IG Group Launches Spot Crypto Trading for Retail Clients in Partnership with Uphold

IG Group, a leading UK-listed trading platform, is expanding its digital asset offerings by introducing spot cryptocurrency trading for retail investors. This move marks a significant shift from its traditional crypto CFD model and highlights growing demand for direct crypto ownership in regulated environments.

The platform’s new crypto service is being rolled out in collaboration with Uphold, a regulated U.S.- and UK-based crypto infrastructure provider. The partnership will allow IG retail clients to buy, sell, and hold over 30 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and several popular meme coins—all from within their existing IG accounts.

“This is a huge moment for IG and a major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey,” said Michael Healy, UK Managing Director at IG UK. “Retail investors can now access crypto assets through a grown-up business they already know and trust.”

Uphold to Power IG’s Spot Crypto Services

Under the agreement, Uphold will provide real-time pricing data, execute crypto transactions, and act as the custodian for IG’s client-held digital assets. The integration is designed to give traders seamless access to spot crypto markets without needing to leave the IG ecosystem.

This development complements IG’s existing range of crypto CFDs, which remain popular among more active and speculative traders. However, the introduction of spot trading now offers long-term investors a regulated, custody-backed way to gain exposure to digital assets.

From Leverage to Ownership: Crypto Investing, the IG Way

Until now, IG’s crypto offering was limited to CFDs—a model that allows traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying assets. The launch of spot trading marks a fundamental shift, catering to retail investors who prefer direct ownership over derivatives.

Spot crypto trading will be available via the IG Trading platform, giving users the flexibility to switch between leveraged CFD accounts and spot crypto portfolios without changing apps or platforms.

Crypto Demand in the UK Is Accelerating

The move comes at a time when UK crypto adoption is rising sharply. According to a recent YouGov survey, the number of UK adults who have purchased cryptocurrency jumped from 6% in 2022 to 14% in 2023. IG’s entry into the spot market reflects its ambition to serve both speculative and long-term crypto investors within a single, trusted platform.

However, the UK’s regulatory environment remains complex. The FCA has proposed restrictions, including a potential ban on purchasing crypto with credit cards, and continues to enforce strict guidelines on crypto promotions and disclosures.

Still, IG’s partnership with a licensed crypto custodian signals a commitment to compliance and transparency.

IG’s Broader Crypto Journey

Notably, IG stopped offering crypto CFDs to UK retail clients in 2021, following the FCA’s temporary ban on crypto derivatives. However, it continued to offer these products to institutional clients and non-UK users.

According to IG’s website, its current CFD lineup includes 11 crypto assets, mostly large-cap coins. The addition of over 30 spot crypto tokens dramatically expands its digital asset coverage for UK retail clients.

Conclusion: IG Enters the Crypto Ownership Arena

IG Group’s launch of spot crypto trading is more than a product update—it’s a signal that traditional brokers are adapting to long-term shifts in investor behavior. With rising demand, maturing regulation, and growing comfort with digital assets, platforms like IG are well-positioned to bridge the gap between legacy finance and the crypto economy.

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