On June 2, 2025, the $3.5 billion financial services company IG Group announced that UK consumers would now be able to purchase, sell, or hold 31 digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP. This will make it the first company listed on the London Stock Exchange to offer direct access to bitcoin and crypto trading to regular investors.
Customers can possess real digital tokens instead of derivative products thanks to the new service’s direct spot trading access. The extensive assortment accommodates a range of investor interests by including well-known meme coins, such as Bonk (BONK) and Dogwifhat, in addition to mainstream cryptocurrencies.
IG Group and Uphold’s Strategic Partnership
A strategic alliance with Uphold, a US-based digital asset company regulated in both the US and the UK, powers the company’s cryptocurrency trading capabilities. This ensures seamless interaction across all of IG’s current platforms, including the IG Invest app, while maintaining strong infrastructure and adhering to regulatory standards.
Uphold’s infrastructure is completely integrated into IG’s user experience, allowing it to manage all client transactions and provide real-time pricing data. This enables users to seamlessly transition between Bitcoin and conventional stock trading accounts on the same platform, resulting in a cohesive investing experience.
Growing Crypto Demand in the UK
The debut coincides with the UK’s growing acceptance of Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency ownership among UK adults has tripled from 4.4% in 2021 to 12% in 2024, according to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), indicating rapidly growing popular acceptance.
Customers want a reputable supplier to provide them with safe and dependable access to digital tokens. As a regulated, UK-listed business, IG presents itself as well-positioned to meet this growing need and offers greater credibility than its private fintech rivals.
Compared to other cryptocurrency companies in the UK, such as Revolut, IG has greater legitimacy and regulatory oversight due to its public listing. Healy claims that this strategy helps “bolster client trust,” ensuring that investors are dealing with a trustworthy, transparent financial institution rather than unregulated fintech sites.
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