IG Review 2026: Is It Still The Best UK Trading Broker?
IG is the established UK all-rounder in the GradTraders broker bank. Its 8.8/10 rating reflects more than brand recognition: FCA-regulated routes, spread betting, investing, more than 15,000 markets and one of the broadest platform ecosystems in the comparison. The trade-off is that frequent traders can still find sharper raw pricing, cTrader support or greater margin flexibility elsewhere.
By Matthew Jackson
Matthew JacksonFounder of GradTradersIndependent trading research backed by more than 20 years of personal market experience., GradTraders · Live trading on YouTube · Updated 31 August 2026
Evidence Status
Matthew Jackson has previously traded with IG. Current platform, product, pricing and regulatory details in this review are refreshed from current official material; historical experience is not presented as a current execution or withdrawal test.
Disclosure & Risk Notice: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice, investment advice, tax advice or a personal recommendation. Trading CFDs, spread betting, forex, futures, crypto CFDs and other leveraged products involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all traders. You may lose some or all of your capital. Backtests, simulations, replay results, demo results and strategy tests do not guarantee future performance. Historical testing can be misleading if spreads, slippage, commissions, execution, liquidity, psychology and changing market conditions are ignored. Some GradTraders articles may contain affiliate links or references to partner offers. If you sign up, purchase or open an account through certain links, GradTraders may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Commercial disclosure: GradTraders does not currently have an affiliate relationship with IG. Commercial partner material elsewhere on this page is separately labelled and does not determine IG’s independent 8.8/10 rating or the jurisdiction-specific analysis below. You can view the wider GradTraders partner offers page.
Quick Verdict: IG Earns 8.8/10
IG is one of the strongest overall UK broker choices for traders and investors who value established regulation, platform breadth, spread betting, broad market access and the reassurance of a business founded in 1974.
The 8.8/10 rating comes from the current GradTraders 24-broker bank and replaces the older 8.0/10 score previously shown on this page. The earlier review materially understated IG because it did not give enough weight to the broker’s wider platform stack, investing routes, direct-market-access tools, current MT5 support and exceptional market breadth.
IG is not automatically the best broker for a cost-sensitive scalper or a trader committed to cTrader. For UK readers, any alternative should be compared on the actual FCA-authorised entity and UK product route rather than on global marketing alone. Judged as a complete UK-facing trading and investing provider, IG deserves its position above many narrower competitors.
A strong single-provider route for spread betting, CFDs, investing, options, futures and broad market research.
FCA-regulated entities, a public-company structure, long history and more than 15,000 markets support the score.
IG web and mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer cover very different trader needs.
Raw-spread specialists and cTrader brokers can remain stronger for highly cost-sensitive active trading.
IG At A Glance
| Feature | IG Position | GradTraders View |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1974 | One of the longest-established businesses in retail trading and the original spread-betting firm. |
| UK regulation | IG Index Ltd, IG Markets Ltd and IG Trading and Investments Ltd are FCA authorised and regulated. | Major Strength |
| Main routes | Spread betting, CFDs, share dealing, investing, US-listed options and futures, subject to eligibility and account route. | Far broader than a simple CFD broker. |
| Platforms | IG web and mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer. | Exceptional Breadth |
| Market coverage | More than 15,000 global markets across trading and investing routes. | One of IG’s clearest advantages. |
| Best for | UK traders, spread bettors, multi-market users, beginners and investors who value an established provider. | Best Established UK All-Rounder |
| Less suitable for | Traders seeking cTrader, maximum leverage or the lowest raw-spread specialist setup. | Compare Active Specialists |
Why IG Scores 8.8/10
The GradTraders broker bank is the authoritative scoring source for this review. IG’s 8.8/10 position reflects the full provider rather than judging it only on headline spread or retail leverage. The category scores below explain the weighted editorial verdict; the final rating is not a simple arithmetic average.
