IG Review Australia 2026: Fees, Safety & Platform Analysis

IG is a multi-asset online broker designed for active traders and investors in Australia, offering competitive forex and index CFD pricing, advanced web and mobile platforms, and access to thousands of global markets.

Its main drawback is relatively high stock CFD commissions and a product mix that heavily favours leveraged trading, which may matter for long-term investors seeking low-cost share investing in AUD without using CFDs.

IG Australia overview

IG pros & cons

Who is IG best for?

IG is best suited to:

• Active traders who need access to multiple global markets from one account
• Short-term forex and index CFD traders who prioritise tight spreads
• Experienced investors comfortable using leveraged products

Who is IG not ideal for?

IG may not be suitable for:

• Long-term buy-and-hold investors seeking low-cost passive investing
• Beginners who prefer very simple platforms with minimal complexity
• Investors who want direct crypto ownership rather than crypto CFDs

Is IG safe and properly regulated in Australia?

Yes. IG is regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and operates under one of the most established global brokerage groups. Client money must be held in segregated trust accounts under Australian law. The main limitation is that Australia does not provide a statutory investor compensation scheme if a broker fails.

Who regulates IG in Australia and what that means

IG’s Australian operations are conducted through IG Markets Limited, which is licensed and supervised by:

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom
• Other tier-1 regulators in Europe and Asia depending on client jurisdiction

ASIC requires IG to meet strict capital adequacy standards, comply with client money rules, and maintain internal risk controls. This means IG must:

• Hold sufficient regulatory capital
• Keep client funds separate from company funds
• Follow Australian leverage and marketing restrictions

IG Group Holdings plc, the parent company, is listed on the London Stock Exchange, adding additional financial disclosure and transparency requirements.

What protections apply to customers in Australia?

Australian retail clients benefit from regulatory safeguards under ASIC rules. These include leverage caps on CFDs, product intervention measures, and mandatory risk disclosures.

However, Australia does not operate a government-backed compensation scheme equivalent to the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If a broker were to become insolvent, recovery would depend on how client funds are segregated and the insolvency process.

ASIC leverage caps for retail clients include:

• 30:1 for major forex pairs
• 20:1 for minor forex pairs, gold, and major indices
• 10:1 for commodities (excluding gold)
• 5:1 for shares
• 2:1 for crypto CFDs

These limits are designed to reduce retail investor losses.

How are client funds and assets held?

Under ASIC client money rules:

• Retail client funds must be held in segregated trust accounts
• Client money cannot be used for operational business expenses
• Reconciliation must occur regularly to ensure accurate balances

Segregation reduces the risk of misuse but does not eliminate insolvency risk entirely. For CFD trading, clients do not own the underlying asset, as positions are derivative contracts.

Investor protection by region

Protection levels depend on which regulated entity the client is onboarded with.

Negative balance protection and leverage safeguards

• Retail clients cannot lose more than their account balance
• Leverage caps apply under ASIC product intervention rules
• Margin close-out protections trigger when account equity falls to a specified level

These measures aim to limit extreme losses during volatile markets.

Track record and transparency

• Founded in 1974, making it one of the longest-established online trading providers
• IG Group Holdings plc is publicly listed in the UK
• Publishes financial reports and regulatory disclosures

Public listing increases transparency compared to privately held brokers.

Biggest limitation to be aware of

The key limitation for Australian clients is the absence of a statutory investor compensation scheme. While client funds are segregated, there is no guaranteed government-backed payout in the event of insolvency.

In addition, IG’s product range is heavily focused on leveraged derivatives such as CFDs. These are high-risk instruments and are not suitable for all investors.

In short

IG is properly regulated in Australia by ASIC and operates under multiple tier-1 regulators globally. Client funds are segregated, leverage is capped, and negative balance protection applies to retail accounts.

The primary trade-off is that Australian investors do not receive a formal compensation scheme, and most products involve leveraged derivatives that carry significant risk.

