IG Group vs Saxo Bank 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IG Group suits traders who value lower minimum deposit (None vs $2000). Saxo Bank suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, more instruments (65,000 vs 17,000).
Head to head
| IG Group | Saxo Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 195355 | DFSA DF000029 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $2000 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | 0.4 pips |
| Instruments | 17,000+ | 65,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | $12/mo after 2mo | $100/mo after 6mo |
| Founded | 1974 | 1992 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Copenhagen, Denmark |
Regulation: IG Group vs Saxo Bank
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.
Saxo Bank is regulated by DFSA under licence DF000029 (Saxo Bank A/S (DIFC)). The DFSA 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. Saxo Bank's EUR/USD spread is 0.4 pips. Saxo Bank offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months without trading. Saxo Bank charges an inactivity fee of $100/month after 6 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IG Group and Saxo Bank 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. Saxo Bank requires $2000. 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 Saxo Bank support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. Saxo Bank's tighter spreads (0.4 pips) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. Saxo Bank offers more instruments (65,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IG Group vs Saxo Bank
Choose IG Group if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $2000). The FCA licence (195355) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose Saxo Bank if you want tighter spreads, more instruments (65,000 vs 17,000). The DFSA licence (DF000029) 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 Saxo Bank: which is better?
IG Group is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $2000). Saxo Bank is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (65,000 vs 17,000). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IG Group or Saxo Bank safer?
Both IG Group (FCA 195355) and Saxo Bank (DFSA DF000029) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IG Group and Saxo Bank?
IG Group minimum deposit: None. Saxo Bank minimum deposit: $2000. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IG Group and Saxo Bank have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.