IG is a strong fit for traders in India who want broad market access, reliable regulation and a platform lineup that can support both active and more advanced trading styles. Its main strengths are a listed parent group with licences in several major jurisdictions, very wide product coverage, solid mobile trading and strong overall platform depth. It is less suitable for traders who want copy trading, real shares or spot crypto, consistently low costs across all instruments, or a simpler beginner-first experience.
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Led by Filippo Ucchino, broker expert and CEO at InvestinGoal, we test brokers directly and assess them through a methodical review system. That includes live checks of the platform experience, account setup, tools, pricing structure, and key trading features, supported by research into official broker materials and regulatory records. We then evaluate each broker across the categories that matter most to traders, from safety and costs to platforms, markets, mobile trading, education, and support. Learn more about InvestinGoal methodology.
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In this IG review, we break down pros and cons, regulation and security, fees, platforms, markets, account features, and trading conditions, so you can decide faster and with more confidence. IG is also part of our selection of the best trading platforms. The tabs below let you jump directly to the factor most important to your decision.
My take after testing IG: IG has never been a lightweight operation, and that’s precisely the point. Over the years, they’ve built something that feels less like a CFD app and more like a full trading ecosystem. Wide market coverage, a group licensed in several major jurisdictions, and a platform lineup that has consistently grown with its users: the main platform, mobile app, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, and API access all in the mix. The education hub is extensive too, which has always been part of how IG positions itself. The one thing that hasn’t changed is that all of this can feel like a lot if you’re just starting out. IG has never really been designed for complete beginners, and that’s not a criticism, it’s a feature for the right kind of trader. If you’re someone who wants depth, solid regulation, and a setup you can genuinely grow into over time, IG is one of the few brokers that can actually keep pace with you.
Filippo Ucchino
Co-Founder and CEO of InvestinGoal - Introducing Broker
What type of broker is IG?
IG operates primarily as a market maker acting as principal, while also offering No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution via Direct Market Access (DMA) for certain clients, which is a hybrid model. The broker runs its own dealing desk, takes the other side of most retail trades, and hedges net exposure in underlying markets. Clients requiring DMA can access interbank liquidity with full market transparency and tighter spreads, bypassing the dealing desk.
IG is a multi-asset CFD broker covering 17,000+ instruments across forex, indices, commodities, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. CFDs are the core product, and the only product offered by IG International Limited, the IG company that serves clients in India. Clients of other IG companies can also trade real shares via DMA.
IG serves retail, professional, and institutional clients. The retail base is predominantly male, aged 25 to 55, with mid-to-high income. Professional accounts require two of the three requirements: a portfolio of financial instruments above a defined threshold, relevant experience in the financial sector, and/or sufficient trading activity. Institutional clients include hedge funds and broker-dealers across Europe, Australia, and Asia-Pacific.

Yes, IG Markets is a legitimate broker. Its clients in India are served by IG International Limited, which is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) for contracts for difference. IG Markets is part of IG Group Holdings plc (London), which operates IG International Limited among its regulated companies, and has operated since 1974. IG Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (IGG) and publishes audited annual reports. The group serves around 320,000 clients worldwide. The provider applies negative balance protection and keeps client money in segregated accounts. IG Markets received Best Multi-Platform Provider, Best Platform for the Active Trader, and Best Finance App at the ADVFN International Financial Awards 2024.
The advantages of IG are listed below.
- Regulatory Safeguards: Retail accounts have negative balance protection and segregated client funds.
- Market Coverage: Access 17,000+ markets, including forex, indices, shares, commodities and cryptocurrencies, through CFDs. Dedicated weekend markets on major FX pairs and key indices extend trading beyond standard hours.
- Trading Platforms: Proprietary web platform and mobile apps, MetaTrader 4 for algorithmic trading, and ProRealTime integration for advanced charting and automated strategies.
- Direct Market Access (DMA): L2 Dealer provides exchange order book access for share CFDs (forex for professional clients), with full market depth and advanced order control.
- Pricing and Execution: Minimum spreads from 0.6 pips EUR/USD, 0.4 points US 500, 1 point FTSE 100. IG reports that 98.97% of orders are executed, all at the requested price or better.
- Risk Management: Guaranteed stop-loss orders (premium only if triggered) cap downside at set levels. Standard stops, limits, and platform controls complement negative balance protection.
- Extended-Hours Access: Weekend trading on GBP/USD, EUR/USD, USD/JPY, FTSE 100, Wall Street, spot gold. Pre-market and post-market dealing on selected markets.
- Education and Research: IG Academy offers free courses, webinars, podcasts and seminars. DailyFX provides in-house market news and analysis.
- Automation and APIs: REST API for programmatic market data and order execution. ProRealTime and MT4 support scripts, strategies, and expert advisors.
- Public Listing and Transparency: Listed on London Stock Exchange (IGG), FTSE 250 constituent, with regular financial reporting and corporate disclosures.
- Customer Support: 24/7 multi-channel support via live chat, WhatsApp, email, and phone. Account-opening lines available during business hours.
- Free Demo Account: Virtual funds for strategy testing and platform practice on web and mobile, no capital risk.
The main disadvantages of IG are listed below.
- Costs and Fees: While competitive, Share CFD commissions can be high.
- Usability: The main trading platform is comprehensive but can feel complex or overwhelming for beginners.
