ATFX vs IG Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of ATFX and IG across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
ATFX offers stocks CFDs on 200+ global equities under FCA and CySEC regulation - a multi-asset broker with institutional-grade execution and a zero minimum deposit across its core platform.
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.5/5 compared to ATFX's 3.7/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
IG has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IG edges out ATFX with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 3.7/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
Commission data is not yet available for this pair. Check each broker's pricing page to compare trading costs directly.
Long-term investing feature data (fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access) is not yet available for this pair.
ATFX vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| 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 | FCA FSCA CySEC | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit ATFX | Visit IG |
ATFX vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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
- CFDs only - no real share ownership or ISA/SIPP wrapper
- Commission structure less competitive than ECN-focused alternatives
- Customer support quality inconsistent based on user reports
- Exchange-listed options trading alongside real share dealing in one account
- Bonds trading available in the same account as equities and options
- Stocks & Shares ISA with no annual platform fee
- 13,000+ shares across 30+ global exchanges
- FCA-regulated and LSE-listed - among the highest regulatory standards in UK retail
- Integrated ProRealTime charts, Reuters news, and Morningstar research
- Share dealing commission (£8 or 0.1%) is higher than commission-free platforms
- No SIPP - pension wrapper requires a separate provider
- Options trading requires a DMA account and is not available to all retail clients
- No fractional shares on the share dealing account
ATFX vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| 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
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 3.7/5 for ATFX. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
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 hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Both ATFX and IG require a minimum deposit of no minimum to open a live trading account.
ATFX supports MetaTrader 4 and IG offers MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView. Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: IG has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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