Broker Review: IG Trading
IG Trading
Commissions & Fees
Offering of Investments
Customer Service
License & Regulation
Account Types
Platforms
Trader Tools
Mobile Trading
Education
Features
4/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
4.5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
4/5
4/5
Name
Licensing and Regulation
UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Global Presence
IG Trading is an international CFD broker with a wide client base in the UK, EU, Middle East, East Asia and Africa. Australian, British, Irish, Maltese and Cypriot traders can also trade (non CFD) stocks with IG.
Account Management - Minimum Deposit
There is no minimum deposit for bank transfers and just a $320 minimum deposit with credit/debit cards. It may be possible for new traders to arrange reduced minimums via an account manager for CFD trading and spread betting.
Investor Security
IG runs a highly professional operation and has a good reputation for safeguarding client security. The brokerage is subject to strict regulatory oversight and investor funds are protected. All monies are stored in segregated accounts and investors are covered by statutory compensation schemes. IG trading also makes use of the latest high tech security systems to protect against cyber fraud and identity theft.
IG Overview
IG Trading was originally established in 1974 as an investment service for gold speculators. As technology developed it evolved into a spread betting firm and a CFD brokerage. IG is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is both respected and trusted within the financial world. Traders have access to IG’s experience and expertise in the form of a high tech trading platform and infrastructure — and over 9,000 assets. Although it is a highly professional brokerage, IG welcomes new and inexperienced traders.
Trading Platforms
IG has some of the world’s best trading platforms, secured by a two step authentication procedure. Traders have a high degree of control over their trading experience and can adjust the platform to suit their individual preferences. In addition to IG’s custom platforms there is an option to use the award-winning MT4 platform. All the platforms are highly functional, user friendly and packed with trading tools and advanced features.
Markets, Assets and Products
IG Trading gives its clients access to a comprehensive asset index that covers all major global markets. Traders can open CFD trades on commodities, forex, stocks and some of the biggest cryptocurrencies.
Trader Education
IG Trading provides all the educational resources and learning tools that are necessary to develop a financial background knowledge, and then progress to professional level trading. Clients can begin with a free demo account to try out the strategies that they learn from the online trading courses, video series, webinars and other modules.
Customer Service and Support
IG is almost unique among CFD brokers for offering a full 24/7 customer service. Traders can contact the brokerage even when the markets are closed. IG is UK based and primarily operates in English, but there is live support available in some European languages. The staff is highly trained and has a detailed knowledge of the trading platforms, account management systems and markets.
Advanced Features
The IG community connects traders from around the world, allowing them to talk about the markets and share trading strategies and tips. This is an unusual resource for a CFD broker and is potentially a major advantage for traders.
At a Glance
PLUS: IG is one of the world’s leading CFD brokers, listed on the London Stock exchange and frequently featured in the financial press. IG understands the value of reliable technology and is quick to innovate and introduce new platform features. Overall the customer service and account management is excellent and security is good.
MINUS: Small low value trades are impacted adversely by trading fees.
MINUS: Small low value trades are impacted adversely by trading fees.