IG Group has raised its full-year revenue and medium-term outlook after reporting a strong start to the financial year, driven by growth in OTC derivatives, an expanded crypto offering and rapid progress at recently acquired Freetrade.
The FTSE 100 broker reported first-quarter organic total revenue of £331.2 million, a 19% increase on the same period last year. Net trading revenue on a continuing organic basis was £306.5 million, up 25% year-on-year and 17% on the previous quarter. Reported total revenue, including contributions from Freetrade and Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve, rose 21% to £339.9 million.
Upgraded outlook for 2026 and beyond
The board now expects organic total revenue to grow between 10% and 15% in 2026, based on a 2025 revenue base of around £1.1 billion. This new range is well above the high single-digit growth guided to in March. EBITDA margins are still projected to remain in the mid-40s percentage range.
Guidance for net interest income was also raised, with the board now expecting £110–120 million, compared with previous guidance of around £110 million. CEO Breon Corcoran said the company was upgrading its guidance for 2026 and its medium-term outlook.
Business performance by segment
OTC derivatives remained the main revenue driver, generating £250.6 million in net trading revenue, a 26% increase year-on-year. Organic stock trading and investments revenue rose 38% to £15.0 million, while Freetrade added a further £4.6 million. Spot crypto revenue climbed to £2.4 million, compared with £0.1 million a year earlier, reflecting the group’s expanded crypto offering.
Strategic review and capital returns
The board’s ongoing strategic review is examining potential acquisitions, the group’s domicile and listing venues, and possible combinations of parts of the business with other industry players. Conclusions from this review are expected to be presented at a strategy update in autumn 2026.
The £125 million share buyback programme announced in March is progressing. By 15 May, IG Group had repurchased 987,160 shares for £14.9 million. The company also confirmed that interim results for the six months to 30 June 2026 are scheduled for release on 31 July.
