IG Markets is one of the world’s largest retail CFD and online trading providers, with a significant presence in Australia. In Australia, IG offers two distinct services: IG Share Trading (for buying and holding ASX shares and ETFs) and IG’s CFD/Spread Betting platform (for leveraged trading). This review focuses primarily on IG Share Trading, which is relevant for investors seeking standard share ownership.
IG Share Trading at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| ASX brokerage (≤$10,000) | $8.00 per trade |
| ASX brokerage (>$10,000) | 0.08% |
| US shares brokerage | $0 commission (for US shares) |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| CHESS sponsored | No — custodian model |
| Minimum investment | No set minimum |
| Fractional shares | No |
| Auto-invest | No |
| International markets | Yes — extensive (US, UK, EU, Asia) |
| Mobile app | Yes |
Brokerage Fees
IG’s $8 flat fee for ASX trades up to $10,000 is competitive — cheaper than SelfWealth ($9.50) for those trade sizes. The 0.08% rate above $10,000 is also competitive for large trades.
| Trade size | IG | SelfWealth | CommSec |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $8.00 | $9.50 | $19.95 |
| $10,000 | $8.00 | $9.50 | $19.95 |
| $50,000 | $40.00 | $9.50 | $60.00 |
Custodian Model
IG Share Trading uses a custodian model — ASX shares are not CHESS sponsored. Investors’ shares are held by a custodian on behalf of IG clients. See CHESS vs Custodian.
International Exposure
IG’s global reach is a genuine differentiator — providing access to 15,000+ global shares and ETFs across US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more. For investors wanting direct access to international markets beyond what most Australian brokers offer, IG’s coverage is among the broadest available.
IG’s CFD and Leveraged Products — Important Distinction
IG is extensively used in Australia for CFD trading — a product that allows investors to speculate on price movements using leverage, without owning the underlying asset. CFDs carry significant risk of amplified losses, are not appropriate for most retail investors, and are fundamentally different from share ownership.
The ASIC MoneySmart website notes that the majority of retail clients lose money when trading CFDs. This article relates to IG’s standard share trading only — not its CFD or leveraged products.
IG Pros and Cons
Pros
- Competitive $8 flat ASX brokerage for trades up to $10,000
- Extensive international share access (15,000+ securities)
- Commission-free US share trading
- Established, globally regulated platform
- Advanced charting and market data
Cons
- Custodian model — not CHESS sponsored
- Platform complexity — designed for active traders, not simple for beginners
- Associated heavily with leveraged/CFD products (can confuse new users)
- No auto-invest
Who Is IG Share Trading Best For?
IG suits:
- Experienced investors wanting broad international market access
- Investors comfortable with the custodian model
- Investors making moderate to large ASX trades ($2,000–$10,000) wanting a lower flat fee than SelfWealth
Beginners, ETF-focused investors, or those wanting CHESS sponsorship may prefer CommSec, Superhero, or Pearler.
Related Articles
- CFD Trading Platforms Australia
- Best Broker for International Shares
- CHESS vs Custodian Explained
- Brokerage Fees Comparison Australia
- Share Trading Platforms hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG regulated in Australia? Yes. IG Markets Limited operates in Australia under an AFSL regulated by ASIC. IG is also regulated by the FCA (UK), BaFin (Germany), and regulators in multiple other jurisdictions.
Is IG Share Trading the same as IG CFD trading? No. They are separate products on the same platform. IG Share Trading involves buying and holding actual shares via a custodian. CFD trading with IG involves leveraged derivative contracts that do not confer ownership of the underlying asset.
What is IG’s minimum deposit? There is no set minimum deposit for IG Share Trading. The practical minimum is determined by the cost of the securities you want to purchase plus the $8 brokerage fee.
This article provides general financial information only. IG Markets fees and features described are as of the date of publication and may have changed. CFD trading involves significant risk and is not suitable for all investors. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser. You can find one through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.