ForTrade vs IG Group 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

ForTrade, established in 2013 and headquartered in London, operates under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This triad of regulatory bodies ensures a robust framework for client fund protection and market integrity, offering traders peace of mind through stringent oversight and compliance requirements.

IG Group, with a history dating back to 1974, is also based in London and regulated by the FCA, ASIC, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States. As one of the most established brokers globally, IG Group's regulatory reach covers multiple jurisdictions, providing comprehensive client fund protection through segregated accounts and advanced risk management protocols.

Fees & Spreads

ForTrade offers spreads starting from 1 pip with no additional commissions on trades, making it an attractive option for those looking for straightforward pricing. The minimum deposit required is $100, and traders can access maximum leverage of 1:500, a feature beneficial for those seeking to maximise their trading potential. However, ForTrade's wider spreads may not appeal to traders accustomed to the tighter spreads provided by ECN brokers.

In contrast, IG Group provides spreads starting as low as 0.6 pips with zero commission on standard trades. The broker does impose a $250 minimum deposit, which is higher than ForTrade's, and offers a maximum leverage of 1:200. Although IG's fee structure can be complex, its competitive spreads and absence of commissions are significant advantages for many traders. However, traders should be aware of the inactivity fee that applies after two years of account dormancy.

Trading Platforms

ForTrade provides a proprietary web and mobile trading platform alongside the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4), catering to both novice and experienced traders with user-friendly interfaces and essential trading tools. IG Group, on the other hand, offers its own proprietary platforms complemented by MT4 and ProRealTime charts, which are particularly beneficial for technical traders seeking advanced charting capabilities and customisable features.

Who Should Choose ForTrade?

• Traders valuing FCA, ASIC, and CySEC regulation.
• Beginners who prefer a simplified trading environment.
• Traders seeking high leverage options up to 1:500.
• Investors requiring Islamic account options.

Who Should Choose IG Group?

• Experienced traders looking for advanced charting tools.
• Investors interested in accessing over 17,000 markets.
• Traders seeking competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips.
• Clients who value a broker with over five decades of experience.

Our Verdict

For beginners, ForTrade may be the preferable choice due to its straightforward pricing and user-friendly platform. Professional traders might lean towards IG Group for its advanced tools and extensive market access. On fees, IG Group offers a more competitive structure with its lower starting spreads.