Das IC-Urteil
IG is a London-headquartered trading platform founded in 1974, providing access to over 17,000 markets across forex, indices, commodities, shares and cryptocurrencies under regulation from ten top-tier authorities including FCA, ASIC, MAS, CFTC and FINMA.
Die vollständige Analyse
Key takeaways
- IG is a long-standing, multi‑asset broker with broad market coverage and strong regional regulation.
- Platform choice includes IG’s web/mobile, MT4, and ProRealTime; MT5 availability is limited to select regions.
- Retail leverage is typically capped (e.g., up to 1:30 in the UK/EU/Australia). Professional clients can access higher limits if eligible.
- Crypto derivatives access depends on your location; UK retail crypto‑CFDs are banned.
- Overall pricing is competitive, but total cost includes spreads, financing, GSLO premiums, and potential inactivity fees.
General risk warning
Trading CFDs, forex, and other leveraged products is high risk. You can lose more than your initial investment if protections do not apply in your region. Crypto‑asset products are highly volatile and can be subject to unique risks and regulatory actions. Learn more from the SEC’s overview of crypto assets at sec.gov and the U.S. Investor Bulletin on cryptocurrencies at investor.gov. Consider independent advice if unsure.
What IG offers in 2026
IG provides access to thousands of markets across forex, indices, commodities, shares, options, and select crypto assets (availability varies by region). The broker focuses on transparent pricing, reliable execution, and platform choice for discretionary, technical, and automated traders.
Regulation and safety
IG entities are regulated in multiple jurisdictions, including the UK (FCA), Australia (ASIC), Singapore (MAS), the U.S. (CFTC/NFA for IG US), Switzerland (FINMA), Japan (FSA), the UAE DIFC (DFSA), New Zealand (FMA), and South Africa (FSCA). Always verify the specific IG entity you onboard with and the protections that apply (e.g., negative balance protection, client money rules) on your local regulator’s register.
- UK: Check authorisation on the FCA Register: register.fca.org.uk.
- US: Verify status via NFA BASIC: nfa.futures.org/basicnet.
- Regional rules drive key differences in leverage caps, product availability, protections, and disclosures.
Regional notes (summary)
UK/EU retail clients face ESMA-style leverage caps (typically up to 1:30) and product restrictions; crypto‑CFDs are banned for UK retail. U.S. clients (IG US) trade forex only, with leverage limits such as up to 50:1 on major pairs and 20:1 on minors under CFTC/NFA rules. APAC and other regions follow local product intervention rules that can differ from the above.
Platforms and tools
IG’s core web platform covers multi‑asset trading, watchlists, alerts, depth (where available), and integrated news. ProRealTime adds advanced charting and automation for technically driven traders. MT4 is supported for popular algorithmic and indicator workflows. MT5 access may be available only in certain regions; check your local IG site before you plan around it.
Mobile and automation
The mobile apps (iOS/Android) support order tickets, risk controls, and charting on the move. Automated strategies are possible via MT4 EAs and ProRealTime. As with any automation, test thoroughly on a demo and implement strict risk controls.
Accounts, leverage, and margin
Retail accounts offer standard market access with capped leverage and investor protections that depend on jurisdiction (e.g., negative balance protection in the UK/EU). Professional accounts are available to eligible clients who meet regulatory criteria, offering higher leverage and lower spreads but fewer protections. U.S. forex leverage is generally limited to 50:1 on major pairs and 20:1 on minors; UK/EU/Australia retail leverage is typically up to 1:30 across major forex, with lower limits on other assets. Ensure you understand margin calls, stop‑outs, and protections before trading live.
Fees and trading costs
- Spreads: Variable by market conditions and account tier; majors can be tight during liquid sessions.
- Commissions: Typically built into CFD/forex spreads; share dealing or DMA may involve commissions.
- Overnight financing: Applies to leveraged positions held past the daily cutoff.
- Guaranteed stop premium: Charged only if you use a GSLO.
- Inactivity and other admin fees: May apply by region and product; review your local IG fee schedule.
Funding and withdrawals
Supported methods usually include bank transfers, cards, and select e‑wallets, with processing times dependent on method and region. Card/e‑wallet limits and any third‑party fees can differ by country. Withdrawals typically return to the original funding source where possible. Always confirm timelines and fees on your local IG help pages before funding.
Research, education, and support
IG’s in‑house analysis, calendars, screeners, webinars, and platform tutorials support both new and experienced traders. Customer support is available via live chat, email, and phone during trading hours for your region. For structured learning, start with a demo, then move to small‑size live trades once you have a tested plan.
Crypto and NFTs at IG
Crypto offering is jurisdiction‑dependent. In the UK, the FCA bans the sale of crypto‑derivatives to retail consumers, so access is restricted: see the FCA notice at fca.org.uk. Outside the UK, crypto‑CFDs or products may be offered to retail or professional clients depending on local rules. IG does not offer direct NFT trading. Before trading any crypto‑asset product, review the SEC’s topic page at sec.gov and the U.S. Investor Bulletin at investor.gov for key risks.
IG vs. eToro and other alternatives
IG focuses on deep market coverage, robust risk tools, and advanced charting integrations. If you value social features and copy strategies, compare with our eToro broker review. For a wider scan of fees, platforms, and crypto access by region, see our neutral Crypto brokers comparison. Choosing a broker should account for regulation in your country, platform fit, and total cost of ownership.
Who IG suits
- Newer traders who want strong education, a clean web platform, and risk tools like GSLOs.
- Active traders who need tight execution, advanced charting (ProRealTime), or MT4 for automation.
- Professionals meeting eligibility criteria who want higher leverage and lower spreads.
Bottom line
IG remains a market‑aware, multi‑asset broker with credible regulation, platform flexibility, and competitive pricing. Product access and protections vary by region, especially for crypto. Validate the IG entity you will use, confirm fees and leverage caps locally, and trade with a plan that respects risk first.
Die komposite Bewertung
Was gut ist, was nicht
Vorteile
- Regulated by 10+ top-tier financial authorities
- Access to over 17,000 markets
- Competitive spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD
- MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and proprietary ProRealTime platforms
- Strong educational resources, market analysis and webinars
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
Nachteile
- Higher minimum deposit ($250) than some competitors
- Retail forex leverage capped at 1:30
- Limited customer support hours in certain regions