IG Group has acquired self-directed investment platform, Freetrade, for £160m.

The London-based online trading provider said the transaction will "strengthen" its UK trading and investments offering, providing "access to new customer segments and capabilities".

Since its launch in 2018, Freetrade has built up a UK customer base of 720,000, with £2.5bn in assets under administration as of the end of 2024. It provides a range of products, including over 6,200 global stocks and ETFs, UK Treasury bills, ISAs, SIPPs and proxy lending.

In 2024, Freetrade’s revenue increased by 32% year-on-year to £27.2m, with a "record performance" in Q4.

IG stated that the acquisition will "enhance" its UK trading and investments proposition, broadening its addressable market and adding a "strong brand to the direct-to-customer trading and investment markets".

It added that it will operate Freetrade as a "commercially standalone business with its own brand", investing in expanding its product range during the current "key stage in its development".

Chief executive officer (CEO) at IG, Breon Corcoran, said: "This is a rare opportunity to strengthen IG's UK trading and investments offering and broaden our target addressable market.

"Freetrade is one of the most successful emerging players in the UK direct-to-customer investment market, with a strong brand, highly scalable technology and delivering rapid growth. I am delighted that Viktor and his team will join IG and continue to lead Freetrade."

CEO and co-founder at Freetrade, Viktor Nebehaj, added: "This is an exciting opportunity to accelerate our growth and delivery of new products and features on our award-winning platform. IG's vision for Freetrade is closely aligned with our own and its backing will be of huge benefit as we continue to scale the business."

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