IG Group Holdings plc, a prominent UK-based online trading provider, has launched direct cryptocurrency trading services for retail investors, marking a pivotal expansion of its digital asset offerings.
The new service allows users to buy, sell, and hold a wide array of cryptocurrencies directly, moving beyond the firm’s prior offerings of Contract For Difference (CFD) trading in crypto markets.
This development represents a strategic evolution for the IG Forex broker, which has historically catered to institutional and retail clients with products like spread betting and CFD trading on a range of asset classes, including equities, commodities, and currencies.
By introducing spot crypto trading, IG Group Holdings plc now offers its clients access to 31 digital currencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), XRP, Ethereum (ETH), and emerging altcoins such as Bonk.
Unlike CFD trading, which enables speculation on price movements without asset ownership, spot trading provides users the ability to directly hold cryptocurrencies, thereby aligning with growing retail demand for digital asset exposure.
For crypto trading, IG Group has partnered with Uphold
Notably, IG’s introduction of crypto trading for retail investors was made possible through a partnership with Uphold, a US- and UK-regulated crypto asset firm, which will provide the infrastructure, transaction management, and pricing data behind the new service.
This integration means users can seamlessly transition between traditional financial instruments and crypto assets within the IG Invest app, further cementing IG Group’s position as a versatile online trading provider.
With Uphold managing customer transactions and providing robust compliance support, the partnership brings both operational reliability and regulatory transparency to IG’s crypto expansion.
Michael Healy, the UK managing director at IG Group, highlighted the launch as a landmark step, emphasizing that retail investors can now access digital assets through a well-established, regulated financial institution.
The UK is seeing a surge in crypto adoption
The move comes amid accelerating crypto adoption in the UK, as government regulators actively shape a clearer regulatory landscape for digital assets, aiming to protect investors and foster innovation.
Earlier this year, the UK Financial Conduct Authority launched a public consultation on rules for stablecoin issuers and crypto custodians, signaling the country’s intent to tighten oversight without stifling growth.
In April, draft regulations were unveiled that targeted investor protection and the mitigation of crypto-related risks, laying the foundation for firms like IG Group Holdings plc to expand with confidence.
Notably, IG previously withdrew from retail crypto derivatives in 2021 following an FCA-imposed ban on such products, but the return to retail crypto access through spot trading indicates a calculated and compliant comeback.
Before this shift, IG’s crypto services were limited to CFD trading on major cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, and LTC, primarily serving institutional traders rather than individual investors.
Now, with full spot trading functionality embedded into its core offerings, the IG Forex broker is poised to compete more directly in the digital assets market alongside native crypto platforms.
This latest innovation also underscores how traditional financial firms are increasingly embracing crypto to meet evolving investor expectations in a digitally driven economy.
For retail investors seeking a regulated and user-friendly entry into crypto markets, IG Group Holdings plc now stands as a credible alternative to conventional crypto exchanges.
As the broader financial industry continues to converge with blockchain-based assets, IG’s enhanced offerings reflect not only market demand but also a maturing approach to online investment solutions.
The launch positions the IG Forex broker to attract a wider client base by bridging the gap between traditional trading instruments like spread betting and the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies.
With a history of innovation and a firm foothold in online trading, IG Group Holdings plc is set to play a significant role in the UK’s rapidly evolving digital finance landscape.