IG Group, a publicly listed UK financial services provider, has officially launched spot cryptocurrency trading for retail investors, marking a significant development in the UK’s digital asset landscape.
Direct Spot Trading Now Available
Previously offering only crypto-based contracts for difference (CFDs), IG Group’s new launch enables users to buy, sell, and hold real crypto assets. The platform now supports 31 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and a variety of altcoins and memecoins such as Bonk.
This move transitions IG from speculative trading instruments to actual crypto ownership.
Seamless Integration with Uphold
The offering is made possible through a partnership with Uphold, a regulated crypto firm based in the United States and the United Kingdom. Uphold will manage:
- All customer transactions
- Real-time pricing data
- Infrastructure integration
IG’s crypto feature is available on both the IG trading platform and the IG Invest app, enabling users to switch between crypto, stock, and CFD trading accounts effortlessly.
“A major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey” — this launch brings credibility and maturity to the retail crypto space.
Evolution from CFDs to Spot Market
IG Group has a history in crypto through CFD trading, which allows speculation on asset prices without owning them. The new spot trading service now gives direct exposure to the actual cryptocurrencies. Clients can still access CFDs on 11 major crypto assets, including:
- Bitcoin
- Ethereum
- Litecoin
- Cardano
Regulatory Context and Market Momentum
This launch comes amid the UK’s growing crypto adoption and a clearer regulatory framework. In early 2021, IG had suspended its retail crypto services due to the FCA’s ban on crypto derivatives. However, recent developments indicate a regulatory shift:
- On May 28, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) began public consultation on new stablecoin and custody rules.
- In April, the UK government introduced draft regulations to protect investors and improve industry practices.
The UK is seeing rapid growth in new crypto users, outpacing many European countries.
Conclusion
The expansion of IG Group into retail spot crypto trading marks a significant leap for both the company and the broader UK crypto ecosystem. With regulatory clarity improving and investor interest rising, mainstream financial platforms are now embracing direct crypto access.
Retail investors in the UK can now trade real crypto assets with a regulated and trusted provider.