IG Group Wins FCA Crypto License, First for UK-Listed Firm
Regulatory First for London Market
IG Group has secured a crypto asset license from the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, making it the first London-listed company to join the regulator’s crypto register. The approval allows the trading and investments firm to expand digital asset services on its platform beyond the limited offering launched earlier this year.
IG initially rolled out crypto trading in June through a partnership with Uphold while its own application was under FCA review. With the license now granted, the firm said it will enable directly in and out of the IG platform, access a wider set of tokens and benefit from improved pricing.
Existing crypto clients will be migrated to IG’s native platform in the coming weeks, the company added.
Investor Takeaway
Broader Offering for Retail Investors
“This marks a step forward for IG as we broaden our offering for U.K. investors,” said Michael Healy, the firm’s U.K. managing director. “The FCA license not only enables us to provide a wider range of crypto services, but it also gives our customers greater flexibility and control.”
IG said the integration of crypto alongside its existing lineup of stocks, indices, ETFs, forex, commodities and derivatives supports its goal of being a single venue for retail traders. The company expects customers to benefit from access to multiple asset classes without managing separate accounts across providers.
Market Reaction
Shares of IG Group rose 1.23% to £10.74 ($14) in London later thannoon trading on Tuesday following the announcement. Analysts said the approval could strengthen IG’s appeal to a younger retail audience increasingly active in digital assets, though the firm will face competition from established market.
The requirements on digital asset firms in recent years, with only a small number of companies successfully added to its register. IG’s approval gives it a regulatory foothold that could prove valuable as continues to build in Britain.
Investor Takeaway
What Comes Next
The company said the rollout of new weeks. Analysts expect IG to begin by expanding token coverage and trading features while keeping a focus on retail users already familiar with its platform. Longer term, its ability to integrate crypto with other asset classes could set it apart from standalone digital platforms.
With the FCA’s regulatory framework in place, IG’s entry may also prompt other U.K.-listed firms to accelerate applications, especially as the government signals interest in building a competitive digital asset market under clear rules. For now, IG holds the distinction of being the first, a move that could enhance its brand at home and abroad.
