stor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Leveraged products carry significant risk.
IG
IG is a long-established broker recognized for its strong regulatory standing and extensive market access. It offers a wide range of global instruments through advanced platforms built for precision, analysis, and control. The broker emphasizes transparency, robust risk management tools, and high-quality market data. Its operating model is clearly geared toward disciplined traders who value structure and institutional-grade standards. Overall, IG positions itself as a premium, regulation-driven broker focused on depth, reliability, and long-term trading confidence.
For traders and investors based in Dubai and the UAE, IG represents a different category of broker altogether. It is not purely a CFD trading platform, nor is it limited to speculative short-term products. IG offers access to both derivative instruments and real assets, including commission-free trading in real stocks and ETFs in many jurisdictions. This makes IG particularly relevant for YallaStocks readers who prioritize equity exposure.
From a regulatory standpoint, IG operates under some of the strongest financial authorities globally, including the FCA in the United Kingdom, ASIC in Australia, CFTC and NFA in the United States, IIROC in Canada, MAS in Singapore, FINMA in Switzerland, and additional regulators across Europe and Asia-Pacific. This regulatory depth places IG firmly in the top tier of global brokers.
For GCC traders, strong regulation translates into higher transparency, stricter capital requirements, and more robust client fund protections. However, it also means tighter leverage limits for retail clients compared to offshore brokers.
IG offers access to more than 17,000 markets, making it one of the broadest market selections available to retail traders. These markets include real stocks, ETFs, forex, indices, commodities, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs. This breadth allows traders to diversify across asset classes within a single account.
A key differentiator is IG’s commission-free model for real stock and ETF trading. Instead of charging per-trade commissions, IG typically monetizes through spreads or alternative fee structures depending on the instrument and jurisdiction. This makes IG particularly attractive for long-term investors and equity-focused traders.
Forex trading is also a core offering, with spreads starting from approximately 0.6 pips on major pairs. While these spreads are not the lowest in the industry, they are competitive given IG’s regulatory standing and platform quality.
IG does not impose a mandatory minimum deposit in many regions, allowing traders to open accounts with flexibility. Deposit requirements may vary depending on jurisdiction and payment method, but the absence of a strict minimum lowers the barrier to entry.
The broker does not charge fees for deposits or inactivity, reducing non-trading costs. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and negative balance protection is applied where required by regulation.
Platform availability is another defining feature. IG offers a powerful proprietary trading platform with advanced charting and analytics, alongside MetaTrader 4 and additional professional-grade tools such as ProRealTime and L2 Dealer. This platform ecosystem is designed to serve both retail and advanced traders.
In summary, IG positions itself as a premium, regulation-first broker offering both trading and investment capabilities. Its strengths lie in market depth, regulatory credibility, and advanced platforms. Its limitations are primarily related to leverage restrictions and a more complex fee structure compared to low-cost CFD-only brokers.
Regulation and Trust
Regulation is one of IG’s strongest competitive advantages. The broker operates under a wide range of top-tier regulators, including the FCA, ASIC, CFTC/NFA, IIROC, MAS, FINMA, and others.
This extensive regulatory coverage ensures high standards of financial reporting, capital adequacy, and client fund protection. For traders in Dubai and the UAE, this level of oversight provides a strong sense of security.
GCC Regulators
Top-tier Global
Other / Offshore
We verify claimed licenses against official registers when possible.
However, stricter regulation also means tighter leverage limits for retail clients. While this reduces risk, it may not appeal to traders seeking aggressive margin exposure.
Overall, IG’s regulatory framework places it among the most trustworthy brokers available globally.
Costs (Spreads & Fees)
IG operates with a varied cost structure depending on the asset class and product type. Real stock and ETF trading is typically commission-free, while CFDs and forex trades are priced via spreads.
Forex spreads start from around 0.6 pips on major currency pairs. While not ultra-tight, these spreads are competitive when combined with IG’s execution quality and platform depth.
Values are Dynamic and they are subject to change upon market conditions.
CFD trading costs vary by market and instrument. Some products may include overnight financing charges or additional fees, which traders should review carefully.
IG does not charge deposit or inactivity fees, which helps reduce overall account maintenance costs.
Platforms and Tools
IG’s platform ecosystem is one of its strongest differentiators and a key reason why the broker appeals not only to retail traders, but also to professional and institutional-style users. Unlike many CFD brokers that rely almost entirely on third-party platforms, IG has invested heavily in proprietary technology.
For traders and investors in Dubai and the UAE, this translates into access to advanced analytical tools, deep market data, and a more sophisticated trading environment.
The platforms available at IG include:
- IG proprietary trading platform (web and mobile)
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- ProRealTime
- L2 Dealer
- TradingView integration
The IG proprietary platform is designed for multi-asset trading and investing. It features advanced charting, customizable layouts, integrated news, sentiment indicators, and direct access to a wide range of markets. This platform is suitable for both active traders and long-term investors.
MetaTrader 4 is available for traders who prefer a familiar environment or rely on expert advisors. While MT4 is limited compared to IG’s proprietary tools, it remains useful for algorithmic and forex-focused strategies.
ProRealTime is an advanced charting platform aimed at technically oriented traders. It provides professional-grade indicators, drawing tools, and automated trading features. This platform is particularly attractive for traders who base decisions on technical analysis.
