2-6-2025 – IG Group has unveiled a new service enabling retail investors to directly buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies. This development marks IG as the first UK-listed investment platform to offer such functionality, reflecting the nation’s evolving stance on digital assets.
New offering moves beyond crypto derivatives
While IG Group previously offered crypto derivatives via contracts for difference (CFDs), this launch allows for actual ownership of digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This transition aligns IG with international fintech platforms like Kraken, Bybit, and Robinhood, which bridge traditional finance and decentralised assets.
Uphold partnership powers the infrastructure
The new offering is powered by Uphold, a US-based cryptocurrency platform. The partnership integrates trade execution, liquidity, and real-time pricing into IG’s native platform. Uphold CEO Simon McLoughlin praised the collaboration as a step towards “democratising access to digital currencies” in the UK market.
According to Michael Healy, UK Managing Director of IG Group, this initiative marks a “landmark achievement” for both the company and the broader UK crypto landscape. The launch coincides with heightened regulatory activity, including:
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UK Treasury consultation papers released in April 2025.
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FCA’s public feedback request on crypto frameworks in May 2025.
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Anticipated legislation solidifying crypto rules by 2026.
These developments indicate a strong push toward establishing clear regulatory guidelines for cryptocurrency trading in the UK.
