IG Group shakes up UK crypto market: Retail investors can now directly trade BTC, ETH, others

IG Group is looking to rewrite the rules for crypto access in the UK. Recently, in a major move, the FTSE 250-listed trading firm has announced that it will allow retail investors to trade individual cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP)—directly through its platform.

The IG Group offering is made possible through a new partnership with Uphold, a global digital asset platform.

According to the firm, UK customers will now be able to access a broad portfolio of 38 cryptocurrencies, making IG Group the first London Stock Exchange-listed company to offer direct crypto trading to the general public.

IG Group expands beyond leveraged trading

With this strategic launch, IG Group is stepping beyond its traditional stronghold of derivatives and leveraged products, signaling a decisive pivot toward full-scale crypto access.

“This is a major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey,” said Michael Healy, Managing Director of IG Group’s UK business, in a statement to The Times. “Customer demand is reaching a tipping point.”

The decision puts IG in direct competition with fintech firms like Revolut, which also offers crypto trading but is not listed on a public exchange.

Healy emphasized that being publicly listed enhances client trust at a time when safety and transparency remain top priorities.

The new service by IG Group will include household names such as BTC, ETH, and XRP, but also extend to smaller tokens and memecoins, including Dogwifhat (WIF).

While users can trade and hold these assets, it’s important to note that custody is handled by Uphold, and holdings are not protected under the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

IG Group answers surging crypto demand

The expansion comes at a time of rising interest in crypto across the UK. A recent report by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) revealed that 12% of UK adults now own digital assets—up from just 4.4% in 2021.

“IG Group is tapping into a massive shift in investor behavior,” noted Dan Ashmore, crypto analyst at Invezz. “Retail clients want more than just exposure—they want control, and that’s what IG is now offering.”

The announcement from IG comes just as the UK government is finalizing new crypto regulations aimed at bringing more structure and clarity to the space.

Starting January 1, 2026, crypto platforms operating in the UK—including IG Group and Uphold—will be required to collect comprehensive trade and customer data.

According to HMRC, this includes full names, addresses, and tax identification numbers for every user and transaction.

Firms that fail to comply could face penalties of up to £300 per user, making compliance a top priority for platforms like IG Group.

IG Group vs. the ghosts of FTX

IG Group’s entrance into direct crypto access is also being seen as an answer to the ghosts of crypto’s recent past. Following the collapse of FTX and the conviction of Sam Bankman-Fried, investor confidence in unregulated platforms took a massive hit.

Being listed on the London Stock Exchange, IG Group offers an alternative that is subject to more stringent financial scrutiny—an advantage Healy believes gives them the upper hand.

“Transparency and accountability are crucial. Clients need a platform they can trust,” Healy emphasized.

While challenges remain, including tighter regulations and consumer protection concerns, IG is positioning itself as a pioneer in what could become a new era for digital finance in the UK.