IG Group Launches Retail Crypto Trading in the UK
IG Group has made a groundbreaking move by allowing retail investors in the United Kingdom to trade 38 cryptocurrencies on its multi-asset platform starting June 3. This makes IG Group the first London-listed broker to offer spot tokens.
The integration of cryptocurrency trading on the platform is made possible through a partnership with digital asset exchange Uphold, which will handle custody and execution services. It’s important to note that assets held with Uphold are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, and trading will be limited to fully paid positions with no leverage.
IG U.K. managing director Michael Healy stated, “Customer demand is reaching a tipping point,” emphasizing that traditional account holders are seeking direct exposure to popular cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ether, Solana, Dogecoin, and DogWifhat.
The launch of this service comes shortly after the Treasury introduced a draft rulebook aimed at regulating cryptocurrencies under existing market abuse, consumer protection, and capital regimes. Chancellor Rachel Reeves believes that this regulatory framework will enhance investor confidence in the crypto market.
With the increasing public interest in cryptocurrencies, established financial firms are swiftly adapting to meet the demand. IG Group’s decision to outsource custody of digital assets reflects a broader trend in the industry, allowing brokers to offer crypto services without the need to build their own wallet infrastructure.
As the crypto market continues to gain momentum, IG Group’s move to offer cryptocurrency trading signals a shift towards institutional acceptance of digital assets in the UK. With regulatory guidelines in place and millions of Britons already holding cryptocurrencies, 2025 is poised to be the year when crypto becomes a mainstream asset class within the regulated financial landscape.
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