Trading firm IG has completed the acquisition of Independent Reserve, one of Australia’s best-known cryptocurrency exchanges, cementing the broker’s expansion into digital assets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Key points to remember:
- IG has completed the acquisition of Independent Reserve to expand its crypto presence in Asia Pacific.
- The deal adds regulated crypto infrastructure and specialized expertise to IG’s platform.
- IG plans to launch new crypto services in key markets in 2026.
The transaction was completed after receiving regulatory approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, according to a blog post published on Monday.
IG said the deal accelerates its penetration into crypto markets and brings a team of experienced, crypto-native specialists to 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 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 crypto presence while maintaining the regulatory standards expected of a global trading company.
As part of this strategy, IG plans to roll out a new crypto offering for its customers in Singapore, Australia and the UAE 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 allows the company to respond to growing customer interest in digital assets.
He added that combining IG’s distribution and market reach with Independent Reserve’s crypto capabilities creates a stronger platform to serve traders in the region.
Adrian Przelozny, CEO and co-founder of Independent Reserve, described the deal as a significant milestone for the exchange, highlighting the expanded reach and resources that come with being part of a larger global group.
“Combining our crypto expertise with IG’s scale in APAC and the Middle East accelerates our mission to bring trusted and regulated crypto trading to a wider audience,” he said.
IG, headquartered in the United Kingdom and listed on the London Stock Exchange, provides access to around 19,000 financial markets worldwide and has long been a major player in online trading.
The deal was first announced in September 2025 and would be worth A$178 million ($117 million), Reuters claimed.
According to the Reusters report, IG was initially expected to acquire 70% of the Australia-based company, with the option to purchase the remaining 30% based on performance in fiscal 2027 and 2028.
IG becomes first UK listed company to offer cryptocurrency trading to retail investors
In June, IG Group became the first UK-listed company to allow UK retail investors to trade BTC, ETH, XRP and 35 other tokens.
Under the new offering, the company’s retail customers will be able to trade 38 cryptocurrencies through a partnership with crypto platform Uphold.
The custody of the assets will be ensured by Uphold. However, the assets will not be protected by the UK’s financial services clearing system.
Trading Firm IG Completes Acquisition of Crypto Exchange Independent Reserve appeared first on Cryptonews.