L2 Dealer offers direct market access (DMA) and depth-of-market functionality for certain instruments. This tool is designed for experienced traders who require granular market data and more precise execution.
TradingView integration allows users to analyze markets using TradingView’s charting tools while executing trades through IG. This combination enhances analytical flexibility without sacrificing execution quality.
Overall, IG’s platform suite supports a wide range of trading styles, from long-term investing in real stocks to active CFD and forex trading. It is one of the most complete platform offerings available to retail clients.
Assets & Markets
IG provides access to more than 10,000 markets, making it one of the most comprehensive brokers in terms of asset coverage. This breadth is particularly relevant for YallaStocks readers who prioritize access to equities.
Unlike many CFD-only brokers, IG offers both real asset trading and derivative products. Traders can access real stocks and ETFs, often without commission, as well as CFDs on stocks, indices, commodities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Stocks coverage
- Real stocks 11,000+
- Stock CFDs 13,000+
- Fractional shares Available
- Short selling Available
| Asset class | Available |
|---|---|
| ETFs | ✓ |
| Forex | ✓ |
| Indices | ✓ |
| Commodities | ✓ |
| Crypto | ✓ |
| Options | ✗ |
| Bonds | ✓ |
Real stock and ETF trading allows long-term investors to build portfolios based on ownership rather than speculation. This distinguishes IG from brokers that only offer leveraged derivatives.
CFDs remain available for traders seeking leverage or short-selling opportunities. Forex, indices, and commodity CFDs provide exposure to global macroeconomic themes.
Cryptocurrency exposure is available primarily through derivatives, which suits speculative strategies but may not appeal to investors seeking direct crypto ownership.
From a YallaStocks perspective, IG stands out as one of the few brokers that genuinely serves both traders and investors. Its asset offering supports diversified strategies across multiple time horizons.
Education
Education and research are integral parts of IG’s value proposition. The broker offers a structured educational framework designed to support traders at all experience levels.
Educational resources include trading courses, webinars, tutorials, platform guides, and in-depth market analysis. These materials cover both technical and fundamental aspects of trading and investing.
IG also provides real-time news, market insights, and analysis directly within its platforms. This integration allows traders to stay informed without relying on external sources.
For traders and investors in the GCC, IG’s educational offering adds significant value, particularly for those transitioning from short-term trading to longer-term investing.
Overall, IG’s education and research resources are among the strongest in the industry and align well with its positioning as a premium, regulation-first broker.
Support
Customer support is one of IG’s strongest operational pillars and a key reason why it is widely regarded as a premium broker. Given its global footprint and complex product offering, IG has invested heavily in structured, multi-channel support.
Live Chat: IG offers live chat support during extended trading hours. This channel is suitable for resolving common issues such as account setup, platform navigation, margin requirements, and general product questions. Response times are typically fast, and agents are well trained to handle both trading and investment-related inquiries.
Live chat is particularly effective for real-time platform assistance and basic account questions. More complex regulatory or account-specific issues may be redirected to email or phone support.
Phone Support: Phone support is a major differentiator for IG. Clients can speak directly with trained support representatives, which is especially valuable for traders managing larger portfolios or using advanced tools such as ProRealTime or L2 Dealer.
This channel is well suited for detailed discussions around account structure, product availability, and platform functionality.
Email Support: Email support is used for account verification, documentation, complaints, and regulatory clarifications. Responses are generally detailed and professional, though response times depend on the complexity of the request.
Help Center and Research Assistance: IG maintains a comprehensive help center that covers account management, platform features, order types, and product explanations. This self-service resource reduces friction and supports independent problem-solving.
Overall, IG’s support infrastructure is among the strongest in the industry, offering depth, professionalism, and accessibility across multiple channels.
Verdict
IG is a premium, regulation-first broker that stands out for its depth, credibility, and genuine multi-asset offering. For traders and investors in Dubai and the UAE, IG represents one of the most robust and versatile platforms available.
The broker’s key strengths include access to real stocks and ETFs, an exceptionally broad market range, top-tier global regulation, and a powerful suite of proprietary and professional trading platforms.
However, IG is not designed for traders seeking high leverage or ultra-low-cost scalping conditions. Retail leverage is restricted under strict regulatory frameworks, and the fee structure can be more complex than that of low-cost CFD-only brokers.
From a YallaStocks perspective, IG is one of the best choices for users who prioritize equity exposure, long-term investing, and institutional-grade tools, while still retaining the ability to trade CFDs and forex when needed.
In summary, IG is best suited for serious traders and investors who value regulation, transparency, and market depth over aggressive leverage or simplified pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG suitable for traders and investors in Dubai and the UAE?
Yes. IG is suitable for traders and investors in Dubai and the UAE due to its strong global regulation and comprehensive multi-asset offering.
Does IG offer real stocks and ETFs?
Yes. IG offers access to real stocks and ETFs in addition to CFDs, making it suitable for long-term investors.
Is IG a good broker for beginners?
IG can be suitable for beginners thanks to its educational resources, though its advanced tools may feel complex at first.
What type of user benefits most from IG?
IG is best suited for serious traders and investors who want access to real assets, advanced platforms, and strong regulatory protection.
Disclaimer: This content is for education only and is not investment advice.
