FBS vs IG Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FBS and IG across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FBS offers stocks CFDs with a $1 minimum deposit and MT4/MT5 support - an accessible entry to equity markets for traders in CIS and Asian markets, primarily regulated offshore.
IG comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.5/5 compared to FBS's 3.3/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IG has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
IG has the edge for active traders: more platform options, advanced charting.
IG edges out FBS with a higher editorial score (4.5/5 vs 3.3/5), 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.
FBS vs IG: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.3/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $1 | 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 | FSCA CySEC IFSC | FCA ASIC DFSA CMVM BaFin Finansinspektionen Finanstilsynet FMA CBI KNF Finanstilsynet |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView |
| Visit broker | Visit FBS | Visit IG |
FBS vs IG Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- $1 minimum deposit - widest accessibility for equity CFD markets
- MT4/MT5 with full EA support for automated stock strategies
- 24/7 multilingual support across Asian and CIS markets
- Offshore regulation (IFSC Belize) - minimal investor protection
- Limited stock selection vs dedicated equity brokers
- No real share ownership - CFDs only
- 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
FBS vs IG: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FBS | IG |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Fail | 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 | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FBS vs IG: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IG ranks higher with a score of 4.5/5 vs 3.3/5 for FBS. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Neither FBS 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 our regulatory safety criteria, with top-tier regulatory oversight, segregated client funds, compensation scheme coverage. For stock investors, regulatory safety is critical — always confirm a broker's specific licences and investor protections before depositing funds.
IG has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FBS requires at least $1. This makes IG more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
FBS supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 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 lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IG offers negative balance protection; 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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