IG Group vs Skilling 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

IG Group, founded in 1974 and headquartered in London, is a highly reputable broker regulated by several top-tier authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the USA. These regulatory bodies ensure IG Group adheres to strict standards of safety, transparency, and client fund protection. IG Group’s clients benefit from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK, providing additional fund protection.

Skilling, established in 2016 and based in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). CySEC regulation means Skilling clients within the EU are protected under the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), which secures client funds up to €20,000. However, non-EU clients are managed by an offshore entity, which might offer fewer protections compared to the EU-regulated counterpart.

Fees & Spreads

IG Group offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on major forex pairs, with no commission on trades. The broker does, however, have a complex fee structure, including an inactivity fee that kicks in after two years of account dormancy. The minimum deposit required to open an account with IG Group is $250, which could be a consideration for new traders. Overnight fees apply, and these vary depending on the asset traded.

Skilling provides spreads starting from 0.7 pips, with zero commissions on most trades, making it competitive for forex traders. The broker’s minimum deposit requirement is lower at $100, making it more accessible for beginners. Skilling also offers competitive overnight fees, but traders should be aware that the broker only offers CFDs, meaning no real stock ownership is possible.

Trading Platforms

IG Group offers a robust suite of platforms, including its proprietary web and mobile platforms, along with the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4). These platforms are renowned for their advanced charting capabilities, with ProRealTime charts available for more sophisticated analysis. On the other hand, Skilling provides the Skilling Trader, cTrader, and MT4. The presence of cTrader is particularly appealing for traders who prefer advanced trading functionalities and a modern interface.

Who Should Choose IG Group?

• Experienced traders seeking a wide range of 17,000+ markets.
• Investors looking for top-tier regulatory oversight and fund protection.
• Traders interested in advanced research and news features.
• Professionals requiring ProRealTime charting tools.

Who Should Choose Skilling?

• Beginner traders looking for a lower minimum deposit of $100.
• Forex traders seeking competitive spreads and no commissions.
• Traders preferring the cTrader platform for its modern interface.
• Investors interested in copy trading functionalities.

Our Verdict

IG Group is the better choice for professional traders due to its extensive market range and advanced tools. Skilling, with its lower minimum deposit and beginner-friendly platforms, is ideal for new traders. In terms of fees, Skilling offers a slight edge with its lower deposit requirement and competitive spreads.