Nazia Saeed
UK-based financial services firm IG Group has expanded its cryptocurrency services by launching spot crypto trading for retail investors, marking a significant step forward in its digital asset strategy.
Previously, IG offered exposure to cryptocurrencies through contracts for difference (CFDs). The new rollout introduces direct access to spot crypto trading, broadening IG’s crypto offering and enabling retail clients to buy, sell, and hold a wide array of digital assets.
In an announcement shared on June 2, IG confirmed that its customers can now access 31 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), XRP, and a selection of altcoins and memecoins such as Bonk (BONK).
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The move represents IG’s first direct foray into spot trading, a departure from its earlier approach of offering crypto-based CFDs financial derivatives that allow speculation on price movements without owning the underlying assets. According to IG’s website, clients have previously been able to trade CFDs on 11 major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Cardano.
IG’s earlier retail crypto offering was paused in early 2021 following a temporary ban on crypto derivatives by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This new service reflects a renewed commitment to expanding crypto access as the regulatory environment evolves.
IG’s latest offering is launched in collaboration with Uphold, a U.S.-based digital asset platform regulated in both the UK and the US. Under the partnership, Uphold will manage all customer crypto transactions and pricing data. Its infrastructure is fully integrated into IG’s trading interface, allowing clients to access crypto trading through both the main IG platform and the IG Invest app.
Users can seamlessly switch between their crypto and traditional trading accounts, including those for equities. 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.
The launch comes amid rising crypto adoption across the UK and increased regulatory activity. On May 28, the FCA opened a public consultation on proposed rules for stablecoin issuers and crypto custody providers. In April, the UK government published draft legislation aimed at enhancing protections for crypto investors and curbing illicit activity in the space.
These developments signal the UK’s progress toward establishing a comprehensive crypto regulatory regime. According to Gemini, the UK has seen a surge in new crypto users over the past year, outpacing adoption growth across Europe.
IG’s entry into spot trading for retail clients underscores growing demand for secure, regulated crypto investment options as the country moves closer to mainstream digital asset integration.
