IG vs Saxo Bank (2026): regulation, platforms and costs compared
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Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan
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,…
Saxo Bank is a well-regarded forex broker with a proprietary multi-asset trading platform, broad access to currency pairs, advanced charting, and research-driven tools. It emphasizes robust technology, risk management features, and a…
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. Saxo Bank (Denmark, founded 1992) holds 6 regulatory licences (ASIC, DFSA, FCA, FINMA, MAS…), 5 of them tier-1, offers Proprietary, TradingView and sits in our low-fee bracket. The two overlap in 41 countries; IG is available in 189 countries where Saxo Bank is not, and Saxo Bank in 1 where IG is not.
Verdict at a glance
IG leads on track record, regulatory coverage, platform choice, country coverage and tier-1 licences.
Saxo Bank leads on trust rank.
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.
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
Deep liquidity aggregation; competitive FX spreads
Wide FX product suite: spot, forwards, swaps, options
DFSA-regulated bank; segregated client funds
OpenAPI/FIX access for algorithmic trading
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
Saxo Bank
- No MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) support
- Higher spreads/commissions for Classic-tier accounts
- Best pricing/features require high balances (Platinum/VIP)
- Not available to U.S. residents
- Netting-only FX positions (no true hedging)
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
Saxo Bank
Multi asset trading across forex cfds futures options stocks and bonds
Tier one regulation and banking license with segregated client funds and two factor authentication
SaxoTraderGO and SaxoTraderPRO platforms with advanced charting and depth of book
Forex spot forwards and vanilla options with multi source aggregated liquidity
OpenAPI and FIX connectivity for algorithmic trading and platform integration
Volume based pricing tiers classic platinum and vip with reduced costs for high volume
Country availability: IG vs Saxo Bank
Available at both (41): Australia, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and 1 more.
Only IG (189): Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil and 164 more.
Availability reflects the countries each broker declares it serves. Local rules change; confirm on the broker's own site before signing up.
IG vs Saxo Bank: common questions
Which broker is more regulated, IG or Saxo Bank?
IG holds more regulatory licences: IG (ASIC, BaFin, BMA, CFTC, Deutsche Bundesbank, DFSA, FCA, FINMA, FMA, FSCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA) versus Saxo Bank (ASIC, DFSA, FCA, FINMA, MAS, SFC). Tier-1 licences: IG 9, Saxo Bank 5.
Which trading platforms do IG and Saxo Bank offer?
IG offers MT4, Proprietary, ProRealTime; Saxo Bank offers Proprietary, TradingView.
Which has lower fees, IG or Saxo Bank?
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 Saxo Bank?
IG is the older of the two, founded in 1974; Saxo Bank was founded in 1992.
Are IG and Saxo Bank available in the same countries?
They overlap in 41 countries. IG is additionally available in 189 countries (Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola and 183 more) and Saxo Bank in 1 countries (Belgium).
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.