What does it cost to use IG?

IG primarily charges through spreads on CFDs and forex, plus commissions on share CFDs and certain markets.

Costs typically show up in three places: the spread between buy and sell prices, per-trade commissions on stock CFDs, and overnight financing on leveraged positions. Non-trading fees, such as inactivity charges, may also apply.

Trading fees and spreads

Stocks and ETFs (CFDs)

IG charges commission on share CFDs rather than widening the spread.

• Commission: approximately AUD equivalent of $0.02 per share
• Minimum commission: approximately AUD $10 per trade
• Overnight financing: applies if a leveraged CFD position is held overnight

For small trade sizes, the minimum commission can significantly increase effective costs.

For real share investing, fees vary by exchange and account type, and currency conversion charges may apply if trading non-AUD assets.

Forex and CFDs (Australia)

Forex and index CFDs are priced primarily via spreads.

• Major forex pairs: spreads from around 0.6 pips
• Australia 200 index CFD: typically around 1 point
• Gold: competitive variable spread
• Overnight financing: charged daily for leveraged positions

Financing is based on the underlying interbank rate plus or minus a margin set by IG.

Crypto trading

Crypto is offered via CFDs, not direct ownership.

• Spread-based pricing
• Overnight financing charges apply to leveraged positions
• No crypto wallet or spot custody available

This means traders do not own the underlying cryptocurrency.

Non-trading fees (withdrawals, inactivity, custody)

Bank processing times for withdrawals are typically 1–3 business days.

FX fees and currency conversion

IG supports trading in multiple currencies, including AUD, USD, GBP, and EUR.

If you trade assets denominated in a different currency to your account base currency, a conversion fee applies.

Typical FX conversion costs

• Conversion fee typically around 0.5 percent per transaction
• Applied when opening and closing positions in foreign currencies
• Can materially affect long-term investors trading international shares

Fee comparison vs major alternatives

Costs vary depending on account type and market traded.

Cost summary

IG is competitively priced for active forex and index CFD traders, where tight spreads are the main cost. However, share CFD commissions and overnight financing can increase total trading costs, especially for smaller trades or longer holding periods.

There are no standard deposit or withdrawal fees, but inactivity charges apply after extended dormancy. Currency conversion fees can also add up for Australian investors trading international markets.

Overall, IG’s pricing structure is most cost-effective for short-term, higher-volume traders rather than passive long-term investors.

What assets and markets can you access with IG?

IG gives Australian clients access to global stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, bonds, options, futures, and crypto CFDs.

Its strength is leveraged trading via CFDs. The main gap is that crypto spot ownership is not available, and most non-share products are derivatives rather than physical assets.

Stocks and ETFs

IG offers access to thousands of global shares and ETFs, either as real shares (where available) or as CFDs.

What’s available

• Australian shares
• US-listed shares
• UK and European shares
• Global ETFs
• Share CFDs on over 13,000 stocks

Major exchanges covered

• ASX (Australia)
• NYSE and NASDAQ (United States)
• London Stock Exchange (UK)
• Major European exchanges

Important limitations

• Share CFD trading involves leverage and overnight financing
• Commission applies to share CFDs, with a minimum trade fee
• Some smaller international exchanges may not be supported
• Long-term investors may face currency conversion costs when trading offshore stocks

Forex and CFDs (Australia)

IG is primarily known for CFD and forex trading.

Forex

• Nearly 100 currency pairs
• Major, minor, and exotic pairs
• Retail leverage capped under ASIC rules
• Tight spreads on major pairs

CFDs

• Global indices including Australia 200, US 500, and UK 100
• Commodities such as gold, silver, oil, and agricultural products
• Bond CFDs
• Share CFDs
• Sector CFDs

Key restriction

All CFDs are leveraged derivatives. You do not own the underlying asset, and overnight financing applies to positions held open beyond the trading day.

Crypto spot vs crypto derivatives

IG provides crypto exposure through CFDs only.

