Is IG safe?
Is IG safe? IG's 2 UK firms are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Both firms have been authorised since 01/12/2001: IG Markets Limited, reference 195355, and IG Index Limited, reference 114059. Each may hold client money, which gives you access to Financial Services Compensation Scheme cover and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Authorised by the FCAFRN 114059on the register since 1 Dec 2001no clone firms on the register
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. When trading spread bets and CFDs through this provider, 70% of retail investor accounts lose money. Consider whether you understand spread bets and CFDs. You should also consider whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
Wording from IG itself on ig.com, read 2 Nov 2026.
How IG compares on loss rate with the wider field
Firms on the register that copy IG
No clone firms are listed against IG INDEX LIMITED on the FCA register.
Source, read 2 Nov 2026: FCA Financial Services Register.
What protects your money
| FSCS | If FCA authorised UK firm IG INDEX LIMITED fails owing you money, you may receive up to £85,000 per person from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. |
|---|---|
| Negative balance protection | Yes, as the broker states |
| Client money | The register shows permission to hold client money |
Sources: fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/investments, read 2 Nov 2026; ig.com/uk/about-us/international-offering, read 2 Nov 2026.
If IG were to fail
Both IG Markets Limited and IG Index Limited may handle client money under Financial Services Register permissions. The firms you deal with must meet UK standards set for regulated investments, because the Financial Conduct Authority gives them permission. Using an unauthorised firm means you receive no cover from either the compensation scheme or the ombudsman.
If either UK firm closes down and can't hand your money back, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme steps in. If an investment firm fails after 1 April 2019, you can claim, per eligible person and per firm, up to £85,000. You can claim this cover only if a firm fails. No payment is made when your investments lose value.
The Financial Ombudsman Service can review a complaint if the firm hasn't resolved it. It can help with an investment problem when the business is FCA regulated.
Check the firm and its website
- On register.fca.org.uk, open the FRN 114059 register entry.
- Confirm that the name says IG INDEX LIMITED and the status says Authorised.
- Compare the address in your browser with www.ig.com, the website shown on the register.
- Watch out for names in the clone list above and for calls or messages asking you to move money.
Other FCA firms offering spread betting and CFDs as IG alternatives
Each firm sits in A to Z order, with none ranked above another.
Common questions answered
Is IG FCA regulated?
Yes, 2 separate UK companies are authorised by the regulator, based on how you trade. Spread betting falls under IG Index Limited's reference 114059, while contracts for difference fall under IG Markets Limited's reference 195355. Basic registration for anti money laundering isn't the same as full authorisation. Registered firms don't offer the same protections as IG, which has full authorisation for derivatives and shares.
When I trade with IG, is my money protected?
Your account includes negative balance protection, so you can't lose more than you deposit even with 30x leverage. Trading risks remain yours, while 70% of retail accounts lose money on IG spread bets and CFDs. Complain to IG first if administrative errors, overcharging or misleading information cause you to lose money. Should you remain dissatisfied, the Financial Ombudsman Service can examine your complaint without charge.
Is IG legitimate in the UK as a company?
Operating since 1974, IG lists 16,000 markets spanning forex, share dealing, options and futures. Details of its £250 minimum deposit and free withdrawals are in our IG review. Phone, web chat and WhatsApp support is available 24/7, except between 10pm Friday and 8am Saturday UK time. Before sending money, always check that you're on http://www.ig.com/.
What do scammers do with IG clone firms?
Scammers impersonate an FCA regulated forex broker by copying its name, address or reference number. This is a clone firm. The register contains 2 clone warnings linked to IG Markets Limited. A scammer may show you the genuine site, then later call or email you using fake numbers, Gmail or Outlook. They might say the register is outdated, even though the regulator refreshes it every 24 hours. Call 0800 111 6768 if the details don't match those in the FCA Firm Checker.