IG Group is making headlines with its latest strategic move in the cryptocurrency market. The global trading and investment firm, listed on the FTSE 250, has announced its acquisition of the Australian crypto exchange, Independent Reserve. This amazing acquisition, valued at approximately $117 million, marks a significant expansion of IG Group’s digital asset offerings beyond the UK and the US.
In a statement released on Friday, IG Group detailed its plan to purchase Independent Reserve at a valuation equivalent to a fivefold revenue multiple for the fiscal year ending June 30. The initial payment of about $72 million will secure a 70% stake in the exchange, with the possibility of increasing this to $82 million if certain performance targets are met by 2026. Furthermore, IG Group retains a call option to acquire the remaining 30% based on performance in 2027 and 2028.
IG Group’s Strategic Crypto Expansion
This acquisition is a powerful step in IG Group’s broader crypto strategy. Matt Macklin, Managing Director for Asia Pacific & Middle East, stated, “Independent Reserve is among Australia’s largest and fastest-growing digital asset exchanges, offering established regulatory foundations, proven technology, and robust leadership.”
Headquartered in the UK, IG Group provides access to over 19,000 financial markets globally. With this deal, IG Group aims to fill a critical gap in its crypto offerings by gaining regulated access to the Australian and Singaporean markets, paving the way for further expansion across the Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern regions.
Independent Reserve will continue to operate under its current brand and platform, with its leadership and staff remaining intact post-acquisition. The exchange has seen its revenues nearly double in the past year, reaching approximately $23.9 million. Of this, 76% was generated in Australia and 24% in Singapore, with a compound annual growth rate of 70%.
Independent Reserve’s Growth and Future
Independent Reserve, which serves approximately 11,600 active monthly customers, offers trading in 34 digital assets across multiple currency pairs. “Joining IG provides us with the platform to accelerate our growth,” said Adrian Przelozny, co-founder and CEO of Independent Reserve. “IG’s vision aligns with our mission to provide secure, regulated crypto trading, enabling us to expand our product and market reach.”
The acquisition is subject to approval from regulatory bodies, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), with completion expected by early 2026.
Complementing IG’s UK and US Crypto Ventures
This acquisition builds on IG Group’s existing crypto initiatives in the UK and the US. In May, IG Group became the first UK-listed firm to offer retail crypto trading in partnership with digital asset platform Uphold, featuring 35 cryptocurrencies integrated directly into the IG platform and the IG Invest app.
Meanwhile, in the US, IG’s brokerage arm, Tastytrade, expanded its offerings to include 23 cryptocurrencies and enabled clients to fund their trading accounts with stablecoins via on-chain infrastructure provider Zero Hash.
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