- Platform Limitations: IG Markets doesn’t offer cTrader.
- Support and Account Management: Customer support can be slow at times. Additionally, an inactivity fee applies to dormant accounts.
Is IG regulated in India?
IG serves residents of India through IG International Limited, which is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Clients of IG International Limited receive negative balance protection on CFDs and segregated client money, but no investor compensation scheme covers their accounts.
IG International Limited is the IG company for residents of India and the other countries that IG’s regional companies do not cover.
Besides IG International Limited, IG operates via:
- IG Europe GmbH: BaFin (Germany) – EU passport for EEA
- IG Markets Ltd: FCA (United Kingdom)
- IG Bank SA: FINMA (Switzerland)
- tastyfx LLC: CFTC/NFA (USA) – RFED and IB registration
- IG Australia Pty Ltd: ASIC (Australia), AFSL – also holds New Zealand derivatives issuer licence
- IG Markets South Africa Ltd: FSCA (South Africa), FSP
- IG Japan: Financial Services Agency (Japan)
- IG Asia Pte Ltd: MAS (Singapore)
- IG Limited: DFSA (Dubai)
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 regulations held | ASIC, CFTC, FCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA | FCA, ESMA (CySEC) | ASIC, FCA, ESMA (BaFin, CySEC) |
| Tier 2 regulations held | DFSA, FMA | FSCA | CMA, DFSA |
| Tier 3 regulations held | BMA | SCB | SCB |
Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not allow residents of India to send margin to brokers abroad for leveraged trading. Residents of India can open accounts with IG International Limited (licence number 54814), which is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). The company offers CFDs only, crypto CFDs included, with leverage up to 1:200 on major forex pairs, while share dealing and spot crypto are not offered. Verify the licence with the Bermuda Monetary Authority by firm name or licence number 54814.
Yes, IG Markets accepts Indian traders through IG International Limited, which is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). India is among the countries this company accepts, while residents of the United States, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia and Ukraine are not accepted.
Clients in India can trade CFDs only, as IG International Limited does not offer share dealing or spot crypto. They benefit from segregated client funds and negative balance protection, but no investor compensation scheme covers their accounts.
Explore the best Forex brokers in India.
Is IG safe in India?
IG is safe in India and licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). The BMA licences and supervises IG International Limited (licence number 54814). Client money is held in segregated accounts at banks including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and HSBC. No investor compensation scheme covers accounts held with IG International Limited. Retail clients have negative balance protection (cannot lose more than deposited funds) on a per-account basis. IG automatically closes positions at 50% margin. Client assets and cash are held separately from IG’s own resources, which prevents set-off by IG or creditors in insolvency. No additional excess-loss or client-asset insurance is advertised. Security includes 256-bit SSL encryption for platforms and apps, optional 2FA via authenticator apps, and biometric login (Face ID/Touch ID) on mobile. IG does not disclose the frequency of external penetration testing.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Segregated client funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative balance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Investor compensation scheme | No | No | No |
| Founded in | 1974 | 2006 | 2010 |
| Publicly traded | Yes | No | No |
The risks with IG are listed below.
- Leverage risk: IG offers up to 200:1 leverage (retail forex majors) and 133:1 (minors), amplifying gains and losses. The majority of IG’s retail CFD accounts lose money.
- CFD complexity: CFDs are complex derivatives requiring understanding of underlying prices, overnight financing, and position valuation. Rapid losses can occur during volatility.
- Margin close-out: IG automatically closes positions when equity falls below 50% of required margin, potentially at unfavourable prices during volatile conditions, often without opportunity to add funds.
- Overnight financing: Positions held overnight incur charges calculated on full position value. Costs accumulate over time and can erode profits or increase losses, especially when interest rates are elevated.
- Slippage and gapping: IG cannot guarantee execution at requested prices during high volatility or low liquidity. Market gaps (weekends, major news) can fill orders at significantly worse prices, increasing losses.
- Weekend and out-of-hours risk: Markets can move substantially when exchanges are closed, preventing position management. Price gaps at reopening can bypass stop-loss orders, executing at worse levels than set.
What markets can you trade on IG?
The markets you can trade on IG are listed below.
- Currency pairs (CFDs): 70+ major, minor, and exotic FX pairs. Minimum trade: 0.5 contracts (10,000 base currency units). Learn more about what is the Forex market.
- Indices (CFDs): 80+ global stock index CFDs including major benchmarks. Minimum trade: 1 contract (varies by index).
- Stocks (CFDs): 13,000+ global equity CFDs across international markets. Minimum trade: 1 share per CFD contract.
- Commodities (CFDs): Metals (gold, silver), energies (crude oil, natural gas), and agricultural products. Minimum trade: 1 contract (units defined by commodity).
- Cryptocurrencies (CFDs): Major crypto CFDs including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin. Minimum trade: 0.1 contracts (varies by coin value).
- Bonds (CFDs): Government bond CFDs including U.S. Treasury Notes, German Bunds, UK Gilts. Minimum trade: 1 contract per bond CFD.
- ETFs (CFDs): Exchange-traded fund CFDs tracking indices, sectors, or commodities. Minimum trade: equivalent of 1 ETF share.
- Options (CFDs): Options CFDs on selected indices, currency pairs, commodities, and shares. Minimum trade: 1 contract (varies by underlying market).
