IG Group vs Stake 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

IG Group is a well-established brokerage firm, founded in 1974, and is headquartered in London, UK. The broker is regulated by top-tier regulatory bodies 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 United States. This extensive regulatory oversight provides clients with a high level of security and trust, emphasised by fund protection schemes such as segregated accounts and negative balance protection.

Stake, on the other hand, was founded in 2017 and is based in Sydney, Australia. It is regulated by both the ASIC and FCA, offering a solid level of safety and regulatory compliance. However, as a newer entrant, its regulatory reach is somewhat limited compared to IG Group. Stake also provides fund protection through segregated accounts, but it does not offer negative balance protection, which could be a consideration for risk-conscious investors.

Fees & Spreads

IG Group offers competitive spreads starting from 0.6 pips on forex pairs, with no commission fees, which is attractive for active traders who deal in high volumes. The minimum deposit required is $250. IG Group's fee structure can be complex due to various other fees like the inactivity fee applicable after two years of no trading activity. Additionally, overnight fees are charged for positions held overnight, which can vary depending on the market.

Stake provides a different fee structure, focusing on commission-free trading for US, AU, and UK stocks. The spreads start from 0 pips, and no minimum deposit is required, making it accessible for beginners. However, Stake charges a foreign exchange conversion fee ranging from 0.5% to 0.7% when converting currencies, which can add up for frequent traders. Stake does not charge overnight fees as it solely offers stock trading with no leverage.

Trading Platforms

IG Group offers a range of trading platforms including its Proprietary Web and Mobile platforms, as well as MetaTrader 4 (MT4), appealing to both beginners and experienced traders. The platforms are known for their robust functionality, comprehensive research tools, and advanced charting capabilities. Stake, in contrast, provides a clean and modern proprietary web and mobile platform that is easy to use but lacks the advanced research and analytical tools found on IG Group's platforms.

Who Should Choose IG Group?

• Traders seeking exposure to a wide range of markets including CFDs, forex, and cryptocurrencies.
• Experienced traders who require advanced analytical tools and charting features.
• Investors prioritising top-tier regulatory oversight and fund protection.
• Those who prefer a well-established broker with over 50 years of industry experience.

Who Should Choose Stake?

• Beginner investors interested in commission-free stock trading.
• Traders who want to invest in fractional shares of US companies.
• Investors looking for a straightforward, user-friendly mobile trading experience.
• Clients who prefer a no-minimum-deposit option to start investing.

Our Verdict

For beginners, Stake is more suitable due to its commission-free structure and no minimum deposit requirement. For professional traders, IG Group stands out with its extensive market offerings and advanced platforms. In terms of fees, Stake offers a more straightforward, cost-effective approach for stock trading.