IG today announces the launch of US-listed options and futures trading for UK clients, using the trading platform of pioneering US broker for self-directed traders, tastytrade1.
The launch provides IG’s UK self-directed retail traders with the choice and opportunity to access one of the fastest growing markets globally2, via a leading platform created and led by industry experts with decades of experience in the options and futures markets.
The launch comes as options and futures trading emerges as an increasingly popular component of traders’ overall portfolios, enabling traders to express conviction on a company or sector in a capital efficient manner.
This summer, IG UK clients will be able to trade US-listed options and futures across over 7,000 underlying’s across options and futures, accessing the full depth and liquidity available in the US market - via an award-winning platform. IG’s offering will enable instant funding and currency conversion, giving them the ability to take advantage of opportunities immediately.
Along with access to stocks, options and futures, IG will provide cutting-edge trading capabilities, competitive rates, and proprietary content through the tastytrade platform to enhance its UK clients’ trading experience. Extensive datapoints will be available to customers in-platform, allowing them to make data-driven decisions about their trading activity.
UK clients will have access to new, actionable and live financial content - available on tastylive, the first live network for active retail options traders. tastylive will be adding five hours of livestreaming a day to educate UK traders and help them navigate markets in real-time, extending its live hours from eight to thirteen.
JJ Kinahan, CEO of IG North America and President of tastytrade, said: “At IG, we are dedicated to building the best possible trading experience for global clients, working to constantly improve our products and our offering. Options and futures markets offer a compelling trading opportunity within an active trading portfolio. They are useful tools for traders to express a view - whether that be on the ‘Magnificent Seven’, or a specific company”.
“The UK is ripe with experienced traders running diversified, active portfolios and looking for new market opportunities, but to date, access to options and futures has been limited in comparison to the US. This launch is a natural extension of our offering, and these products will be a complementary addition for many experienced traders’ portfolios. Where traders have the financial appetite and conviction to pursue these markets, we are committed to ensuring they have both the access and the informative content required to make the most of the opportunity”.
Tom Sosnoff, CEO of tastylive, said: “IG’s expansion into offering its clients US listed derivative products is a milestone moment for the business. As former options traders ourselves, we know what is needed - across tech, tools, and team - for options and futures to empower trading goals on a global scale”.
“As a leadership team that started out on the physical trading floor, we’ve seen it all. We’re excited to bring capital efficient trading to those UK traders seeking new opportunities, and to welcome more traders globally into the tastytrade community”.
“IG partnered with tastytrade to enhance and expand the trading ecosystem for self-directed retail traders and today’s announcement is evidence of this ambition coming to fruition. Alongside the scale and synergy of IG, tastytrade will combine unique and entertaining content with sophisticated, technical analysis for markets that are crying out for choice and change”.
Tastytrade used decades of combined trading experience to build an award-winning platform for active traders, underpinned by outstanding customer support and cutting edge-technology. IG acquired tastytrade in 2021 to diversify its product offering for clients and strengthen its global footprint.
IG’s UK proposition will now offer UK customers with a wide range of financial instruments across OTC and listed markets across ISAs, share dealing, contracts for difference, spread betting, options and futures.