IG vs Pepperstone (2026): regulation, platforms and costs compared

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Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan

IG

Trust rank #15 · Founded 1974

IG is a well-regarded forex broker that provides broad access to currency pairs, multiple trading platforms, and extensive research and education within a regulated framework. It emphasizes transparent pricing, diverse order types,…

Read the IG review

Pepperstone

Trust rank #10 · Founded 2010

Pepperstone is a well-regarded forex broker offering access to forex and CFD markets through multiple trading platforms, with tools for analysis and risk management.

Read the Pepperstone review

IG (United Kingdom, founded 1974) holds 13 regulatory licences (ASIC, BaFin, BMA, CFTC, Deutsche Bundesbank…), 9 of them tier-1, offers MT4, Proprietary, ProRealTime and sits in our low-fee bracket. Pepperstone (Australia, founded 2010) holds 8 regulatory licences (ASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA…), 3 of them tier-1, offers cTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView and sits in our low-fee bracket. The two overlap in 229 countries; IG is available in 1 countries where Pepperstone is not, and Pepperstone in 0 where IG is not.

Verdict at a glance

  • IG leads on track record, regulatory coverage, country coverage and tier-1 licences.
  • Pepperstone leads on trust rank and platform choice.
  • Level on instrument range and fee level.

Scored on 8 measurable dimensions where both brokers have verified data. Dimensions missing for either side are excluded rather than guessed. This is a data summary, not a recommendation.

IG vs Pepperstone: side-by-side data

CriteriaIGPepperstone
Trust rank#15#10
Founded19742010
HeadquartersUnited KingdomAustralia
RegulatorsASIC, BaFin, BMA, CFTC, Deutsche Bundesbank, DFSA, FCA, FINMA, FMA, FSCA, JFSA, MAS, NFAASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, FSCA, SCB
Broker typeMarket MakerECN, STP
PlatformsMT4, Proprietary, ProRealTimecTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
InstrumentsCommodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, MetalsCommodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, Metals
Countries accepted230 countries229 countries
Fee levelLowLow
Trading typesCFD Trading, Spot TradingCFD Trading, Spot Trading
Best-for use casesProfessional Trading, Retail TradingCopy Trading, Professional Trading, Retail Trading

Highlighted cells mark the stronger value where a direction is objectively better (e.g. more licences, lower fees). "Not verified" means the field is not yet in our catalogue for that broker — we never fill gaps with estimates.

Pros

IG

  • Tier-1 regulation (FCA, ASIC, NFA/CFTC) with segregated client funds
  • Competitive spreads and deep liquidity
  • Fast, reliable execution and high uptime
  • Advanced platforms (IG web/mobile, MT4, ProRealTime) with GSLO and advanced order types
  • Wide FX pair coverage and strong research/education

Pepperstone

  • Raw spreads from 0.0 pips + low commissions
  • Ultra-low-latency market execution, deep liquidity
  • NDD/STP model with scalping, hedging, and EAs allowed
  • MT4/MT5, cTrader, TradingView, and API support
  • Top-tier regulation (FCA, ASIC)

Cons

IG

  • No MetaTrader 5 or cTrader support
  • Inactivity fee for dormant accounts
  • DMA/L2 access restricted to professional clients
  • Leverage capped by regional regulations
  • Market-maker model for retail accounts

Pepperstone

  • No guaranteed stop-loss orders
  • Negative balance protection limited to EU/UK retail clients
  • Not available to U.S. residents
  • CFDs-only offering (no real stocks/ETFs)
  • No proprietary trading platform

Key features

IG

  • Top tier regulation and segregated client funds
  • Negative balance protection and guaranteed stop loss
  • CFDs spread betting and options on forex indices commodities shares and crypto
  • Advanced trading platforms IG web and mobile MetaTrader 4 and ProRealTime
  • Fast execution deep liquidity and competitive spreads
  • API and algorithmic trading support

Pepperstone

  • Agency model no dealing desk market execution
  • Razor raw spreads and Standard pricing
  • MT4 MT5 cTrader and TradingView platforms
  • Advanced tools Autochartist Smart Trader Tools cTrader Automate and VPS
  • Tier 1 regulation and segregated client funds ASIC FCA CySEC DFSA BaFin
  • Wide range of CFDs forex indices commodities shares and crypto where permitted

Country availability: IG vs Pepperstone

Available at both (229): Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China and 189 more.

Only IG (1): Spain.

Availability reflects the countries each broker declares it serves. Local rules change; confirm on the broker's own site before signing up.

IG vs Pepperstone: common questions

Which broker is more regulated, IG or Pepperstone?

IG holds more regulatory licences: IG (ASIC, BaFin, BMA, CFTC, Deutsche Bundesbank, DFSA, FCA, FINMA, FMA, FSCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA) versus Pepperstone (ASIC, BaFin, CMA, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, FSCA, SCB). Tier-1 licences: IG 9, Pepperstone 3.

Which trading platforms do IG and Pepperstone offer?

IG offers MT4, Proprietary, ProRealTime; Pepperstone offers cTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView.

Which has lower fees, IG or Pepperstone?

Both sit in the same fee bracket (low) in our catalogue; compare the spreads and commission rows above for detail.

Which is older, IG or Pepperstone?

IG is the older of the two, founded in 1974; Pepperstone was founded in 2010.

Are IG and Pepperstone available in the same countries?

They overlap in 229 countries. IG is additionally available in 1 countries (Spain) and Pepperstone in 0 countries ().

Keep comparing

IG

Pepperstone

Risk warning: CFDs and forex are complex, leveraged instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. A majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Nothing on this page is financial advice; verify licence status on the regulator's register before depositing. Full risk disclosure.