Two brokers with distinct client focuses square off on regulation, access, and tool depth. This matchup teases whether institutional strength or broad market reach wins.
IG wins on editorial score, supported by stronger platforms and wider exchange access than ADS Securities.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose ADS Securities if…
Choose ADS Securities if you value institutional-grade execution with direct GCC equity access and dedicated professional support.
Choose IG if…
Choose IG if you want access to 30 exchanges, a Stocks & Shares ISA, and options trading in one account.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IG wins safety & regulation with higher trust and broader coverage.
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $2,000 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips▼ lower | 0.6 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | ADS Securities | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Fail |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.8/5 for ADS Securities. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
ADS Securities lists tighter spreads from 0.5, compared with IG's 0.6. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
IG has no minimum deposit, while ADS Securities requires at least $2000. This makes IG more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both ADS Securities and IG hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
IG stands out for beginners: it has a lower entry point and provides negative balance protection, which caps losses at your deposited amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
ADS Securities lists maximum leverage of 200:1, while IG lists up to 1:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
ADS Securities supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. ADS Securities has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and TradingView.
Neither ADS Securities nor IG is listed as offering commission-free trading in our data. Compare each broker's commission schedule directly, as fees vary by account type and the markets you trade.
IG scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
IG wins for active traders thanks to advanced charts and broad access.
IG wins with a Stocks & Shares ISA for long-term investing.
| Deposit fee |
|---|
| Free |
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transferDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | No |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FSRA FCA | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA CMVM BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.8 / 5
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