IG Group crypto trading launch signals a landmark development in the UK financial landscape, making it the first publicly listed UK firm to provide retail investors with direct access to digital assets.
The FTSE 250-listed trading platform now enables its customers to buy, sell, and hold various cryptocurrencies. Each transaction incurs a transparent fee of 1.49%, positioning IG Group as a competitive and credible entrant into the evolving digital asset space.
Pioneering Access to Crypto for UK Retail Investors
Michael Healy, UK Managing Director at IG Group, described the launch as “a major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey.” He highlighted that retail clients now have a secure and professional avenue to trade cryptocurrencies with a company already trusted by hundreds of thousands of investors.
The rollout, executed in collaboration with crypto platform Uphold, allows for full integration within IG Group’s digital ecosystem. This means clients can seamlessly move between their crypto account and other investment products such as ISAs.
Uphold is tasked with executing all cryptocurrency transactions and supplying pricing data. This infrastructure ensures compliance, transparency, and ease of use—features often lacking in traditional crypto exchanges.
A Timely Move Amid Evolving Crypto Policy
The IG Group crypto trading launch comes as UK crypto policy enters a new phase. Reform UK has recently proposed measures to attract digital asset investors, such as reducing capital gains tax on crypto assets from 24% to 10% and accepting tax payments in cryptocurrencies. The party has also begun accepting donations in major tokens including bitcoin and ethereum.
Simultaneously, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has implemented compulsory regulations for the digital asset sector, aligning crypto businesses with broader financial compliance frameworks. A comprehensive government strategy is scheduled for release during the Mansion House Speech on 15 July.
Market Impact and Retail Accessibility
Traditionally, retail crypto trading has faced hurdles in the UK, with some banks, including Metro Bank and Chase UK, restricting transactions to exchanges. IG Group’s fully regulated and integrated offering significantly reduces such friction, potentially opening the market to a wider retail audience.
This launch may set a precedent for other UK-listed companies, underscoring a shift in both market appetite and regulatory confidence. It also aligns with the growing call for institutional-grade platforms to lead the next phase of cryptocurrency adoption.
