Trading Firm IG Completes Acquisition of Crypto Exchange Independent Reserve

2026-02-03 15:45:04

Trading firm IG has completed its acquisition of Independent Reserve, one of Australia’s best-known cryptocurrency exchanges, cementing the broker’s expansion into digital assets across the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Takeaways:

IG completed its acquisition of Independent Reserve to expand its crypto presence in Asia-Pacific.
The deal adds regulated crypto infrastructure and specialist expertise to IG’s platform.
IG plans to launch new crypto services in key markets in 2026.

The transaction was finalized after receiving regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, according to a Monday blog post.

IG said the deal accelerates its push into crypto markets and brings a team of experienced, crypto-native specialists into the group at a time when demand for digital asset trading continues to rise.

IG Bets on Independent Reserve’s Regulated Crypto Infrastructure

Founded in 2013, Independent Reserve has built a reputation as a regulated platform serving both retail and institutional clients.

Its operations span several major markets, with a focus on compliance, security and market infrastructure.

IG plans to integrate Independent Reserve’s technology and expertise to strengthen its presence in crypto while maintaining the regulatory standards expected of a global trading firm.

As part of the strategy, IG expects to roll out a new crypto offering for customers in Singapore, Australia and the United Arab Emirates in the second half of 2026.

The planned launch will be powered by Independent Reserve’s existing systems, allowing IG to scale its crypto services more quickly across multiple jurisdictions.

Matt Macklin, IG’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, said the acquisition positions the firm to meet growing client interest in digital assets.

He added that combining IG’s distribution and market reach with Independent Reserve’s crypto capabilities creates a stronger platform for serving traders across the region.

Independent Reserve CEO and co-founder Adrian Przelozny described the deal as a milestone for the exchange, pointing to the expanded reach and resources that come with being part of a larger global group.

“Combining our crypto expertise with IG’s scale across APAC and the Middle East accelerates our mission to bring trusted, regulated crypto trading to a wider audience,” he said.

IG, which is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange, offers access to roughly 19,000 financial markets worldwide and has long been a major player in online trading.

The deal was first announced in September 2025 and was reportedly worth A$178 million ($117 million), Reuters claimed.

According to the Reusters report, IG was expected to initially acquire 70% of the Aussie-based company, with the option to buy the remaining 30% based on the performance in the financial year 2027 and 2028.

IG Becomes First UK-Listed Firm to Offer Crypto Trading to Retail Investors

In June, IG Group became the first UK-listed company to let UK retail investors trade BTC, ETH, XRP, and 35 other tokens.

Under the new offering, the company’s retail clients will be able to trade 38 cryptocurrencies via a partnership with crypto platform, Uphold.

Custody of the assets will be provided by Uphold. However, holdings will not be protected under the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

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