IG Markets on PC: What Australian Traders Should Know

IG Markets is the world's No.1 CFD provider by revenue, part of the LSE-listed IG Group (FTSE 250), and has been around since 1974. Before downloading anything, it helps to understand what the PC experience looks like and how IG compares with the rest of the market.

The Desktop Experience

The main way to trade IG Markets on a PC is through the proprietary web platform or the downloadable app. It handles charting, order entry, and account management from one place.

The platform covers more than 17,000 markets, including FX, indices, shares, commodities, and ETFs. The interface is clean and responsive, with charting tools built in. If you're coming from a mobile-only setup, the desktop version feels noticeably faster and gives you more screen real estate for multiple charts.

IG has added TradingView integration, so you can keep a TradingView charting workflow while executing with IG.

Platforms and Charting Options

IG doesn't force you into a single ecosystem. The options cover different needs, from simple web trading to professional-grade tools.

There's no MetaTrader 5. IG offers MT4 but not MT5, so if you're specifically looking to use MT5, IG isn't the broker for that.

Costs and Fees

Spreads on major FX pairs start from 0.6 pips on UKOIL, and there's zero commission on a large selection of shares, with over 10,000 tradeable on the platform.

The zero-commission share dealing is noteworthy. Many brokers charge per trade, so if you're trading international shares alongside CFDs, that structure can save you money over time.

What to Watch Out For

IG is an offshore broker for Australian residents. It doesn't hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and isn't regulated by ASIC. The entity you'd open an account with is regulated by the FSCA in South Africa (FSP 41393) or another offshore regulator, depending on where your account is domiciled. According to the FSCA register, IG Markets South Africa has been established since 2010.

Australian client protection schemes and the ability to take complaints to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) don't apply here. That's a structural difference to understand.

The minimum deposit for card funding is around $300. Bank transfers are free.

Australian residents trading CFDs with an offshore broker are still liable for Australian capital gains tax and income tax on their trading profits. You'll need to report your trading income in your tax return, and keeping records is on you, not the broker.

Who This Works For

IG Markets on PC is a reasonable pick if you're looking for a long-established global broker with a broad market range, and you value the TradingView integration or the zero-commission share dealing.

The lack of MT5 is the biggest limitation if you use that platform. Deposit bonuses and promotions aren't offered - IG operates under a regulated model where bonuses are not available, consistent across their entities.

The Trade-offs

The lack of ASIC regulation is significant for Australian traders who value local oversight. IG's parent company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and regulated in major financial hubs like the FCA (UK) and CySEC (EU).

With offshore entities, support hours and responsiveness can vary. It's worth testing the live chat or phone support before making a commitment.

The cost structure is competitive. Spreads from 0.6 pips and zero-commission share dealing put IG in the top quartile of brokers reviewed. If you're an active trader, the cost savings can be significant over a year.

Platform fit and dealbreakers

Reasonable ifyou're comfortable with an offshore broker that has strong international backing, you primarily trade CFDs or shares, and you value the platform integrations with TradingView. The costs are competitive, the market range is broad, and the infrastructure is stable.

Unreasonable ifyou specifically require ASIC regulation or MT5 support, or if the lack of local regulatory protection matters to you. In that case, a broker with a full Australian licence and MT5 support would be a better fit. Similarly, if you prefer having a local office and support team you can call during market hours, IG's offshore setup will be limiting.

For most traders, the difference between ASIC and offshore regulation won't be obvious day-to-day. It only matters in worst-case scenarios, which are rare but do happen.