ATFXvs
IGStock Broker Comparison
ATFX and IG square off as stock brokers with different market footprints. The axis of tension is regulation scope, exchange coverage, and long-term investing features.
Our Verdict
IG winsClear Winner
IG is the editorial winner, scoring higher overall, with broader global access and more long-term investment features than ATFX.
IG
4.5/5
ATFX
3.7/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchange coverage: IG offers 30+ exchanges vs ATFX 12.
- 2ISA wrapper: IG offers Stocks & Shares ISA; ATFX has none.
- 3Platform breadth: IG offers MT4, Web/Mobile, TradingView; ATFX uses MT4 only.
Who should choose ATFX vs IG?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
IG wins due to broader regulator set and LSE listing.
Best for active traders
Recommended
ATFX vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.8 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
| Deposit fee |
ATFX vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA and CySEC regulated, dual tier-1 coverage with FSCS and ICF protection
- 200+ share CFDs across US, UK, EU, and Asian markets
- Zero minimum deposit with MT4/MT5 platform access
Cons
- CFDs only, no real share ownership or ISA/SIPP wrapper
- Commission structure less competitive than ECN-focused alternatives
ATFX vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
0
ATFX
criteria wins
2
IG
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | ATFX | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | 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 |
ATFX vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 for ATFX. IG edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
IG lists tighter spreads from 0.6, compared with ATFX's 1.8. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither ATFX nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both ATFX 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.
For beginners, both brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
ATFX lists maximum leverage of 400:1, 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.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither ATFX 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.
Both ATFX and IG are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
