IG Group vs ThinkMarkets 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

IG Group, established in 1974 and headquartered in London, is among the most trusted brokers globally, thanks to its regulation by top-tier bodies such as 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 US. IG Group provides robust client fund protection through segregated accounts and negative balance protection, ensuring a high level of safety for its traders.

ThinkMarkets, also headquartered in London and regulated by the FCA and ASIC, offers a comparable level of regulatory assurance. However, it lacks the additional regulatory oversight from bodies like MAS and SEC that IG Group has. ThinkMarkets also provides client fund protection through segregated accounts and offers negative balance protection, aligning with industry standards.

Fees & Spreads

IG Group offers competitive spreads, starting from 0.6 pips for forex pairs, with no commission on trades, which is particularly advantageous for traders looking to minimise costs. The minimum deposit required to open an account with IG Group is $250, which might be a barrier for some new traders. The broker also imposes an inactivity fee if the account remains dormant for two years.

ThinkMarkets, on the other hand, offers spreads starting from 0 pips on its ThinkZero account, with a commission of $3.5 per lot traded. This can be more cost-effective for high-volume traders despite the commission charged. ThinkMarkets stands out with its policy of no minimum deposit, making it more accessible for new traders. However, the commission fees can add up for traders who frequently engage in high-volume trading.

Trading Platforms

IG Group provides a range of trading platforms including its proprietary web and mobile platforms, alongside the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4). The availability of ProRealTime charts and an exceptional research and news service enhances the trading experience. ThinkMarkets offers both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, along with its proprietary ThinkTrader platform known for advanced tools and a user-friendly interface. ThinkMarkets’ mobile app is well-regarded, providing a robust trading experience on the go.

Who Should Choose IG Group?

• Traders seeking access to over 17,000 markets including a broad range of CFDs.
• Investors who value extensive research and advanced charting tools.
• Clients who prefer a broker with a long-standing industry presence and top-tier regulation.
• Traders who do not mind a higher initial deposit for access to comprehensive services.

Who Should Choose ThinkMarkets?

• New traders looking to start without a minimum deposit requirement.
• High-volume traders who can benefit from zero spreads despite commission charges.
• Traders preferring the latest MetaTrader platforms with advanced features.
• Mobile traders in need of a robust and user-friendly mobile trading experience.

Our Verdict

For beginners, ThinkMarkets is the better choice due to its no minimum deposit requirement. For professional traders, IG Group offers a more comprehensive service with better research tools. On fees, ThinkMarkets edges out with its zero-spread offering, despite the commission cost.