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Forex | Yes (CFDs, Options) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) |
| Indices | Yes (CFDs, Options) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) |
| Commodities | Yes (CFDs, Options) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) |
| Shares | Yes (CFDs, Options) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) |
| ETFs | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) | Yes (CFDs) |

The trading products not offered by IG are listed below.
- Real shares (share dealing)
- Real cryptocurrencies (spot crypto)
- Futures (futures are offered as CFDs only)
No, IG Markets does not let clients in India buy real crypto. The spot crypto service that IG launched in 2025 with its partner Uphold is not offered by IG International Limited, the IG company that serves India. Clients in India can trade cryptocurrencies only as CFDs, with a maximum leverage of 1:10, and these positions do not give ownership of the underlying coins.
No, you cannot trade real shares on IG from India. IG International Limited, the IG company that serves India, offers CFDs only, so the share dealing service and IG Invest are not available. Clients in India can trade shares as CFDs, which do not confer share ownership.
No, IG Markets does not offer fractional shares. IG International Limited does not offer share dealing, and its share CFDs require a minimum trade of 1 share.
How cheap are spreads with IG?
IG Markets spreads are competitive across major markets, with tight pricing on forex, indices, and commodities. On EUR/USD, the IG Markets spread starts from about 0.6 pips. On SPX500 (US 500), the IG Markets spread is approximately 0.4 points. On XAU/USD (spot gold), the IG Markets spread is around US$0.30.
IG Markets quoted spreads exclude commissions and overnight financing, so total trading costs may be higher. IG Markets spreads are variable and can widen during low liquidity or major news events. IG Markets pricing may also differ by account type or platform (standard CFD, raw spread, or MT4), resulting in varying minimum spreads. Learn more about low spread Forex brokers.
The fees with IG are listed below.
- Spreads: EUR/USD 0.6 points; UK 100 index CFDs 1 point; spot gold 0.3 points.
- Overnight funding: Long positions: interbank rate plus 2.5%; short positions: interbank rate minus 2.5%.
- Currency conversion: 0.8% on trade profits, losses, and costs in a currency other than the account base currency.
- Inactivity: An inactivity fee applies to dormant accounts.
- Deposits: US$0 via bank transfer and most debit cards.
- Withdrawals: US$0 to bank accounts.
| Broker |
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| Overnight fees | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | Yes | Yes | No |
| Deposit fees | No | No | No |
| Withdrawal fees | No | No | No |
| Currency conversion fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, IG charges raw spread commissions that range from Excellent to High (depending on volume) for every lot traded. DMA market pricing at IG Markets sees a tiered commission based on monthly trading volume. The commission is lower for high volume traders, while the maximum commission is US$6 per standard lot traded for low volume traders.
| Broker |
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| Avg. EUR/USD spread (markup) | 0.86 pips | 1.43 pips | 1.10 pips |
| Avg. EUR/USD spread (raw) | 0.17 pips | 0.21 pips | 0.10 pips |
| Commission/lot | US$6.00 Round Turn | US$7.00 Round Turn | US$7.00 Round Turn |
| All-in FX cost | US$7.65 | US$9.10 | US$8.00 |
IG Markets’ typical overnight swaps for EUR/USD are Good, being around 1.0 to 1.2% p.a. on long positions and slightly lower on short positions, with swaps calculated from tom-next plus a small administrative adjustment (Good under the +1.0 to 1.5% p.a. broker-admin-to-tom-next guideline).
Triple swaps are charged on Wednesdays to account for the weekend rollover. Swap fees can vary by account type, with professional and premium clients often receiving narrower financing adjustments than standard retail accounts.
IG charges commission on share CFDs by exchange (as a % of trade value or per-share fee):
- London Stock Exchange: 0.10% of trade value (min GBP 10/trade)
- US shares: US$0.02/share (min US$15/trade)
- European exchanges: typically 0.10% (market-dependent)
Premium/Professional accounts offer reduced rates and/or minimums based on trading volume or status. When share currency differs from account base currency, IG applies an FX conversion fee (typically 0.8% FX for trading) at execution.
IG’s crypto CFD commissions are built into the spread. Overnight funding also applies to crypto CFD positions held after 10pm.
Is IG good for trading?
IG is good for trading forex, CFD stocks, CFD crypto, demo trading, algo trading, and mobile trading. IG is not good for copy trading, real stock trading, or real crypto trading.
IG supports forex trading with 80+ currency pairs and competitive spreads (EUR/USD typically 0.8 to 1.0 pips), alongside thousands of share CFDs across 14 exchanges. The platform also offers crypto CFDs. Algorithmic traders benefit from MT4, ProRealTime, and a full REST API with streaming capabilities. A full-featured, non-expiring demo account allows unlimited practice with 17,000+ instruments and simulated market data. Mobile apps provide complete trading functionality across all asset classes. However, IG does not offer any social or copy-trading services, lacking follower portfolios, leaderboards, or third-party copy network integration.
IG is not a good fit for investing because IG International Limited, the IG company that serves India, offers CFDs only, with no share dealing, no ownership of stocks and ETFs, no funds or investment trusts, and no managed portfolios or recurring investment plans.
IG’s share dealing and investment services, where clients buy and own securities, are offered by other IG companies and are not available to clients in India. Clients in India can trade shares and ETFs only as CFDs, which track the price of the underlying asset without conferring ownership.
