IG Group has become the first listed company on the London Stock Exchange to enable direct spot trading of cryptocurrencies for UK investors. This includes 31 different tokens, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, marking a significant transition from contracts for difference (CFDs) to actual crypto ownership for retail traders.
The new service, provided through a partnership with the US-based platform Uphold, signals an important change in how UK investors can engage with digital assets. Customers will now have the ability to buy and sell real coins rather than speculate on price movements through CFDs. Michael Healy, IG's UK managing director, described this launch as a ‘major milestone’ in the UK's crypto evolution.
As the UK's crypto landscape grows, the backing from a regulated partner like Uphold adds credibility to this move, especially following a history of regulatory caution. With crypto ownership rising sharply—12% of UK adults have owned digital assets, compared to just 4% in 2021—IG's entrance into direct trading meets the increasing demand for secure access to cryptocurrencies.
This development aligns with broader government efforts aimed at regulating digital assets, aspiring to position the UK as a global leader in the crypto industry. After ceasing its retail crypto products due to regulatory measures in 2021, IG’s comeback with a comprehensive trading platform highlights a shift toward making cryptocurrencies more accessible and regulated in the UK market.
The new service, provided through a partnership with the US-based platform Uphold, signals an important change in how UK investors can engage with digital assets. Customers will now have the ability to buy and sell real coins rather than speculate on price movements through CFDs. Michael Healy, IG's UK managing director, described this launch as a ‘major milestone’ in the UK's crypto evolution.
As the UK's crypto landscape grows, the backing from a regulated partner like Uphold adds credibility to this move, especially following a history of regulatory caution. With crypto ownership rising sharply—12% of UK adults have owned digital assets, compared to just 4% in 2021—IG's entrance into direct trading meets the increasing demand for secure access to cryptocurrencies.
This development aligns with broader government efforts aimed at regulating digital assets, aspiring to position the UK as a global leader in the crypto industry. After ceasing its retail crypto products due to regulatory measures in 2021, IG’s comeback with a comprehensive trading platform highlights a shift toward making cryptocurrencies more accessible and regulated in the UK market.
