IG Group will allow retail investors in the United Kingdom to trade 38 cryptocurrencies on its multi-asset platform from Tuesday, June 3, becoming the first London-listed broker to offer spot tokens.
The firm’s integration relies on a partnership with digital-asset exchange Uphold, which will provide custody and execution services. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not cover assets held with Uphold, and trading will be limited to fully paid positions with no leverage.
Brokerages are moving quickly to meet that demand. Revolut and eToro have long offered retail crypto channels, while Coinbase operates outside the traditional brokerage model. By securing a seat inside a spread-bet and equities platform, IG aims to lock in clients who might otherwise move funds to challenger apps.
Crypto markets have retained momentum ahead of the product rollout. Total capitalisation stood near $3.3 trillion on June 2, with Bitcoin stable around $105,000. Deeper liquidity and tighter regulation are encouraging mainstream brokers to treat tokens as another asset class rather than an exotic side bet.
IG’s move still carries questions. Clients must absorb price swings without leverage but will shoulder the full tax burden on gains, and the broker must clearly flag the absence of deposit protection. The Financial Conduct Authority is also refining capital and safeguarding thresholds for firms holding client crypto, meaning future adjustments could be required.
Even so, the step signals that digital assets have crossed an institutional line in the UK. With policy guardrails emerging and millions of Britons already holding tokens, 2025 is shaping up as the year crypto settles inside the City’s regulated perimeter.