| Scoring Area | Score | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Safety & Regulation | 9.6/10 | Multiple FCA-regulated UK entities, segregated client money, a public-company structure and more than 50 years of operating history create an unusually strong trust profile. |
| Platforms & Trading Tools | 9.4/10 | IG offers proprietary web and mobile platforms, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime, APIs and L2 Dealer rather than relying on one interface. |
| Market Coverage | 9.5/10 | More than 15,000 markets plus trading, investing, options and futures routes make IG one of the broadest providers in the bank. |
| Execution & Practical Reliability | 8.5/10 | IG has substantial infrastructure and execution tools, although my own historical account-access experience prevents a top personal reliability score. |
| Pricing, Margin & Leverage | 8.1/10 | Competitive on many routes, but not the automatic winner for raw pricing, maximum leverage or minimum-margin active trading. |
| Support, Funding & Account Depth | 8.7/10 | The provider offers substantial UK support and account infrastructure, although service experience can still vary during urgent trading situations. |
| Overall GradTraders Rating | 8.8/10 | The strongest established UK all-rounder in the bank, with cost and platform-preference trade-offs rather than a weak overall proposition. |
Where IG Fits In The GradTraders Broker Bank
IG sits between traditional UK spread-betting brokers and the more complex multi-asset providers. It is broader than CMC Markets in overall platform and account scope, easier to approach than Interactive Brokers for many retail users, and more established as a UK all-rounder than the specialist raw-spread brokers.
The current bank gives IG 8.8/10 and CMC Markets 8.7/10 overall. That does not erase CMC’s strengths. CMC can still win a narrower comparison for proprietary-platform feel, while IG wins the wider bank judgement through platform breadth, market range, investing access, scale and trust.
Established UK All-Rounder
Best when regulation, spread betting, broad markets, investing and several advanced platform routes matter together.
Proprietary Platform Specialist
CMC remains a close UK rival and can feel sharper for traders who particularly value the Next Generation platform.
UK Active-Trader Alternative
Stronger when cTrader, Razor-style pricing and a modern active-trading platform mix outweigh IG’s scale.
Global Active Specialists
Natural comparisons for raw accounts, cTrader, international leverage structures and lower-margin active CFD trading.
What Is IG?
IG was founded in 1974 as the world’s first spread-betting business and has developed into a global trading and investing group. Its UK operation now extends well beyond the product that established the brand.
Eligible UK clients can compare spread betting, CFDs, share dealing and investing routes, while newer product expansion includes US-listed options and futures. Market and product availability depends on the account and client classification, but the overall scope is significantly broader than that of a typical forex and CFD broker.
IG Group is a publicly listed global business with operations across multiple regions. That does not guarantee a perfect customer experience, but it gives IG a level of capital-market scrutiny, history and organisational scale that newer retail brokers cannot quickly reproduce.
My Experience Trading With IG
IG was part of my own trading journey before I moved to CMC Markets and later to IC Markets. The attraction was obvious: it was one of the best-known UK brokers, offered spread betting and provided access to the indices and markets I wanted to trade.
My historical experience was not uniformly positive. I encountered occasions when I could not access my account during a live trading session and needed urgent support because the platform or account access had stopped working as expected. Those incidents mattered because account reliability becomes most important when a position is already open.
This is historical first-hand evidence, not a claim that every modern IG user will encounter the same problem. IG’s technology and platform range have changed substantially, and the current proposition now includes MT5 and TradingView alongside its established systems.
I eventually chose CMC Markets because its platform felt better suited to me at that stage. Later, as my index trading became more active and cost-sensitive, I moved towards IC Markets. That journey explains why I do not personally use IG today, but it does not justify reducing a broad institutional-quality provider to an artificially low score.
The 8.8/10 bank rating therefore separates my personal route from the wider assessment. IG can be the stronger overall choice for a different trader even when it was not the lasting choice for me.
