IG review

Introduction

In this IG review, we examine one of the industry's most established trading providers. IG Group was founded in 1974 in the United Kingdom and has grown to become the world's leading CFD trading provider, offering access to over 17,000 markets including forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Headquartered in London and listed on the FTSE 250, this forex broker operates globally with a strong emphasis on innovation and client education through platforms like IG Academy. Under CEO Breon Corcoran, appointed in 2024, IG has expanded through strategic acquisitions such as tastytrade in the US and Independent Reserve in Australia, enhancing its derivatives and crypto offerings.

Trading Conditions

IG operates as a hybrid broker model with no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible to traders at all levels. The broker offers competitive spreads across different account types, with forex spreads starting from 0.6 pips on Standard CFD and MetaTrader accounts, while the DMA Account provides spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $6 per lot. Leverage varies by asset class, with forex offering up to 1:30 leverage, indices and commodities at 1:20, and cryptocurrency trading at 1:2. Trading sizes are flexible, ranging from 0.01 lots minimum on MT4/MT5 accounts to 0.1 lots on the DMA Account, with maximum trade sizes up to 100 lots on standard accounts and 10,000 lots on DMA accounts.

Platforms & Instruments

IG provides a comprehensive selection of trading platforms to suit different trading styles and preferences. The platform lineup includes WebTrader, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ProRealTime, and L2 Dealer. This diverse offering allows traders to choose their preferred interface while accessing IG's extensive market coverage spanning forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies across more than 17,000 instruments.

Account Types

The broker caters to various trader needs through multiple account options:

• Standard CFD Account - suitable for general CFD trading
• Spread Betting Account - tax-efficient trading for eligible jurisdictions
• Share Dealing/Investing Account - for direct share ownership
• Limited Risk Account - enhanced risk management features
• Professional Account - for qualified professional traders
• Corporate Account - designed for institutional clients
• MT4/MT5 CFD Accounts - MetaTrader-specific trading
• DMA Account - direct market access with institutional-style execution

Deposit & Withdrawal

IG offers straightforward funding options with free deposit and withdrawal methods. Traders can fund their accounts via debit/credit cards with instant processing or bank wire transfers taking 1-3 business days. Withdrawal options include card refunds processed within 2-5 business days and bank transfers completed in 1-3 business days. All payment processing is free of charge, which helps traders manage their costs effectively.

Customer Support

Support is available through multiple channels including email at helpdesk@ig.com, phone at +44 (20) 7633 5431, and live chat available 24/5. Response times are typically 24-48 hours, and the broker maintains active social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for additional support channels.

Who Is IG Best For?

When considering "is IG legit" and "is IG safe", the broker's 50-year operating history and FTSE 250 listing provide strong credibility indicators. IG suits traders seeking access to diverse markets through multiple platforms, particularly those who value educational resources and institutional-quality execution. The zero minimum deposit makes it accessible for beginners, while professional accounts and DMA options cater to experienced traders. The broker's hybrid model and comprehensive account types make it suitable for both retail and professional traders across its extensive list of allowed countries including the UK, EU, Australia, and Singapore.