FXTM and IG clash in a stock-focused comparison, balancing regulation, cost, and market access. The axis centers on stock coverage and trading tools.
IG is the winner based on the higher editorial score (4.5 vs 3.7), backed by stronger regulation, broader exchange access, and richer platform tools.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FXTM if…
FXTM: Choose FXTM if you value the FXTM Invest copy trading to follow equity-focused Strategy Managers. FXTM: Choose FXTM if you want CySEC and FCA regulation and access to 180+ share CFDs via MT4/MT5. IG: Choose IG if you want real share dealing alongside a Stocks & Shares ISA. IG: Choose IG if you need broad market access with 13,000+ shares across 30+ exchanges and integrated ProRealTime charts.
Choose if…
FXTM: Choose FXTM if you value the FXTM Invest copy trading to follow equity-focused Strategy Managers. FXTM: Choose FXTM if you want CySEC and FCA regulation and access to 180+ share CFDs via MT4/MT5. IG: Choose IG if you want real share dealing alongside a Stocks & Shares ISA. IG: Choose IG if you need broad market access with 13,000+ shares across 30+ exchanges and integrated ProRealTime charts.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
IG wins due to top-tier regulation and higher trust score (5.0 vs 4.2).
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.5/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.6 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | £12/month (after 24 months) |
| Deposit fee |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 |
IG rates 4.5/5 versus 3.7/5 for FXTM. 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 FXTM's 1.5. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Neither FXTM nor IG requires a minimum deposit, making both accessible regardless of starting capital.
Both FXTM 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.
FXTM lists maximum leverage of 20:1, 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while IG supports ProRealTime, Proprietary Web/Mobile, TradingView, MetaTrader 4. Both provide MetaTrader 4. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5. IG has exclusive access to ProRealTime and Proprietary Web/Mobile and TradingView.
Neither FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
IG wins for active traders with integrated ProRealTime charts and research.
FXTM wins for beginners thanks to FXTM Invest copy trading that guides equity exposure.
IG wins for global access with 30+ exchanges and 13,000+ shares.
IG wins for lower relative costs based on a higher fees and spreads score.
| Free |
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardPayPal |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | 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 | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | FCA ASIC DFSA FMA CMVM BaFin Finanstilsynet Finanstilsynet Finansinspektionen CBI NFA KNF |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 MetaTrader 4 | ProRealTime Proprietary Web/Mobile TradingView MetaTrader 4 |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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