Trading Platforms: IG, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime And L2 Dealer
Platform breadth is one reason the revised 8.8/10 score is materially higher than the old review rating. The current IG offering is no longer accurately summarised as a proprietary platform plus MT4.
IG Web & Mobile
The main IG platform provides broad market access, integrated research, alerts, chart dealing and a consistent mobile workflow.
MT4 And MT5
MT4 supports established Expert Advisor and indicator workflows. MT5 adds newer multi-asset tools, more timeframes, advanced orders and a more modern MetaTrader route.
TradingView
Eligible UK clients can connect IG to TradingView for supported spread-betting and CFD markets, including indices, commodities and forex.
ProRealTime
ProRealTime adds sophisticated technical analysis, screening and automated-strategy tools for experienced chart-led traders.
L2 Dealer
L2 Dealer provides direct-market-access functionality and order-book visibility for eligible share and forex routes.
No cTrader
IG’s ecosystem is broad, but cTrader users should still compare Pepperstone, IC Markets, FP Markets and FxPro.
Platform verdict: CMC Markets may retain the cleaner proprietary-platform identity, but IG now has the stronger overall ecosystem. MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer and APIs materially strengthen the bank case for 8.8/10.
Market Coverage And Account Routes
IG advertises access to more than 15,000 markets. The exact list depends on the product and account route, but the breadth covers major indices, forex, commodities, shares, ETFs, options, bonds and additional specialist markets.
That matters because a broker can be excellent for one product and limited elsewhere. IG’s value is the ability to keep several types of trading and investing research within one wider provider ecosystem.
Spread Betting & CFDs
The traditional IG core, with rising and falling market access across a wide instrument range.
Shares & Portfolios
Share dealing and investment accounts make IG broader than a trading-only CFD provider.
Options & Futures
US-listed options and futures add another specialist route, subject to eligibility and product knowledge.
Entity And Eligibility
Not every market, platform or product is available through every account, country or client classification.
Spread Betting, CFDs And UK Tax Treatment
Spread betting remains one of IG’s defining strengths. For eligible UK residents, gains are generally free from Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty under current rules, although tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and can change.
CFDs may suit traders who prefer that structure or need specific products and accounting treatment. IG also offers non-leveraged investment routes, so users should avoid treating every IG account as the same product.
The tax advantage of spread betting does not make it low risk. Leverage, financing costs, spread width and position sizing remain more important to survival than the tax label.
Pricing, Spreads, Margin And Leverage
IG should be viewed as a premium, broad provider rather than a broker whose entire proposition rests on being the cheapest. Costs can be competitive, but the correct comparison must include the actual instrument, spread, commission, overnight funding, exchange fees, data fees and platform route.
For an occasional trader or investor, platform quality, market access and regulation may outweigh a small spread difference. For a scalper or frequent index trader, the same difference can accumulate across hundreds of trades.
This is where Pepperstone, IC Markets and FP Markets become relevant. They can provide more obvious raw-style or cTrader-led active trading routes. IG counters with spread betting, a wider platform stack, investment access, stronger UK familiarity and deeper market coverage.
Safety, Regulation And Client Money
IG receives one of the strongest regulation scores in the GradTraders bank. Its relevant UK entities are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, while IG states that qualifying client money and assets are separated from the company’s own resources under FCA client-assets rules.
The public-company structure and operating history since 1974 provide additional evidence of institutional depth. They do not make IG immune from service failures or commercial risk, but they create a materially different trust profile from that of a young offshore CFD brand.
The accepting entity still matters. Professional clients, eligible counterparties and clients outside the UK can receive different protections. The legal name in the agreement is more important than the logo at the top of the page.
Important distinction: a 9.6/10 safety and regulation score relates to broker structure and client protection. It does not make leveraged trading safe or prevent losses caused by volatility, leverage, poor risk control or gaps in the market.
Support, Withdrawals And Account Reliability
IG has the scale to offer substantial UK-facing support, account infrastructure and educational material. Its official client-money information is also clearer than that of many smaller providers.
