Pepperstone vs IG: which is better for trading in Hong Kong?
Verdict
- Pepperstone is the better choice for most Hong Kong traders: it names the company that will hold your account, offers HKD accounts, starts at $10 and publishes average spreads (Razor EUR/USD 0.1 pips plus $3.50 per side).
- Neither holds an SFC licence. Pepperstone serves Hong Kong from Pepperstone Markets Limited in the Bahamas (SIA-F217); IG's Hong Kong web address redirects to its Chinese-language site, which shows no SFC licence.
- IG has the edge if you want guaranteed stop-losses (free to place, premium only if triggered, on its UK site) or its ProRealTime and L2 Dealer platforms.
- IG's EUR/USD figure is a 'from 0.6 points' minimum on its UK site, so it cannot be compared directly with Pepperstone's published averages.
IG and Pepperstone are both large, long-established CFD brokers with strong licences in the UK and Australia. For a Hong Kong resident the comparison changes, because neither is licensed by the SFC and the details of who serves you matter. On the points we can verify, Pepperstone comes out ahead; IG wins on one feature that some traders rightly care about.
Why we pick Pepperstone over IG in Hong Kong
Pepperstone is clear about the Hong Kong set-up: residents are routed to its international site and contract with Pepperstone Markets Limited, licensed by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas. That entity offers retail negative balance protection, HKD as a base currency, a $10 minimum and leverage up to 1:200 on FX. Costs are published as averages: 0.1 pips on EUR/USD on Razor plus $3.50 per side ($3.00 on cTrader), or 1.1 pips on Standard with no commission. Platforms are MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView (Razor) and Pepperstone's app. With IG, the Hong Kong entry point is its Chinese-language site, and our data does not show which IG company would hold a Hong Kong account or on what terms.
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Side by side
| Pepperstone | IG | |
|---|---|---|
| SFC licence | No | None shown |
| Entity serving Hong Kong | Pepperstone Markets Limited (SCB Bahamas, SIA-F217) | Not stated in our data; ig.com/hk redirects to ig.com/cn |
| Other regulators | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA | FCA, BaFin, ASIC, MAS, DFSA, FINMA and others |
| EUR/USD | Razor 0.1 pips avg + $3.50/side; Standard 1.1 avg | 'From 0.6 points' (UK, minimum) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, own app | Own web/app, MT4, MT5, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView, APIs |
| Guaranteed stop-loss | No | Yes (UK; premium if triggered) |
| HKD account | Yes | Not in our data |
| Minimum deposit | $10 | UK figures conflict on IG's own site |
Where IG is the better pick
- Guaranteed stops: if you want a stop that cannot slip on a gap, IG offers them on its UK site; Pepperstone does not offer guaranteed stops.
- Platform depth: ProRealTime and L2 Dealer suit traders who want advanced charting or direct market access tools.
- Before choosing IG, confirm which IG company would serve you from Hong Kong and whether these features apply to it.
How to decide
- If you trade forex, gold or indices on MetaTrader, cTrader or TradingView and care most about published cost: Pepperstone.
- If guaranteed stops are non-negotiable: ask IG what its Hong Kong offer includes, or look at Capital.com, which also offers them and accepts Hong Kong residents.
- If an SFC licence is essential: neither fits; Saxo Capital Markets HK Limited is SFC-licensed (CE No. AVD061).
Sources
Is IG available in Hong Kong?
IG's Hong Kong address redirects to its Chinese-language site, and no SFC licence is shown. Check which IG company would hold your account before applying.
Is Pepperstone cheaper than IG?
We cannot compare directly: Pepperstone publishes averages (0.1 pips plus commission on Razor, 1.1 on Standard) while IG's UK figure is a 'from 0.6 points' minimum. Compare live spreads at the times you trade.
Does Pepperstone offer guaranteed stops like IG?
No. Pepperstone's stops can slip in fast markets, though retail clients are protected from negative balances.
Which has more platforms?
Both offer MT4, MT5, TradingView and their own apps. Pepperstone adds cTrader; IG adds ProRealTime, L2 Dealer and APIs.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This page is not investment advice; broker terms change, so check them on the broker's own site before you open an account.