Crypto spot trading

• Not available in Australia through IG
• No cryptocurrency wallet custody
• No direct coin ownership

Crypto CFDs

• Major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Spread-based pricing
• Leverage available subject to ASIC limits
• Overnight financing applies

Other crypto features

• No staking
• No crypto transfers in or out
• Purely speculative price exposure

Cost note

Crypto CFDs include the spread and overnight financing charges for leveraged positions.

Funds, bonds, options, and futures

IG supports a broader derivatives offering than many retail platforms.

Options

• Listed options on selected markets
• Warrants and structured products in some regions

Futures

• Access to major global futures markets
• Margin trading required

Bonds

• Bond CFDs available
• No direct government bond ownership for retail clients

Not available

• Mutual funds
• Direct access to managed funds
• Crypto spot ownership
• Fractional crypto custody

Real assets vs CFDs at IG

Most non-share instruments are derivatives rather than direct ownership.

Asset availability by region (summary)

Availability may vary depending on account type and regulatory classification.

In short

IG offers one of the broadest multi-asset selections available to Australian traders, especially for forex and CFD markets. Investors can access thousands of global shares and ETFs, major indices, commodities, bonds, futures, and crypto CFDs.

However, most products outside real shares are leveraged derivatives. There is no crypto spot ownership, and long-term investors seeking traditional fund investing may find the product mix tilted toward active trading rather than passive portfolio building.

How do deposits and withdrawals work on IG?

IG supports bank transfers, debit and credit cards, and PayPal for Australian clients. Card deposits are usually instant, while bank transfers can take 1 to 3 business days. IG does not charge deposit or withdrawal fees in most cases. There is no minimum deposit for bank transfer, but card and PayPal deposits typically require around AUD 300.

Supported deposit methods and minimums

IG offers a broad range of funding methods for Australian residents, with no standard deposit fee.

Deposit methods

• Bank transfer
• Debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Electron
• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover
• PayPal

Deposits must come from an account in the trader’s own name.

Speed

• Debit or credit card: usually instant
• PayPal: usually instant
• Bank transfer: typically 1 to 3 business days

Processing times may vary depending on the issuing bank.

Minimum deposits

• Bank transfer: AUD 0 minimum
• Card and PayPal: typically around AUD 300

The minimum can vary slightly depending on account type and entity.

Deposit limits

Limits depend on payment provider, fraud checks, and internal risk controls. Large deposits may trigger additional verification under AML requirements.

Withdrawal methods, processing time, and fees

Withdrawals are generally processed back to the original funding source. IG does not charge withdrawal fees.

Withdrawal options

• Bank transfer
• Debit card (where supported)
• PayPal (if originally used to fund the account)

Withdrawals must go to an account in the client’s name.

Processing time

• Debit card withdrawals tested at approximately 2 business days
• Bank transfers typically 1 to 3 business days
• Card refunds can take longer depending on the card issuer

Processing speed may depend on verification checks and bank processing times.

Fees and limits

Third-party banking or card provider fees may apply in some cases.

Base currencies and conversion costs

IG offers six base currencies:

• AUD
• USD
• GBP
• EUR
• SGD
• HKD

Australian clients typically open an AUD-based account. If you fund or trade in a different currency, a conversion fee applies.

Typical conversion costs

• FX conversion fee typically around 0.5 percent
• Applied when trading assets denominated in a different currency from the account base currency
• May apply both when opening and closing foreign currency positions

Conversion costs can meaningfully affect long-term investors trading overseas shares.

Key takeaways on funding at IG

• No deposit or withdrawal fees in most cases
• Instant card and PayPal deposits
• Bank transfers typically 1 to 3 business days
• No minimum deposit for bank transfers
• Currency conversion fees apply when trading non-AUD assets
• Withdrawals must return to accounts in your own name

IG’s funding process is straightforward and low cost compared to many competitors, though currency conversion and inactivity charges are the main costs to monitor.