My own historical concern was not whether IG was a legitimate broker. It was operational access during live trading. Being unable to reach an account when a position requires attention is a serious practical problem, even when the underlying company is financially strong.
That experience is one reason execution and practical reliability do not receive the same near-perfect score as regulation and market coverage. It is also why GradTraders separates institutional safety from the day-to-day trader experience.
Current users may have a completely different experience, and platform development can resolve earlier weaknesses. Treat my account history as one disclosed data point, then compare recent service, withdrawal and outage evidence before deciding.
Who Is IG Best For?
IG Is Best For
- UK traders who prioritise an FCA-regulated route.
- Eligible traders who want spread betting.
- Beginners who want an established provider and demo access.
- Multi-market traders who value more than 15,000 markets.
- Users who want TradingView, MetaTrader, ProRealTime or DMA choices.
- Traders who may also want investing, shares, options or futures.
- Clients who value scale, longevity and broad educational support.
IG Is Less Suitable For
- Traders whose first priority is the lowest raw-spread structure.
- cTrader users.
- High-frequency scalpers who minimise every transaction cost.
- Traders seeking maximum available leverage.
- Users who want the simplest possible app with very few account choices.
- Traders uncomfortable navigating product, platform and eligibility differences.
GradTraders Best Native Platform Choice: Plus500
GradTraders does not promote broker services to UK customers unless the relevant UK entity is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Plus500UK Ltd (FRN 509909) is authorised and regulated by the FCA, and Plus500 is a firm we’re proud to partner with for our UK audience.
Partner disclosure: Plus500 is a GradTraders affiliate partner. GradTraders may earn a commission if an eligible account is opened through this link, at no additional cost to you. This commercial relationship does not alter the editorial analysis or verdict on this page.
Risk reminder: CFDs are leveraged products and can result in rapid losses. The provider-specific retail loss warning is displayed within the Plus500 banner above.
IG Pros And Cons
IG Pros
- Founded in 1974 with exceptional operating history.
- Multiple FCA-regulated UK entities.
- Client money is separated under FCA client-assets rules for relevant retail routes.
- Spread betting and CFDs for eligible UK traders.
- Share dealing, investing and newer options and futures routes.
- More than 15,000 markets.
- IG web and mobile, MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer.
- Strong research, education, alerts and market-analysis infrastructure.
IG Cons
- Not usually the lowest-cost specialist route for frequent traders.
- No current cTrader route identified.
- UK retail leverage can feel restrictive to traders comparing international entities.
- The large product and platform range can make the account choice less simple.
- ProRealTime, L2 Dealer and DMA routes are more complex than a basic retail platform.
- My own historical account-access experience included disruptive live-session problems.
- Instrument-specific spreads and overnight funding still require direct checking.
IG Compared With The Main Alternatives
| Broker | GradTraders Position | Choose It Over IG When… |
|---|---|---|
| CMC Markets | The closest traditional UK platform rival at 8.7/10. | The Next Generation proprietary-platform experience matters more than IG’s wider account and platform breadth. |
| Pepperstone | The leading UK-facing active-trader alternative at 9.1/10. | cTrader, Razor-style pricing and a sharper active platform setup are the priorities. |
| IC Markets | The direct-use active-trader benchmark at 9.2/10. | For eligible non-UK readers, raw pricing and cTrader may matter more than IG’s UK spread-betting route; UK readers should not treat an international account as a substitute for an FCA-authorised UK service. |
| FP Markets | The 9.0/10 platform-breadth and DMA specialist. | For eligible non-UK readers, cTrader, TradingView, Iress DMA or a specialist raw-account structure may be relevant; UK readers should compare the protections and legal entity rather than treating an international route as equivalent to IG’s FCA-authorised UK service. |
| Interactive Brokers | A serious multi-asset, futures, options and global-market provider. | Professional market access, APIs and international listed products justify a steeper learning curve. |
Related GradTraders Broker Reviews And Guides
| Guide | Why Read It? |
|---|---|
| Broker Comparison Table 2026 | See IG’s authoritative 8.8/10 position among 24 brokers. |
| IG vs CMC Markets | Compare overall IG breadth with CMC’s proprietary-platform strength. |
| IG vs Pepperstone | Compare the established all-rounder with the sharper UK active-trader route. |
| Best Brokers For Trading Indices | Place IG inside the wider index-broker shortlist. |
| Best Brokers For TradingView | Compare IG’s direct TradingView route with other supported brokers. |
| Broker Regulation & Client Protection | Understand why IG’s FCA and client-money framework contributes so strongly to its score. |
Final Verdict: IG Earns 8.8/10
IG deserves its 8.8/10 position as the Best Established UK All-Rounder in the current GradTraders broker bank. The old 8.0/10 review score did not adequately recognise the complete modern proposition.
