IG Group and ACY Securities take very different approaches — one built on regulatory depth and market breadth, the other on ultra-low trading costs. Here's how they stack up head-to-head across fees, safety, and platforms.
A century-adjacent legacy broker delivering top-tier regulatory security across four continents without sacrificing platform quality.
A lean, low-cost forex specialist offering razor-thin spreads and high leverage for cost-conscious active traders.
Same category, top-tier regulation, and it's currently accepting new traders.
See What Makes It DifferentCore features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | IG IG Group | AS ACY Securities |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 1974 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Sydney, Australia |
| Regulation | FCA, ASIC, MAS, SEC | ASIC |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $250 | $50 |
| Spreads From | 0.6 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | None | $3/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:200 | 1:500 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, MT4 | MT4, MT5 |
| Markets Offered | Cfd, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
IG Group
$250
ACY Securities
$50
IG Group
0.6 pips
ACY Securities
0 pips
IG Group
None
ACY Securities
$3/lot
IG Group
None
ACY Securities
None
IG Group
None
ACY Securities
None
IG Group is the stronger all-around broker, earning a 4.3/5 rating compared to ACY Securities's 3.2/5, thanks to superior multi-tier regulation, broader market access, and a longer operating history. ACY Securities fights back on cost, offering 0 pip spreads and a low $50 minimum deposit that appeals to budget-conscious beginners. For most traders seeking safety, platform quality, and asset diversity, IG Group is the recommended choice, while ACY Securities suits cost-sensitive, higher-risk-tolerant traders.
IG Group holds licences from four major regulators — the FCA, ASIC, MAS, and SEC — giving it one of the most robust compliance footprints in the retail trading industry. This multi-jurisdictional coverage means client funds benefit from overlapping layers of oversight regardless of region.
ACY Securities, meanwhile, is regulated solely by ASIC. While ASIC is a well-respected regulator, relying on a single licence provides less redundancy than IG Group's four-region approach.
For traders who weigh safety heavily, especially those depositing larger sums, IG Group's regulatory depth is a decisive advantage. ACY Securities is far from unsafe, but it simply offers a narrower compliance net.
On paper, ACY Securities wins the pure pricing battle with spreads starting from 0 pips, undercutting IG Group's 0.6 pip starting spread. However, ACY Securities layers a $3 per lot commission on top of those spreads, which changes the real cost equation.
IG Group operates commission-free, meaning its 0.6 pip spread is often the full cost of the trade with no additional per-lot charges. Depending on trade frequency and size, this can make IG Group more competitive than the headline spread numbers suggest.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome parity point for traders on both sides. High-volume scalpers should run their own cost simulations, since ACY Securities's model can favor larger lot sizes despite the commission.
ACY Securities is significantly more accessible to new or budget-limited traders, requiring just $50 to open an account versus IG Group's $250 minimum. This makes ACY Securities an attractive entry point for those still building trading capital.
Leverage tells a similar story — ACY Securities allows up to 1:500, more than double IG Group's 1:200 cap. This appeals to traders wanting greater capital efficiency, though it also introduces materially higher risk exposure.
Beginners should treat ACY Securities's higher leverage with caution rather than viewing it purely as a benefit, since amplified leverage magnifies losses just as quickly as gains.
IG Group offers its own proprietary web and mobile platforms, designed for a smoother and more guided trading experience, alongside MT4 for traders wanting algorithmic capabilities. This combination suits both newcomers and more technical traders.
ACY Securities skips proprietary platforms entirely, focusing on the widely used MT4 and MT5 suite. This appeals strongly to traders already comfortable with MetaTrader's charting, expert advisors, and automation tools.
Neither approach is objectively superior — it comes down to preference. Traders who value in-house polish may prefer IG Group, while MetaTrader loyalists will likely gravitate toward ACY Securities.
IG Group supports six market categories, including standalone stock trading, which ACY Securities does not offer. This makes IG Group the more complete solution for multi-asset investors wanting to diversify beyond forex and CFDs.
ACY Securities covers five categories with a clear forex-centric focus, still including CFDs, indices, commodities, and crypto. For traders who trade forex almost exclusively, this narrower scope isn't necessarily a drawback.
Investors seeking one account to manage stocks, commodities, and forex together will find IG Group's broader shelf more convenient.
IG Group is the stronger overall broker, earning a 4.3/5 rating against ACY Securities's 3.2/5, driven by superior regulation, broader markets, and a longer track record dating back to 1974. It's the safer, more complete choice for the majority of traders.
ACY Securities remains a compelling pick specifically for cost-sensitive traders and beginners with limited starting capital, thanks to its $50 minimum deposit and 0 pip spreads. Its higher leverage also suits experienced, risk-tolerant traders.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to priorities: choose IG Group for safety, breadth, and platform polish, or ACY Securities for lean costs and low-barrier entry.
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
IG Group edges out ACY Securities overall based on our expert rating score.
Highest Rated
IG Group
4.3 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (4.3/5).
Better for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
Lower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
Stronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
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