IG Group has expanded its crypto offerings by launching spot trading for retail customers, marking a significant shift from its previous crypto CFD-based services.
The UK-listed financial services provider now offers access to 31 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and popular memecoins such as Bonk.
The new service was officially announced on June 2 and allows retail traders to buy and sell digital assets directly through IG’s platform.
This move coincides with growing retail interest in digital assets and increasing regulatory momentum in the UK.
Partnership with Uphold Ensures Compliance
IG’s crypto services are backed by a partnership with U.S.-based firm Uphold, which is regulated in both the United States and the UK.
Under this arrangement, Uphold will manage all transactions and pricing data, fully integrated into IG’s platforms.
Customers can toggle between crypto trading and other investment products—such as stocks—via the IG Invest app.
“This is a huge moment for IG and a major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey,” said IG UK managing director Michael Healy.
He described the new offering as a mature approach to retail crypto investing, signaling IG’s commitment to long-term crypto integration.
IG Builds on Past Experience
Previously, IG only offered crypto exposure via contracts for difference (CFDs), which allow speculation without asset ownership.
The move into spot trading marks a more direct and transparent approach, and comes years after IG withdrew its retail crypto services in 2021 following a UK ban on crypto derivatives.
According to IG’s website, clients can still access CFDs for major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Cardano.
The expansion into spot trading reflects both increasing investor demand and a shift in regulatory frameworks.
UK’s Crypto Landscape Maturing
The UK has made significant strides toward formal crypto regulations.
On May 28, the Financial Conduct Authority launched a consultation on new rules for stablecoin issuers and custody providers.
In April, the UK government released draft regulations aimed at protecting crypto investors from fraud and market manipulation.
According to data from Gemini, the UK has seen a surge in new crypto investors over the past year, surpassing adoption rates across Europe.