Freetrade Acquired by IG Group for £160m

Freetrade, a London-based investment platform known for its direct-to-customer offerings, has been acquired by IG Group Holdings plc, a fellow London-headquartered FTSE 250 derivatives trading firm, for £160 million. This acquisition is expected to enhance IG Group's capacity in the UK trading and investments landscape with Freetrade's expansive platform, which includes access to over 6,200 global stocks, ETFs, fractional shares, and more. Launched in 2018, Freetrade has gained a significant foothold in the UK investment market with 720,000 customers and £2.5 billion Assets Under Administration. The deal is characterized as an all-cash transaction supported by IG's existing financial resources and aligns both companies as they capitalize on the rise of self-directed investing and financial literacy. The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval, with completion expected by mid-2025.