How easy is it to open an account with IG in Australia?

Opening an IG account in Australia is fully digital and typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete the application. Identity verification usually takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on document checks. There is no minimum deposit for bank transfers, though card and PayPal deposits typically require around AUD 300 to start trading.

What documents are needed?

As an ASIC-regulated broker, IG must comply with Australian anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules.

You will typically need:

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, or national ID)
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, usually dated within the last 3 months)
• Personal details including tax residency information

In many cases, verification can be completed electronically. If manual checks are required, document review may extend the onboarding time.

Applicants must also complete an appropriateness assessment covering:

• Trading experience
• Financial situation
• Knowledge of leveraged products

This is required before accessing CFDs and forex.

Can a demo account be used first?

Yes. IG offers a free demo trading account with virtual funds.

The demo account:

• Uses real-time market data
• Allows trading across forex and CFDs
• Mirrors the live web and mobile platform experience

This allows new users to test the platform and order types before committing real capital.

Account types and eligibility

Account type availability depends on residency and regulatory entity.

In Australia, clients typically have access to:

• CFD trading account
• Forex trading account
• Share trading account (separate account required for real stocks)

Australian retail clients trade under ASIC regulation. Professional classification is available for eligible traders who meet wealth and experience criteria.

Country-based minimum deposits (first deposit)

Minimum first deposits vary depending on the legal entity and funding method.

These figures may change based on payment method or regulatory updates.

How good is the app and web platform for everyday use?

IG’s web and mobile platforms are among the strongest available to Australian retail traders. The interface is clean and responsive, core actions such as placing, modifying, and closing trades are straightforward, and advanced charting tools are built in.

The platform is best suited to active traders who use technical analysis and trade frequently, rather than passive long-term investors looking for a simplified investing app.

App and web experience at a glance

Order types and trade ticket

IG provides a comprehensive trade ticket across both web and mobile platforms.

Supported order types

• Market orders
• Limit orders
• Stop orders
• Trailing stops
• Guaranteed stop-loss orders (GSLOs)

Guaranteed stops incur a premium but protect against slippage.

Order duration

• Good till cancelled (GTC)
• Good till date (GTD)
• Day orders

Limitations

• No integrated social trading
• Some advanced tools only available on desktop
• Futures and options trading may require separate setup

Charting and analysis tools

Charting is a core strength of IG’s trading platform.

Charting features

• Dozens of technical indicators
• Multiple chart types including candlestick and Heikin Ashi
• Drawing tools and trend lines
• Multi-timeframe analysis
• Integrated economic calendar
• Autochartist pattern recognition

Professional traders can also connect via MetaTrader 4 or ProRealTime for additional technical flexibility.

Key weaknesses

• No native TradingView integration
• Learning curve for beginners
• Interface may feel complex for casual investors

Watchlists, alerts, and portfolio views

IG offers strong monitoring tools across devices.

Watchlists

• Fully customisable
• Synced between web and mobile
• Pre-built market lists available

Alerts

• Price level alerts
• Percentage change alerts
• Mobile push notifications
• Email alerts

Portfolio view

• Real-time P&L tracking
• Margin utilisation overview
• Exposure breakdown by asset class

These features support active risk management.

Social feed and copy trading integration

IG does not provide copy trading or a social investing feed.

CopyTrader

Smart Portfolios

IG focuses on direct trading tools rather than social investing features.

Accessibility, language support, and security

Languages supported

IG’s global platforms support multiple languages. Australian clients typically use the English-language interface.

