IG Group Opens Crypto Spot Trading to Retail Investors in the UK
New offering gives access to 31 cryptocurrencies, marking a major shift in UK finance
UK-listed financial services firm IG Group has launched direct cryptocurrency trading for retail investors, moving beyond its previous crypto exposure limited to derivatives. This expansion comes at a time when the UK is advancing efforts to build a clear regulatory framework for digital assets.
Retail Access to 31 Cryptocurrencies
Starting June 2, IG clients can now buy, sell, and hold 31 cryptocurrencies, including major assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), XRP, and popular altcoins like Bonk (BONK). The service marks IG’s first direct foray into spot crypto trading, having previously only offered contracts for difference (CFDs).
The move gives retail traders real asset ownership, in contrast to CFDs which allow speculation on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
Strategic Partnership with Uphold
To support the new offering, IG Group has partnered with U.S.-based crypto firm Uphold, which is regulated in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Uphold will handle customer transactions, pricing data, and infrastructure, fully integrated into IG’s ecosystem.
Clients can now seamlessly trade crypto alongside other instruments via the IG Invest app, allowing cross-asset flexibility within one platform.
“This is a huge moment for IG and a major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey, with retail investors now able to buy, sell and hold crypto assets with a grown-up business,” said Michael Healy, UK Managing Director at IG Group.
A History of Crypto Expansion
IG’s new crypto spot product follows its earlier introduction of crypto CFDs for institutional clients. CFDs remain part of IG’s product range, with offerings on 11 major digital currencies including Litecoin and Cardano, according to IG’s website.
Previously, in early 2021, IG suspended its retail crypto derivative services following a temporary UK ban on crypto derivatives enforced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
UK Strengthens Crypto Regulatory Framework
IG’s expansion arrives during a crucial period of regulatory development in the UK. In May 2025, the FCA launched a consultation to refine regulations for stablecoin issuers and crypto custody providers. A month earlier, the government published draft legislation aimed at increasing investor protections and curbing fraud in crypto markets.
Recent research by Gemini suggests crypto adoption in the UK is outpacing Europe, with a surge in new crypto owners over the past year.
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