IG

IG: online trading platform with spread betting and CFDs

IG is an online trading firm operating internationally and presents itself as a leading provider in the UK. Its offering focuses on leveraged financial instruments, with particular attention to spread betting and contracts for difference (CFDs), aimed at both retail and professional and institutional investors.

The platform provides access to over 16,000 markets, including indices, shares, commodities, forex, options, ETFs and bonds. It also allows trading on some of the biggest IPOs before they go live, a feature the company describes as exclusive to IG.

Products and markets available

The range of instruments covers multiple asset classes. The firm details that you can trade over 35 commodities, more than 80 global indices, over 80 forex pairs and more than 12,000 international shares and ETFs. It also offers options on indices, forex and commodities, as well as trading in spot and futures markets.

For leveraged trading, IG publishes the margin requirements by asset class: 3.33% for forex (equivalent to leverage of 1:30), 5% for indices and commodities (1:20) and 20% for shares (1:5). Minimum spreads start at 0.06 points for spread betting on forex and 0.6 points for CFDs, with no commission per side on spread betting and 0.06 points commission on CFDs.

Platforms and analysis tools

IG makes various platforms and tools available to its users. These include its own trading app, MetaTrader 4 and 5, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer and TradingView. It also offers API access, algorithmic trading and DMA trading.

For analysis, the platform includes an economic and trading calendar, trade analyser, trading signals, stock screener and alerts. It also publishes market analysis, news and trading ideas, videos and webinars.

Education and resources for trading

The company has IG Academy, a learning space with guides and resources for beginner and advanced traders. The materials cover everything from basic concepts such as what trading is or how leverage works, to more specific strategies on spread betting, CFDs, options and investment management. It also offers a demo account to practise without risk.

The offering is organised into three segments: personal, professional and institutional, with services tailored to each profile. In addition, the firm offers an investment account with managed portfolios (IG Smart Portfolio) and savings plans such as ISA, Junior ISA and SIPP.

Experience and awards

IG states it has 50 years of experience in the sector, over 2 million active accounts worldwide and over $1 trillion traded every month. The company presents itself as the UK's number one trading provider.

In terms of awards, the firm has received accolades such as Best Platform for the Active Trader (ADVFN 2024), Best Financial App (ADVFN 2024) and Best Multi Platform Provider (ADVFN 2024), as well as the Boring Money Value for Money award in 2025.

Risk warning

The company warns that CFDs and spread betting are complex instruments and carry a high risk of rapid money loss due to leverage. According to its data, 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products. IG recommends making sure you understand how they work and consider whether you can afford to take the risk of losing your capital.