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IG

Germany ig.com

IG is a major global trading provider with roots dating back to 1974. For European clients, the relevant entity is IG Europe GmbH, regulated by BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank. The broker offers access to over 17,000 markets through IG’s own web and mobile platforms, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer.

Min. Deposit

$0

Max Leverage

1:30

Est.

1974

Regulated by

FCA BaFin ASIC FINMA DFSA

FXJ Score

8.2

/ 10
Good
Regulation 9.2
Platforms 9.0
Instruments 9.1
Costs 7.5
Funding 6.2

Execution Model

Market Maker

How orders are processed

Segregated Funds

Yes

Client funds held separately

Negative Balance

Protected

You cannot lose more than you deposit

Scalping

Not Allowed

Short-term high-frequency trading

Pros

  • Long operating history since 1974

  • IG Europe GmbH regulated by BaFin and Deutsche Bundesbank

  • FCA-regulated UK entities within the group

  • ASIC, FINMA, MAS, FMA, FSCA, DFSA, JFSA and CFTC/NFA-regulated entities within the wider group

  • Access to over 17,000 markets

  • More than 13,000 share markets available

  • Forex, indices, commodities, shares, ETFs, crypto, bonds, rates, options and futures available

  • IG Web Platform and mobile app available

  • MetaTrader 4 available

  • MetaTrader 5 available

  • TradingView available

  • ProRealTime available

  • L2 Dealer available

  • Negative balance protection for retail clients

  • Segregated client funds

  • Demo account available

  • No minimum deposit stated for bank transfers

Cons

  • Market Maker execution model

  • IG acts as principal and sole execution venue for OTC trades

  • Not an ECN broker

  • Share CFD commissions may apply

  • Overnight funding applies to cash CFDs held overnight

  • Currency conversion charges may apply

  • Guaranteed stop fee applies if triggered

  • Market data fees may apply for selected exchange data

  • ProRealTime may carry a monthly fee if activity requirements are not met

  • Card deposit minimums may apply depending on currency and region

  • Product availability varies by jurisdiction

  • CFDs and options are complex, high-risk products

Typical Spreads

Varies by account type
EUR/USD Forex

Typical Spread

0.85 pips

Min Spread

0.6 pips

GBP/USD Forex

Typical Spread

1.39 pips

Min Spread

0.9 pips

USD/JPY Forex

Typical Spread

0.94 pips

Min Spread

0.7 pips

S&P 500 Index

Typical Spread

pips

Min Spread

0.4 pips

XAU/USD Commodity

Typical Spread

pips

Min Spread

0.3 pips

Account Currencies

USD EUR GBP

Deposit Methods

Bank Transfer
Credit / Debit Card

Withdrawal Methods

Bank Transfer
Credit / Debit Card

Account Types

IG Trading Account

Standard trading account for CFDs, barriers, vanilla options and other leveraged products available through IG Europe GmbH.

IG Professional Account

Account for eligible professional clients with access to different margin conditions. Professional clients may lose some protections available to retail clients.

IG Options Trading Account

Account for trading barriers and vanilla options across selected markets.

Share Dealing Account

Investment account for buying and selling shares and ETFs where available.

Platforms

MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 5
cTrader
xStation 5
DXtrade

Instruments

Forex Commodities Stocks Indices ETFs Crypto Bonds Futures Options
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FX Junction Verdict

IG is a strong choice for traders who want a highly regulated, long-established broker with a broad product range and excellent platform coverage. Its main strengths are regulation, market access, proprietary technology, third-party platform support and retail client protections. The main drawbacks are its Market Maker model, possible non-spread trading costs and the complexity of its product range. Overall, IG is best suited for traders who want access to a large number of markets and professional-grade platform options from a major global provider.