IG Group vs FP Markets 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IG Group suits traders who value lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), more instruments (17,000 vs 10,000). FP Markets suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, no inactivity fee.
Head to head
| IG Group | FP Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 195355 | ASIC 286354 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | From 0.0 pips (ECN) |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 10,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $12/mo after 2mo | None |
| Founded | 1974 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Sydney, Australia |
Regulation: IG Group vs FP Markets
IG Group is regulated by FCA under licence 195355 (IG Markets Ltd). The FCA is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC under licence 286354 (First Prudential Markets Pty Ltd). The ASIC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. FP Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). FP Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months without trading. FP Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both IG Group and FP Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
IG Group requires a minimum deposit of None. FP Markets requires $100. IG Group has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider IG Group.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
IG Group also has the lower minimum deposit of None, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both IG Group and FP Markets support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. FP Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. IG Group offers more instruments (17,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IG Group vs FP Markets
Choose IG Group if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), more instruments (17,000 vs 10,000). The FCA licence (195355) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose FP Markets if you want tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. The ASIC licence (286354) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
IG Group vs FP Markets: which is better?
IG Group is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $100), more instruments (17,000 vs 10,000). FP Markets is better for tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IG Group or FP Markets safer?
Both IG Group (FCA 195355) and FP Markets (ASIC 286354) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IG Group and FP Markets?
IG Group minimum deposit: None. FP Markets minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IG Group and FP Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.