IG Group, a London-listed investing and trading platform, has made history by becoming the first U.K.-listed company to secure a cryptoasset license from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The approval places IG Group on the FCA’s official cryptoasset register, a milestone that further cements its push into digital assets.
Why This Matters
The FCA has been tightening and streamlining its oversight of the crypto sector, with new regulations set to align more closely with Europe and the U.S. By securing this license, IG Group not only gets ahead of regulatory shifts but also signals growing legitimacy for crypto within the U.K.’s mainstream financial system.
The FCA’s move is also part of a reported effort to accelerate the registration process for crypto firms, making it easier for credible, established businesses to launch compliant services.
IG Group’s Crypto Expansion
IG’s crypto journey began earlier in June 2025, when it launched a crypto trading feature through a partnership with Uphold, an FCA-registered exchange. The integration allowed IG customers to buy, sell, and hold more than 35 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, directly in the IG app or via its web trading platform all with 24/7 market access.
Now, with the new license in place, IG will be able to offer crypto services natively on its own platform, including direct crypto transfers and an expanded range of features.
A Milestone for Investors
Michael Healy, Managing Director at IG, called the FCA license a “significant step forward” for the company and its clients:
“The FCA licence not only enables us to provide a wider range of crypto services, but it also gives our customers greater flexibility and control. We’re excited to bring more than five decades of market experience to help shape the future of the U.K.’s rapidly growing crypto sector.”
For customers already using IG’s crypto trading services, the transition will be seamless accounts will automatically migrate into the IG app, with no additional steps required.
Positioning in a Competitive Market
With this license, IG joins the ranks of platforms offering both traditional assets such as stocks, ETFs, indices, and forex and digital assets in one place. Competitors in the U.K. crypto market include Gemini, Bitstamp, eToro, and Revolut, but IG’s listed-company status and deep history in traditional finance could give it an edge in attracting more cautious or institutional investors.
The Bottom Line
IG Group’s FCA approval marks a turning point for U.K.-listed firms entering crypto. By combining regulatory compliance, traditional market expertise, and an expanding crypto suite, IG is positioning itself as a bridge between conventional finance and the digital asset economy.
