Is IG Safe? Security, Regulation & Protection Review
- expertise:
- CFD Trading, Forex, Derivatives, Risk Management
- credentials:
- Chartered ACII (2018) · Trading since 2012
- tested:
- 40+ forex & CFD platforms with live accounts
- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts
How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
Regulatory checks:
FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
Contact: info@theinvestorscentre.co.uk
We examine IG's regulation, fund protection, and security measures to determine whether it's a safe broker for UK traders.
Quick Answer: Is IG a Safe Broker?
Yes — IG is one of the safest brokers available in the UK. It's authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, listed on the FTSE 250, and has been operating for over 50 years. Your funds are held in segregated accounts, and you're protected by the FSCS up to £85,000 if the worst were to happen. For most traders, IG ticks every safety box.
IG Safety – Quick Overview
| Feature | Details | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA (UK) plus global regulators | Yes |
| Company Status | FTSE 250 listed (LSE: IGG) | Yes |
| Years Operating | 50+ years (founded 1974) | Yes |
| Client Money Protection | Segregated accounts | Yes |
| Compensation Scheme | FSCS up to £85,000 | Yes |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes (retail clients) | Yes |
Top Rated
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Who Regulates IG?
In the UK, IG is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This is the gold standard for financial regulation and means IG must meet strict requirements around how it handles your money, reports its finances, and treats customers fairly.
What Does FCA Regulation Mean for You?
FCA regulation means IG operates under close supervision. It must keep client funds separate from company money, maintain adequate capital reserves, and follow strict conduct rules. If IG breaks these rules, the FCA can intervene, fine them, or revoke their licence. For you, it means a higher level of trust and accountability.
Is IG Regulated in Other Countries?
Yes. IG holds licences from multiple top-tier regulators worldwide, including ASIC in Australia, BaFin in Germany, and the CFTC in the US. This global oversight adds another layer of credibility — IG isn't just meeting UK standards, it's satisfying regulators across major financial markets.
How Is Your Money Protected with IG?
IG uses several layers of protection to keep your money safe. From segregated accounts to compensation schemes, the structure is designed to protect you even if something goes wrong with the company itself.
What Are Segregated Client Accounts?
Your money is held in accounts completely separate from IG's own operating funds. This means if IG ever ran into financial difficulty, your cash wouldn't be mixed up with the company's money. Creditors couldn't access it. It's a fundamental protection required by the FCA.
What Is FSCS Protection and How Does It Apply?
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects UK clients if an FCA-regulated firm fails. With IG, you're covered up to £85,000 per person. This applies if IG were to become insolvent and couldn't return your funds — it doesn't cover trading losses, but it does protect against broker failure.
IG Safety vs Competitors
| Broker | UK Regulator | Listed Company | FSCS Protection | Segregated Funds | Years Operating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | FCA | Yes (FTSE 250) | Yes | Yes | 50+ |
| CMC Markets | FCA | Yes (FTSE 250) | Yes | Yes | 35+ |
| eToro | FCA | Yes (NASDAQ) | Yes | Yes | 15+ |
| Plus500 | FCA | Yes (FTSE 250) | Yes | Yes | 15+ |
Is IG Financially Stable?
IG is one of the most financially transparent brokers you can use. As a publicly listed company, it publishes audited accounts and is subject to ongoing scrutiny from investors, analysts, and regulators alike.
What Does Being FTSE 250 Listed Mean?
IG Group Holdings plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker IGG. It's part of the FTSE 250, meaning it's one of the largest 250 companies on the exchange. This status requires regular financial reporting, independent audits, and adherence to corporate governance standards that private companies don't face.
How Long Has IG Been in Business?
IG was founded in 1974, making it one of the oldest spread betting and CFD providers in the world. It has survived multiple financial crises, market crashes, and regulatory changes over five decades. That longevity isn't a guarantee of future safety, but it's a strong indicator of resilience and sound management.
What Security Measures Does IG Use?
Beyond regulatory protection, IG invests heavily in platform security. Your account and personal data are protected by industry-standard measures designed to prevent unauthorised access and fraud.
How Is Your Account Protected?
IG uses two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your login, meaning you need both your password and a second verification step to access your account. All data is encrypted using SSL technology, and IG's systems are regularly tested for vulnerabilities. It's the same standard you'd expect from a major bank.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
If you have a complaint, IG has an internal resolution process you can use first. If that doesn't resolve things, UK clients can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service for free. This independent body can make binding decisions on complaints — another benefit of using an FCA-regulated broker.
Are There Any Risks to Be Aware Of?
While IG itself is safe, that doesn't mean trading is risk-free. It's important to understand the difference between platform safety and market risk — they're two separate things.
Is Your Capital at Risk?
Yes. When you trade CFDs or spread bet, you can lose money — sometimes more than you deposit if you're not using guaranteed stops. IG's own figures show that 67% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading these products. The platform is safe; the trading itself carries inherent risk.
Does FSCS Cover Trading Losses?
No. The FSCS only protects you if IG fails as a company and can't return your funds. It doesn't cover losses from trades that go against you. If you buy a share and it drops in value, that's market risk — not something any compensation scheme will reimburse.
Final Verdict – Can You Trust IG with Your Money?
IG is about as safe as a broker can be. FCA regulation, FTSE 250 listing, 50 years in business, segregated funds, FSCS protection, and robust security measures all add up to a platform you can trust. Very few brokers can match this combination of credentials.
The only risks you face are the ones inherent to trading itself — and no broker can eliminate those. If safety and reliability are priorities for you, IG is an excellent choice. For a full breakdown of the platform's features, see our complete IG review.
FAQs
References
- Financial Conduct Authority – FCA Register: IG Index Ltd (FRN 195355)
- Financial Services Compensation Scheme – FSCS Protection Limits
- London Stock Exchange – IG Group Holdings plc (IGG)
- IG Group – Annual Report and Financial Statements
- Financial Ombudsman Service – How to Complain
68% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider.