Broker review · 2026
IG review 2026
The FTSE 250 market leader with 17,000+ markets.
IG is the world’s largest CFD provider by revenue and one of the safest brokers you can choose. It offers 80+ forex pairs and more than 17,000 markets overall, with excellent platforms, research and education.
Pros
- FTSE 250 listed, 50 years in business
- Huge range of 17,000+ markets
- Tight EUR/USD spreads from about 0.6 pips
- Outstanding research, news and education
Cons
- MT5 and cTrader are not offered
- Some fees on share CFDs and data subscriptions
- US clients are served by tastyfx instead
IG overview
IG Group was founded in 1974 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. It pioneered spread betting and CFDs and now serves clients in more than a dozen regulated jurisdictions. US forex traders are served by its sister brand tastyfx.
Is IG safe and regulated?
IG is regulated by the FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS, FSCA, JFSA, DFSA and FINMA (through IG Bank). Its public listing, long history and strong capital base give it the highest possible trust score.
Tier-1 regulators are shown in bold. Always confirm the licence on the regulator’s own register.
IG spreads and fees
EUR/USD spreads start at about 0.6 pips with averages near 0.9 to 1.0 pips, commission-free. Forex Direct accounts offer DMA pricing for professional clients. There are no deposit fees; an inactivity fee applies after two years.
| Account | EUR/USD spread | Commission (round turn) | Cost per lot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 0.9 pips | $0 | $9.0 |
Trading platforms
IG’s web platform and mobile app are among the best in the industry. MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer for DMA and TradingView integration cover every trading style.
How IG scores
- Trust & regulation 30%
- 5.0
- Fees & spreads 25%
- 4.4
- Platforms & tools 15%
- 4.8
- Markets & range 10%
- 5.0
- Ease of use 10%
- 4.5
- Research & education 10%
- 4.9
Verdict
IG is our top pick for UK, European and Australian traders who want safety, breadth and quality in one account.
Open an account with IGYou will be taken to ig.com.
IG FAQ
Is IG a good broker for forex?
Yes. IG offers 80+ currency pairs with competitive spreads and top-tier regulation.
Does IG accept US clients?
US residents can trade forex with tastyfx, IG Group’s US brand.
Does IG support MT4?
Yes. IG supports MetaTrader 4 alongside its own platform, ProRealTime and TradingView.
Is IG good for beginners?
Yes. IG scores 4.5/5 for ease of use in our testing, with a $0 minimum deposit.