Accessibility

• Mobile app available on iOS and Android
• Responsive web platform accessible via browser
• Demo mode available before funding

Security

• Two-factor authentication available
• Biometric login on mobile
• Segregated client funds under ASIC rules
• Encrypted data transmission

Who the platform suits best

The IG app and web platform are best suited to:

• Active forex and CFD traders
• Traders using technical analysis daily
• Experienced investors managing multiple positions

They are less suitable for:

• Beginners seeking a simplified investing-only interface
• Investors looking for automated copy trading
• Long-term passive ETF investors who rarely trade

Bottom line

IG’s web and mobile trading apps are feature-rich, stable, and built for active trading. Order execution is straightforward, charting tools are advanced, and risk management features such as guaranteed stops are integrated directly into the trade ticket.

The trade-off is complexity. New investors may find the depth of tools overwhelming, and the absence of copy trading or simplified portfolio tools means IG is positioned more as a professional trading platform than a beginner-focused investing app.

What features stand out compared to similar platforms?

IG differentiates itself through four core areas: advanced risk management tools such as guaranteed stop-loss orders, institutional-grade trading platforms available to retail clients, broad CFD market coverage under ASIC regulation, and its long operating history as a publicly listed company.

It does not compete on social investing or automated portfolios, focusing instead on professional-style trading infrastructure.

Copy trading and social investing at scale

IG does not offer copy trading or social investing functionality.

How it works

• Not available on IG’s Australian platform
• No ability to automatically replicate other traders
• No public performance leaderboards

Transparency and risk controls

• All trades are self-directed
• Risk controls such as stop-loss and guaranteed stops are built into the trade ticket
• Retail leverage caps apply under ASIC product intervention rules

Scale

• No internal social network
• No community-driven portfolio copying

This contrasts with platforms that prioritise social feeds and trader replication.

Smart Portfolios as a simplified alternative to funds

IG does not provide robo-advisory portfolios or managed model portfolios in Australia.

Key characteristics

• No automated asset allocation
• No pre-built ETF portfolios
• No passive thematic baskets

Types of Smart Portfolios

• Not available for Australian clients

Investors seeking automated or managed portfolios may prefer a robo-advisor or ETF-focused brokerage.

Large crypto offering inside a regulated brokerage

IG offers crypto exposure through CFDs within a regulated brokerage framework.

Crypto access

• 11 major crypto CFDs including Bitcoin and Ethereum
• Retail leverage capped at 2:1 under ASIC
• Ability to go long or short
• Integrated with the same trading platform as other asset classes

Regional availability

• Available to Australian retail clients under ASIC rules
• Crypto is offered as derivatives, not spot ownership

This structure differs from exchanges offering direct custody of crypto assets.

Social first interface with built-in market context

IG’s interface is trading-focused rather than socially driven.

Notable interface features

• Advanced charting with dozens of indicators
• Autochartist pattern recognition
• Economic calendar and integrated news
• Guaranteed stop-loss functionality
• Support for MetaTrader 4 and direct market access (DMA)

What it does not offer

• No social feed
• No copy trading
• No in-app community commentary

The design prioritises execution and analysis tools rather than community interaction.

Feature comparison snapshot

Bottom line

IG stands out for advanced risk controls, broad derivatives coverage, and professional trading tools delivered within an ASIC-regulated structure. It does not compete on social investing, automated portfolios, or community-driven features.

For Australian traders who prioritise execution tools, charting depth, and structured leverage safeguards, IG’s differentiation lies in platform capability rather than social functionality.

What is IG best for?

IG is best suited to Australian traders who want access to global markets, advanced trading tools, and regulated leverage under ASIC oversight. It is not designed as a passive investing app. Instead, it focuses on active trading across forex, indices, commodities, shares, and crypto CFDs.

Below is a clear breakdown of who IG fits best, and why.

Active forex and index traders

IG is particularly strong for short-term traders in forex and index CFDs. It offers nearly 100 currency pairs and competitive spreads on major pairs, with ASIC leverage caps of up to 30:1 on major forex and 20:1 on major indices.

The platform includes advanced charting tools, multiple order types including guaranteed stop-loss orders, and integrated pattern recognition tools. For traders who open and close positions frequently and rely on technical analysis, the combination of tight spreads and professional-grade execution is a key advantage.