IG is excellent for demo trading because it offers an unlimited demo trial, a virtual balance of US$20,000, and full platform parity with the live trading environment.
IG provides demo traders with access to over 17,000 instruments across forex, cryptocurrencies, shares, and other asset classes, closely replicating the functionality of its live platform. The demo account uses simulated market data rather than live prices. Users start with a virtual balance of US$20,000, which cannot be adjusted, and can practise trading indefinitely without expiration. The main limitations are the absence of certain specialist platforms in demo mode, and shares DMA demo capabilities, and the lack of simulated slippage, interest adjustments, and dividend modelling that occur in live trading conditions.
IC Markets and XM are some good alternatives to IG as demo Forex brokers. Learn more about the best Forex demo accounts.
IG is an excellent choice for algo trading because it supports multiple algorithmic trading platforms including MT4 with their respective scripting languages MQL4 and MQL5, provides comprehensive API access with both REST and streaming capabilities, offers VPS services through partners with subsidies, and maintains servers in Equinix LD4 and NY4 data centres for low-latency execution.
IG supports algorithmic traders through a diverse range of platforms and infrastructure. The broker provides MT4 for traders using Expert Advisors, alongside ProRealTime and TradingView for additional algorithmic trading options, plus custom bot development through its APIs. Its technical infrastructure includes REST and streaming APIs for automated trading systems; it also offers partnered VPS services with available subsidies to reduce latency, and co-located servers in Equinix’s LD4 (London) and NY4 (New York) facilities for optimal execution speeds. The broker permits scalping, shorting, and generally allows arbitrage strategies. It permits hedging in accordance with regulations, though pure latency or feed arbitrage faces restrictions. High-frequency trading is supported but may experience throttling under extreme load conditions, and strategies exploiting price mispricing or price scraping are not permitted. cTrader and cAlgo are not available on the platform.
Pepperstone, FP Markets, IC Markets and Roboforex are some good alternatives to IG as automated trading Forex brokers. Explore the best brokers for algo trading.
IG is excellent for Forex trading because it combines tight spreads averaging 0.8 to 1.0 pips on EUR/USD, regulation of the IG group by multiple Tier-1 authorities including the FCA, ASIC, and MAS, full trading freedom with scalping and hedging allowed, extensive platform options including MetaTrader 4, and a proprietary web/mobile platform, and complete analysis tools including client sentiment data, drawing tools, built-in indicators, and an economic calendar.
IG offers over 80 currency pairs with competitive spreads that often fall below 1 pip on major pairs such as USD/JPY at approximately 0.97 pips. The broker supports micro lots with a minimum trade size of 0.01 lots, allowing flexibility for smaller accounts, though it does not offer nano lots or cent accounts for very small-scale traders. Trading freedom is unrestricted, with scalping and hedging both permitted, and expert advisors function on MetaTrader 4 alongside automation options through ProRealTime and IG APIs. The platform selection includes both third-party options (MT4, ProRealTime, TradingView) and IG’s proprietary trading interface available on web and mobile devices. Analysis capabilities are comprehensive, featuring client sentiment tools, a full suite of drawing tools on desktop platforms, numerous built-in and custom indicators via MetaTrader, and a filterable economic calendar for fundamental analysis.
Good Forex trading alternatives to IG are Pepperstone, XM and FP Markets, as listed in the best Forex brokers listicle.
IG is an excellent choice for CFD stock trading because it belongs to a group regulated by multiple Tier-1 authorities including the FCA, ASIC, BaFin and MAS, covers 14 stock exchanges globally including US-listed stocks on NYSE and NASDAQ, provides comprehensive trading analysis tools such as news feeds, fundamental data and trader sentiment indicators, and permits all major trading strategies including scalping, hedging, algorithmic trading through APIs and ProRealTime, and short selling.
IG charges explicit commissions on CFD stock trades with costs applied on both opening and closing positions (for example, US$0.02 per share with a US$15 minimum for US stocks, and 0.10% with minimums for UK and EU stocks), which represent medium-level fees in the industry. The broker provides access to stock CFDs across 14 exchanges with real-time market data available as an optional subscription, though default quotes are delayed. IG offers both proprietary trading platforms through its web interface and mobile app, as well as third-party platform integration with ProRealTime for advanced charting and automated strategies. However, IG does not support fractional share CFDs, requiring a minimum trade size of 1 share, which may limit flexibility for traders with smaller account sizes or those seeking precise position sizing.
Pepperstone and CMC Markets (12,000 tradable instruments) are some good alternatives to IG as best stock CFD brokers.
IG is not a good fit for real stock trading because IG International Limited, the IG company that serves India, offers share CFDs only, with no share dealing service for buying and owning physical shares.
IG’s share-dealing service is offered by other IG companies and is not available to clients in India. Clients in India can trade shares only as CFDs, which do not confer ownership of the underlying stocks.
Interactive Brokers (real stocks, ETFs, bonds and funds) and Admirals (real stocks and ETFs) are some good alternatives to IG as best stock brokers.
IG is a good option for CFD crypto trading because IG International Limited is licensed by the BMA and belongs to a group regulated by major financial regulators including the FCA, ASIC, and MAS, offers commission-free trading with costs incorporated into the spread, and provides 24/7 live pricing with continuous real-time quotes. IG is good but not excellent for CFD crypto trading because it offers approximately 14 crypto CFD markets, which fall short of broader market coverage. Retail clients in India can trade crypto CFDs with a maximum leverage of 1:10.
