one account, UK residents interested in spread betting, and anyone who ranks security above the lowest possible cost. Pure high-frequency forex traders may find raw-spread specialists cheaper.

Verdict

IG has remained at the front of the industry for fifty years by being reliable, well regulated and comprehensive. In 2027 it is still one of the safest places to trade forex and CFDs. As always, leverage magnifies losses as well as gains, and most retail traders lose money.

IG review: compare the alternatives

This IG review is part of our Top 65 Forex Brokers in 2027 ranking. To compare, read the Saxo Bank review and the Pepperstone review.