IG combines multiple FCA-regulated entities, more than 50 years of history, spread betting, investment access, more than 15,000 markets and a platform ecosystem that now includes MT4, MT5, TradingView, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer.
Its weaknesses remain real. IG is not the obvious cTrader broker, raw-spread winner or maximum-leverage route. My own historical experience also included disruptive account-access problems, which is why this is a strong 8.8 rather than an uncritical score based only on company size.
GradTraders verdict: choose IG when you want the broadest established UK trading environment rather than the narrowest specialist pricing proposition. Compare CMC Markets for proprietary-platform feel and Pepperstone for a more active-trader-led UK setup before deciding.
IG Review 2026 FAQ
Is IG still a good broker in 2026?
Yes. IG earns 8.8/10 in the current GradTraders broker bank because it combines FCA-regulated UK routes, spread betting, investing, broad market access and one of the widest platform ecosystems in the comparison.
Why does IG score 8.8/10?
The 8.8/10 score comes from the authoritative GradTraders 24-broker bank. IG scores especially well for regulation, operating history, market coverage and platform breadth. It loses points because it is not the automatic lowest-cost, highest-leverage or cTrader-led active broker.
Is IG better than CMC Markets?
IG ranks slightly higher overall in the current broker bank because it has broader platform, market and account coverage. CMC Markets may still be better for traders who particularly prefer the Next Generation proprietary platform and its active-trading feel.
Does IG offer spread betting?
Yes. Spread betting remains one of IG’s defining UK products for eligible clients, alongside CFDs and separate investing routes.
Does IG support TradingView?
Yes. Eligible UK clients can connect IG to TradingView and trade supported spread-betting and CFD markets, including indices, commodities and forex. Product availability should be checked before assuming every instrument is supported.
Does IG support MetaTrader 5?
Yes. IG’s current UK platform range includes MetaTrader 5 as well as MetaTrader 4, its own platform, TradingView, ProRealTime and L2 Dealer.
Does IG support cTrader?
No current cTrader route was identified in IG’s UK platform offering. Traders committed to cTrader should compare Pepperstone, IC Markets, FP Markets or FxPro.
Why did Matthew Jackson move away from IG?
Matthew Jackson’s historical experience included account-access problems during live trading. He later preferred CMC Markets’ platform and eventually moved to IC Markets as his trading became more active and cost-sensitive. This personal route does not mean IG is unsuitable for other traders.
Source note: This review combines Matthew Jackson’s historical IG trading experience with current official IG information rechecked on 31 August 2026 covering regulation, client money, platforms, market access and account routes, alongside the current GradTraders broker bank.
Official research: about IG · client funds · platforms · TradingView · MetaTrader 5 · L2 Dealer.
Useful GradTraders research: 24-Broker Comparison Table · IG vs CMC Markets · IG vs Pepperstone · Platforms & Tools Compared.
Risk reminder: spread betting, CFDs, options, futures, leverage, margin, pricing, tax treatment and investor protection vary by entity, product, country and client classification. Confirm the exact legal route and current documents before opening or funding an account.