IG provides CFD crypto trading across approximately 14 cryptocurrency markets with a straightforward fee structure that eliminates per-trade commissions by incorporating all trading costs into the spread. The platform delivers continuous real-time market data with 24/7 live pricing, enabling traders to monitor and execute positions at any time. The IG group holds authorisations from multiple tier-one financial regulators, while clients in India trade crypto CFDs with IG International Limited under its BMA licence. The selection of 14 crypto CFD markets covers major cryptocurrencies but provides limited exposure to smaller or emerging digital assets compared to platforms offering broader cryptocurrency selections.
NAGA and Pepperstone are some good alternatives to IG as best brokers for CFD cryptocurrency.
IG is not a good fit for real crypto trading because IG International Limited, the IG company that serves India, offers cryptocurrencies only as CFDs, so clients in India cannot buy, hold or transfer actual coins.
IG’s real crypto service, provided through its partner Uphold, is offered by other IG companies and is not available to clients in India. Crypto exposure for clients in India comes only from CFDs, which track the price of the coins without conferring ownership.
Coinbase, Crypto.com and Binance are some good alternatives to IG as best crypto exchanges.
IG is not a good fit for copy trading because the broker does not offer any copy trading features or services. IG provides neither a proprietary social trading network nor integration with third-party copy trading platforms, which means clients cannot automatically replicate the trades of other traders, subscribe to trading portfolios, or follow automated signals and strategies. These capabilities do not substitute for dedicated copy trading functionality where users can select and automatically mirror the positions of experienced traders or strategy providers while IG maintains standard trading tools and risk management features for manual trading and APIs for custom automation.
ZuluTrade and NAGA are some good alternatives to IG as copy trading platforms.
What are the IG trading conditions?
IG Markets trading conditions are listed below.
- Pricing model: Spread-based pricing with variable markup by asset class and market conditions. Spreads widen during volatility, low liquidity, or major news events. Share CFDs use per-trade commission instead of spread markup.
- Order size: Minimum and maximum trade sizes vary by instrument and product type. Minimum position sizes are generally small, with limits designed to manage liquidity and reduce slippage on large orders.
- Trading approaches: Hedging, scalping, and algorithmic trading are permitted. Automated strategies supported through APIs and MetaTrader 4, with standard margin and leverage rules applying across all strategies.
- Risk management: Negative balance protection for retail clients caps losses at deposited funds. Guaranteed stop-loss orders available for fixed maximum loss. Margin close-out rules liquidate positions when equity falls below maintenance levels.
- Order execution: Publishes execution statistics including average speed and fill rates at quoted prices. Provides indicative market depth and typical spread performance data. Full real-time order-book depth and detailed liquidity-provider information is not disclosed during volatile conditions.
| Broker |
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| Execution model | Market Maker | STP/ECN | ECN/STP |
| Max. FX leverage | 1:200 | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Min. FX trade size | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots | 0,01 standard lots |
| Hedging allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scalping allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
IG applies a market-maker execution model for CFDs. IG fills client CFD orders against IG quoted prices, with IG acting as principal counterparty. IG executes standard CFD orders internally rather than routing standard CFD orders to external venues. IG may offer direct-access style services for specific products, with IG treating those services as separate from standard CFD execution. IG applies best-execution obligations when executing orders and describes execution arrangements in legal disclosures. IG keeps the core CFD execution model broadly consistent while varying conditions through product scope and client categorisation.
IG’s trade execution is strong and consistently well controlled. IG publishes concrete execution outcomes and reports very low order-rejection rates in normal conditions for at-quote flow. IG provides meaningful best-execution detail and explains how price tolerance, price improvement, and liquidity checks affect fills and rejections. IG remains a dependable choice during high volatility, and clients should still expect spread widening and occasional slippage that is normal for fast markets.
IG Markets max leverage for clients in India is up to 1:200 for retail clients. Leverage depends on client classification and instrument type, not account variants. You can select leverage indirectly through position sizing within permitted limits. IG Markets enforces margin requirements and stop-out mechanisms that close positions when equity falls to the maintenance threshold.
The max leverage with IG Markets for each asset class is listed below.
- Forex: 1:200 majors; 1:133 non-majors.
- Indices: 1:200 major; 1:200 non-major.
- Commodities: 1:200 gold; 1:67 other commodities.
- Shares (equities): 1:20 retail.
- Cryptocurrencies: 1:10 retail.
Learn more about Forex brokers with high leverage.
The minimum trade size at IG Markets is 0.01 lots for forex pairs, which equals 1,000 units of the base currency. The maximum trade size depends on the specific market and liquidity, and it can reach up to 100 lots per single forex order. The minimum trade size for indices is typically one contract, and the minimum trade size for commodities and cryptocurrencies varies by product, starting from small fractional contracts. IG Markets allows traders to open multiple orders to increase total exposure when the platform limit per order is reached. Order size restrictions apply according to market type and liquidity, and the trading platform enforces these constraints automatically to prevent orders that exceed the maximum allowable volume.
The types of trading orders available at IG are listed below.
- Market order
- Limit order
- Stop order
- Stop-loss order
- Guaranteed stop order
- Trailing stop order
- If-done order
IG supports multiple orders on the same instrument and partial closes where the underlying product permits it.
