LSE-listed IG Group opens Bitcoin, Ether, and memecoin spot trading in UK

United Kingdom-based publicly listed trading firm IG Group has launched spot cryptocurrency trading for retail investors. 

According to a June 1 announcement, IG customers can now access 31 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, and a selection of altcoins and memecoins such as Bonk.

IG Group’s first direct crypto offering

IG Group is a London-headquartered financial services firm listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker IGG. 

Up until now, it only offered online trading and investment services across forex, indices, stocks, and commodities.

Meanwhile, cryptocurrency exposure was limited to contracts for difference (CFDs), a derivative product that allows traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.

Unlike spot trading, CFDs do not involve actual crypto ownership, making the latest launch IG Group’s first direct offering of digital assets to its customers.

The new crypto trading service is offered in partnership with Uphold, a U.S.-based cryptocurrency platform that is regulated in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Uphold will handle all customer transactions and provide pricing data, with its infrastructure fully integrated into IG’s trading platform and the IG Invest app, and users will be able to switch between crypto and other asset classes, including equities.

IG UK Managing Director Michael Healy described the move as a significant milestone in Britain’s crypto journey, adding that retail investors can now engage in crypto trading “with a grown-up business.”

The firm said the offering is part of its long-term strategy to meet evolving investor demands and position itself within the growing digital asset economy.

Crypto regulations gaining momentum in UK

IG’s new product launch comes at a time when UK regulators are advancing efforts to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets.

On May 28, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched a public consultation on proposed rules for stablecoin issuers and crypto custody providers. 

Under the proposal, the government plans to bring crypto activities in line with traditional financial standards. 

For instance, stablecoin issuers would be required to provide holders the right to redeem at par value, maintain clear disclosures on backing assets, and appoint independent custodians.

Custody providers, meanwhile, would need to ensure assets are securely held and accessible at all times.

David Geale, the FCA’s executive director of payments and digital finance, said the agency is committed to supporting innovation while fostering market integrity.

The FCA also confirmed it is coordinating with the Bank of England, which is expected to release complementary guidance for stablecoins operating at a systemic scale later this year.

These measures build on broader reforms unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in April.

The UK Treasury announced a draft legislative framework under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Cryptoassets) Order 2025, introducing six new regulated crypto activities, including trading, custody, and staking.

Meanwhile, tax authorities have also moved to tighten oversight of the sector. Starting January 1, 2026, crypto firms would be required to collect and report detailed user information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and tax identification numbers, for all customers and transactions.

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