UK trading giant IG Group has announced plans to acquire a 70% stake in Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve, in a deal valued at A$109.6 million. The transaction includes a potential A$15 million earn-out based on Independent Reserve’s performance in the coming financial year. IG Group also retains the option to acquire the remaining 30% between 2027 and 2028, bringing the total company valuation to A$178 million.
The acquisition is subject to approval from regulators in Australia (FIRB) and Singapore (MAS), with the deal expected to close in early 2026.
Independent Reserve’s performance and IG Group expansion
Independent Reserve reported A$35.3 million in revenue in the 12 months ending June, nearly double the previous year’s earnings. IG Group highlighted the exchange’s strong leadership team and established regulatory compliance as key factors in the acquisition.
In the UK, IG Group launched spot crypto trading in May 2025 through a partnership with Uphold, offering 35 cryptocurrencies fully integrated into the IG platform and IG Invest app. The acquisition of Independent Reserve enables IG to expand its crypto offerings into the Asia-Pacific region, with potential to extend services to the Middle East.
Strategic significance of the deal
The transaction positions IG Group as a growing player in global crypto markets, combining its UK-based operations with Independent Reserve’s established presence in Australia. It also highlights the increasing appetite among traditional trading platforms to integrate digital assets into their offerings and expand across international markets.