IG vs Swissquote (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,…
Swissquote provides forex and multi-asset trading through proprietary and third-party platforms, with research, education, and customer support. It is well-regarded for a broad product range, clear pricing, and tools suitable for different…
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. Swissquote (Switzerland, founded 1996) holds 4 regulatory licences (CSSF, DFSA, FCA, FINMA), 3 of them tier-1, offers MT4, MT5, Proprietary and sits in our low-fee bracket. The two overlap in 230 countries; IG is available in 0 countries where Swissquote is not, and Swissquote in 1 where IG is not.
Verdict at a glance
IG leads on track record, regulatory coverage and tier-1 licences.
Swissquote leads on trust rank and country coverage.
Level on platform choice, 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
Swissquote
FINMA-regulated Swiss bank; publicly listed (SIX)
Segregated client funds with Swiss deposit protection up to CHF 100,000
NDD/STP execution with multi-bank liquidity
MT4/MT5 and Advanced Trader; FIX API access
80+ FX pairs plus CFDs and crypto
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
Swissquote
Higher spreads than many ECN brokers
High minimum deposit for tighter pricing tiers
No cTrader platform support
No guaranteed stop-loss orders
Negative balance protection varies by entity
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
Swissquote
Swiss bank regulation FINMA and FCA oversight
Advanced Trader MT4 and MT5 platforms
Wide range of forex and CFD instruments
Deep liquidity and competitive spreads
Research and trading tools Trading Central and Autochartist
Secure client fund segregation and deposit protection
Country availability: IG vs Swissquote
Available at both (230): 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 190 more.
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.