Experienced CFD traders managing risk

IG’s risk management tools make it suitable for traders who actively manage exposure. Features such as guaranteed stop-loss orders, margin monitoring, and real-time position tracking allow precise control over downside risk.

Retail clients benefit from negative balance protection under ASIC product intervention rules. Leverage caps also limit excessive exposure, with 5:1 on share CFDs and 2:1 on crypto CFDs. These safeguards are particularly relevant in volatile markets.

Traders seeking broad global market access

IG provides access to thousands of global shares and ETFs, major global indices, commodities such as gold and oil, bond CFDs, futures, and crypto CFDs. Few Australian platforms combine this breadth under one regulated entity.

IG Group was founded in 1974 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, adding a layer of transparency compared to privately owned brokers. For traders who want exposure across asset classes without opening multiple accounts at different brokers, IG offers consolidated access within a single platform.

When is IG not a good fit?

IG is not designed as a low-cost passive investing app or a social trading platform. Its strength lies in leveraged trading and advanced tools, which means it may not suit every type of investor. While it is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and offers broad global market access, certain user profiles may find better alternatives elsewhere.

Below are the main reasons someone may want to skip IG.

If you are a long-term, buy-and-hold investor

IG’s core offering is built around CFDs and active trading. While real shares are available in some cases, much of the platform focuses on leveraged derivatives. Share CFDs carry a minimum commission (around AUD 10 per trade equivalent), and overnight financing applies to leveraged positions.

Long-term investors who simply want to buy and hold ETFs on the ASX with minimal fees may prefer a lower-cost CHESS-sponsored stockbroker. Currency conversion fees of around 0.5% can also add up for Australians investing regularly in US-listed stocks.

If you want copy trading or social investing

IG does not offer copy trading, social feeds, or automated portfolio tools. There is no equivalent to CopyTrader or model-based “smart portfolios”.

Investors who prefer following other traders, using community insights, or allocating capital into ready-made thematic portfolios may find the platform lacks those features. IG is structured around self-directed trading rather than social or automated investing.

If you are uncomfortable with leveraged products

Most of IG’s product range consists of CFDs. While ASIC caps leverage at 30:1 for major forex pairs, 20:1 for major indices, 5:1 for shares, and 2:1 for crypto CFDs, leverage still increases risk.

CFDs involve overnight financing costs and can magnify losses. Although negative balance protection applies to retail clients, leveraged trading is not suitable for investors who prefer simple, unleveraged exposure to markets.

Bottom line

IG is a strong platform for active traders who understand derivatives and manage risk carefully. However, it may not be ideal for passive investors, beginners seeking simplified investing tools, or users looking for copy trading and automation features.

If your goal is long-term ETF accumulation, social investing, or direct crypto ownership, there are platforms more aligned with those needs. IG’s model is built around active, self-directed trading under ASIC-regulated leverage conditions rather than low-cost passive portfolio building.

How to get started with IG in Australia

Getting started with IG in Australia is fully online and typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete the initial application. Identity verification is usually finalised within 1 to 3 business days, depending on document checks. There is no minimum deposit for bank transfers, though card and PayPal deposits generally require around AUD 300 to begin trading.

IG operates in Australia under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). As part of onboarding, you must complete standard know-your-customer (KYC) checks and an appropriateness assessment for leveraged products such as CFDs and forex.

Below is a step-by-step guide for Australian residents.

Step by step: getting started with IG (Australia)

1. Create an account: Visit IG’s website and select the account type you want to open, such as a CFD trading account or share trading account. You will need to provide:

• Full name and contact details
• Residential address
• Date of birth
• Tax residency information
• Employment and income details

The online application form typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

2. Complete identity checks: As an ASIC-regulated broker, IG must verify your identity under Australian AML and counter-terrorism financing laws. You will usually need:

• Government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s licence)
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months)

In many cases, electronic verification is completed automatically. If additional checks are required, manual review may take up to a few business days.

