The UK’s crypto scene just got a serious shake-up, and it’s coming from a name you wouldn’t normally associate with digital assets.
IG Group, one of the biggest online trading firms listed on the London Stock Exchange, just opened the door for British investors to buy and sell 31 cryptocurrencies directly. No CFDs, no speculation on prices – real, actual tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even Dogecoin!
Why does this matter? Because it signals that crypto is stepping out of the shadows and into the mainstream UK market.
Crypto is finally getting its seat on the table. Here’s a deep dive.
IG’s move is a clear departure from its past approach. Previously, crypto exposure came only through CFDs which are complex financial products that let you bet on price moves without owning anything. Now, customers can trade actual coins.
Michael Healy, IG’s UK managing director, didn’t hold back calling this “a major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey.”
It’s hard to disagree when you realize how big a leap this is – not just for IG, but for the whole British crypto ecosystem.
Backing this launch is Uphold, a US-based digital asset platform regulated in both the US and UK. They’ll manage all transactions and pricing data, which means IG isn’t doing this alone.
That’s crucial. After years of regulatory warnings and caution, having a partner that’s well-regulated on both sides of the Atlantic adds much-needed credibility and security.
Remember when the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority warned that investors should be ready to “lose all their money” in crypto? Fast forward, and nearly 12% of UK adults have owned crypto at some point, up from just 4% in 2021.
Healy summed it up: “Crypto is no longer a fringe asset class. Our clients want secure, reliable access to digital tokens from a trusted provider and as a UK-listed, regulated company, we’re ideally placed to meet that need.”
New Chapter for UK Crypto!
The government’s plans to regulate digital assets, spearheaded by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aim to make Britain a “world leader” in crypto. That push couldn’t come at a better time.
After pausing its retail crypto products in 2021 due to FCA restrictions, IG is back with a bang and this time offering the real deal.
This is the best signal that crypto in the UK is ready to grow up and play by the rules.
If you’ve been waiting for crypto to become truly accessible, regulated, and backed by established players, IG’s latest move might just be the start you’ve been waiting for.
Yes, crypto is regulated under the FCA’s financial promotions regime and anti-money laundering rules.
Yes, cryptocurrency is legal to buy, sell, and hold in the UK, though regulated under specific rules.
UK investors pay Capital Gains Tax on crypto profits over the annual allowance of £3,000 (as of 2025).
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