IG has low-to-moderate slippage in normal liquidity, and can deliver price improvement as well as adverse slippage under market execution. IG reports that 98.97% of orders are executed, all at the requested price or better, with 0.20% of orders rejected. IG provides some execution and price-improvement statistics, but does not consistently publish a single, complete slippage dashboard across all products.
Order execution speed with IG Markets averages around 14 ms. IG Markets provides execution guidance, including that markets can move in milliseconds and that the quoted price may change between a trade click and order receipt.
A detailed breakdown of average execution latency by market or instrument is not provided by IG Markets in public materials. The percentage of orders filled in under one second is not published by IG Markets.
What are IG account types?
The account types offered by IG are listed below.
- CFD Trading Account: For contracts for difference trading with long/short positions. Hedge existing investments or use leverage for increased exposure. Advanced charting, risk management tools, and automated trading platform integration across a wide range of markets.
- Professional Account: For experienced traders meeting specific eligibility criteria (trading experience, portfolio size, frequency). No retail protections like negative balance protection.
Learn more about IG account types.

IG Markets’ most popular account is the CFD trading account, used by most traders to speculate on price movements without owning underlying assets. IG doesn’t publish usage statistics, but the CFD account is the core offering for retail clients. It provides access to forex, indices, shares, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and bonds with leverage, variable spreads, and transparent market-based pricing. Traders can take long or short positions and execute through IG Trading or MetaTrader 4 platforms with charting, analysis, and automation tools. The account suits active traders seeking direct market execution across global markets.
Yes, IG offers a demo account. The demo account provides access to over 17,000 instruments across forex, indices, shares, and commodities, closely mirroring the live platform’s interface, order types, charting tools, and functionality. Users start with a virtual demo balance of US$20,000, which cannot be adjusted, and the demo account does not expire, remaining available for an unlimited duration. Learn more about the IG demo account.
No, IG Markets does not offer an Islamic (swap-free) account to clients in India. IG removed swap-free accounts and no longer provides them, even upon request for Sharia-compliant trading. Overnight financing charges apply to all positions held overnight without exemption. No screening process, proof of religion, or Islamic account structure exists under the offering of IG International Limited.
Learn more about Forex brokers with Islamic account.
Yes, IG Markets offers a Professional account. To qualify, clients must meet at least 2 of 3 criteria: (1) sufficient trading activity, (2) a financial portfolio above a defined threshold, and (3) relevant experience in the financial sector. Compared with a retail account, the Professional account provides more flexible trading conditions and access to a wider range of instruments, but it removes protections such as negative balance protection.
Learn more about Forex brokers for professional traders.
Yes, IG Markets offers a corporate account for businesses and institutions to trade in the company’s name (not individual). Corporate accounts operate under the same regulatory framework as retail and professional accounts, and for clients in India they are held with IG International Limited, licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). They’re designed for entities trading for commercial or investment purposes. Applications require company registration documents, proof of directors, and financial information. Trading conditions (margin requirements, instruments) mirror retail/professional accounts, though corporate clients may access customised leverage or reporting based on trading volume and risk profile. Account availability and terms vary by jurisdiction under local IG Group regulations.
Yes, IG Markets offers premium features. Premium clients receive a personal premium account manager, priority customer support, exclusive pricing (such as better margins and rebates), access to higher-level research and insights, and invitations to exclusive events. Access to premium status is generally by invitation only and is granted based on individual circumstances.
How to open an account with IG?
The steps to open an account with IG Markets are listed below.
- Start the application: Open the live account registration page, enter a name and email address, confirm the country of residence, and select the account type.
- Provide personal details: Enter date of birth and residential address, provide tax residency information such as a tax identification number where requested, and add employment and financial information.
- Complete appropriateness questions: Answer the trading-experience and knowledge questions used to assess whether the products are appropriate for the applicant.
- Submit verification documents: Upload a valid photo identity document such as a passport or driving licence and upload proof of address such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or credit card bill, dated within the last six months.
- Complete verification checks: Respond to any follow-up requests, and wait for the documents and information to be reviewed and approved.
- Fund the trading account: Deposit funds using an available method such as bank transfer or payment card once approval is granted.
- Activate and trade: Log in after the deposit is credited, confirm platform access, and place the first trade.
The full setup typically takes a few hours to one or two business days, and extra checks can extend the timeline when documents are unclear or additional information is required. The process is generally easy to complete when the application details and uploaded files are consistent and legible. The requirements typically include being at least 18 years old, providing personal and tax residency details, submitting proof of identity and proof of address, and completing an appropriateness assessment. A Know Your Customer process is required, and it normally includes identity verification, address verification, and, where applicable, checks related to source of funds before full activation.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | US$0 | US$0 | US$0 |
| Demo trial available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Payment methods | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card | Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Ewallets |
| Islamic account availability | No | Yes | No |
| Account base currencies | AUD, EUR, GBP, HKD, SGD, USD | AUD, CHF, EUR, GBP, JPY, PLN, USD | AUD, CAD, CHF, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, USD |
IG Markets minimum deposit for clients in India is US$0, as no minimum amount is required to open and fund the account. IG accepts deposits in multiple currencies. No tiered status or platform features are unlocked by the size of the deposit. Learn more about the minimum deposit with IG.
