In what other ways does IG protect me?
IG (UK) also takes steps to ensure that client funds are not co-mingled with corporate funds, in accordance with the UK's FCA client money rules. This ensures that client assets are protected in the unlikely event that IG becomes insolvent by holding those funds in segregated accounts at regulated banks. Clients also have additional asset protection through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) of up to £85,000.
IG (UK) provides clients with a guarantee that they will never lose more than they have in their accounts via the negative balance protection rules mandated under the ESMA that went into effect in 2018. GSLO are also offered, which mitigate exposure to potentially catastrophic losses in extreme market conditions, like the 2015 Swiss Franc currency shock. By contrast, IG (US) offers neither negative balance protection nor GSLO. Client funds are not insured by the FDIC or the SIPC.
IG's software security is aligned with the best that the industry has to offer. In addition to two-factor and biometric authentication, the user will be logged out of both the Web-based and mobile applications for inactivity.
The broker operates a counterparty dealing desk, which is useful for clients, especially those with large accounts, who wish to trade directly with the interbank system through a dedicated platform.