Broker Comparison
IG Group vs Saxo Bank — 2026 Comparison
Our Verdict
IG and Saxo Bank are both premium, well-regulated brokers for serious traders. IG is the better choice for CFD and spread betting with its superior platform and 50+ year track record. Saxo Bank offers a broader range of exchange-traded products and a more sophisticated multi-asset platform. For UK traders wanting spread betting, IG wins; for European investors wanting global multi-asset access, Saxo is excellent.
IG Group has the higher overall score at 8.6/10
Head-to-Head Scores
| Category | | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | 9.5 | 9.0 |
| Trustworthiness | 8.5 | 9.0 |
| Fees | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| Transparency | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Customer Support | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Overall Score | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
Key Differences
Company Heritage
IG Group was founded in 1974 and pioneered spread betting, making it one of the oldest online trading firms. Saxo Bank was established in 1992 as a licensed bank, giving it a different regulatory status and the ability to hold client deposits as a bank.
Spread Betting
IG is the UK leader in spread betting, offering tax-free profits for UK residents. Saxo Bank does not offer spread betting, focusing instead on CFDs and exchange-traded instruments.
Exchange-Traded Products
Saxo Bank provides direct market access to 40,000+ instruments including stocks, bonds, and listed options across 60+ exchanges. IG's exchange-traded offering is more limited, with its strength lying in OTC products like CFDs.
Minimum Deposits & Positioning
Saxo Bank positions itself as a premium service with higher minimum deposits in some regions. IG has no minimum deposit requirement for most account types, making it more accessible to smaller accounts.
Detailed Comparison
IG Group Strengths
Overall
Broker · United Kingdom
FCA Regulated
- Top-tier regulatory oversight
- Competitive fee structure
- Responsive customer support
- Excellent transparency
Saxo Bank Strengths
Overall
Broker · Denmark
Danish FSA Regulated (Banking License)
- Top-tier regulatory oversight
- Reasonable fees
- Responsive customer support
- Good transparency standards
Score Breakdown
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose IG Group
8.6/10 overall score
CFD and spread betting traders, particularly in the UK, who want access to 17,000+ markets through a proven platform with five decades of operating history. IG suits traders who value reliability, strong FCA regulation, and the depth of its market offering.
Read full IG Group review →Choose Saxo Bank
8.4/10 overall score
Affluent investors and active traders who want a premium, multi-asset platform covering stocks, bonds, funds, options, and derivatives across global exchanges. Saxo Bank is ideal for those who value a polished interface and the security of dealing with a licensed bank.
Read full Saxo Bank review →Read the Full Reviews
IG Group Review 2026
IG Group is the world's largest CFD and spread betting provider by revenue, with nearly 50 years of operating history. Regulated by the FCA and listed on the London Stock Exchange, IG offers an unmatched range of 17,000+ markets with institutional-grade execution.
Saxo Bank Review 2026
Saxo Bank is a Danish investment bank offering access to 72,000+ instruments across global markets. Regulated by the Danish FSA and holding a banking license, Saxo provides institutional-grade tools with premium service — at premium prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IG Group better than Saxo Bank?
IG Group scores 8.6/10 while Saxo Bank scores 8.4/10 in our analysis. IG Group has the higher overall score, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. IG and Saxo Bank are both premium, well-regulated brokers for serious traders. IG is the better choice for CFD and spread betting with its superior platform and 50+ year track record. Saxo Bank offers a broader range of exchange-traded products and a more sophisticated multi-asset platform. For UK traders wanting spread betting, IG wins; for European investors wanting global multi-asset access, Saxo is excellent.
Which has lower fees, IG Group or Saxo Bank?
IG Group scores 8/10 for fees while Saxo Bank scores 7.5/10. IG Group offers better value on fees. However, fee structures vary by instrument and trading volume, so we recommend comparing the specific costs for your intended use case.
Which is safer, IG Group or Saxo Bank?
Both are considered safe and recommended. IG Group scores 9.5/10 for regulation and 8.5/10 for trustworthiness. Saxo Bank scores 9/10 for regulation and 9/10 for trustworthiness. FCA Regulated and Danish FSA Regulated (Banking License) provide meaningful investor protections.
Can I use both IG Group and Saxo Bank?
Yes, many investors maintain accounts at multiple brokerages to take advantage of each platform's strengths. IG Group is best for cfd and spread betting traders, particularly in the uk, who want access to 17,000+ markets through a proven platform with five decades of operating history. Saxo Bank is best for affluent investors and active traders who want a premium, multi-asset platform covering stocks, bonds, funds, options, and derivatives across global exchanges. Using both can give you a well-rounded trading and investing setup.
Not what you were looking for?
Browse all broker reviews or request a custom comparison.