Big news from London: IG Group is stepping into the crypto ring, and they’re not holding back. The long-standing UK trading giant has officially launched spot cryptocurrency trading for retail investors.
That’s right—no more contracts, no more speculation. Now, everyday investors can actually own Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and even memecoins like Bonk. All 31 digital assets are available directly through IG’s platform and its Invest app.
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Goodbye CFDs, Hello Spot Trading
Until now, IG only offered crypto through CFDs (contracts for difference). That let users bet on price movements without ever holding the asset. But this latest move? It's all about giving users full ownership—buying, selling, and holding real tokens.
IG has partnered with U.S. based Uphold, a regulated crypto firm that’s handling all the technical heavy-lifting. From transactions to pricing data, Uphold’s infrastructure is now baked into IG’s system. Everything happens within the same app, and users can flip between crypto, stocks, and more—no awkward switching between platforms.
A “Huge Moment” for the UK Market
Michael Healy, IG’s UK managing director, called it a “huge moment.” And honestly, it is. This is the first time a London Stock Exchange-listed company has opened up direct crypto spot trading to retail users.
The UK government has been warming up to crypto, with new rules for stablecoins and digital asset custody already in the works. Just last month, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a public consultation for crypto-specific regulations.
It’s a far cry from 2021, when IG had to pull back on its retail crypto CFD offerings after the FCA clamped down on crypto derivatives. That same year, the regulator famously warned people that they could “lose all their money” if they got into crypto.
Clearly, times are changing.
Rising Demand, Rising Confidence
Crypto adoption is climbing fast. Surveys show the number of UK adults investing in digital currencies more than doubled last year. British investors aren’t just watching—they’re participating.
And IG wants to be where the action is.
By teaming up with a fully regulated partner like Uphold, IG is hoping to offer peace of mind in a market that’s often anything but calm. No shady exchanges. No confusion. Just one regulated platform for all things finance—traditional and digital.
While other companies like Revolut have dipped into crypto, IG’s entry brings a different level of maturity. It’s a known name in trading circles, with a history of playing by the rules. For many UK investors, that kind of trust matters.
Crypto Goes Mainstream—For Real This Time
This isn’t just another fintech startup trying to ride the crypto hype. It’s a legacy institution acknowledging that crypto isn’t going away—and it’s finally giving retail investors the tools to get involved, responsibly.
Users can now take advantage of rising institutional interest in BTC, join the ETH rally fueled by the Ethereum Pectra Upgrade, or explore a range of altcoins—whatever suits their strategy.