IG Markets offers 6 account base currencies, which include GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, HKD, and SGD. The solid range of account base currencies offered at IG Markets helps many traders reduce conversion fees when they align deposits and withdrawals with the chosen base currency.
The deposit methods supported by IG are listed below.
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- Bank Transfer
- Apple Pay
The withdrawal methods supported by IG are listed below.
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Debit Cards
- Credit Cards
- Mobile Payment Methods
Deposits and withdrawals with IG Markets are safe for clients in India. Client funds are held in segregated accounts at banks including Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and HSBC, protected even in insolvency. IG International Limited, which holds the accounts of clients in India, is licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). Payments are secured with SSL encryption, PCI DSS compliance, and 3-D Secure for card transactions. Withdrawals require identity verification, two-factor authentication, and return to the original payment method, with account whitelisting to block unauthorised transfers.
What trading platforms does IG offer?
The trading platforms offered by IG are listed below.
- IG Online Platform: Multi-asset web platform supporting CFDs on forex, indices, commodities, shares, bonds, and options. Available on web browsers (Windows/macOS) and mobile browsers (no dedicated iOS/Android app).
- IG Trading App: Proprietary mobile app for trading and account management with charts, alerts, and watchlists; supports CFDs, forex, indices, shares, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Available on iOS/Android only (no desktop version).
- MetaTrader 4 and 5 (MT4/MT5): Forex/CFD platforms with advanced charting and Expert Advisors for automated strategies. Available on Windows (desktop), macOS (via emulator/bridge), and iOS/Android (MetaTrader app).
- ProRealTime: Advanced charting platform with strategy coding, backtesting, and execution for CFDs and is designed for technical analysis. Available on web browsers and desktop download (no dedicated iOS/Android app).
- IG L2 Dealer: Proprietary direct market access platform with Level 2 order book data for shares, share CFDs, and forex (qualified clients only). Available on Windows desktop only (no mobile apps).
- IG APIs/FIX: Programmatic interfaces for algorithmic trading and custom systems supporting CFDs and forex markets. Available through custom software on Windows/macOS (no graphical platform or mobile apps).
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | No | Yes | Yes |
| TradingView | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary platform | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Copy trading platform | No | Yes | Yes |

The charting tools available at IG are listed below.
- Technical indicators: 30+ built-in indicators (momentum, volume, volatility, trend, oscillators). Custom indicators and automated strategies via ProRealTime’s proprietary scripting language.
- Drawing tools: Trendlines, channels, Fibonacci retracements/extensions, Gann tools, pitchforks, Elliott waves, arrows, text/label boxes, shapes, and measurement tools. Multi-instrument overlays for comparative analysis.
- Chart timeframes & history: Tick-by-tick to monthly intervals, with up to 30 years of historical data via ProRealTime.
- Backtesting: Strategy testing and backtesting through ProRealTime with custom strategy creation and systematic rule-based testing.
- Platforms & usability: HTML5 web charts, mobile charting (iOS/Android), TradingView integration, and ProRealTime access. Multi-chart layouts (up to 4 charts), one-click trading, and chart-based alerts.
- Pricing: ProRealTime is included with no extra cost when executing 4+ trades monthly, but a monthly subscription fee applies below this threshold.
The trading tools offered by IG are listed below.
- Risk management tools: Market, limit, stop, trailing-stop, stop-loss, take-profit, and guaranteed-stop orders; a premium applies only when guaranteed stops trigger.
- One-click trading: One-click order entry for faster execution on the platform.
- Automatic pattern recognition: Pattern-recognition scanners identifying opportunities from price action and technical patterns.
- Market analytics widgets: Technical indicators, charting tools, integrated signal feeds, and analytical modules within the platform.
- Algorithmic trading: REST and streaming APIs for trade automation and live market-data access. Strategy development and back-testing performed in external environments.
- Trading calculators: Two built-in trading calculators; position-sizing and P&L projection tools within the interface.
- Market analysis tools: Integrated economic calendar and embedded newsfeed with live headlines and broker-curated analysis.
| Broker |
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| API support | REST API, Streaming API, FIX API | FIX API, cTrader API | FIX API, cTrader API |
| EAs support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coding languages supported | MQL4 | MQL4, MQL5, cAlgo | MQL4, MQL5, cAlgo, Pinescript |
| VPS support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, IG Markets provides a VPS (virtual private server) for MetaTrader clients. The VPS is hosted by Beeks in London and offers 25 GB disk space and 1,300 MB RAM.
Access to the MT4 VPS is free if the client maintains an MT4 account balance of at least US$5,000. Otherwise, a monthly fee of US$50 applies.
To obtain MT4 VPS access the client must email IG expressing interest, after which IG will verify the account balance and send an application link.
Learn more about Forex brokers with free VPS.
Yes, IG Markets offers Autochartist. IG Markets integrates Autochartist into its MT4 platform as part of its “indicators and add-ons” suite. IG provides trade signals generated by Autochartist within its platforms so that users can view chart-pattern suggestions directly. IG does not require a separate subscription fee for Autochartist as it is included in its offering.
Explore the best brokers with Autochartist.
Yes, IG Markets offers integration with TradingView, allowing clients to trade IG instruments directly from the TradingView platform. The integration is via TradingView’s “trading panel” in which IG is added as a broker, enabling chart-based order placement and trade management within TradingView. To access it, a user must have both an active IG account and a TradingView account, and then connect IG from the TradingView trading panel.
