Online trading giant IG Group has taken a significant step in bolstering its presence in the Asia-Pacific region by acquiring a majority stake in the Australian cryptocurrency exchange Independent Reserve. The deal, valued at 109.6 million Australian dollars (approximately $72.4 million), is part of IG’s broader strategy to enhance its capability in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency markets.
The acquisition reflects IG Group’s commitment to expanding its cryptocurrency offerings, following recent rollouts in the U.K. and U.S. markets. According to Matt Macklin, IG’s Managing Director for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, Independent Reserve holds the distinction of being one of the oldest regulated cryptocurrency platforms in Australia. The exchange supports trading of 34 cryptocurrencies within the Australian and Singaporean markets, positioning IG for immediate engagement in these territories.
Under the terms of the agreement, IG Group will initially purchase a 70% stake in Independent Reserve, with an option to acquire the remaining 30% contingent on future performance metrics. The deal is pending regulatory approvals and is anticipated to finalize in early 2026, with a total investment forecasted at 178 million Australian dollars (around $117.6 million).
Adrian Przelozny, CEO of Independent Reserve, expressed optimism regarding the partnership, stating that the acquisition will provide the exchange with enhanced resources and an expanded framework for growth. He emphasized that the integration aligns with Independent Reserve’s commitment to secure, regulated trading environments.
Furthermore, this acquisition addresses a significant absence of regional products for IG Group, granting the firm “immediate access” to the lucrative Australian and Singaporean markets. The latest financial reports from Independent Reserve indicate a robust performance, with the exchange generating $23.3 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 2025, marking an impressive 88% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the platform recorded a 60% rise in monthly active users, reaching approximately 11,600, and managing assets totaling $1.12 billion across 129,400 funded accounts.
IG Group anticipates that this investment will contribute positively to its earnings from the fiscal year 2027 onwards. However, shares of IG Group experienced a decline of 1.8% during the trading session following the announcement of this acquisition.
This strategic acquisition is indicative of the broader trends in the financial services industry, where established trading platforms are increasingly seeking to diversify and enhance their cryptocurrency offerings. With the demand for digital assets continuing to grow, IG Group’s investment in Independent Reserve is a clear signal of its intent to be a significant player in the evolving crypto landscape.