For leveraged trading accounts, you must also complete a short knowledge and experience questionnaire. This assesses whether CFDs are appropriate for you.

3. Use the demo account (optional): Before depositing real funds, you can activate a free demo account. The demo account:

• Uses virtual funds
• Provides access to live market pricing
• Mirrors the web and mobile platform functionality
• Allows you to test order types, charts, and risk tools

There is no obligation to fund the account immediately.

4. Deposit funds: Once your account is approved, you can fund it using:

• Bank transfer (no minimum deposit)
• Debit or credit card (typically around AUD 300 minimum)
• PayPal

Card and PayPal deposits are usually instant. Bank transfers typically take 1 to 3 business days. IG does not charge deposit fees in most cases, although currency conversion fees of around 0.5% apply if you fund in a non-base currency.

5. Start investing: After funding your account

• Search for your chosen asset (for example, ASX shares, forex pairs, indices, or commodities)
• Open the trade ticket
• Select position size and order type (market, limit, stop, or guaranteed stop)
• Review margin requirements if using leverage
• Confirm the trade

Retail clients are subject to ASIC leverage limits, such as 30:1 for major forex pairs, 20:1 for major indices, 5:1 for share CFDs, and 2:1 for crypto CFDs. Negative balance protection applies to retail accounts.

Key points to remember

• Application takes around 5 to 10 minutes
• Verification usually completed within 1 to 3 business days
• No minimum deposit for bank transfer
• Demo account available before committing capital
• Leveraged products carry risk and are not suitable for all investors

IG’s onboarding process is straightforward and consistent with ASIC regulatory standards. The absence of a mandatory minimum deposit via bank transfer lowers the barrier to entry, but users should ensure they understand the risks of leveraged trading before placing live trades.

Final thoughts

IG is a long-established, ASIC-regulated trading platform that suits active forex and CFD traders who want broad global market access and advanced charting tools in one place. Its main drawback is that stock CFD commissions and currency conversion fees can be relatively high, especially for smaller or long-term positions.

Compared with lower-cost share brokers or social trading apps, IG focuses more on leveraged, self-directed trading than passive investing or copy strategies. For experienced Australian traders who prioritise tools, market depth, and structured risk controls, IG remains a strong and credible choice.

FAQs

How we tested and our methodology

This platform was evaluated using a standardised broker review framework designed to ensure consistency, accuracy, and comparability across all reviews. The assessment combines hands on testing, quantitative fee analysis, feature level comparisons, and regulatory due diligence to reflect how the platform performs in real world use.

Evaluation process

Testing followed a structured process:

• Hands on platform testing: Live accounts were used to assess account opening, onboarding speed, order placement, portfolio management, copy trading tools, mobile and web usability, and overall stability.
• Fee and cost analysis: Trading fees, spreads, non trading charges, FX conversion costs, and withdrawal fees were reviewed using published pricing schedules and real transaction scenarios.
• Feature and product review: Available asset classes, investing tools, copy trading features, portfolio products, and research functionality were compared against major competitors in the same category.
• Safety and regulatory checks: Licensing, regulatory oversight, investor protection schemes, client fund segregation, and security controls were verified using official regulator registers and public disclosures.

Scoring framework

Each platform is scored out of 100 in the following categories:

• Investing options
• Platforms and usability
• Products and markets
• Safety and reliability
• Deposits and withdrawals
• Research tools
• Fees and costs
• Education

Each category score is weighted based on its importance to retail investors and combined to produce the overall platform rating. Weightings favour areas that have the greatest impact on day to day user experience, cost efficiency, and investor protection.

Review principles

All reviews follow the same methodology to ensure:

• Consistent scoring across platforms
• Clear separation between product features and pricing
• Objective assessment based on evidence and testing
• Up to date regulatory and fee information

This approach ensures ratings reflect both practical usability and risk considerations, rather than marketing claims or headline pricing alone.