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Data refreshed 25 Aug 2026 · Compiled by David Ispiryan
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
Trust rank #26 · Founded 2009
XM is a well-regarded forex and CFD broker providing online access to multiple markets on widely used platforms, along with research tools, education, and multilingual support.
Read the XM reviewIG (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. XM (Cyprus, founded 2009) holds 5 regulatory licences (ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, IFSC), 2 of them tier-1, offers MT4, MT5 and sits in our low-fee bracket. The two overlap in 228 countries; IG is available in 2 countries where XM is not, and XM in 1 where IG is not.
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.
| Criteria | IG | XM |
|---|---|---|
| Trust rank | #15 | #26 |
| Founded | 1974 | 2009 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom | Cyprus |
| Regulators | ASIC, BaFin, BMA, CFTC, Deutsche Bundesbank, DFSA, FCA, FINMA, FMA, FSCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, IFSC |
| Broker type | Market Maker | Market Maker, STP |
| Platforms | MT4, Proprietary, ProRealTime | MT4, MT5 |
| Instruments | Commodities, Cryptocurrencies, Forex, Indices, Metals | Commodities, Forex, Indices, Metals |
| Countries accepted | 230 countries | 229 countries |
| Fee level | Low | Low |
| Trading types | CFD Trading, Spot Trading | CFD Trading, Spot Trading |
| Best-for use cases | Professional Trading, Retail 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.
Available at both (228): 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, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island and 188 more.
Only IG (2): Canada, Israel.
Only XM (1): Belgium.
Availability reflects the countries each broker declares it serves. Local rules change; confirm on the broker's own site before signing up.
IG holds more regulatory licences: IG (ASIC, BaFin, BMA, CFTC, Deutsche Bundesbank, DFSA, FCA, FINMA, FMA, FSCA, JFSA, MAS, NFA) versus XM (ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FCA, IFSC). Tier-1 licences: IG 9, XM 2.
IG offers MT4, Proprietary, ProRealTime; XM offers MT4, MT5.
Both sit in the same fee bracket (low) in our catalogue; compare the spreads and commission rows above for detail.
IG is the older of the two, founded in 1974; XM was founded in 2009.
They overlap in 228 countries. IG is additionally available in 2 countries (Canada, Israel) and XM 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.