IG Group, a prominent UK-listed trading and financial services company, has expanded its offerings to include cryptocurrency trading for retail investors. This move marks a significant entry into the digital assets space, allowing customers to access a wide range of crypto assets directly through the ig platform and the IG Invest app.

With this new service, IG customers can now trade 31 different cryptocurrencies, including major tokens like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP), as well as various altcoins and memecoins such as Bonk (BONK). Previously, IG offered cryptocurrency exposure through contracts for difference, but this latest initiative represents a direct entry into spot crypto trading, providing a more straightforward way for retail investors to engage with digital assets.

The launch of IG’s crypto trading services is supported by Uphold, a US-based crypto asset firm regulated in both the US and the UK. Uphold will handle all customer transactions and provide pricing data, ensuring a seamless integration with IG’s user experience. This partnership allows IG customers to switch effortlessly between crypto accounts and other IG accounts, including stock trading, within the same platform.

Michael Healy, IG’s UK managing director, highlighted the significance of this development, stating that it is a major milestone in the UK’s crypto journey. He emphasized that retail investors can now buy, sell, and hold crypto assets through a reputable and established financial services provider, marking a significant step forward in the adoption of digital currencies in the UK.

This move by ig group comes at a time when the UK is actively working on establishing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. The UK Financial Conduct Authority recently launched a public consultation on proposed new rules for stablecoin issuers and crypto custody providers. Additionally, the UK government published general draft regulations for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in April, aiming to protect investors from risky investments and scams. These regulatory efforts are part of a broader push to foster a safe and transparent environment for crypto adoption in the UK.

IG Group’s entry into the crypto trading space is expected to further boost the growing interest in digital assets among retail investors. By offering a comprehensive suite of cryptocurrency trading options, IG Group aims to attract a diverse range of clients, including those who are new to the world of digital currencies. This strategic move positions IG Group as a forward-thinking player in the retail trading sector, aligning with the broader trend of traditional financial institutions embracing cryptocurrencies.