There is no additional fee charged by IG for using TradingView. The user may use the free TradingView plan; however, access to advanced indicators, drawing tools, or added chart layouts would depend on the TradingView subscription level. Learn more about the best brokers with TradingView.
Yes, IG Markets allows algorithmic trading. IG supports algo and automated trading via MetaTrader 4 (Expert Advisors/EAs), native REST and streaming APIs, and institutional FIX access for DMA. MT4 EAs run on IG’s CFD account infrastructure. The REST and streaming APIs deliver live and historical market data, order execution, immediate and resting orders, risk-management tools (stops, limits), account management, and market sentiment data. IG provides developer resources including documentation, sample apps, and an “IG Labs” test environment for algorithmic integrations. Demo environments and third-party platform bridges (e.g. MT4) are available. Co-location or proprietary low-latency data centre access is not offered to retail clients.
How good is IG for mobile trading?
IG Markets is excellent for mobile trading because it offers a comprehensive proprietary IG Trading app, supports MetaTrader 4 and 5, is available on both Android and iOS, and delivers a rich suite of trading and analysis tools on mobile. The platform scores maximum points for mobile app availability and covers a broad range of assets, which includes forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and CFDs. All of these are tradable via mobile devices.
IG’s mobile platforms allow access to over 17,000 markets. Account management features such as deposits, withdrawals, and customisable alerts are included. The app contains around 30 technical indicators. Drawing tools for chart analysis, integrated news feeds, economic calendars, and sentiment analysis functions are present. Advanced users have access to ProRealTime on mobile and progressive web apps. IG Markets provides one of the most feature-complete and flexible mobile trading experiences in the industry.
Pepperstone and CMC Markets, which offers its own mobile app alongside MT4 and MT5 mobile, are some of the best mobile trading apps and are good alternatives to IG Markets. Explore the best apps for Forex trading.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MT5 mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader mobile | No | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary mobile app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The IG Markets mobile app differs from the desktop version mainly in interface design and feature depth. The mobile app covers essentials (live market data, charting, order placement, price alerts, risk management, and account functions) optimised for on-the-move trading. The desktop version adds advanced chart analysis, broader customisation, multi-screen setups, and deeper integration with third-party tools. Both support the same instruments (forex, CFDs, indices), but advanced research and automation features remain desktop-exclusive.
How good is IG to learn trading?
IG Markets is a great choice for learning trading because it offers a robust educational portal, comprehensive tutorials, regular market outlooks, daily analysis, live webinars, podcasts and a free unlimited demo account. IG Markets is good and not excellent for learning trading due to the lack of cent/nano accounts for risk-minimised real-money practice.
IG Academy, IG’s educational section, includes step-by-step trading courses, interactive quizzes, platform tutorials, and a trading glossary. All this is accessible for free and via a dedicated app. Training materials cover topics from beginner basics to advanced strategies. Regular articles on risk management and market analysis supplement these materials. Live webinars and occasional in-person seminars allow users to interact with experts in real time. Beginners benefit from a generous and unlimited demo account, available across web and mobile. However, IG does not offer cent/nano accounts, which limits the ability to practice with minimal real money at risk, and no podcast series is provided as part of its educational offering. Learn more about what is trading and how it works.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tutorials | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glossary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live analysis | Yes | Yes | Yes |

How good is IG customer care?
IG Markets has a great customer care because it offers 24/7 support via email, phone, and live chat (including WhatsApp), provides multilingual and localised service, includes a VIP/Premium program with dedicated account managers, and does not charge any fees for customer support. IG Markets has great and not excellent customer care since the account-tier perks do not elevate the overall experience further for regular clients.
IG Markets’ customer support is highly accessible, with multiple contact channels such as email, live web chat, WhatsApp, and dedicated phone lines available around the clock from Monday to Sunday. The broker delivers localised assistance in numerous languages and offers regional websites and teams for various countries. VIP clients receive benefits such as a personal account manager and priority service, though standard users do not get special treatment beyond the robust baseline. All customer care services are complimentary and there are no fees associated with contacting support.
| Broker |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Support languages | English, Arabic, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish | Arabic, Chinese, Czech, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Malaysian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese | English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, Indonesian, Italian, French, Thai, German, Polish |
| Phone support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Email support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Support hours | Mon-Sun (00:00-24:00) | Mon-Fri (00:00-24:00) | Mon-Sun (00:00-24:00) |
What are the best alternatives to IG?
The best alternatives to IG Markets are CMC Markets and Pepperstone.
- CMC Markets: 12,000+ instruments across forex, shares, indices, commodities, and treasuries; no minimum deposit; Alpha and Price+ discount schemes cut spreads up to 40%; stringent regulation with compensation and negative balance protection.
- Pepperstone: Spreads from 0.0 pips with low commissions; MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView; multi-jurisdictional regulation, negative balance protection, and copy trading.
Learn more about alternatives to IG.
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CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
IG is a strong fit for traders in India who want broad market access, reliable regulation and a platform lineup that can support both active and more advanced trading styles. Its main strengths are a listed parent group with licences in several major jurisdictions, very wide product coverage, solid mobile trading and strong overall platform depth. It is less suitable for traders who want copy trading, real shares or spot crypto, consistently low costs across all instruments, or a simpler beginner-first experience.

